In response to the distribution of racist fliers by a Kentucky-based chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in Goshen neighborhoods this past weekend, Mayor Gina Leichty has issued a statement reaffirming the city’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, respect, and the safety of all residents:.
To our Goshen... more
The City of Goshen, Indiana, is soliciting sealed proposals until December 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (local time) for the above-referenced purchase in accordance with the detailed specifications included in the Specification and Contract Documents.
Specifications and Contract Documents for this purchase... more
The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the holiday season with events throughout the next two months, including a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. at Schrock Pavillion, 411 W Plymouth Ave.
Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to enjoy a full... more
To view the webinar, please copy and paste this link on your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89051557762 Or call: (301) 715-8592 or 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 890 5155 7762
The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the holiday season with events throughout the next two months, including a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. at Schrock Pavillion, 411 W Plymouth Ave.
Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to enjoy a full Essenhaus breakfast buffet and Christmas crafts. Santa, his elf, and Rudolph will be available for photo ops and to meet kids. The event will end with a story time with Santa. Pre-registration is required and costs $15 per person. Children under 2 are free.
Kids are also encouraged to participate in the Parks Department’s Letters with Santa program. Starting Nov. 11, Kids can mail or drop off their letters to Santa at the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department, 524 E. Jackson St. In order to receive a response sent to their home, the letter must postmarked by December 5, include a full mailing address, and be printed neatly.
Goshen Parks and Recreation is also celebrating the holiday season by bringing back its Goshen’s Night of Lights. Beginning Thanksgiving night, the community is invited to visit Shanklin Park for a Christmas light show. The light is free and open to the public every night from 5 to 10 p.m., from Nov. 28 through Jan. 1, 2025.
The Goshen Fire Department celebrated a significant transition in leadership Friday night with a formal Change of Command ceremony, honoring retiring Chief Dan Sink’s 43 years of service and welcoming incoming Chief Anthony Powell.
Held at the historic Goshen Theater, the event drew family members, elected officials, former chiefs, and local dignitaries, who filled the venue to pay tribute to Chief Sink and witness Chief Powell’s swearing-in. Chief Sink, who served as the department’s leader for 19 years, was recognized for his considerable contributions to the community.
At 5:25 p.m., the command staff, official party, and Goshen Honor Guard took the stage. The ceremony began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by vocalist Stephanie Berry, accompanied by the Goshen High School Orchestra.
Event emcee Vince Turner introduced Chaplain Greg Lanzen, who delivered an invocation, setting a reverent tone before the ceremony shifted to honoring Chief Sink.
Former Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman talked about Sink’s character while in command, followed by a heartfelt tribute from current Mayor Gina Leichty. The Honor Guard then presented Chief Sink with a commemorative flag that had flown over City Hall earlier that day.
Reflecting on his decades of service, Chief Sink expressed his pride and gratitude.
“For a Goshen-born kid, it has been an honor and privilege for me to be a firefighter/paramedic and serve the community where I was raised,” he said. “I am proud of what together all of us at GFD has accomplished, and I’m excited for our department’s future under the Command of Fire Chief Anthony Powell.”
Mayor Leichty administered the oath of office to Chief Powell, whose daughter, Teagan, spoke on behalf of their family. Powell thanked Mayor Leichty for the opportunity, acknowledging Chief Sink’s legacy, calling him a mentor and friend who has built a strong foundation for the department that he intends to build upon.”
“Our mission is to positively impact our community through service,” he said of his vision. “This mission will guide everything we do. We are here not just to respond to emergencies, but to make a lasting difference in the lives we touch.”
In a symbolic gesture of continuity, both Chief Sink and Chief Powell conducted a ceremonial notification call to dispatch, reinforcing the department’s enduring dedication to service.
Chief Sink, who joined the Goshen Fire Department in 1981, served as a Parkview Samaritan flight paramedic from 1991 to 2010 and became chief in 2005.
Powell joined the Goshen Fire Department in 2004 after working as a volunteer firefighter in Middlebury. He rose through the ranks to become a fire sergeant but left the department temporarily to care for his children. He returned full-time in 2018 and was named assistant fire chief in 2021. He and his wife Tara have two children.
The City of Goshen Offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veteran’s Day. All trash and recycling services will continue as normal.
Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink with Travis Clary from the Indiana State EMS Commission
Retiring Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink received Indiana’s State EMS Director’s Award on Thursday, recognizing his 43 years of service with the department.
Travis Clary, EMS manager for State EMS Districts 1 and 2, presented the award in Mayor Gina Leichty’s office on behalf of State EMS Director Kraig Kinney of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
“Danny is recognized for his service to the fire community, and for advancing EMS throughout Indiana,” the plaque read. “(He) is a respected EMS provider and contributes to the state narrative.”
Sink joined the Goshen Fire Department in 1981 and served as a Parkview Samaritan flight paramedic within the Department from 1991 to 2010. He became chief in 2005 after serving as assistant chief and EMS chief.
“Chief Sink’s leadership and experience will be missed greatly,” Mayor Leichty said.
Last month, Sink was also named Indiana Fire Chief of the Year. He will retire Nov. 8, passing command to Assistant Chief Anthony Powell.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, new regulations governing the operation of golf carts and off-road vehicles (ORVs) on Goshen’s streets take effect under recently approved Ordinances 5192 and 5184. These regulations are designed to enhance safety and ensure compliance with local traffic laws.
Ordinance 5192 permits golf cart use on highways within city jurisdiction, with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. Golf carts must be equipped with a rear-view mirror, headlights, taillights, turn signals, seatbelts, an orange safety flag, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem. Operators must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and insurance. Permits are required, with an application fee of $50, and temporary permits for special events are available upon approval.
To obtain a permit, golf cart inspections will be offered at the Central Fire Station, 209 N. 3rd St., during regular business hours on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Inspections are also available at the Goshen Police Department, 111 E. Jefferson St., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Ordinance 5184 regulates ORV operation on specific Goshen highways and city streets. ORVs are limited to designated areas with speed limits compatible with off-road safety. Required safety features include headlights, taillights and brake lights. Operators must also be at least 16, hold a valid driver’s license, and meet minimum insurance requirements. Violations for both golf carts and ORVs carry fines starting at $175, with increased penalties for repeated offenses.
“Safety is our top priority,” Mayor Gina Leichty said. “These regulations help ensure the well-being of our residents while accommodating alternative forms of transportation.”
Stop by Mayor Gina’s Office in City Hall during Trick or Treat Mainstreet from 2-5 p.m. on Halloween, Thursday, October 31. Continue your route across the street to the Goshen Utilities building, followed by an opportunity to take pictures with Chase and Marshall – honorary members of the Goshen Police and Fire departments at the Goshen Police Station.
The Goshen Chamber of Commerce organizes the event, and participating stores will have orange signs on their windows. Check out their Facebook event for more details and a list of participating businesses.
See you from 2 – 5 p.m. on Halloween Thursday, October 31, for a day full of Treats and no Tricks!
On Friday, October 25, a boil order was issued for Nebraska and Colorado Drive. The affected addresses are below:
407 Colorado Drive
711 Nebraska Drive
804 Nebraska Drive
805 Nebraska Drive
807 Nebraska Drive
300 Block of Nebraska Drive
It is recommended that all cooking and drinking water be brought to a complete boil for five minutes before use. Please continue to boil all cooking and drinking water until notified 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.
As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s essential to stay informed about the status of park restroom facilities in your area. Remember to check the park’s specific hours of operation, as these may vary. Keeping this information in mind will help you plan your outdoor activities with ease during the fall and winter months.
The Unheated Park Restrooms Are Closed for the Season
First and foremost, please note that the unheated park restrooms are now closed for the season. As the colder weather sets in, these facilities are temporarily shut down for maintenance and safety reasons. But don’t worry, there are still options available for your convenience.
Heated Restroom Facilities
For those who prefer the comfort of heated restrooms, there are two locations you can count on throughout the season:
Abshire Cabin (1302 E. Lincoln Ave): This charming cabin offers a heated restroom facility for your comfort. It’s a great option for those visiting the park in the vicinity of E. Lincoln Ave.
Shanklin Park Warming Building (near the pond) (411 W. Plymouth Ave): Located near the picturesque pond, this warming building houses a heated restroom facility. Enjoy the scenic views and warmth during your park visit.
Portable Restrooms
In addition to the heated facilities, there are portable restroom locations available for your convenience at the following sites:
Shoup Parsons/Goshen Dam (755 Fair Oaks Dr): If you’re exploring the beautiful Shoup Parsons/Goshen Dam area, you’ll find portable restrooms here to cater to your needs.
Pumpkinvine Trail (near CR 28): Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the Pumpkinvine Trail, you can access portable restrooms near CR 28.
Oakridge Park Area (Wilden Ave. Trail at 1st Street): Enjoy the natural beauty of Oakridge Park and its surroundings while knowing there are convenient portable restrooms nearby.
Fidler Pond Park (1424 Lincolnway E): If you’re spending time at Fidler Pond Park, you can rely on the availability of portable restrooms for a comfortable experience.
We want you to make the most of the beautiful outdoor spaces in our community while staying comfortable and prepared for the changing seasons. So, don’t let the cold weather deter you – embrace the beauty of fall and winter in your local parks.
The Goshen Street Department has begun its 2024 fall leaf pickup and will continue collecting leaves through early December.
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.
