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Big Promises. No Deadlines. No Jobs. Just Money Spent
What happens when big promises come with no deadlines? JEDCO invested heavily in Explorer Aircraft — $108K loan, $200K grant, land, and a facility rent-free…
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Jasper Pays. JEDCO Plays.
No wonder they don’t want to give up that free money! Jasper pays, JEDCO plays. Are you okay with that?
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The Real Issue Isn’t JEDCO — It’s City Council’s Hold on Power!
I kept looking at the pieces — the expired terms, the legal authority, the open discussion event — and then it hit me — this…
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“I put my hand on the Bible to do the right thing and it’s going to be Done Right!
“I put my hand on the Bible to do the right thing and I am here to let the whole city know, whoever needs to…
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Jasper’s Leadership Crisis: A Power Play Exposed
If anyone believed Jasper’s leadership shift would bring transparency and fairness, this week’s City Council meeting shattered that illusion. What unfolded wasn’t governance — it…
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So That’s What a Reworked JEDCO Looks Like
Bob Mayhar finally answered the question! Apparently, a “reworked, strong JEDCO” just means the same old players keeping their seats… with a few hand-picked new…
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The Structure of Power in Jasper Isn’t Being Adjusted — It’s Being Fortified
Jasper’s leadership has entered a new phase, and the consequences of unchecked power are now unfolding in real time. What started as political maneuvering before…
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April 14. April 21. May 1. May 8. — When Does Process Actually Matter?
Transparency isn’t just about making information public — it’s about how decisions are made, who is involved, and whether the right process is followed. For…
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Transparency or Tactical Maneuver?
Jasper’s Special Called Meeting: Transparency or Tactical Maneuver? An agenda for a special called meeting has been posted, calling for the waiver of attorney-client privilege…
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They’re Acting Like They’ve Already Won
I was sitting today, thinking about creating a video montage of the voices that have brought issues to light — the voices that have dared…
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He Could Have Been the Hero
Jasper had an opportunity. It had the chance to build an economic development board filled with citizens who bring real-world experience, business knowledge, and fresh…
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Stand With the People or Stand With the Status Quo — Tonight We Find Out
Tonight, the citizens of Jasper have an opportunity to witness a pivotal moment in our city’s leadership. Tonight’s city council meeting will address critical issues,…
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JEDCO Was Never Meant to Be Their Personal Playground
JEDCO was never meant to be the personal playground of a select few. It was established as an economic development entity for the people of…
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Five Minutes That Said Everything
In my view, last night’s JEDCO meeting could be summed up in the five minutes Danny Walker addressed the board from the podium. His remarks…
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Obstructed, Canceled, and Leaked
Another Jasper City Council meeting, another obstruction. Another attempt at governance, another power move by the good ol’ boys. The latest setback? Councilman Lequin Hilderbrand’s…
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Before JEDCO Writes Another Check, Jasper Deserves Answers
Jasper has long been a town rooted in tradition and community values. But as the town continues to grow, so do the opportunities — and…
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Did JEDCO Vet Gated Rentals — Or Just Write the Check?
Questions surrounding Gated Rentals are not new. Concerns about the company’s promises and transparency have been raised by citizens before, making now the perfect time…
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Proactive Governance or a Last-Ditch Power Grab?
What a week! I’m finally able to sit down and sift through everything, though I still haven’t had the chance to finish watching the video…
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From 2008 to Today: The JEDCO Pattern That Won’t Go Away
As Jasper prepares for Monday night’s city council meeting, a significant decision looms regarding the future of JEDCO, the Jasper Economic Development Corporation. As outlined…
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$5 Million for One Company — And Jasper Still Can’t Get a Shoe Store
The silence is still deafening. As Jasper’s electoral candidates continue to sidestep the question of what a reworked, strong JEDCO looks like, the community is…
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Which Illegal Board Member Is Signing the Checks?
This morning, a FB friend privately asked me a question that has been on many of our minds: “How can JEDCO continue to operate?” We…
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The Good Ole Boy Network Has a Name
In our town, long-standing connections and backdoor deals have created entrenched networks that control opportunities and resources. These networks often operate with little accountability, protect…
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This Is What Public Service Looks Like
This is what public service for the people looks like — transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Huge thanks to Councilwoman Angel McCroskey for her quick action…
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No Launch Date. No Clear Answers. No Excuse.
A few days ago, SETRPC proudly announced a public transit program designed to assist the most vulnerable members of our community. It was a glimmer…
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What Has JEDCO Done for You Lately?
The City Council members have unanimously decided to hire Frank H. Garza of Davidson Troilo Ream and Garza to advise on how to proceed with…
The Watch
The Jasper Jewel first appeared on Facebook — quietly, without fanfare — where the goal was simply to share what the public record shows. That page is gone now. What survived has been preserved and verified, and it lives here. New coverage will come when there is something worth telling.