Category Archives: Blog

Statewide tornado siren test happening tomorrow

The City of Goshen is alerting residents that a statewide test of tornado sirens will happen tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12, at 10:15 a.m. If residents hear tornado sirens around this time, this is just a test of the system and no reason for alarm.

This test is part of Indiana’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week. You can find more info about Severe Weather Preparedness Week here.

Boil Order for Lincolnway E

In Consultation with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, it has been de-termined that the water customers should boil their drinking water. This precautionary measure is recommended because a water main valve will be shut off to do repairs in your area. 

It is recommended that all cooking and drinking water be brought to a complete boil for five (5) minutes before using. Please con-tinue to boil all cooking and drinking water un-til we notify you that it is no longer necessary. 

Until we resolve this drinking water problem, we are also asking that you conserve water and only use what is necessary for household and personal needs. 

We appreciate your cooperation during this time and will update you as necessary until the drinking water problem has been solved. If you have any questions concerning the drinking water problem, please contact the water de-partment at 574-534-5306.

A Boil advisory is not as bad as it seems. Whenever there is a disruption of water ser-vice, it is always a cautious measure to issue a boil advisory allowing our customers to make an informed decision based on their particular situation. There is an inherent risk of contami-nation when the soil around the pipe is dis-turbed due to the main break and subsequent repair of the water pipes. 

We take every precaution to minimize the risk of contamination. Water is then tested in cycles of 24 hours to ensure that there are no contaminants present. Two sets of samples are taken 24 hours apart, when both samples come back clean the boil advisory is lifted. 

Normal water pressure for city service is 60 pounds of pressure. During a boil order, pres-sure may become low until the problem is fixed. 

Clientes de Agua de Goshen Orden De Ebullición 

En consulta con el Departamento de Gestio n Ambiental de Indiana, se ha determinado que los clientes de agua deben hervir su agua potable. Esta medida de precau-cio n se recomienda porque una válvula principal de agua se apagará para realizar reparaciones en su área. 

Se recomienda que toda el agua de coccio n y bebida se lleve a una ebullicio n completa durante cinco (5) minu-tos antes de usar. Por favor, continu e hirviendo toda el agua de cocinar y bebida hasta que le notifiquemos que ya no es necesaria. 

Hasta que resue lvanos este problema de agua potable, tambie n le pedimos que conserve el agua y utilice so lo lo necesario para las necesidades dome sticas y personales. 

Agradecemos su cooperacio n durante este tiempo y le informaremos si es necesario hasta que se haya resuelto el problema del agua potable. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el problema del agua potable, po ngase en contacto con el departamento de agua al 574-534-5306 

Un consejo de ebullicio n no es tan malo como parece. Siempre que se produzca una interrupcio n del servicio de agua, es siempre una medida de precaucio n emitir un aviso de ebullicio n que permita a nuestros clientes to-mar una decisio n informada basada en su situacio n par-ticular. Existe un riesgo inherente de contaminacio n cuando el suelo alrededor de la tuberí a es perturbado debido a la ruptura principal y posterior reparacio n de las tuberí as de agua. 

Tomamos todas las precauciones para minimizar el riesgo de contaminacio n. Luego se prueba el agua en ciclos de 24 horas para asegurarse de que no hay conta-minantes presentes. Dos conjuntos de muestras se to-man a intervalos de 24 horas, cuando ambas muestras vuelven limpias se levanta el aviso de ebullicio n. 

La presio n normal del agua para el servicio de la ciu-dad es de 60 libras de presio n. Durante un orden de ebullicio n, la presio n puede bajar hasta que el problema se arregle. 

Elkhart County Pay Dirt 2024

Where cultivation and construction meet.

Tuesday, March 5th 2024 at 6 PM – 8 PM

Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds 17746 CR 34 Goshen, IN 46528

The evening of Tuesday, March 5th the City will hold its annual Flood Resilience Public Meeting. This event is free and part of the paydirt conference. The public meeting will be an opportunity for city and county residents to hear details of Goshen’s Flood Resilience Plan, the impacts of flooding in the City, efforts to both adapt to and mitigate flooding, and to interact with experts and displays.

The second event will be a complimentary municipal breakfast that will provide required training on good housekeeping and pollution prevention to municipal employees. 

Municipal Breakfast

Thursday, March 7th 2024

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The City of Goshen is one of four municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) communities in Elkhart County and together we are the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership. The MS4 communities are the City of Elkhart, the City of Goshen, Elkhart County, and the Town of Bristol. 

The Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been a supporting partner of the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership since the Partnership was formed in May of 2005. The SWCD is an integral partner in implementing public education, outreach, and involvement, as well as reviewing stormwater pollution prevention plans and conducting construction site inspections. 

The city of Goshen supports the Conference as part of the Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership.

Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, Goshen’s Environmental Resilience Department head is one of the speakers in the Urban Conservation Path breakout session on Wednesday, March 6 and the city’s Stormwater Department will be there to help moderate sessions as needed. 

Breakout Session

PDH Credits pending ACEC approval

Design Path

  1. Rob Beck, IN Department of Environmental Management
  2. Donovan Wilczynski, Keramida Inc.
  3. Kate Barret, St, Joseph River Basin Commission

Contractor Path

  1. Chad Montgomery, IN Ready Mix Concrete Association
  2. Joe Moore, Erosion Construction Services
  3. Rob Beck, IN Dept. of Environmental Management

Urban Conservation Path

  1. Jenna Wait, Soil & Water Conservation District
  2. Krystofer Yacks, Aquascapes of Michiana
  3. Aaron Kingsley, Goshen Department of Environmental Resilience

Learn more about the Pay Dirt conference and events here: https://www.elkcoswcd.org/pay-dirt/

Late-Winter Pruning

The Goshen Forestry Division will begin young tree pruning the week of February 19. Our initial focus will be on Oak trees in neighborhoods between Lincoln and Plymouth Avenues. Specifically, we will plan to work on street trees which the City planted in or near the right-of-way over the past 12 years.

We will be working at structural pruning. Young trees can benefit especially from this kind of attention. Structural pruning looks at the growth patterns and habits of a young tree, in combination with its surroundings – where are there existing obstacles? where might there be future conflicts? Is there plenty of space for the tree to grow? Is it crowded by buildings, street, driveway, other uses? Noticing how the young tree is growing and what it may face in the future helps us to make good decisions about guiding the tree’s growth by removing certain branches.

The term “structural” pruning may include cuts that help a tree to recover from past damage – storm damage or human damage to a branch – but primarily refers to cuts that remove branches which may be detrimental to the overall structure and strength of the tree. Sometimes branches may cross and rub in the interior of a tree, for instance; while this is not a structural issue for small branches and twigs, occasionally such branches mature and become large, creating open wounds which weaken the tree. Branches sometimes grow weak attachments to the trunk of the tree, predisposing them to being torn out of the tree by storms. This can often leave a tree with wounds which are too large to adequately heal. Structural pruning seeks to correct or remove these kinds of branches in order to eliminate the potential for serious damage in the future. In many ways, structural pruning is like preventive medicine, doing the right things now to create good health outcomes later.

The work which we will be doing is really only necessary for urban trees, or trees which are close to human activities. These trees spend their lives in fairly unnatural and stressful settings – impacted by machines, vehicles, chemicals, digging, compaction, and various kinds of unintended and intended abuse. Good pruning can help to reduce some of the conflict which they will experience with human land use practices, thereby reducing the potential for some kinds of damage. And a healthier tree is a sounder, more productive tree, one which benefits the people living near to it with shade, shelter, and beauty.

As I mentioned above, we will focus initially only on pruning Oak trees. Pruning Oaks at this time of year is an important way to protect them from a deadly fungus, called Oak Wilt. The fungus needs warmer temperatures to grow and spread, and can infect an Oak tree through an open wound. Pruning Oaks during this strategic moment, when temperatures are cool, helps us to feel more secure that the fungus will not be present, will allow the wound to harden off a bit, and give the tree the best and longest portions of the growing season to begin compartmentalizing (healing) the cut. Our first several weeks of work this year will be focused exclusively on Oak trees, to make sure that we complete the necessary work on them.

One thing I’ve learned over the years through experience, research, and learning from other arborists is that pruning in late winter and early spring is really the ideal time for most tree species in terms of healing after the work. This is because trees will shortly be coming out of winter dormancy and giving a lot of energy to growth. During the spring a tree can quickly begin to compartmentalize – seal off an injury and surround it with living tissue – properly placed prune cuts. Additionally, prune cuts timed for late winter / early spring allow a tree the full length of the growing season to continue growing over the wound, as opposed to cuts made in late summer or fall, or even winter.

In fact, one of the things which I learned through experience – that is, the hard way – is that fall and winter pruning can actually be detrimental to a tree. When the live tissue of a tree (cambium) is exposed – say through pruning – the tissue begins to dry out. If the tree is not active, as is the case in the fall and winter, the tree has no way to slow or prevent further drying. As a result, I’ve seen fall and winter prune cuts open to double and triple their original size by the following growing season, presenting the tree with a much more significant wound, and the increasing risk of decay.

Getting young trees growing in the right direction is a great investment in future tree canopy.

Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley is the director of Environmental Resilience for the city of Goshen. He can be reached at aaronkingsley@goshencity.com or at 574-537-3850.

Community Relations Commission to host International Women’s Day Luncheon

The City of Goshen Community Relations Commission is hosting a luncheon on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goshen Theater to celebrate and honor women in the Goshen community. 

“I’m looking forward to celebrating the women of Goshen and am grateful to the Community Relations Commission for organizing this event,” said Mayor Gina Leichty. “Creating opportunities like this luncheon encourages a spirit of engagement, which leads to a stronger and more connected community.” 

This is the first International Women’s Day event hosted by the City of Goshen and the Community Relations Commission and aims to create a space for women in Goshen to gather and celebrate one another.  

Tickets for the event are $45 and include lunch catered by Bread and Chocolate and presentations from prominent local women.  

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit goshenindiana.org/womensday.  

About International Women’s Day 
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The annual event has occurred for over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. March 8, 2024, marks the first International Women’s Day event hosted by the City of Goshen and the Community Relations Commission.  


About the Community Relations Commission  
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Goshen by creating programs and initiatives that benefit all community members. The Commission is committed to establishing a city free from racism and discrimination. It fosters strong bonds among residents and within neighborhoods, addresses complex issues, advocates for health, safety, and wellness, and encourages courteous and respectful interactions among Goshen’s diverse population.  

City of Goshen announces new firefighter training program in partnership with Goshen Community Schools

The City of Goshen and Goshen Community Schools announced a new Fire and EMS Pathway Program during Monday’s joint City Council and Goshen School Board meeting to enable students from Goshen High School to complete fire and EMS training. 

“This exciting new partnership between the City of Goshen and Goshen Community Schools is the result of the innovative thinking and dedication of individuals from both organizations,” said Mayor Gina Leichty. “I’m looking forward to the continued partnership with Goshen Schools and helping provide opportunities for students to develop marketable skills for life after high school.”  

This two-year program allows students to gain the necessary certifications through Ivy Tech to fulfill all requisite skills required to be hired as a firefighter or an EMT. Recruitment for the program will begin immediately, with plans for the program to start at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. This new pathway program will be housed in the Chandler building.  

The Fire and EMS Pathway Program will not only provide students who aren’t planning on attending college the opportunity to pursue a well-paying career straight out of high school but also fulfill a need for new recruitment avenues for the Goshen Fire Department.  

“I am so excited for Goshen High School to work with the City of Goshen on the new Fire and EMS pathway,” said Jim DuBois, Goshen Community Schools Superintendent. “This new opportunity for our students fits neatly with my belief that the education of young people is really a community responsibility. Our students and our community both benefit when we work together.” 

While a similar program is available at the Elkhart Area Career Center, transportation to and from the facility in Elkhart has, at times, proved difficult. Having this program housed in Chandler will remove barriers to student participation.  

“The new pathway will not only provide valuable career opportunities for our students but will also contribute to the community by increasing the pool of qualified firefighters and emergency medical personnel,” said Cathy DeMeyer, Goshen High School Principal. “Having GHS alumni already serving as Goshen firefighters and paramedics adds a meaningful connection for us, and we hope it will serve as an inspiration for our students.” 

Goshen Fire Department has selected Travis Peak as the instructor and recruiter for the program. Peak has led the Fire Academy for the Goshen Fire Department for the last five years. Goshen Community Schools will also provide a mentor teacher to help guide students through the program.  

“The Goshen Fire Department is extremely excited to partner with Goshen Community Schools in offering this new pathway program,” said Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink. “We always look for opportunities to serve the Goshen community beyond our daily emergency response, and being able to provide education to Goshen students has been a dream of ours.” 

With the creation of this new training facility, the Goshen Fire Department will also have the potential to offer EMS training to the public, expanding medical training opportunities for everyone.  

Boil Order: Middlebury Street and Cross Street

Starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 26, a water main valve was shut off to repair a water main break. A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the following section of North Goshen: N 7th Street, N 8th Street, N 9th Street, Summit Street, Center Street, and Cross Street between Middlebury Street and Cross Street, for when the water comes back on.

It is recommended that all cooking and drinking water be brought to a complete boil for five minutes before using.  Please continue to boil all cooking and drinking water until a notification that it is no longer necessary.

We appreciate your cooperation during this time and will update you as necessary until the drinking water problem has been solved.  If you have any questions concerning the drinking water problem, please contact your water department at 574-534-5306 or waterseweroffice@goshencity.com.

More info on the boil order can be found below:

Goshen residents reminded to exercise caution during winter weather

Due to the forecasted freezing rain, the City of Goshen is reminding residents to be prepared for slick road conditions, exercise caution while driving, and stay home if possible. Roads will be slick beginning this afternoon and continue through the Tuesday morning commute.

Street Department crews have treated roads and are prepared to react as needed. However, if enough ice accumulates on roads, it can become too dangerous for plow trucks to be on the roads. This is due to the high center of gravity of these trucks, even when weighted down, making them uncontrollable on ice.

If motorists need to be on the road, the City asks them to allow ample space around plow trucks and be patient as the Street Department works to clear roads while also keeping the safety of crews in mind.

Goshen Parks and Recreation to host family Valentine’s Day dance

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a family Valentine’s Day Dance on Thursday, February 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The evening will include dinner, mementos, and music provided by a professional DJ to dance the night away. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at the dance. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance for each attendee 2 years of age and older. Tickets can be purchased at goshenindiana.org/parks-rec.