14-02-2025
Elkhart County Commissioners congratulate leaf contest winners
GOSHEN — Winners of the Elkhart County leaf pickup contest for 2024 were announced during the county commissioner's meeting on Monday.
With a total prize of $50,000 available among contestants, with each team received a guaranteed $500 if they collected a ton of leaves. The remainder was then divided among the top teams.
Jamie Tubicsak, Elkhart County Landfill, said since the inception of the contest in 2018, 1,154 tons of leaves have been brought to the landfill, rather than potentially burned.
In 2024, competitive teams brought in 99 tons of leaves.
The top three teams in 2024 were Prairie Camp at first place with 31.77 tons winning a prize of $15,198; Yellow Creek Mennonite Church at second place with 30.49 tons winning a prize of $14,606; and Leaves for Light at third place with 20.37 tons winning a prize of $10,090
Elkhart County Landfill's Leaf Program educates residents on disposing leaves without burning.
Top three teams recognized for bringing in over 1,153 tons of leaves, reducing air pollution.
OTHER BOARD ITEMS
Commissioners terminated an agreement with the Elkhart County Regional Sewer District for fiber location services with the Foraker-Southwest-Tecumseh Project. County Attorney Steve Olsen explained that the county established a contract themselves for the services and so the contract was terminated.
Commissioners approved a request for Feb. 22 to use the courthouse lawn for a protest on basic human rights for Hispanics and Latinos.
Commissioners approved a request from Elkhart County Redevelopment to transfer a property at 25053 California Court to an abutting landowner for $3,000. The property will become part of three smaller parcels that the landowner will combine to be able to build a home on the site.
Commissioners received several requests for a master plan for a new county park at C.R. 17 and C.R. 20 currently known as Beachgrove. Abonmarche, American Structure Point Inc., Beacon Street Consulting, Context Design, Danch Harner & Associates Inc., Davey Resource Group, Inc., DLZ, Jones Petrie Rafinski, MKSK, and V3 Companies all submitted RFPs.
Commissioners approved an annual grant from the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative for meeting and food for travel, software, cellphones, lunch with a cop, community engagements and incentives, Bashor partnership, another other things.
They also approved a bonus grant from the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. The grant will held to fund a new Teen Community Outreach Manager at the Elkhart County Boys & Girls Club and a second trauma service dog to go to court with youth from the Juvenile Detention Center, probation and community meetings.
A Juvenile Community Corrections Grant for $151,802, another annual grant, for GPS and home detention staff was also approved.
