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.

Goshen Water Utility Shares Tips to Prevent Frozen Water Lines

With colder weather approaching, the Goshen Water Utility is here to help residents and businesses protect their water lines from freezing. While current conditions don’t call for a Freeze Warning, the Utility encourages everyone to take proactive steps to avoid frozen or burst pipes and ensure uninterrupted water service this winter.

One simple way to reduce the risk of freezing is to leave a faucet running in a small stream about the size of a pencil lead. Flowing water is less likely to freeze, especially in homes or businesses with plumbing that’s prone to cold-weather issues.

Additional steps to safeguard your pipes include:

  • Insulating exposed pipes to keep them warm.
  • Sealing off sources of cold air near water lines, such as cracks or gaps in walls.
  • Checking vulnerable areas, like basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and water lines along outside walls.
  • Opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes located near outside walls.

“In Goshen, we know how important it is to keep your water flowing, no matter how cold it gets,” said Water and Sewer Superintendent Marv Sheperd. “By taking these simple precautions, you can protect your pipes, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your family has access to safe, reliable water all winter long.”

In past years, the Utility has issued Freeze Warnings during severe weather, asking residents to run water from a single faucet and offering billing adjustments for increased usage. Since current conditions do not warrant a warning, billing adjustments are not available at this time. However, the Utility will closely monitor local frost levels and keep residents informed if further action becomes necessary.

Updates will be shared through the City’s website at goshenindiana.org, and the City of Goshen’s official Facebook page.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Goshen Water Utility at 574-534-5306 or waterseweroffice@goshencity.com

Goshen Parks and Recreation Hosts Hearts Aglow Family Valentine’s Dance

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department invites families to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special Hearts Aglow Family Valentine’s Dance on Tuesday, February 13, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Families are encouraged to bring their loved ones to enjoy an evening of dancing, dinner, and fun. Admission includes a catered dinner, dessert, and drinks. Guests can also capture the memories of the night with professional photos available for an additional $20. The cost for the event is $15 per person, and it is open to individuals ages 2 and up.

The Hearts Aglow Family Valentine’s Dance is a perfect way to celebrate love and family while creating lasting memories. Parents and children alike will enjoy the lively music and glowing Valentine’s ambiance.

Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at https://secure.rec1.com/IN/goshen-parks-and-recreation-in/catalog.

For more information about the dance and other upcoming events, contact Goshen Parks and Recreation at 574-534-2901 or visit goshenindiana.org/parks-rec.

Local Shelters, Mental Health Support, and Resources Offer Warm Refuge During Impending Cold Weather

GOSHEN, Ind. – As temperatures are expected to drop significantly in the coming days, several local organizations and public spaces are stepping up to provide warm, safe shelter and mental health support for those in need.
Residents in need are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to ensure their safety during the extreme cold.
Available Shelter Options:

  • Faith Mission of Michiana Address: 801 Benham Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516 Contact: (574) 293-3406 Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year Services: Emergency overnight shelter, day shelter, hot meals, and support services
  • First Light Mission Address: 801 W Wilkinson St, Goshen, IN 46528 Contact: (574) 534-2300 Hours: Open 24/7 Services: Warm refuge for homeless families, weather-related event shelter
  • The Window Address: 223 S Main St, Goshen, IN 46526 Contact: (574) 533-9680 Hours:
    • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
    • Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Services: Warm meals through “Katie’s Kitchen,” food pantry
  • Goshen Public Library Address: 601 South 5th Street, Goshen, IN 46526 Contact: (574) 533-9531 Hours:
    • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 1 – 8 p.m.
    • Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Services: Warm space during business hours

Mental Health Support:

  • Oaklawn Crisis Center Address: 330 Lakeview Drive, Entrance A, Goshen, IN 46528 Contact: (574) 533-1234 Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Services: Immediate mental health support and care connections
  • Oaklawn Mobile Crisis Response Team Contact: (574) 533-1234, option 1 Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Services: On-site support for individuals experiencing a crisis

Transportation and Crisis Assistance:

  • Goshen Police Department Non-Emergency Contact Number: (574) 533-4151 Services: Transportation to shelters and crisis support

For Immediate Crisis or Emergency Assistance:

  • Dial 988 for mental health or substance use crises. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides immediate, confidential support 24/7.
  • Dial 911 in case of an emergency or if immediate danger is present. Emergency responders are available 24/7.

Residents are urged to share this information with anyone who may be at risk due to the cold weather. These organizations are committed to ensuring no one faces the elements without shelter and support.
 

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Media Contact:
Amanada Guzman
Communications Manager
Amandaguzman@goshencity.com
O: (574) 537.3883

2024: A Year in Review for the City of Goshen

As the year draws to a close, we’re proud to reflect on the incredible progress our community has made in 2024. Here are some of the highlights:

Improving Infrastructure
Our Water Service Line Inventory project was a major milestone, ensuring safer, cleaner water for our residents. The City staff’s dedication to protecting public health and embracing forward-thinking solutions made this effort a success.

The City’s Engineering Department, in partnership with the Water and Sewer Department, has used utility records, home visits, self-reporting and online surveys to determine the material of over 50% of Goshen’s service lines—serving more than 6,000 households.  

Enhancing Green Spaces
2024 saw significant improvements in our parks and greenways. From new playground installations to trail expansions, we’re committed to fostering a community that prioritizes outdoor recreation and well-being.

Modernizing Transportation
We continued to invest in road and sidewalk improvements to make traveling in Goshen safer and more efficient. Thank you for your patience during construction season as we worked toward these long-term benefits!

Supporting Arts and Culture
The arts were alive and thriving this year! From the First Fridays events downtown to new public art installations to the River Bend Film Festival , we’ve continued to celebrate creativity and community.

Economic Growth
Goshen welcomed several new businesses this year, bringing jobs and opportunities to our city. Local businesses are the heart of our economy, and we’re proud to support their growth.

Community Engagement
Thank you to everyone who joined us for public meetings, volunteered for City projects, or simply reached out to share feedback. Your input drives our progress and helps make Goshen a better place for everyone.

As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to building a strong, connected, and thriving community. Thank you, Goshen, for being the reason our city continues to shine. Here’s to an even brighter future!

Carter Rd. Boil Water Advisory

We want to inform residents of Carter Rd. that a boil water advisory is currently in effect. This means you should boil all water intended for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene for at least one minute before use.

This precautionary measure is being taken to ensure the safety of our community due to a possible contamination in the water supply.

What You Need to Know:

  • Duration: The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Updates will be provided once testing confirms the water is safe to use.
  • What to Do: Boil all tap water before drinking or cooking. Alternatively, you can use bottled water.
  • Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 574-534-5306.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to resolve this issue.

Dec Leaf Pickup Continues

The Goshen Street Department has begun its 2024 fall leaf pickup and will continue collecting leaves through early December. This last round of leaf pickup began Monday December 9th and will continue through the following weeks.

There is no set schedule for leaf collection. Crews follow a rotating route through the city until all leaves are picked up.

Here are some tips to keep streets clean and free of water during leaf collection:

  • Rake leaves into long piles on the grass next to the street or sidewalk beside the curb, no more than 6 feet from the curb.
    • For the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, if you must pile leaves on the sidewalk, leave as wide a walking path as possible.
  • Keep leaves out of the street.
    • Piles of leaves interfere with traffic.
    • Later in the fall, if it snows, snowplows will drive through the leaf piles, potentially pushing leaves back into yards.
  • Residents and property owners with storm drains in front of their properties should keep the drains clear of leaves. This reduces the chance of water backing up on city streets.
  • When you’re done raking, spraying the piles with water can help prevent them from blowing away during high winds.
  • Bagged leaves will be collected, but it significantly slows citywide collection. Crews must empty the bags to vacuum up the leaves, and the bags will be left on the property.
  • Do not place leaves in alleys; they will not be removed.
  • Do not mix sticks, twigs, or other trash into leaf piles. These items can damage vacuum equipment and slow down the collection process.

Final Lower Elkhart River Watershed Public Meeting

Join the Elkhart River Restoration Association (ERRA) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Schrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park (411 W. Plymouth Ave) for an informational meeting on what was learned during the two-year project to update the Lower Elkhart River Watershed Management Plan.

The ERRA will be joined by Arion Consultants to update the public on the health of the Lower Elkhart River Watershed, share what was learned, and share information on the next steps to continue improving the health of the Elkhart River Watershed.

Completing the Lower Elkhart River Watershed Management Plan will achieve the ERRA’s goal of providing a current Watershed Management Plan for the entire Elkhart River Watershed, which will provide a foundation for future projects to build on.

For more information on the work of the ERRA and to read the Upper Watershed Management Plan completed at the end of 2023, and the draft version of the Lower Elkhart Management Plan, visit www.ElkhartRiver.org.

Registration is requested, but not required, for the meeting. RSVP at bit.ly/LowElkFinalMtg24 or scan the QR code below.

Indiana Avenue Recycling Center Updated Hours of Operation Starting December 2

We’re updating our hours to better serve you! Beginning Monday, December 2, our new schedule will be as follows:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

These changes are designed to provide more convenient access during the week while allowing us to maintain the quality service you’ve come to expect.