Joe Otto of Colfax officially became Jasper County’s new County Recorder shortly after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, taking the oath of office from District Court Judge Nicholas Bailey at the beginning of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors weekly meeting. 

“Joe, as a result of your appointment, you are now the County Recorder for Jasper County. Congratulations Joe. We would welcome any comments you might have, although you don’t have to comment. “I’m excited to get started.”

Otto’s appointment is for the rest of this year. Former Jasper County Recorder Denies Allen retired at the end of December, after being elected in late 2014.

The Board of Supervisors also approved a total of seven temporary and permanent right-of-way easements related to the relocation of the first curve east of the Polk/Jasper County line on County Highway F-48 West. The easements totaled just over $80,000. Jasper County Engineer Mike Frietsch says the resurfacing of the County Highway from Colfax to the Polk County line, including the relocation of the curve, is expected to begin in mid to late June.