In conjunction with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce’s “Beautify Goshen” Week, the Goshen Street Department will offer additional disposal services from Saturday, April 27, to Saturday, May 4, to assist city residents in their “Beautify Goshen” tasks.

This free service is only available during this eight-day period, and there is no limit to the quantity of items that may be disposed of. Residents must make arrangements to transport items to the Goshen Street Department, 475 Steury Avenue. There will be no curbside pickup. Because this free service is paid for by the tax dollars of Goshen City residents, only City residents are allowed to dispose of items. IDs will be checked to verify residency.

Hours of operation:

• Saturday, April 27: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, April 28: CLOSED
• Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 3: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To keep prohibited items from entering the waste stream, the Street Department will have a crew member on hand at all times to monitor the items being accepted. Items that can be disposed of are:

• Non-hazardous waste such as furniture, carpeting, lumber, drywall, metal and vinyl siding, windows, fiberglass insulation, mattresses, stoves, landscape, timber, bricks, etc.
• White goods, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, dehumidifiers, etc. (The Freon does not have to be removed)
• Electronic waste, such as computers, home phones, televisions, etc.
• Tires up to 16 1/2″, either on or off their rims

The following items are not accepted:

• Pesticides or herbicides (insect or weed killers)
• Unlabeled drums containing any substance
• Sealed pressurized containers (propane tanks, etc.)
• Paint thinners, oil base or water base paint
• Brush and yard waste
• Asbestos insulation
• Contaminated soil

During the other 51 weeks of the year, Goshen residents may place one or two large items per month with their regular weekly trash for removal. (This does not include electronics, old tube-type televisions, cooling appliances containing Freon, or any of the items not accepted in the Beautify Goshen disposal.) You will need to contact Borden Waste-Away two days before your normal pick-up day to arrange for the pick-up. Contact Borden Waste-Away at (574) 293-5001 for details of the year-long, large-item disposal.

All city offices will be closed on Friday, March 29 in observance of Good Friday.

Trash collection will NOT be affected by the holiday this week.

Goshen Parks and Recreation’s Discovery Day Camp registration is now open!

This summer day camp is a fun and exciting summertime camp for children ages 5-12. The camp runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and begins June 3 and will be staffed through August 9.

All Discovery Day Campers will enjoy the Shanklin Pool on a regular basis as well as other park department summer activities including art camp and the Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon. All summer activities are designed to introduce campers to new activities or expand existing interests, all the while experiencing new life skills. Each of the 10 weeks of camp has its own theme, during which campers participate in games, activities, and off-campus field trips related to that week’s theme.

Registration details

• Fee for Goshen residents: $100 per week + $15 one-time registration fee
• Fee for non-residents: $120 per week and $15 one-time registration fee
• Additional Required Camp Activities: Martial Arts $30, Art Camp $40, and Triathlon $20
• The registration fee, first week’s tuition, and additional Kids’ & Teens’ Triathlon fee must be paid upon registration
• Please bring the following items to register: Driver’s License Number for the parent/guardian and any individuals authorized to pick up your child from camp
• Parents can either register in person at the Goshen Parks & Recreation Department Office (524 E Jackson St.) or online.

Camp enrollment is limited, so parents/guardians are encouraged to register children early to ensure their space is reserved.

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

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is once again hiring for a variety of summer positions, including Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors.

Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors must be at least 16 years of age and possess the following certifications: American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. Swim Lesson Instructors must also have the following certifications: Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers. Lifeguards are paid $17.84/hr, and Swim Lesson Instructors are paid $19.55/hr.

If you are interested in being a Swim Lesson Instructor but are not certified, you can become certified by taking classes at the Goshen Aquatic Center. Visit the Goshen Aquatic Center website for more information and to register for classes.

Applications can be found at goshenindiana.org/hr-opportunities. Complete applications can be submitted online or emailed to kimberleestephens@goshencity.com.

Below is the full list of open positions and their job descriptions:

• Pool Director
• Assistant Pool Director
• Swim Lesson Instructor
• Lifeguard
• Pool Cashier
• Custodian
• Fidler Pond Attendant
• Landscaping
• Mower
• Discovery Day Camp Program Director
• Discovery Day Camp Assistant Program Director
• Discovery Day Camp Program Leader

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.