Last Updated on November 11, 2016 by cassnetwork
We’ve invited Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell to share updates from the city in a monthly column on CassCountyOnline.com.
Dave Kitchell
It has now been a full year since the 2015 municipal election ushered in a new group of leaders for Logansport.
As the farmers market yields the fruits of the labors of months of hard work, so, too, are many of the efforts we have been working on throughout the year to move Logansport forward.
Normally this time of year, the major work load for our Street Department would involve just leaf pick-up. This year, our crews have been tasked to do that plus finish as much paving as possible before their next job beckons – plowing snow. As I write this, efforts to finish paving of East Broadway from Sixth Street east to the boulevard continue, and there are more streets still to pave.
Our economic development efforts are moving ahead on several fronts. City and county officials are working together to upgrade the shovel ready status of sites for new industries at the Cass/Logan Industrial Park. In the past month, we have seen the finishing details for the largest housing project Logansport has ever had, the Logan Square Homes project, passed through the city council. At the same time, efforts are being made by Peak Community Services to establish even more housing. While Peak’s initial application for a planned unit development was narrowly defeated, we can expect to see them back sometime next year with another application. We’re also renewing our efforts to continue brownfield environmental problems in the community, a program we have jointly shared with Rochester and Fulton County.
But we have finally reached an end in the long search for a new purchased power agreement for the Logansport Municipal Utilities. Years of proposals, presentations and pricetags have finally culminated in a new agreement with Next Era that will lower electric rates for at least five years beginning in 2018 – and maybe sooner. We also continue to work in repurposing the Race Street Generating Plant and the Logansport Mall.
Meanwhile, some of the best news of the year was announced in the past month when Jitka Nelson was named Indiana Teacher of the Year. We also had several positives at the annual Chamber dinner Friday night. Michelle Dials, Mike McCord and Mark and Patricia Hammons were honored along with Tim Rich and Jay Duerr. Their collective message: Logansport is a great place to be for us and we have to accentuate so many great things we’re fortunate to have.
As we accept entries for the revamped Light Up Logansport Parade the day after Thanksgiving, I want to say I’m especially thankful for a great staff and group of department heads around me, a patient family at home and 25 people known as the Chicago Cubs who have brought delight to me and memories of my own father and the hours we watched them together.
And thank you for allowing me to serve you. We appreciate your confidence and will continue to endeavor to earn your trust. Please join us as the Veterans Day Parade Friday, and have a blessed Thanksgiving.