March 29, 2024

Cupples handily wins Jasper County Supervisors seat

Halferty, Parrott retain seats

Republican Doug Cupples secured 59 percent of the vote Tuesday to earn a seat on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.

Cupples defeated Democrat Sandy Shaver and Libertarian Keith Laube to claim the seat being vacated by Dennis Stevenson.

“I am humbled at the fact that people think that much of me to vote for me like that,” Cupples said. “It does feel good to get the win, but again I am grateful for the fact that people were willing to trust in me to do that, that we are able to have the kind of a turn out.”

Cupples handily defeated Shaver by more than 5,000 votes — 10,959 to 5,944 — according to unofficial election tallies released by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office. Laube received 8.9 percent of votes cast or 1,647 votes.

In June, Cupples faced challenger Mark Sutter in the primary and defeated him by 322 votes.

Cupples ran an active campaign taking part in parades across the county and using Facebook Live to share his views on county policies.

“I’m going to do everything I can to take care of the people of Jasper County and our county,” Cupples said.

This was the second run for Cupples, who previously ran in 2012 and was defeated by Democratic incumbent Stevenson.

Cupples works at Lauterbach Buick GMC as a sales associate and is a pastor at Iron Sharpens Iron Church.

Shaver was also running her second race for a supervisors position. She previously ran in 2008 before pulling out and supporting eventual winner Stevenson.

“One of things about this race that I appreciated so much was how Sandy conducted herself. She was just great,” Cupples said. “She was moral and ethical, and I have nothing but good things to say about Sandy.”

Shaver did not respond to phone calls for comment by presstime.

Laube entered the race last among competitors as a Libertarian. Like Shaver and Cupples, he took part in the League of Women Voters forum in October. Following the election he will continue his career as Newton Public Works Director.

“Congratulations to Doug Cupples,” Laube said. “I ran to provide citizens with another option to vote for. I believe we should have a lot of options, that’s what makes our country great is that we have options and competition makes us stronger.”

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty, who ran unopposed as a Democrat, was re-elected to a second term. He received 14,632 votes, with 278 write-in votes cast.

“I am thankful to the citizens of Jasper county for re-electing me to my second term as sheriff. I have a great team that I work with at the sheriff’s office as well as all of the area first responders,” Halferty said. “I am also thankful for the county that I live in. We have a great base of citizens that are supportive of law enforcement.”

Jasper County Auditor Dennis Parrott, a Democrat, will extend his time in office to a fourth term. He received 13,913 votes in his uncontested bid with 201 write-in votes cast. He’s held the office since 2004.

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