Jailer hired for upcoming double murder trial

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved the hiring of a part-time jailer for the Jasper County Jail Tuesday.

Dennis Simon from human resources, along with Sheriff John Halferty, requested the hire of Leland Groves to help with witness transport during an upcoming double murder trial in Waterloo.

The Terri Supino trial, commonly known as the Copper Dollar Ranch 32-year-old cold case, has more than 40 witnesses. Witnesses can request transport, Halferty said, and it would put a strain on the department and the deputies transporting witnesses the long distance. Groves’ position is solely for the duration of the trial. His effective date is Jan. 20 with a pay rate of $17.23. Groves has law enforcement experience as a former Newton Police Officer.

In other business, a new salt spreader was approved for purchase by the board, as requested by Adam Sparks from buildings and grounds. A Western Tornado Spreader was purchased for $5,204 from Truck Equipment, Inc. out of Des Moines to help with recent falls in icy conditions. The board approved the Western spreader over a comparable Fisher spreader that is $500 cheaper because it would be available within days, rather than three plus weeks.

“The problems is we don’t know when we will need it, but it is better to be prepared,” Supervisor Denny Carpenter said.

Jack Meyer was appointed to the compensation board by the supervisors and Carpenter was selected to replace supervisor Joe Brock as representative on the Fifth Judicial District because of conflicts that arose from another board obligation. Stevenson will continue as the alternate.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com