Last Updated on December 6, 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
Somehow, there just isn’t any substitute for Christmas, whether you’re a child, a cook, a clergyman or a retailer.
There’s something about that “feel good about Christmas” that refreshes us all. The same can be said for some of the things happening in our community.
I’m amazed that less than a month into the Hometown Collaboration Initiative survey, more than 600 local residents have responded. There will be more, as local residents see reminders on window fliers and table tops throughout the city. It’s encouraging to see so many people, across generations, saying they want to become stakeholders in the future of our community. It reaffirms my belief that if we were chosen to be one of the two HCI communities this year, Logansport would respond to being in the state spotlight and take stock of where we are and where we need to go. (Learn more and take the survey at indianahci.org/logansport).
It’s also encouraging to see a major announcement at Logansport Memorial Hospital again. Last week, I had the pleasure of being part of a groundbreaking ceremony for a new cancer center and an obstetrics unit that will be a magnet for patients for decades to come. Memorial is doing more to ensure that the youngest of the young will receive their first health care here, and that all those who will be experiencing their second century of life will be living longer, more productive lives after beating cancer. Our county officials who have supported this announcement deserve our support, as does Gene Powlen, who is leading the fund-raising drive for Memorial. Most of what will be done is already funded through the hospital. With the support of the community, more can be done to ensure that a more state of the art facility is built. Once that happens, Memorial has a huge drawing crowd for attracting qualified physicians, nurses and medical technicians who will ultimately provide better care.
We had some terrific economic development news with word that Small Parts and its related companies will be adding 40 jobs here.
Our community also came together for a Logansport moment Nov. 25 when the Light Up Logansport Parade emerged from years of hibernation. Despite a hint of freezing rain, scheduling conflicts and the plague of “Black Friday,” crowds lined the parade route, swelling the numbers on the sidewalk to see the Policeman and Fireman of the Year, Bicentennial Citizens, Indiana Teacher of the Year Jitka Nelson and an array of local floats and entries that kicked off our local Christmas season with spirit. We’re grateful to all who participated and look forward to an even greater observance next year.
The Downtown Christmas Open House was a success, and it showcased the new presence of Schwering Realty in the former J. Adkins Building. It’s good to see a building that has been dark during the holidays alive again.
Basketball season has begun and the Berries are off and running. Already, LHS has defeated the No. 3-ranked team in the state, Evansville Bosse, a state finalist last year.
As we prepare for 2017, the new Logansport/Cass County Memorial Center Board has been formed, and we are scheduling our first meeting. We are pursuing a retail recruiter for the city who can be with us for the long-term and work with us to redevelop the Logansport Mall. We are eager to celebrate the completion of the Cass County Government Building project and the opening of the Bicentennial Room in the courthouse Dec. 11. We are addressing major utility issues and putting together plans for an ambitious 2017 for our city.
More than anything, in the season of hope, we are hoping that 2016 has been a landmark year for local residents and companies. We also hope that 2017 will be a prosperous one for us all as we deal with the issues that confront us all together. As many have said over this past month, what unites us is far greater than what divides us.
From all of us in the city administration, we wish you all a safe and wonderful holiday season, and the best of new years.