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.

Park restrooms closed for cold season

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s essential to stay informed about the status of park restroom facilities in your area. Remember to check the park’s specific hours of operation, as these may vary. Keeping this information in mind will help you plan your outdoor activities with ease during the fall and winter months.

The Unheated Park Restrooms Are Closed for the Season

First and foremost, please note that the unheated park restrooms are now closed for the season. As the colder weather sets in, these facilities are temporarily shut down for maintenance and safety reasons. But don’t worry, there are still options available for your convenience.

Heated Restroom Facilities

For those who prefer the comfort of heated restrooms, there are two locations you can count on throughout the season:

  1. Abshire Cabin (1302 E. Lincoln Ave): This charming cabin offers a heated restroom facility for your comfort. It’s a great option for those visiting the park in the vicinity of E. Lincoln Ave.
  2. Shanklin Park Warming Building (near the pond) (411 W. Plymouth Ave): Located near the picturesque pond, this warming building houses a heated restroom facility. Enjoy the scenic views and warmth during your park visit.

Portable Restrooms

In addition to the heated facilities, there are portable restroom locations available for your convenience at the following sites:

  1. Shoup Parsons/Goshen Dam (755 Fair Oaks Dr): If you’re exploring the beautiful Shoup Parsons/Goshen Dam area, you’ll find portable restrooms here to cater to your needs.
  2. Pumpkinvine Trail (near CR 28): Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the Pumpkinvine Trail, you can access portable restrooms near CR 28.
  3. Oakridge Park Area (Wilden Ave. Trail at 1st Street): Enjoy the natural beauty of Oakridge Park and its surroundings while knowing there are convenient portable restrooms nearby.
  4. Fidler Pond Park (1424 Lincolnway E): If you’re spending time at Fidler Pond Park, you can rely on the availability of portable restrooms for a comfortable experience.

We want you to make the most of the beautiful outdoor spaces in our community while staying comfortable and prepared for the changing seasons. So, don’t let the cold weather deter you – embrace the beauty of fall and winter in your local parks.

2024 Leaf Collection is underway

The Goshen Street Department has begun its 2024 fall leaf pickup and will continue collecting leaves through early December.

There is no set schedule for leaf collection. Crews follow a rotating route through the city until all leaves are picked up.

Here are some tips to keep streets clean and free of water during leaf collection:

  • Rake leaves into long piles on the grass next to the street or sidewalk beside the curb, no more than 6 feet from the curb.
    • For the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, if you must pile leaves on the sidewalk, leave as wide a walking path as possible.
  • Keep leaves out of the street.
    • Piles of leaves interfere with traffic.
    • Later in the fall, if it snows, snowplows will drive through the leaf piles, potentially pushing leaves back into yards.
  • Residents and property owners with storm drains in front of their properties should keep the drains clear of leaves. This reduces the chance of water backing up on city streets.
  • When you’re done raking, spraying the piles with water can help prevent them from blowing away during high winds.
  • Bagged leaves will be collected, but it significantly slows citywide collection. Crews must empty the bags to vacuum up the leaves, and the bags will be left on the property.
  • Do not place leaves in alleys; they will not be removed.
  • Do not mix sticks, twigs, or other trash into leaf piles. These items can damage vacuum equipment and slow down the collection process.

Request for Proposals: 2025 Combination Sewer Jetter Rodder Tuck

            The City of Goshen has issued a Request for Proposals for the purchase of a Combination Sewer Jetter, Rodder Truck.  The complete Request for Proposals packet may be obtained from the City of Goshen’s website at https://goshenindiana.org/bidding-opportunities.  The City shall not be responsible for documents obtained from any other source.

            Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the Submission Instructions found within the Request for Proposals packet.  All other instructions, terms, directions and specifications therein shall apply accordingly.

            Sealed proposals must be received by the Goshen Legal Department, Attention: Brandy Toms at 204 E. Jefferson Street, Goshen, IN 46528, no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on December 9, 2024.  The proposals will be opened on the due date.  Proposals received by the City after the deadline described will not be accepted or considered. 

2025 Sewer Jetter and Rodder truck bid package- finalDownload

Goshen completes lead service line inventory, meeting EPA standards and deadline

The City of Goshen has successfully met the Water Service Line Inventory requirements set by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after conducting an extensive campaign to determine the material of water service lines citywide.

While Goshen’s century-old water system lacked precise records in the early days, the City worked diligently as far back as 2016 to inventory the material of all water service lines to comply with state and federal Lead and Copper Rule requirements. The City’s Engineering Department, in partnership with the Water and Sewer Department, has used utility records, home visits, self-reporting, and online surveys to determine the material of over 50% of Goshen’s service lines—serving more than 6,000 households.

To establish piping materials for the remaining service lines, the City teamed up with Abonmarche Consultants to perform pothole excavations at 400 representative locations, allowing crews to visually inspect both sides of the shut-off valve. Through this coordinated effort, and the assistance of BlueConduit’s industry-leading predictive analytics, the team will be able to assign a material probability to each unidentified service line with 95% confidence. The City submitted its comprehensive inventory to state agencies earlier this week, ahead of the October 16th deadline.

Proactive safety measures for City of Goshen residents
Long-serving Water and Sewer utility staff confirmed that while older sections of the City contain galvanized water service lines connected by small “goosenecks” — short, flexible lead pipe sections measuring 2 feet or less—they have never found full-length lead pipes that are common in other communities. Currently, goosenecks are not required to be replaced due to their minimal length and lesser impact on water systems.

To protect residents, the City regularly conducts targeted sampling of at-risk homes and has consistently found lead levels in drinking water below thresholds set by the EPA and IDEM. Although the risk of lead exposure remains low based on current testing, Goshen’s Water Utility continues to work on reducing any potential risks by updating its infrastructure.

A team effort for compliance
Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty praised City staff for their forward thinking and dedication, not only in meeting the EPA inventory deadline but also in protecting the health of Goshen residents.

“This has been a considerable and widespread undertaking by our water, utilities, and engineering personnel to ensure the federal deadline is met, our water service lines are safe, and our neighbors are informed,” Leichty said. “The EPA provided us with an aggressive and comprehensive timeline, and our staff and partners rose to the challenge.”

The City is also replacing goosenecks and galvanized steel service lines discovered during Public Works projects, such as road reconstructions or water main upgrades. As the inventory of service line materials progresses, City staff will use this information to make informed decisions on future infrastructure projects that maximize water system benefits while responsibly managing ratepayer and taxpayer funds.

Looking ahead, Goshen Water Utility remains committed to modernizing its infrastructure and ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all residents.

Helpful Links:

Revised Lead and Copper Rule | US EPA

LEAD-SAFE GIS Interactive Map of the City of Goshen at https://leadsafe-goshenindiana.hub.arcgis.com/pages/inform, where the piping materials serving their home or any Goshen Water System customer can be found.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | Elkhart County Health Department

Goshen Parks and Recreation opens new Peace Garden at Reith Interpretive Center 

The City of Goshen’s Parks and Recreation Department held a public dedication and opening of its new Peace Garden at the Reith Interpretive Center, 410 W. Plymouth Ave., on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. 

The garden was dedicated by former Goshen Mayor Mike Puro and his wife, Laurie Tweddale, in memory of their daughter-in-law, Satu Annikki Riikonen. 

The Peace Garden features five chimes, ranging from 30 to 90 inches, tuned to a major pentatonic scale and hung from a 100-year-old white oak tree. The space also includes landscaped paths and benches for visitors to enjoy the chimes. 

This new green space provides the community with a place to relax, find peace, and enjoy nature. 

Walleye to be Released to the Elkhart River – Monday, October 14

The Elkhart River Restoration Association (ERRA) announces the upcoming release of 3,250 walleye fingerlings (6″-9″ long fish) to the Elkhart River on Monday, October 14th at approximately 1:00 pm. The ERRA began stocking walleye fingerlings (pictured below) in the Elkhart River in 2014 and has continued to do so every two years. The walleye fingerlings will be released at the boat launches first at Shanklin Park (below the Dam) and then at Violett Cemetery (above the Dam).

Please note that the time of release may fluctuate depending on travel time from the Gollon Bait & Fish Farm in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Any change in the release time will be posted to ERRA’s Facebook page. Once the fish tanks are opened, the release takes less than 60 seconds.

For more information on the Elkhart River Restoration Association and walleye stocking, visit www.elkhartriver.org.

‘We did whatever it took.’ Goshen resident Todd Eby reflects on relief flights after Hurricane Helene

When Todd Eby saw a Facebook post from a friend flying relief supplies into North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, he immediately took action. His involvement started with a single flight, but it quickly grew into a full-scale relief effort, with Eby flying supplies to disaster-stricken areas.

Eby reached out to Grant Baker, and together they coordinated their first flight into North Carolina. After witnessing the devastation firsthand, they realized the enormity of the crisis and decided to keep going. Their initial mission expanded into a full day of flying eight legs, delivering critical supplies to areas in desperate need.

“We saw civilian efforts and grassroots organizations working tirelessly to provide relief,” he said. “That really motivated us to continue.”

Eby joined a fleet of small planes and private helicopters, all delivering resources to hard-to-reach communities. The devastation was overwhelming — clothing stuck 30 feet up in trees, houses destroyed, and livestock swept away.

Determined to ensure the supplies reached the right hands, Eby found a trusted contact on the ground to oversee distribution. He continued flying missions as part of a larger volunteer effort. Initially working with a civilian group, which later changed its name, Eby continues to verify the exact details.

Meanwhile, the Goshen community rallied behind Eby’s efforts. Locals showed up with cash donations and supplies, eager to contribute. Remarkably, the operation ran without support from major organizations, relying solely on volunteers driven by a shared desire to help.

As the situation in North Carolina evolved, Eby adapted. When a request for insulin came in, he quickly coordinated with a doctor and sourced a large supply, ensuring the life-saving medicine reached those who needed it.

“At times, it felt like I was running a black market,” Eby joked of the fast-paced, informal nature of their operations. “But we did whatever it took to get people what they needed as quickly as possible.”

Though floodwaters receded, the damage remained widespread. Eby saw firsthand the long-term impact on communities still grappling with the destruction.

Eby stays in touch with some of the people he helped and continues to find ways to support them. He takes pride in his role during the relief efforts, showing how community-driven efforts can make a powerful difference in times of crisis.

“It was exhausting,” he said of the experience, “but incredibly rewarding.”

Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink named Indiana Fire Chief of the Year

Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink has been named Indiana Fire Chief of the Year by the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association at the Indiana Emergency Response Conference Awards on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Noblesville, Ind. The awards recognize exceptional achievements by public safety professionals in Indiana. 

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the award for Fire Chief of the Year,” said Chief Dan Sink. “What makes this so very special is that the nomination comes from the peers you work with in fire service. I am further honored to represent the Goshen Fire Department and the City of Goshen.”

Sink, who has served the Goshen Fire Department for more than 40 years, became chief in September 2005 after stints as assistant chief and EMS chief. 

“Chief Sink’s leadership and dedication have profoundly impacted the safety of Goshen,” Mayor Gina Leichty said. “He is truly deserving of this recognition.” 

During Sink’s tenure, the department assumed responsibility for the Elkhart Township Fire Department, initiated plans for a new fire station, and launched the Goshen Fire Academy, which recently graduated its first class. 

This past August, the GFD, along with the city, partnered with Goshen Community Schools to create the first Fire and EMS Pathway Program to enable students from Goshen High School to complete fire and EMS training and earn necessary certifications through Ivy Tech to fulfill all requisite skills required to be hired as a firefighter or an EMT. 

“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,” Sink said of the program.  

Sink plans to retire in November. He will be succeeded by current GFD Assistant Chief Anthony Powell. 

Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration returns for third year

The City of Goshen Community Relations Commission will host its third annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at the Goshen Theater on Monday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

This year’s event will feature a presentation by Doug Peconge, ARPA Project Manager and citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, along with drum and dance performances featuring dancers from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the Ribbon Town Singers. Peconge will discuss the Miami Tribe’s journey to regain land in Fort Wayne.

Featured Presenters:

Doug Peconge
Peconge, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, has worked with the tribe’s Cultural Resources Office since 2015. He currently oversees a 45-acre property in Fort Wayne, known as peehkihkayonki (The Beautiful Place), focusing on food, health, wellness, and cultural preservation.

Ribbon Town Singers
Founded in 2003, the Ribbon Town Singers are led by John Topash Warren (Potawatomi) of South Bend, Ind. The group is named after “Zēnba-Odanek,” the Potawatomi term for South Bend, where Potawatomi people once traded furs. The group will showcase both traditional and contemporary dance styles.
For more information, visit pokagonband-nsn.gov/our-culture.