Author Archives: Hannah Scott-Carter

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.

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.

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

Trash services continue to operate on slide schedule for New Year’s Day

The City of Goshen reminds residents that trash and recycling services will be delayed one day next week due to New Year’s Day on Monday, January 1st, 2024. Normal trash service will resume on Monday, January 8. The trash schedule for the week of January 1 is below:

  • Residents with normal pickup on Monday will have service Tuesday, January 2.  
  • Residents with normal pickup on Tuesday will have service Wednesday, January 3.
  • Residents with normal pickup on Wednesday will have service Thursday, January 4.
  • Residents with normal pickup on Thursday will have service Friday, January 5.
  • Residents with normal pickup on Friday will have service Saturday, January 6.

For more information on trash collection visit goshenindiana.org/trash-collection.

Newly elected officials sworn into office

Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty was sworn into office today, December 27, along with all other newly elected city officials.

All officials included in the official swearing-in ceremony were Mayor Leichty, Clerk-Treasurer Richard Aguirre, City Judge Richard Mehl, and City Councilors Don Reigsecker, District 1; Doug Nisley, District 2; Matt Schrock, District 3; Megan Peel, District 4; Phil Lederach, District 5; Brett Weddell, At-large; and Linda Gerber, At-large.  

“This team of councilors is a mixture of both veterans and new members who are bringing fresh perspectives and decades of community connections, and I know all of them are eager to serve Goshen,” said Mayor Leichty. “I’ve always been inspired by Goshen’s ability and dedication to working in a bipartisan way for the good of our community, and I have full faith this tradition will continue with this group of elected officials.”

The swearing-in ceremony occurred after a brief final council meeting to wrap up necessary year-end financial business.

Outgoing Councilors Gilberto Perez Jr., District 5, and Julia King, At-large, were thanked for their service to Goshen and presented with Keys to the City during the council meeting on December 18.

Calling all kids!

We’re searching for civic-minded Goshen kids interested in joining Mayor Leichty to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of council meetings. Council meetings occur on the second and fourth Mondays of the month and begin at 6 p.m.

If you know of a child who would be interested, fill out this form, and someone will be in contact with you.

Live Christmas tree pick-up begins in January

The Street Department will once again pick up live Christmas trees starting January 2, 2024, and will continue until Monday, February 2, 2024. 

Trees must be placed in front of homes by the curb, but not in the street or alley. Live trees must be free of ornaments, lights, and tinsel. Street department crews will make rounds throughout the City to collect trees. Do not place artificial trees or other decorations at the curb.

The trees will be chipped for composting at the Goshen Environmental Center. Live Christmas trees can also be taken to the Environmental Center at 20100 County Road 21 for disposal.

This program is weather-dependent, as the crews picking up the trees are the same ones who plow city streets.

For more information, contact the Goshen Street Department at 574.534.9711 or streets@goshencity.com.

All city offices closed on December 25, 26 and January 1

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our homes to yours! Remember that all City Offices will be closed on December 25, 26, and January 1 in observance of the holiday. City Hall will also be closed from December 27-29. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and laughter with those who matter most.

Trash services delayed one day for Christmas holiday

The City of Goshen reminds residents that trash and recycling services will be delayed one day next week due to the Christmas holiday on Monday, December 25th. Trash service will continue to be delayed one day the week of January 1 due to New Year’s Day. Normal service will resume on Monday, January 8. The schedule for the week of December 25 is below:

  • Residents with normal pickup on Monday will have service Tuesday, December 26.
  • Residents with normal pickup on Tuesday will have service Wednesday, December 27.
  • Residents with normal pickup on Wednesday will have service Thursday, December 28
  • Residents with normal pickup on Thursday will have service Friday, December 29.
  • Residents with normal pickup on Friday will have service Saturday, December 30.

For more information on trash collection visit goshenindiana.org/trash-collection.

Friendly PSA: How to dispose of special waste during the holiday season

‘Tis the season full of cooking, gift wrapping, and new toys. With many households producing a little more waste in the coming weeks, we wanted to take some time and remind residents how they can properly dispose of some of the more unique kinds of waste that occur during the holidays.

Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.s), oh my!

Did you know that anything you dispose of through your kitchen sink makes it into the City’s sewer system? That’s one of the many reasons F.O.G.s should not be put down your kitchen sink. Not only will it cause problems for our municipal sewer system, but it can also clog up your household drains and pipes. Instead of sending F.O.G.s down the drain, below are a few alternative disposal options:

  • Pour F.O.G.s into a sturdy container and let harden. Dispose of it in a trash can. (Bonus points if the container is repurposed or recycled!).
  • Scrape hardened F.O.G.s straight into a trash can.
  • Use paper towels to soak up F.O.G.s from used dishes before washing.

Wrapping paper and ribbons galore

Before you put all your wrapping paper in the recycling bin, make sure to take a look at the design. Any paper that is glittery, metallic, or uses foil is likely not recyclable. If you’re not 100% sure, scrunch it into a ball. Does it stay scrunched? If yes, it can be recycled. If it flattens back out or unfolds, it likely can’t be recycled. Any tape, bows, or ribbon should be removed from the paper and thrown away before it hits the recycling bin.

I upgraded electronics; now what?

Did you get an upgraded electronic as a Christmas gift? If you’re getting rid of old electronics, make sure to recycle them properly. If you’re unsure where to recycle e-waste, check out the City’s household hazardous waste page for more info on local resources.