Author Archives: Hannah Scott-Carter

City of Goshen awarded state volunteerism award

The Environmental Resilience Department poses with the award. Back L to R: Lee Bergey; Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, Director of Environmental Resilience; Levi Moser. Front L to R: Theresa Sailor, Education Grant Writer; Melanie Helmuth, Urban Forestry Assistant; Acadia Imhof; Alexa Kennel; Brandi Devoe, Office Assistant; Anna Osborne.

Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty accepted the Government Entity Volunteerism Award on behalf of the City of Goshen during the 2023 Serve Indiana Awards for Excellence Ceremony on Wednesday, November 15. Mayor Leichty presented the award to the Department of Environmental Resilience on Friday, December 1.

“I want to thank the Department of Environmental Resilience and all of our AmeriCorps volunteers, past and present, for pushing Goshen forward and modeling the impact of volunteerism,” said Mayor Leichty.

The Government Entity Volunteerism Award recognizes any local or state government entity that has substantially impacted Hoosier communities through contributions of time and talent during the 2023 calendar year, demonstrating an ongoing community impact through volunteerism or philanthropy.

The City of Goshen was nominated and selected for this award largely for its successful partnership with the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) and the AmeriCorps program.

The partnership between MACOG, AmeriCorps, and the Environmental Resilience Department began in 2022 when the city hosted two AmeriCorps members, Shae Dirks and Acadia Imhof. In this federal program, individuals commit to a year of service in their community, earning a modest living allowance, health care, and an education award in exchange. The City is hosting three full-time and two part-time AmeriCorps members this year: Lee Bergey, Acadia Imhof, Alexa Kennel, Anna Osborne, and Levi Moser.

Over the two-year partnership, AmeriCorps volunteers have served over 9,800 hours on a dozen projects focused on community sustainability and public health, including organizing a women’s bike ride, designing and installing a rain garden, surveying trails to assess necessary repairs, and preparing over 700 trees to give away as part of Arbor Day.

Beyond partnering with MACOG and AmeriCorps, city staff regularly promote volunteer opportunities for the public, such as tree plantings, food events, and local clean-ups.

About Serve Indiana

Serve Indiana is a division of the Department of Workforce Development for the State of Indiana. The mission of Serve Indiana is to advance service and volunteerism by informing, connecting, and promoting opportunities and resources that enrich the lives of Hoosiers. This is accomplished through several programs and initiatives, including AmeriCorps State Funding, Day of Service Grants, and the Awards for Excellence.

Goshen Parks’ Nights of Lights event returns to Shanklin Park

The City of Goshen Parks & Recreation Department will kick off its Goshen Nights of Lights event at Shanklin Park on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23.

“We’re excited to bring back the event to Shanklin Park this season,” said Parks Superintendent Tanya Heyde. “This is an event many families enjoy and look forward to, and we hope many more take the opportunity to create new fun memories at this year’s drive-through, bike-through, or walk-through light show.”

Started last year, Goshen Nights of Lights is a celebration of the holiday season full of animated light silhouettes, walk-through silhouettes, and tree wrappings. The event will run from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. daily through New Year’s Day.  

City of Goshen cuts ribbon on newly reconstructed Wilden Avenue 

Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty was joined by Dustin Sailor, Director of Public Works and other city and community partners to celebrate the opening of West Wilden Avenue on Friday, November 17.  

“I’m continually grateful to Dustin and the entire engineering department for their dedication to bringing much-needed improvements to our City’s infrastructure as they did here at Wilden Avenue,” said Mayor Leichty. “Roadways and sidewalks are part of our everyday lives, so it’s important to continue to invest in projects like this one.” 

This $7.3 million project includes new pavement with curbs and gutters, new sidewalks, construction of a new storm sewer, and realignment and widening of Wilden Avenue at State Road 15. For the neighborhood, one of the most significant changes is the sidewalk; taking this entire stretch of walkway from one of the worst in the city to one of the best. 

The project, designed by Abonmarche, completed by Rieth Riley Construction Co., and inspected by DLZ Corporation, improves pedestrian safety and mobility, asphalt pavement, traffic flow, truck access at the intersection of Wilden Avenue and State Road 15, and drainage.  

Planning for this project began several years ago. and was considered a high priority due to it having some of the worst-rated sidewalks in the City and drainage issues tracing back to the 1960s. Construction was completed in two phases beginning in March from Rock Run Creek to 1st Street and then 1st Street to State Road 15. Last year, the City reconstructed East Wilden Avenue from State Road 15 to 5th Street.  

Assistant Chief of Police Shawn Turner honored at First Light Mission banquet 

R to L: Jasmine Moorehead, First Light Mission (FLM) Communications Director; Brad Rhoade, FLM Board Member; Laura Rhoade, FLM Board Member; Aime Jarvis, FLM Intake Coordinator; Assistant Chief Shawn Turner; Mindy Moorehead, FLM Executive Director

Assistant Chief of Police Shawn Turner was awarded the Compassionate Heart Award by First Light Mission during its annual “A Place at the Table” fundraising dinner on Tuesday, November 16.

“In my 13-plus years, Shawn has worked to make things easier for all of us in keeping everyone safe,” said Mindy Moorehead, Executive Director of First Light Mission. “He shows compassion to all our guests whenever he is around and has gone above and beyond many times over the years.” 

Turner humbly accepted the award, saying, “The only reason an award should be accepted is because I’m part of an administration that believes in compassion and empathy.”  

Turner has been dedicated to helping with any roadblocks First Light Mission has faced over the years, such as setting up wants and warrant checks for guests. At times, when food has been shared with first responders, he will direct some to First Light Mission. 

“I’m proud to know our administration has contributed to a cultural shift of showing more empathy and understanding, in part, because we highlight the good work of our officers internally and publicly when it’s deserved,” said Turner.  

This is the second year First Light Mission has given out its Compassionate Heart Award, which goes to a police officer that First Light Mission believes has gone above and beyond. Last year, Sergeant Corey Mosher received the award.  

About First Light Mission 

First Light Mission is devoted to providing a place of refuge and fresh starts for the homeless in crisis by providing resources and temporary shelter in partnership with congregations and the community.  

Boil Order: Blackport Dr. to S 29th St.

Starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, a water main valve was shut off to repair a hydrant valve. A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for East Goshen from Blackport Drive to S 29th Street, for when the water comes back on.

It is recommended that all cooking and drinking water be brought to a complete boil for five minutes before using.  Please continue to boil all cooking and drinking water until a notification 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.

More info on boil orders can be found below:

Boil-Order-Flier-East-Goshen-11-7-2023Download

Meet the 2023-24 Kid Mayor finalists

Meet Amari Stoll, Lincoln Tolin, Christopher Budiardja, Philip Gingerich, Elyana Rojas Lopez, and Ainsley McPhail, the six 2023-24 Kid Mayor finalists.

Finalists will participate in the Goshen First Friday Parade of Lights on November 3 and give speeches at the November 13 Goshen City Council meeting. The election will take place on December 1. The new kid mayor will be announced at the December 4 city council meeting.

Any fourth-grader with a Goshen address was able to submit a video as to why they should be the next Kid Mayor, and all of Goshen’s fourth-graders will vote for the next Kid Mayor. 

Meet the finalists

Amari Stoll attends Chamberlain Elementary School. Amari enjoys academics, being outside, and joking around with her siblings. Amari says she would make a good Kid Mayor because she is good at being organized and professional.

Lincoln Tolin attends Model Elementary. Lincoln describes himself as kind, helpful, responsible, respectful, and generous to all people in the world. Lincoln loves basketball, football, math, and spending time with his family and friends.

Christopher Budiardja is a student at Chamberlain Elementary School. Christopher loves to play soccer during recess with his classmates. He plays violin and likes to help others. Christopher would like to become the Kid Mayor because he loves Goshen and wants it to be the best community it can be.

Phillip Gingerich is a student at Chamberlain. Phillip describes himself as funny, smart, and creative. He enjoys spending time with his family. Phillip would like to be elected Kid Mayor because he believes he could make a big impact on Goshen.

Elyana Rojas Lopez is a student at Parkside Elementary, where she is an ambassador. She likes reading and can speak both Spanish and English. She would like to be a marine biologist. Elyana would like to be Kid Mayor because she loves to help her community.

Ainsley McPhail attends Prairie View Elementary. Ainsley loves to stay active and play volleyball. She is also a big Baby Yoda fan. Ainsley thinks she would be a good Kid Mayor because if she is elected, she will be responsible and kind.

Ainsley McPhail
Amari Stoll
Christopher Budiardja
Elyana Rojas Lopez
Lincoln Tolin
Philip Gingerich

2023 Fall fire hydrant flushing

Map of flushing zones

Click here for an interactive map of showing the hydrant flushing schedule.

The City of Goshen Utilities will begin flushing fire hydrants for the fall season starting Monday, October 9th through Friday, October 13th.

From Monday, October 9 through Friday, October 13, the Goshen Water & Sewer Department will be flushing from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the upper-pressure zone, which is everything northeast of U.S. 33 and the Norfolk Southern tracks.

Also, on Monday, October 9, they will start nighttime flushing from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from North Greene Road to the western city limit and between the Norfolk Southern tracks to the southern city limit.

On Tuesday, October 10, workers will start flushing from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Cottage Avenue and 10th Street between the Norfolk Southern tracks and the southern city limit and between Lincolnway East and the Norfolk Southern tracks heading east to the city limits.

On Wednesday, October 11, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., workers will flush hydrants between Pike Street and the southern city limit and between North Greene Road and Cottage Avenue.

On Thursday, October 12, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., workers will be flushing between Norfolk Southern and the southern city limit, between North Greene Road and the western city limit.

The Water & Sewer Department asks that you avoid doing laundry on the day the flushing is close to your home due to the rust that is being removed from the water mains. If you do have a problem with your laundry, please call the Water & Sewer Department; they will have some special soap for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Goshen Water and Sewer at 574-534-5306.

City of Goshen sends out additional representatives for Lead-Safe Goshen Project

The City of Goshen is continuing its Lead-Safe Goshen Project by sending out additional representatives to collect water service line information by knocking on residents’ doors. Residents should know that no one representing the city will try to sell them anything when they knock on doors.

City representatives collecting this information will have a City ID badge issued by the Goshen Police Department. Photos of the representatives are also provided below. Representatives will be knocking on doors where information has yet to be collected.

Residents can also choose to self-report the material of their water lines by filling out this survey.

As part of State and Federal Lead/Copper Rule requirements, the City of Goshen Water Utility is working to inventory the material of all water service lines in Goshen. The City is required to submit an inventory to State agencies next fall.

Meet our door knockers

Levi Moser, Alexa Kennel, Acadia Imhof, Anna Osborne and Rodrigo Millan

City of Goshen to honor Indigenous Peoples Day with special event

To celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, the City of Goshen Community Relations Commission will host a special event at the Goshen Theater on Monday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. honoring the region’s rich history as the land of the Potawatomi and Miami nations.  

Doors to the theater will open at 6 p.m., with information tables available in the lobby. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community.  

Fables Books, Potawatomi-Miami Trail Marker Group, and One Circle, a Goshen College club focusing on addressing injustices toward Indigenous People, will all have tables in the lobby.  

A selection of portraits from “Dancing for Our Tribe” by Sharon Hoogstraten, Potawatomi Citizen, will also be displayed in the lobby. Hoogstraten created this permanent record of present-day Potawatomis wearing the traditional regalia passed down through the generations but modified to reflect the influence and storytelling of contemporary life.  

This year’s presenters are: 

Iron Bear Singers 

Iron Bear is a drum group composed of the Southern Plains singing style and Ponca influence. The members of Iron Bear represent many tribes from the Midwest. The drum lives in Hammond, Indiana, and is cared for by lead singer Sterling Big Bear III. The group’s name comes from Sterling Big Bear’s great-grandfather’s brother, Iron Bear. They continue using the name Iron Bear to honor family and ancestors. 

Citizens of Pokagon Band of Potawatomi 

Pow Wow dancing demonstration featuring Men’s and Women’s Traditional and Women’s Jingle Dress Dancing. 

Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen) 

Ballew will discuss food sovereignty and cultural sustainability as the Cultural Sustainability Lead for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Center for History and Culture.  

Erin Burggraf (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen) 

Burggraf will share Indigenous children’s stories and the importance of uplifting diverse voices in literature. After her presentation, she will be available in the lobby to read children’s books to any kids and parents in attendance.  

Schedule of event:

6:00 – Lobby open to visit informational tables
6:30 – Traditional Potawatomi welcoming and welcome address from Mayor Gina Leichty
6:40 – Indigenous children’s books with Erin Burggraf (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen)
7:00 – Iron Bear Singers and Pow Wow dancing demonstration
7:30 – Presentation on food sovereignty and cultural sustainability with Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen and Cultural Sustainability Lead for the Center for History and Culture)
7:50 – Final words and closing

Mayor Leichty honored to host Governor Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation

The City of Goshen and the Goshen Chamber of Commerce yesterday hosted Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The board had a series of meetings as part of their quarterly business event followed by a public session at the Goshen Theater with more than 100 people in attendance.

“We’re so glad Governor Holcomb and the IEDC team chose Goshen as their host for the third quarter meeting,” said Mayor Leichty. “It was great to spend some time with the Governor and his team today, hear his plans for economic development in the state, and also to be able to share our vision for Goshen’s future.”

During the public session, Governor Holcomb and board members reported on IEDC’s key initiatives, an update on the Governor’s recent trip to Japan, and details about the launch of READI 2.0. The Governor also spoke about Indiana’s procurement of the Department of Defense’s $32.9 million grant as part of the CHIPS and Science Act for microelectronics development.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the state economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Led by the Indiana Secretary of Commerce, David Rosenberg, and governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb.