Category Archives: Blog

Late-Winter Pruning

The Goshen Forestry Division will begin young tree pruning the week of February 19. Our initial focus will be on Oak trees in neighborhoods between Lincoln and Plymouth Avenues. Specifically, we will plan to work on street trees which the City planted in or near the right-of-way over the past 12 years.

We will be working at structural pruning. Young trees can benefit especially from this kind of attention. Structural pruning looks at the growth patterns and habits of a young tree, in combination with its surroundings – where are there existing obstacles? where might there be future conflicts? Is there plenty of space for the tree to grow? Is it crowded by buildings, street, driveway, other uses? Noticing how the young tree is growing and what it may face in the future helps us to make good decisions about guiding the tree’s growth by removing certain branches.

The term “structural” pruning may include cuts that help a tree to recover from past damage – storm damage or human damage to a branch – but primarily refers to cuts that remove branches which may be detrimental to the overall structure and strength of the tree. Sometimes branches may cross and rub in the interior of a tree, for instance; while this is not a structural issue for small branches and twigs, occasionally such branches mature and become large, creating open wounds which weaken the tree. Branches sometimes grow weak attachments to the trunk of the tree, predisposing them to being torn out of the tree by storms. This can often leave a tree with wounds which are too large to adequately heal. Structural pruning seeks to correct or remove these kinds of branches in order to eliminate the potential for serious damage in the future. In many ways, structural pruning is like preventive medicine, doing the right things now to create good health outcomes later.

The work which we will be doing is really only necessary for urban trees, or trees which are close to human activities. These trees spend their lives in fairly unnatural and stressful settings – impacted by machines, vehicles, chemicals, digging, compaction, and various kinds of unintended and intended abuse. Good pruning can help to reduce some of the conflict which they will experience with human land use practices, thereby reducing the potential for some kinds of damage. And a healthier tree is a sounder, more productive tree, one which benefits the people living near to it with shade, shelter, and beauty.

As I mentioned above, we will focus initially only on pruning Oak trees. Pruning Oaks at this time of year is an important way to protect them from a deadly fungus, called Oak Wilt. The fungus needs warmer temperatures to grow and spread, and can infect an Oak tree through an open wound. Pruning Oaks during this strategic moment, when temperatures are cool, helps us to feel more secure that the fungus will not be present, will allow the wound to harden off a bit, and give the tree the best and longest portions of the growing season to begin compartmentalizing (healing) the cut. Our first several weeks of work this year will be focused exclusively on Oak trees, to make sure that we complete the necessary work on them.

One thing I’ve learned over the years through experience, research, and learning from other arborists is that pruning in late winter and early spring is really the ideal time for most tree species in terms of healing after the work. This is because trees will shortly be coming out of winter dormancy and giving a lot of energy to growth. During the spring a tree can quickly begin to compartmentalize – seal off an injury and surround it with living tissue – properly placed prune cuts. Additionally, prune cuts timed for late winter / early spring allow a tree the full length of the growing season to continue growing over the wound, as opposed to cuts made in late summer or fall, or even winter.

In fact, one of the things which I learned through experience – that is, the hard way – is that fall and winter pruning can actually be detrimental to a tree. When the live tissue of a tree (cambium) is exposed – say through pruning – the tissue begins to dry out. If the tree is not active, as is the case in the fall and winter, the tree has no way to slow or prevent further drying. As a result, I’ve seen fall and winter prune cuts open to double and triple their original size by the following growing season, presenting the tree with a much more significant wound, and the increasing risk of decay.

Getting young trees growing in the right direction is a great investment in future tree canopy.

Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley is the director of Environmental Resilience for the city of Goshen. He can be reached at aaronkingsley@goshencity.com or at 574-537-3850.

Community Relations Commission to host International Women’s Day Luncheon

The City of Goshen Community Relations Commission is hosting a luncheon on International Women’s Day, Friday, March 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goshen Theater to celebrate and honor women in the Goshen community. 

“I’m looking forward to celebrating the women of Goshen and am grateful to the Community Relations Commission for organizing this event,” said Mayor Gina Leichty. “Creating opportunities like this luncheon encourages a spirit of engagement, which leads to a stronger and more connected community.” 

This is the first International Women’s Day event hosted by the City of Goshen and the Community Relations Commission and aims to create a space for women in Goshen to gather and celebrate one another.  

Tickets for the event are $45 and include lunch catered by Bread and Chocolate and presentations from prominent local women.  

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit goshenindiana.org/womensday.  

About International Women’s Day 
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The annual event has occurred for over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. March 8, 2024, marks the first International Women’s Day event hosted by the City of Goshen and the Community Relations Commission.  


About the Community Relations Commission  
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Goshen by creating programs and initiatives that benefit all community members. The Commission is committed to establishing a city free from racism and discrimination. It fosters strong bonds among residents and within neighborhoods, addresses complex issues, advocates for health, safety, and wellness, and encourages courteous and respectful interactions among Goshen’s diverse population.  

City of Goshen announces new firefighter training program in partnership with Goshen Community Schools

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.  

Boil Order: Middlebury Street and Cross Street

Starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 26, a water main valve was shut off to repair a water main break. A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the following section of North Goshen: N 7th Street, N 8th Street, N 9th Street, Summit Street, Center Street, and Cross Street between Middlebury Street and Cross 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 the boil order can be found below:

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.

The Indiana Ave. Recycling Drop-off Facility will be closed Saturday, January 13 to Tuesday, January 16 due to anticipated weather.

The Indiana Ave. Recycling Drop-off Facility will be inaccessible from Saturday, January 13, to Tuesday, January 16, due to anticipated snow and wind. Please note that this site will not undergo servicing or plowing during this period. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

GOSHEN WATER UTILITY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO GUARD AGAINST FROZEN WATER LINES.

In past years the Water Utility issued a Freeze Warning asking for people to take the precaution of running a single faucet.  During a posted Freeze Warning, utility accounts were adjusted if the customer contacted the Utility Business Office.  Because current conditions do not warrant a Freeze Warning, utility billing account adjustments are not being offered.  To prevent disruption to service, the Utility will continue to monitor the depth of the local frost line and keep customers informed if further actions become necessary via local newspapers, Goshen’s web page, goshenindiana.org, and Facebook.

The Goshen Water Utility has determined that a Freeze Warning is currently unnecessary.  However, due to the predicted cold weather, the Utility suggests that residential and commercial Water Utility customers with water services and plumbing prone to freezing leave their water run in a small stream the size of a pencil lead.  Running water from within a home or business is less likely to freeze.

 Residents are encouraged to take further precautions against frozen or busted water lines by ensuring that exposed pipes are insulted and by eliminating sources of cold air near water lines.  Areas most vulnerable to freezing are basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and water lines located in or along outside walls.  To lessen the risk for water lines along outside walls within cabinets, consider leaving the cabinet doors open.

For more information please reach out to Kent Holdren, Water Utility Superintendent (574).534.5701


To guard against frozen pipes, especially during cold weather, you can take several preventive measures:

  • Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes with pipe insulation sleeves or wrapping. Focus on pipes in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.
  • Seal Leaks: Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s walls, windows, and foundation to prevent cold air from entering and reaching the pipes.
  • Keep a Constant Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, especially during cold nights. Set your thermostat to a level that keeps the interior warm enough to prevent freezing.
  • Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and vanities by keeping cabinet doors open during extremely cold weather.
  • Let Faucets Drip: When temperatures drop significantly, allow faucets to drip slightly. This helps relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
  • Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off the outdoor water supply. This prevents water from freezing in the hose and extending into the pipes.
  • Add Heat Tape: Consider using electrical heat tape or cables on pipes that are prone to freezing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
  • Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Ensure that doors and windows are closed tightly to minimize the entry of cold air into your home.
  • Inspect Insulation: Regularly check the insulation in your home, especially in attics and basements. Ensure that it is in good condition and replace any damaged insulation.

If you suspect that your pipes are already frozen, it’s crucial to act quickly to thaw them and prevent bursting. You can use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or hot towels to thaw the affected pipes. Avoid using open flames or any methods that could cause damage.

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