Jasper County officials sworn in to elected offices

Four re-elected Jasper County officials and one appointee were sworn in to office on Dec. 27 by Iowa District Court Judge Michael Jacobsen.

Brandon Talsma was sworn in as county supervisor, Denise Allan was sworn in as county recorder, Doug Bishop was sworn in as county treasurer, Scott Nicholson was sworn in as county attorney and former elected official Denny Stevenson was sworn in as the appointed county supervisor.

Upon their swearing in, officials were given a few moments to make a comment. Talsma said it was a pleasure serving Jasper County for the past four years, and he looks forward to serving the next four years. Hopefully the next four years “go by slower” and are “less chaotic” than the previous four years, he said.

For the most part, Allan — who is beginning her 32nd year at the county — has loved every minute of her job.

“I look forward to another four years with everybody,” Allan said. “It’s been an honor to serve the people of Jasper County.”

Upon his swearing in, Bishop commended his staff and the people he works with on a daily basis. He also believed he has been able to run unopposed all these years because of the fair and impartial manner in which he and other elected officials have run their offices.

“We treat everybody the same for the people of the county,” Bishop said. “I have a great staff, great crew over there. They work hard. They get things done as everybody does. We have a great team here in Jasper County. So I’m looking forward to … working with all you for four more years.”

Nicholson took the place of Jacobsen and has served the office since 2018. Prior to swearing in the county attorney, Jacobsen — who was the county attorney from 2009 to 2018 — remarked how he gets to swear in his former co-worker. Nicholson took a more humorous approach to his time for comment.

“When you hire good people, make sure you look good,” Nicholson said.

Stevenson was appointed to the vacant supervisor seat. The former supervisor was happy to fill the seat in the interim.

“This isn’t the way to get the job,” Stevenson said. “Denny will certainly be missed. But I’m glad to step in in the interim and do the best job I can for the citizens of the county.”