Supervisors transfer Monroe properties

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors transferred three Monroe properties during its Tuesday meeting.

The properties were brought to the board by Jasper County Attorney Mike Jacobsen to be transferred to their proper owners. The first property, part of the former railroad in Monroe, will be transferred to the City of Monroe for recreational purposes — a bike trail.

“The county received the property in 2002 and conditioned the rail line would be used for public use consistent with the national trail system. The area can only be used for a bike trail or another trail. The other portion that has been received is being used a bike trail,” Jacobsen said.

The county does not own the property and is not selling it, Jacobsen said, just transferring it to Monroe for its intended purpose.

The second property was transferred to Duane W. Sellers and Wilma Ann Sellers to help clear up property lines along the former railroad. Wilma Sellers was present at the meeting and shared her opinion on the area that was going to the city.

“I’m not opposed to bike trails, please don’t think that I am, but I am opposed to them within the city limits,” Sellers said. “Do you people realize how close that bike trail would be to our property and others? People don’t care, it isn’t their property so they don’t give a hoot.”

Jacobsen said the county does not have any say of what Monroe does with the land but through federal legislation the former railroad is to become a trail. It is the City of Monroe’s decision to leave it as is or turn it into a trail.

Monroe Mayor Brian Briles said that the land would be used for a bike trail but there is no potential timeline for the project at this time.

A similar situation occurred with the third piece of property that was transferred to the Paul D. and June E. Hjortshoj Revocable Trusts. The county worked to clear up property lines and put the property in the name of those who had been taking care of it for years.

In other business:

• The board approved the use of the courthouse and lawn for the Historic Preservation Commission’s use during Alumni Weekend to celebrate Newton’s historic downtown being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The event will take place June 13 and will include photo displays, presentations on yesteryear Newton, tours and actors portraying notable Newton citizens.

• Brian Simms was named to the Veterans Affairs Board.

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