Category Archives: News & Events

Updates, messages and other announcements are posted under this category with the intent to notify residents. Posts under this category are emailed in a newsletter at the end of the day.

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.

December Stormwater Newsletter

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/SWNewsDec2023.

The goal of the Goshen Stormwater Department is clean water for everyone and everything. One way this is achieved is through public education and the Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter is one of many ways this is accomplished. 

This month’s newsletter highlights:

  1. To comply with Indiana Department of Environmental Management stormwater regulations all City employees are to be trained on how to prevent stormwater pollution. A Stormwater Employee Handbook is now available for employees to reference. Check it out here.
  2. Salt is used in the wintertime to prevent and remove ice but it can have a big impact on the environment. Find helpful tips on how to reduce the impact salt has by clicking here.  
  3. The 2024-2025 Elkhart County Waterways Calendar has been released and more information can be found by clicking here. We hope you enjoy your free copy, which can be picked up at City offices and the Goshen Public Library.

If you have concerns about stormwater drainage or water quality issues or have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Goshen Stormwater Department at stormwater@goshencity.com or 574-534-2201.

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.

Goshen continues annual Mirth Tree ornament exchange

‘Tis the season for spreading joy and reducing waste in Goshen! The City of Goshen’s Department of Environmental Resilience is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Mirth Tree Ornament Exchange, a festive initiative to celebrate the holidays in an eco-friendly way.

This is the third year residents are encouraged to create ornaments from items that can be found or recycled, then hang them on the Mirth Tree to spread holiday cheer. The tree is located outside the Goshen Utilities Business Office, 203 S. 5th Street. To reduce waste, ornaments are encouraged to be made from natural or recycled materials.

If you aren’t sure where to start, get your creative juices flowing by visiting an ornament-making station. We’ll provide all the materials you need for a creative and environmentally conscious crafting session.

  • The Goshen Public Library, any time from December 1 through 22
  • The Green Bee, any time from December 1 through 22
  • The Electric Brew, Tuesday, December 12, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

If you are making ornaments at home, please keep these things in mind:

  • Please refrain from using glass. We want to keep everyone safe and avoid broken glass.
  • Paper and cardboard are great materials, but the weather may ruin the ornament because the tree is outside.
  • Please do not use any glitter. While glitter appeals to the eye, its adverse effects on the environment outweigh the visual appeal.
  • Here are some suggestions for materials to use:
    • Buttons
    • Ribbons
    • Popsicle sticks
    • Wooden beads
    • Sticks, Acorns, Pinecones, and other natural materials

Starting Christmas Eve, individuals can return and take an ornament home to hang on a tree. Individuals are still welcome to take an ornament from the Mirth Tree even if they did not make one.

Join us in making a difference, one ornament at a time, and let the Mirth Tree become a symbol of joy, community, and environmental stewardship this holiday season.