Category Archives: News & Events

Updates, messages and other announcements are posted under this category with the intent to notify residents. Posts under this category are emailed in a newsletter at the end of the day.

Public Notice: South Wellfield Drive – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the construction of a drive for the testing of the future wells at the City of Goshen South Wellfield.

The project is located off the southeast corner where County Road 27 turns west, south of the intersection of Dierdorff Road (County Road 27) and Waterford Mills Parkway (County Road 40). Located in SW 1/4 of Section 35, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the southwest.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or sending an email to jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Community Relations Commission kicks-off third essay contest

Calling all students in grades 7-12! The Community Relations Commission is once again kicking off its annual essay contest.

This essay contest is designed to challenge the City’s future leaders to rethink what it takes to build a community where every neighbor can live, work, and learn to their fullest potential. This year’s prompt encourages students to imagine how to create communities that are safe and welcoming for everyone.

Any student in grades 7-12 who lives in Goshen is eligible to participate. The contest will be divided into two age groups, 7-8 grade and 9-12 grade. First, second, and third place will be awarded cash prizes during the March 25th City Council meeting. The first-place winner from each group will also have the opportunity to present their essays at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce’s Founder’s Day Celebration.

Students interested should answer the following prompt:

Imagine you are a member of a group working to make your community safe and welcoming for everyone. Write an essay that explores at least three of the following:

  1. What does it mean for a community to be safe and welcoming for all? Describe the important things that make people feel safe in their community.
  2. Share a story about a time when you or someone you know didn’t feel safe in your neighborhood or community. Explain why they felt that way and what could be done to make things better.
  3. Think of three ideas or actions that this group could do to make your community safer and more welcoming for everyone. Describe these ideas and why they are important.
  4. Talk about any challenges the group might face when trying to create a safer community. How do you think these challenges can be overcome?
  5. What do you think people who live in the community can do to help make it safe and welcoming for everyone? Share your thoughts on what individuals can do to support the group’s efforts.

Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 1, 2024. To submit your essay and for more information, visit goshenindiana.org/crcessays.

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.

POSTPONED: Goshen City Council

Tonight’s Regular Meeting of the Goshen City Council has been POSTPONED until 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 due to inclement weather, including the U.S. National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Advisory for freezing rain and ice accumulations, which will create difficult travel conditions.

Please stay at home if possible.

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.

The Indiana Ave. Recycling Drop-off Facility will be closed Saturday, January 13 to Tuesday, January 16 due to anticipated weather.

The Indiana Ave. Recycling Drop-off Facility will be inaccessible from Saturday, January 13, to Tuesday, January 16, due to anticipated snow and wind. Please note that this site will not undergo servicing or plowing during this period. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

GOSHEN WATER UTILITY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO GUARD AGAINST FROZEN WATER LINES.

In past years the Water Utility issued a Freeze Warning asking for people to take the precaution of running a single faucet.  During a posted Freeze Warning, utility accounts were adjusted if the customer contacted the Utility Business Office.  Because current conditions do not warrant a Freeze Warning, utility billing account adjustments are not being offered.  To prevent disruption to service, the Utility will continue to monitor the depth of the local frost line and keep customers informed if further actions become necessary via local newspapers, Goshen’s web page, goshenindiana.org, and Facebook.

The Goshen Water Utility has determined that a Freeze Warning is currently unnecessary.  However, due to the predicted cold weather, the Utility suggests that residential and commercial Water Utility customers with water services and plumbing prone to freezing leave their water run in a small stream the size of a pencil lead.  Running water from within a home or business is less likely to freeze.

 Residents are encouraged to take further precautions against frozen or busted water lines by ensuring that exposed pipes are insulted and by eliminating sources of cold air near water lines.  Areas most vulnerable to freezing are basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and water lines located in or along outside walls.  To lessen the risk for water lines along outside walls within cabinets, consider leaving the cabinet doors open.

For more information please reach out to Kent Holdren, Water Utility Superintendent (574).534.5701


To guard against frozen pipes, especially during cold weather, you can take several preventive measures:

  • Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes with pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping. Focus on pipes in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
  • Seal Leaks: Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s walls, windows, and foundation to prevent cold air from entering and reaching the pipes.
  • Keep a Constant Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, especially during cold nights. Set your thermostat to a level that keeps the interior warm enough to prevent freezing.
  • Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and vanities by keeping cabinet doors open during extremely cold weather.
  • Let Faucets Drip: When temperatures drop significantly, allow faucets to drip slightly. This helps relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
  • Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off the outdoor water supply. This prevents water from freezing in the hose and extending into the pipes.
  • Add Heat Tape: Consider using electrical heat tape or cables on pipes that are prone to freezing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
  • Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Ensure that doors and windows are closed tightly to minimize the entry of cold air into your home.
  • Inspect Insulation: Regularly check the insulation in your home, especially in attics and basements. Ensure that it is in good condition and replace any damaged insulation.

If you suspect that your pipes are already frozen, it’s crucial to act quickly to thaw them and prevent bursting. You can use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or hot towels to thaw the affected pipes. Avoid using open flames or any methods that could cause damage.

Winter weather tips to stay safe and warm

With the onset of frigid temperatures and the potential for icy roads, the City of Goshen is reminding residents of steps they can take to stay safe and warm.

Warming centers

Anyone in need of a warm shelter can go to the Goshen Public Library during regular business hours (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Those needing a warm shelter outside of regular library hours can call the Goshen Police Department at 574.533.4151 for assistance.

Drive safe

If you need to be on the road during winter weather, you should drive with extra caution by slowing down and allowing for additional time to reach your destination safely. You should also be sure to leave ample space between your vehicle and plows; this gives our drivers plenty of space to work and clear snow. 

When possible, we also ask you to avoid parking on the street. This will allow our street department to clear the roads and parking areas more fully. This will also help ensure your car is not blocked in by a berm of snow.

Cold temperatures

With below-zero temperatures expected in the coming days, below are a few precautions to avoid frozen pipes:

  • Keep your heat on and the temperature constant
  • Open cabinet doors when there is plumbing on outside walls
  • Drip water from your interior faucet
  • Close the garage door to keep heat inside your structure