JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Jasper Board of Mayor & Aldermen announced that work is underway to contract with the Animal Protective Services of Marion Inc. organization into leasing property for a new, countywide animal shelter.
Within the meeting, Mayor Jason Turner explained members of the non-profit organization came forward to the council seeking to utilize the county’s fairgrounds property located by Dairy Queen off DQ Street. Members of the group mentioned wanting to utilize two of acres of the property to establish as Marion County’s designated animal shelter.
“They want us to do a lease so they can build a countywide animal shelter,” Turner said. “So we would like to order a contract out with them.”
The idea to have a countywide animal shelter was first discussed during the county commission’s May 2025 meeting. Michelle Story, founder and President of Animal Protective Services of Marion Inc., presented the project to members of the commission in the hopes action can be done into eventually constructing a designated animal shelter for the county. Currently, Marion County lacks a central shelter, which has left organizations such as the Marion County Sheriff’s Department with limited options to transport abused or neglect animals. Because of this, Story at the time hoped the structure could be constructed up to 2,000 square feet in size and house up to 40 kennels, providing a sizeable facility for animals in need.
“Something great is in the works,” Turner said. “That’s exciting because it’s much needed.”
City Attorney Mark Raines Jr. noted in order for an official leasing contract to be made, Story and others in the organization are required to approach the council first with the proposed project, only for the board to then vote on approving a set lease before groundwork for the animal shelter can eventually begin.