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.

Lane closure on Main St. and College Ave.

As part of the Goshen College Westlawn Renovation project, the designated right-hand turn lane on Main Street at College Avenue will be closed starting this Tuesday, April 9th. Vehicles continuing north and those turning east onto College Avenue will both use the same lane. The lane restriction is expected to last approximately two months. Please be mindful of potential traffic delays in this area and plan your commute accordingly.

Poison Hemlock

We want to raise awareness regarding the presence of poison hemlock, a highly invasive and toxic plant species in our area. Poison hemlock not only poses a significant health risk to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested but also presents dangers to skin and respiratory health upon contact or inhalation.

It is crucial to exercise caution when encountering this plant. Despite its aggressive nature and resilience, it can be removed manually with gloves and patience. However, it is imperative to dispose of it properly by placing it in the trash. Do not burn poison hemlock as it releases harmful toxins into the air, posing further health risks.

Poison hemlock is classified a noxious weed. A noxious weed refers to any plant species that is invasive, harmful, or detrimental to ecosystems, agriculture, human health, or the economy. These weeds typically outcompete native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and causing ecological imbalances. They can also cause significant economic losses by reducing crop yields, clogging waterways, and interfering with infrastructure. Control and eradication efforts are often necessary to manage the spread and impact of noxious weeds.

A noxious weed refers to any plant species that is invasive, harmful, or detrimental to ecosystems, agriculture, human health, or the economy. These weeds typically outcompete native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and causing ecological imbalances. They can also cause significant economic losses by reducing crop yields, clogging waterways, and interfering with infrastructure. Control and eradication efforts are often necessary to manage the spread and impact of noxious weeds.

For those interested in learning more about identifying and effectively managing poison hemlock, we recommend referring to the comprehensive guide provided in the 2023 issue of the Purdue University Landscape Report: Purdue University Landscape Report on Poison Hemlock.

Invitation for bids

FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) CHASSIS/CAB UNITS 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety is soliciting sealed offers for two (2) 2024 or newer chassis/cab units for use in the City of Goshen’s Water & Sewer Department. The Board of Public Works and Safety is hereinafter referred to as “City”. 

The Specification Documents may be obtained from the City of Goshen’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth St., Goshen, IN 46528 or the City of Goshen’s current Bidding Opportunities portal at https://goshenindiana.org/bidding-opportunities. The City shall not be responsible for documents obtained from any other source. 

Offers shall be submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and all contractual terms and conditions that are included in the Specification Documents. In addition to price, offers will be evaluated based on whether the Bidder is responsible, and if the Bidder’s offer is responsive. 

Offers shall be filed with the City of Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth Street, Goshen, IN 46528 until 3:45 p.m. April 25, 2024 at which time all offers received will be taken to the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting to be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board meeting will be held in City Court Room/Council Chambers at the Goshen Police & Court Building, 111 East Jefferson Street, Goshen. 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to reject any and all offers, delete any portions thereof, to waive any informalities or irregularities in any bid received, and to award a contract, consistent with Indiana law, to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder. Award of contract is contingent on the availability of funds. 

Discovery Day Camp registration now open

Goshen Parks and Recreation’s Discovery Day Camp registration is now open!

This summer day camp is a fun and exciting summertime camp for children ages 5-12. The camp runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and begins June 3 and will be staffed through August 9.

All Discovery Day Campers will enjoy the Shanklin Pool on a regular basis as well as other park department summer activities including art camp and the Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon. All summer activities are designed to introduce campers to new activities or expand existing interests, all the while experiencing new life skills. Each of the 10 weeks of camp has its own theme, during which campers participate in games, activities, and off-campus field trips related to that week’s theme.

Registration details

  • Fee for Goshen residents: $100 per week + $15 one-time registration fee
  • Fee for non-residents: $120 per week and $15 one-time registration fee
  • Additional Required Camp Activities: Martial Arts $30, Art Camp $40, and Triathlon $20
  • The registration fee, first week’s tuition, and additional Kids’ & Teens’ Triathlon fee must be paid upon registration
  • Please bring the following items to register: Driver’s License Number for the parent/guardian and any individuals authorized to pick up your child from camp
  • Parents can either register in person at the Goshen Parks & Recreation Department Office (524 E Jackson St.) or online.

Camp enrollment is limited, so parents/guardians are encouraged to register children early to ensure their space is reserved.

For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation page or call 574-534-2901.  

Public Notice: Violett Cemetery Phase 2 – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the construction of new access drives, stormwater conveyance system, and earth movement to prepare the area for burial plots.

The project is located at 2818 Violett Road in Goshen, IN 46526, in the NE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the west.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or by emailing jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Goshen Parks and Recreation now hiring for summer positions

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is once again hiring for a variety of summer positions, including Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors.

Lifeguards and Swim Lesson Instructors must be at least 16 years of age and possess the following certifications: American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. Swim Lesson Instructors must also have the following certifications: Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers. Lifeguards are paid $17.84/hr, and Swim Lesson Instructors are paid $19.55/hr.

If you are interested in being a Swim Lesson Instructor but are not certified, you can become certified by taking classes at the Goshen Aquatic Center. Visit the Goshen Aquatic Center website for more information and to register for classes.

Applications can be found at goshenindiana.org/hr-opportunities. Complete applications can be submitted online or emailed to kimberleestephens@goshencity.com.

Below is the full list of open positions and their job descriptions:

Invitation for bids

 CITY OF GOSHEN INVITATION FOR BIDS 

FOR THE PURCHASE OF MINI EXCAVATOR 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety is soliciting sealed offers for a 2023 or newer mini excavator for use in the City of Goshen’s Cemeteries Department. The Board of Public Works and Safety is hereinafter referred to as “City”. 

Offers are also being solicited for the following optional item. The City reserves the right to select the optional offer. Offers for the optional item are not conditional on offers offered for the mini excavator. 

The Specification Documents may be obtained from the City of Goshen’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth St., Goshen, IN 46528 or the City of Goshen’s current Bidding Opportunities portal at https://goshenindiana.org/bidding-opportunities. The City shall not be responsible for documents obtained from any other source. 

Offers shall be submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and all contractual terms and conditions that are included in the Specification Documents. In addition to price, offers will be evaluated based on whether the Bidder is responsible, and if the Bidder’s offer is responsive. 

Offers shall be filed with the City of Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth Street, Goshen, IN 46528 until 1:45 p.m. December 11, 2023 at which time all offers received will be taken to the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting to be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board meeting will be held in City Court Room/Council Chambers at the Goshen Police & Court Building, 111 East Jefferson Street, Goshen. 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to reject any and all offers, delete any portions thereof, to waive any informalities or irregularities in any bid received, and to award a contract, consistent with Indiana law, to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder. Award of contract is contingent on the availability of funds. 

Invitation for bids

 CITY OF GOSHEN INVITATION FOR QUOTES 

FOR THE PURCHASE OF HYDRAULIC EXTRICATION TOOLS 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety is soliciting sealed quotes for various hydraulic extrication tools for use in the City of Goshen’s Fire Department. The Board of Public Works and Safety is hereinafter referred to as “City”. 

Offers shall be submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Quoters and all contractual terms and conditions that are included in the Specification Documents. In addition to price, offers will be evaluated based on whether the Quoter is responsible, and if the Quoter’s offer is responsive. 

Offers shall be filed with the City of Goshen Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, 202 South Fifth Street, Goshen, IN 46528 until 3:45 p.m. April 4, 2024 at which time all offers received will be taken to the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting to be publicly opened and read aloud. The Board meeting will be held in City Court Room/Council Chambers at the Goshen Police & Court Building, 111 East Jefferson Street, Goshen. 

The City of Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to reject any and all offers, delete any portions thereof, to waive any informalities or irregularities in any bid received, and to award a contract, consistent with Indiana law, to the lowest responsible and responsive Quoter. Award of contract is contingent on the availability of funds. 

Goshen Parks and Recreation hosting open house for master plan

The City of Goshen’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a community open house on Thursday, March 21, to provide the public an opportunity to share comments and feedback on the draft parks master plan.

The five-year master plan is designed by the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with input from Goshen residents. It outlines strategies the department will pursue to continuously improve facilities and services. Throughout the planning process, the Parks and Recreation Department provides the community with the opportunity to actively engage in directing future recreational opportunities in Goshen.

The draft of the 2024-2028 Goshen Parks Master Plan can viewed at goshenindina.org/parksmasterplan.

The open house will be at Schrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park, 411 West Plymouth Ave., from 4 to 6 p.m. If you cannot attend, residents can share comments at cwelsh@abonmarche.com.