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.

4th of July Safety Tips

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, it is important that Goshen residents be aware of fireworks regulations. A local city ordinance was adopted in 2007 at the urging of residents concerned about neighborhood safety and noise. Regulation is controlled by parameters imposed in state legislation.

Fireworks Safety:

Enjoy the local fireworks displays and leave the big ones to the professionals. Consumer fireworks are allowed by state legislation and local ordinance from 5:00 p.m. until two hours after sunset (or until approximately 11:20 p.m.) from June 29 through July 9, except on July 4 when they are allowed from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight. If you decide to light your own, follow all local laws and keep a bucket of water or hose nearby. Remember, safety first! Fines for violations may be up to $500 per incident.

To report a violation of the fireworks ordinance, citizens are welcome to call the non-emergency dispatch phone number—533.4151. The caller must supply an exact address of where the violation is occurring in order for a police officer to respond effectively to the call.

Fireworks not limited to certain dates and times by local ordinance include dipped sticks or wire sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers, snakes or glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers (i.e., party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick matches, cigarette loads).

Local regulations apply to “consumer fireworks” as defined in state statutes. Such fireworks include certain small ground or aerial devices designed to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion. They are required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16CFR1507. Ground devices (firecrackers, salutes, and chasers) are limited to 50 milligrams of explosive composition. Aerial devices (sky rockets, missile type rockets, helicopters or spinners, roman candles, mines, and shells) are limited to 130 milligrams of explosive composition. Larger devices are not allowed under local ordinance and require state permitting.

Grill Safely:

Keep your grill clean and never leave it unattended. Make sure it’s placed well away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches.

Water Safety:

If you’re heading to the pool or beach, always supervise children and ensure everyone knows how to swim. Wear life jackets when boating.

Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending the day outside in the sun. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Protect Your Skin:

Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours. Wear hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.

Be Mindful of Pets:

Fireworks can be scary for pets. Keep them indoors in a safe, quiet area to reduce stress and prevent them from running away.

First Aid:

Keep a first aid kit handy for minor injuries. Know the location of the nearest emergency services in case of a serious accident.

Let’s make this 4th of July memorable for all the right reasons. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the celebrations!

NOTIFICATION OF NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRACK CLOSURES 

 The engineering department received notice that Norfolk Southern is planning to close the following crossings between approximately July 8 and July 31, 2024, for installation of new rails. Each crossing is expected to be closed to traffic over one to four days. Engineering staff have been in communication with the railroad’s safety contractor to emphasize the need to avoid simultaneous major crossing closures, limit crossing closure duration, and avoid impacting traffic for the Elkhart County 4H Fair. A more detailed schedule is expected from Norfolk Southern early next week, which will be communicated to Goshen residents and businesses via the City’s website and social media. 

 Railroad Crossing Closures Expected – Mainline Tracks Railroad Crossing Closures Expected – Marion Branch 
Ferndale Road / CR 15 Jefferson St 
Peddlers Village Road / CR 28 Purl St 
Greene Road Reynolds St 
Beaver Lane Plymouth Ave 
Indiana Avenue Jackson St 
1st Street Burdick St 
Main Street New York St 
Cottage Avenue College Ave 
Lincoln Avenue Kercher Rd 
Monroe Street 

June brush pickup begins next week

The monthly brush pickup will begin on the week of June 24, 2024.

During scheduled brush collections, the Street Department will make only one pass through the city to pick up brush. Please have your brush by the front curb, but not in the street, by that first day in the morning at 7 a.m. Brush will not be picked up in alleys. The piles of brush should be trash-free. Crews cannot access the piles if blocked by vehicles.

For information regarding Dial-A-Trailer and the Brush Trailer, go to goshenindiana.org/street-department.

The next summer brush pick up weeks will begin on the following days:

  • July 29, 2024
  • August 26, 2024
  • September 30, 2024

Cooling shelter available amid extreme heat

With dangerously hot weather moving in through Elkhart County this week, the City of Goshen is asking residents to be mindful and take action to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports an excessive heat advisory from Tuesday Afternoon through Saturday, with heat index values rising into triple digits.

Extreme heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

In talking with the Goshen Public Library and First Light Mission, the City of Goshen has designated the library, 601 S. Purl Street, and First Light Mission, 801 Wilkinson Street, as cooling centers during these extreme weather events. Individuals can go to the library to cool down and escape the heat. Individuals can use the Library during its regular business hours, which are below.

First Light Mission is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will provide a safe, cool place for those exposed to the elements and welcome those in need with open arms while also ensuring the privacy of residents and their families.

  • Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The NWS recommends being prepared to drink plenty of fluids and staying in an air-conditioned room or out of the sun if possible.

Additionally, Mayor Gina Leichty asked residents to look after one another. “Please check on your friends, family, neighbors, the homeless, and the elderly during this time of extreme heat,” she said. “If you know of anyone in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to call for help.”

If you need assistance checking in on someone, please contact Officer James Ballard at 574-536-1790. If you need transportation to a cooling center, contact the Goshen Police Department at 574-533-4151. Please call 911 if you have an emergency.

Kerry’s Kids Annual Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon returns July 6

Kids are once again invited to join in on the fun at the Kerry’s Kids annual Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon on Saturday, July 6, 2024, beginning at 8 a.m. in Shanklin Park. Participants ages 5-18 are welcome to compete in this professionally chip-timed race. New this year, kids in the 13-18 age group can now enter as a team of 2-3 participants.

While some of the participants are competitive in nature, the emphasis of the event is primarily on the accomplishment of finishing the race. Parents are invited to participate with their children during the run portion of the race to show their support and to be actively involved in their children’s steps toward healthy lifestyles.

The distances of each portion are based on the age of the participant, pre-teen or teen. Pre-teen racers will swim 25 meters (one length of Shanklin Pool), bike 1 mile, and run ½ mile. Teens (ages 13–18) will swim for 75 meters (three lengths of Shanklin Pool), bike 1.5 miles, and run 1.5 miles. Each participant completes all three portions of the race consecutively. There is also a category for non-swimmers, which is a category for those needing a life jacket to swim 25 meters; life jackets are mandatory for this category.

Registration is $30 per child, and team rates are $20 per child. Parents can register their children online or in person at the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department, 524 E. Jackson St. Registration is open through July 5.

Start times for each age group are below:

  • Age 13 – 18 (individual and team relays): 8 a.m.
  • Age 9 – 12: 8:30 a.m.
  • Ages 5 – 8: 9:30 a.m.

Packet pickup will be held on Wednesday, June 26, at the Park Office from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. The Parks Department will not be conducting bike and helmet inspections this year. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child’s equipment is safe for the event. 

To register, visit goshenindiana.org/triathlons.

Public Notice: High Park Avenue Reconstruction – 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 reconstruction of the High Park Avenue and Woodward Place roadways.

The project is located between S Main Street (SR 15) on the east and Gra-Roy Drive on the west and north. It is located in the NE 1/4 of Section 21, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will either flow into roadside swales where it will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the west or flow into the existing combined sewer system.

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

Make a splash at Goshen Parks and Rec’s Pop-Up Water Park

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Pop-Up Water Park at Pringle Park, 1912 W Lincoln Avenue, on Saturday, June 22, for an afternoon of endless fun for the whole family.

Wristbands are $10 and can be purchased online ahead of the event or onsite at the event. The pop-up event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and food vendors will be on-site for an additional cost. 

For more information, visit the registration page or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 574-534-2901.

City of Goshen’s 2024 Pavement Preservation Program will begin Monday June 10th

Beginning on Monday, June 10th, 2024, RejuvTec Inc., will begin the City of Goshen’s pavement preservation program by treating roads with Reclamite®.  

Reclamite ®is a rejuvenating fog seal that will be applied to the streets listed below. RejuvTec will be working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Expect traffic control with some lane restrictions and minimal disruption to traffic in the following areas.

ROAD TREATEDFROMTO
6/10/24 – North and South Eisenhower Dr. Dierdorff Rd.Dierdorff Rd.
6/10/24 – Westwood Rd.Gra-Roy Dr.S. Main St.
6/11/24 – S. 16th St.College Ave.E. Plymouth Ave.
6/11/24 – East. Douglas and East  ReynoldsU.S. 33 (Lincolnway East)U.S. 33 (Lincolnway East)
6/11/24 – S. 16th St.E. Douglas St.E. Reynolds St.
6/11/24 – S. 16th St.E. Reynolds St.Egbert Ave.
6/12/24 – Fescue Ct.Michigan Ave.Cul-de-sac
6/12/24 – Mayfield Dr.Greene Rd.Bashor Rd.
6/12/24 – S. Indiana Ave.W. Plymouth Ave.500 Feet North of Indiana Ave.

This process will help restore the asphalt pavement, eliminate cracking and potholes, reduce road fatigue, and slow the oxidation process. This technology is designed to extend the life of pavement.

Application Process:

  • Traffic and all parked vehicles must be off the scheduled roadway by 8:00 a.m.
  • The contractor will close the road to apply the treatment.
  • Sand will be applied, and the road will then be cleared for traffic.  Do not drive on the road until after the sand has been applied because the road will be slick, and oil can get on vehicles. 
  • Please keep vehicle speed to a minimum for several days following treatment to reduce the chance of residue on vehicles. 
  • In case of inclement weather or water on the roads, work scheduled for that day will be moved to the following day.
  • If residue gets on driveways, you may wash it with water or let it wear off in approximately two to six weeks.  If residue gets on a vehicle, wash it immediately with soap and water or use a mild solvent remover such as Bug and Tar Remover, WD-40, etc. 

For additional questions, please contact the Street Department at 574-534-9711 or streets@goshencity.com.

Environmental Resilience Department plants food forest in partnership with Maple City Health Care Center

Last month the Department of Environmental Resilience and its AmeriCorps members worked with Maple City Health Care Center’s (MCHCC) Vista location to plant a small community food forest for the patients and staff.

The Vista Food Forest presents a unique opportunity for our community to learn about sustainable gardening, acquire valuable agricultural skills, and support our local food system. By promoting food sovereignty, the Vista Food Forest will engage community members in small-scale garden cultivation. Ultimately, the Vista Food Forest will foster local garden planning, propagation, soil/water management, and local food production while enriching the community.

“Working with Maple City Health Care Center on this food forest project was truly a delight. I’m excited to see the forest mature and the effect it is going to have on Vista’s patients and staff,” said Levi Moser, an Environmental Resilience AmeriCorps volunteer. “Hopefully, this project will encourage more people to see the possibilities they have to grow plants in their own backyards.”

Food forests are organized differently than typical gardens. Instead of planting in rows or beds, food forests are organized by layers. Typically, a food forest comprises seven layers that support each other differently:

  1. The canopy layer, large fruit and nut trees
  2. The understory layer, dwarf fruit trees
  3. The shrub layer, raspberries, blueberries, honeyberries, etc.
  4. The herbaceous layer, herbs and flowers
  5. The ground cover layer, strawberries, and small herbs
  6. The vine layer, grapes
  7. The root layer, carrots, and tubers.

To begin the project, a section of grass was cleared. Then, a diverse array of more than 30 varieties of edible herbs, shrubs, and trees were planted to mimic how plants grow in the wild. Ultimately, this growing method will require less labor than a traditional garden.

 As the trees mature, the canopy of the food forest will be comprised of pecan and eastern redbud trees, offering the other plants cover from the peak of the sun’s heat. The understory is bustling with multiple raspberry, fig, blueberry, and honeyberry bushes, which are crucial in attracting pollinators. At ground level, herbs such as peppermint, oregano, and thyme are ready to suppress weeds as the forest matures, ensuring a healthy and thriving ecosystem.  

Of the 30+ plants in the food forest, several were annuals planted in the hopes that they would reseed themselves over the following years. Squash and pumpkins were especially attractive for this food forest because they will work with the herbs to suppress weeds as they spread along the ground.