COLUMBUS, Ind. – Mayor Jim Lienhoop and David Hayward, City Engineer and Executive Director of Public Works, were given honors during Friday’s City of Columbus Holiday Luncheon.
Lienhoop was honored with the highest honor the Governor can bestow on individuals, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.
Mayor-elect Mary Ferdon presented the award, a surprise to Mayor Lienhoop. She noted, “Governor Eric Holcomb reserves the Sagamore for those who have gone ‘above and beyond’ and extraordinarily contributed to their communities. Mayor Lienhoop has done exemplary work for the City of Columbus and Gov. Holcomb agrees.”
Also recognized at the employee luncheon was David Hayward. Mayor Lienhoop rewarded Hayward with a proclamation declaring “David Hayward Day”. As the Mayor noted, this was to have been done during the joint retirement party for Hayward and Lienhoop that was held at City Hall on December 1, but as both were overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude that evening, it was missed.
Hayward remarked, “I am at a loss for words. Thank you all. It has been great working with all of you.”