GOSHEN TOWNSHIP–The board of trustees approved the hire of a new police officer Tuesday.

Trustees voted unanimously to approve the hire of Gavin Woodard effective Aug. 17 as the police department’s newest officer. Police chief John Calko said that the Salem High School alumni had graduated from Kent State University in 2025, and would be “a brand new officer.”

“I think he’s going to do fantastic here within the department. This is a great place to learn and I think he’ll grow on the way and be a good addition,” said Calko.

Trustees also voted unanimously to designate Diagonal Road as the township’s submission for its 2026 Ohio Public Works Commission Project ahead of the pre-application deadline on Sept. 1, with trustees agreeing that it was the most in need of repair of the potential options.

Other matters approved included a resolution to participate in the OneOhio Opioid Settlement program. Fiscal Officer Michele Barratt explained that the township has to pass a new resolution authorizing participation each time a new settlement is reached and that this resolution would be for a settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family.

During her report Barratt said that the township had received a $993.44 grant for the police department from the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority, and that the townships’ new Facebook page had been created and was now accessible.

The board of trustees will meet next at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9.