After a 2 year break due to the pandemic, America’s Freedom Fest, is returning to the Goshen Municipal Airport, Saturday, July 9, 2022.  

Headlining this year’s event will be the United States Air Force (USAF) A-10 Demonstration Team. Air Combat Command announced at the 2021 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) that America’s Freedom Fest had been selected to host the USAF A-10 Demonstration Team. 

Airport Manager Randy Sharkey said America’s Freedom Fest is ranked as one of the largest single day air shows in the country, attracting 25,000 – 30,000 spectators. This year’s show will be one of the best yet, with the USAF A-10 Demonstration Team, he added. 

“There are only a handful of shows selected each year that receive a military jet demo and we are fortunate to have showed up on their radar,” Sharkey said. Unlike previous military participation at Goshen Air shows, the A-10 Thunderbolt II will be staging their operations at the Goshen Airport. 

In 2019 America’s Freedom Fest hosted the F-22 Raptor, however due to runway restrictions the Air Force staged at the Battle Creek MI Airport. Sharkey added, “This will be a first for us where we are able to provide ground support services for a USAF military fighter jet.” 

Spectators at the show will be able to get up close to the A-10. The A-10 is the Air Force’s premier close air support aircraft, providing invaluable protection to troops on the ground. 

The Air Combat Command A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, stationed out of Davis-Montham Air Force Base, Arizona, brings the aircraft to air shows across the country to showcase the unique combat capabilities of the A-10 “Warthog.” The pilot and aircraft will perform precision aerial maneuvers, while highlighting the mission and professionalism of the men and women of the United States Air Force.  

Additionally, the team brings attention to the Air Force’s proud history by flying formations with historical aircraft in the presentation of the Air Force Heritage Flight.

Piloted by Major Haden “Gator” Fullam of the 355^th Fighter Wing, Davis-Montham, the A-10 will perform a full tactical demonstration with live pyrotechnics as part of their participation in the 2022 Edition of America’s Freedom Fest. 

In addition to his role as the A-10 demonstration Team Pilot, Major Fullam has accumulated more than 1,800 flying hours, including 541 combat hours in missions over Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom Sentinel and Operation Resolute Support.  Prior to his current position he served as an Instructor Pilot and Assistant Director of Operations for the 354^th Fighter Squadron, Davis-Montham.

Major Fullam will be joined by a civilian qualified Heritage Flight Program Pilot/Aircraft following his full demonstration in the presentation of the Heritage Flight (watch for details as the pilot and aircraft for the Heritage Flight are confirmed later this spring).

The A-10 Demonstration Team and the Heritage Flight will headline an unparalleled cast of civilian performers, aircraft and entertainment scheduled for America’s Freedom Fest 2022.  

Attendees can anticipate an incredible and varied air show line-up to include: Randy Ball & the Mig-17, Chris Darnell & the Shockwave Jet Truck, Red Bull Helicopter Air shows, The Phillips 66 Aerostars 3 ship Aerobatic Team, Susan Dacy Barnstorming America in the super Stearman Biplane, Michael Vakin in the Extra 300, Bob Richards in “Machaira”, Rotors N Ribs helicopter performers and so much more! 

In a Salute to America’s Freedom, the airshow activities will culminate with an incomparable fireworks display by the Madbomber Fireworks Production Company. 

For more information on performers, private chalets, sponsorship opportunities and advance tickets go to www.americasfreedomfest.net. America’s Freedom Fest is an Indiana 501c3 corporation.

The City of Goshen Water and Sewer invites public participation in developing a wellhead protection plan.

A public meeting will be held Thursday, March 31, at 1 p.m. at the Goshen City Court building, 111 E. Jefferson St.

To fulfill the requirements of the State of Indiana Wellhead Protection Rule, the Goshen Water
& Sewer Department is updating our Wellhead Protection Plan.

The next step in this process involves the formation of a volunteer-supported local planning team. This team will make decisions on how best to protect our drinking water from potential sources of contamination. Interested parties are invited to come learn more about the process and to support the local planning team.

Address questions to Marvin Shepherd, of the Goshen Water and Sewer Department at 574-534-5306.

The Goshen Board of Works is offering the following surplus vehicles and equipment for sale to the public:

• 2008 Ford Ranger;
• 2007 Chevy Impala;
• 2011 Chevy Impala;
• 2007 Chevy Impala;
• 2012 Chevy Impala;
• 2011 Chevy Impala;
• 2004 Dodge Stratus;
• 2010 Chevy Impala;
• 2003 Crown Victoria;
• 2015 Harley Davidson;
• 2007 Chevy Impala;
• 2009 Chevy Impala;
• 2010 Chevy Impala;
• 2007 Chevy Impala;
• 2009 Chevy Impala;
• 2002 Ford Explorer;
• 2007 Ford F250 with 2007 Boss V Plow 8’2″;
• 2002 Ford Excursion;
• 1992 Medtec Ambulance;
• 2005 Ford Escape;
• 2010 Ford Escape;
• 2010 Ford Escape;
• 2008 Ford Ranger;
• 2001 Ford F550;
• 11′ landscape-style dump bed with engine driven hydraulic pump;
• 1996 Club Golf Cart; 2005 Spaulding Patcher;
• 1999 GMC T7500;
• 2012 Monroe Salt Spreader;
• 2004 Textron Golf Cart; and Simplicity Tractor.

Anyone interested can inspect the vehicles and equipment on Saturday, 4/02/22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Goshen Street Department, or by calling Central Garage at 534-3703 to schedule an appointment. Bids will be accepted until 1:45 pm on Monday, 4/11/22 at the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. The bids will be opened at 2 pm on 4/11/22 at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

See the bidding sale catalog and bidding documents at https://goshenindiana.org/bidding-opportunities.

Indiana residents can apply for assistance paying their energy and water/sewer bills through a temporary program established by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority offers. The Goshen Utilities Business Office works with residents who may be at risk of being disconnected from water utility services.

If you are struggling to make a payment, apply for aid by visiting EAP.ihcda.in.gov, or call the Utilities Business Office at 574-533-9399.

Join us Thursday, March 17 at 6 p.m. in the Goshen Theater, to learn about the proposed Flood Resilience Plan, which was drafted by City Staff with assistance from consultant Christopher Burke.

Following the presentation and Q&A session, there will be time for asking questions directly to City staff from the Stormwater Office, Department of Environmental Resilience, Engineering, Planning and Zoning, and the Fire Department.

To participate virtually (presentation and Q&A session only), go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89188363780

Marking four years since Goshen experienced its largest flood event in recorded history, City staff has finalized a draft plan to better understand the challenges and possible solutions to flooding impacts.

A draft of the City of Goshen’s Flood Resilience Plan is available for public review. The plan can be found online at www.goshenindiana.org/flood-zone. Printed drafts can be found at the Goshen Public Library, City Hall and the Utilities Business Office. The City also is collecting feedback. Residents can go to bit.ly/goshenfloodsurvey to give their input.

Marking four years since Goshen experienced its largest flood event in recorded history, City staff has finalized a draft plan to better understand the challenges and possible solutions to flooding impacts.

A draft of the City of Goshen’s Flood Resilience Plan is now available for public review. The plan can be found online at www.goshenindiana.org/flood-zone. Printed drafts can be found at the Goshen Public Library, City Hall and the Utilities Business Office. The City also is collecting feedback. Residents can go to bit.ly/goshenfloodsurvey to give their input.

“The City of Goshen continues to learn about the floodway and its impact on our community,” Mayor Jeremy Stutsman said. “Our dedicated staff has put tremendous effort in looking at ways we can minimize those effects from flooding.”

City staff will hold a public meeting to present and discuss the drafted plan at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17 in the Goshen Theater.

City staff and Mayor’s office have been working with Christopher Burke Engineering, LLC (Indianapolis) since late 2020 to draft a comprehensive flood plan for the city. In the wake of historic flooding in February, 2018, the City has recognized the need to address the persistence of flooding in Goshen, and the likelihood of increasing flood events in the future.

The public meeting will include input from City staff regarding the history of flooding in Goshen and an assessment of our vulnerability to future flooding; it will also include an overview presentation of the draft Flood Resilience Plan by Christopher Burke Engineering associates. Following these inputs there will be time for questions and discussion with the public, including an informal, open-house style opportunity to talk directly with staff.

Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, Director of the Department of Environmental Resilience, said the plan would help the City think about ways to minimize the effects of flooding, from damage, to costs, to clean-up.

“It’s a broad plan with a lot of ideas – that can’t all be accomplished at once – but seeing that we’re likely to experience more flooding over time, it’s really important for us to see what the options are,” he said. “There are things we can do to adapt to more water, and things which we can do to mitigate the impacts.”

In addition to the draft plan, the webpage at www.goshenindiana.org/flood-zone houses important information to allow residents to learn and make informed decisions about flood risk. The page contains tools for understanding the river gauge, the locations most at risk for flooding in Goshen, and Goshen’s flooding history.

In celebration of Black History Month, explore the story of Carl Stokes–a clean water hero. Also this issue, takes a look at the flooding of four years ago during Goshen’s historic February 2018 Flood. Visit the new flood zone page to find information about how the City is preparing Goshen to be more flood resilient.
www.goshenindiana.org/flood-zone

In celebration of Black History Month, explore the story of Carl Stokes–a clean water hero. Also, this issue takes a look at the flooding of four years ago during Goshen’s historic February 2018 Flood. Visit the new flood zone page to find information about how the City is preparing Goshen to be more flood resilient.

bit.ly/SWNewsFeb22

Vibrant Communities is looking to the future with the Next Chapter, and their round of public input sessions begins next week.

If you live in Goshen and want to attend locally, a Vibrant Vibes workshop will be held at the Schrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park Wednesday, March 2 at 4 p.m.

Or check out their poster, which lists other scheduled workshops.