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.

Tentative dates for Norfolk Southern railroad crossing closures announced

The City of Goshen’s Engineering Department announced during Thursday’s Board of Works meeting a tentative timeline for the upcoming railroad crossing closures by Norfolk Southern.

The City’s engineering department has been in communication with Norfolk Southern since the city was notified last week and will continue to stay in contact throughout this project. The City will continue to provide any updates on closures via the City’s website and social media.

Residents can also find which crossings will be closed via the City’s road closures GIS map.

Railroad Crossing – Mainline Tracks Estimated Start-Date of Closure
Ferndale Road / CR 15Monday, July 15
Peddlers Village Road / CR 28Tuesday, July 16
Greene RoadTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
Railroad Crossing – Marion Branch Estimated Start-Date of Closure
Purl StTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
Reynolds StTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
Plymouth AveTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
Jackson StTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
Burdick StTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
New York StTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
College AveTuesday, July 16 – Thursday, July 18
Kercher RdWednesday, July 17 – Monday, July 22 

Update on upcoming Norfolk Southern crossing closures

Last week, the City of Goshen informed residents that Norfolk Southern plans to close several crossings throughout the month of July to install new rails with an approximate start date of July 8th. The work is now expected to begin on Tuesday, July 9th, or Wednesday, July 10th, and will continue through Wednesday, July 31.

Norfolk Southern will work from North to South, starting with the Lusher Avenue crossing in Elkhart. Below is an updated list of impacted crossings. Each crossing is expected to be closed for 1-4 days, and rail crews are expected to cover 2-4 miles per day.

The City’s engineering department has been in communication with Norfolk Southern since the city was notified last week and will continue to stay in contact throughout this project. The City will continue to provide any updates on closures via the City’s website and social media.

Residents can also find which crossings will be closed via the City’s road closures GIS map.

Railroad Crossing Closures Expected – Mainline Tracks 

  • Ferndale Road / CR 15
  • Peddlers Village Road / CR 28
  • Greene Road

Railroad Crossing Closures Expected – Marion Branch

  • Purl Street
  • Reynolds Street
  • Plymouth Avenue
  • Jackson Street
  • Burdick Street
  • New York Street
  • College Avenue
  • Kercher Road

Goshen recycling center closed for 4th of July holiday

The Goshen Recycling Center will be closed from noon on Wednesday, July 3rd, through Monday, July 8th, to give staff a break over the holiday.

The City asks users to be respectful of city staff’s work and only drop off accepted items and leave recyclable items in the bins. Do not leave items outside of the bins. Fines will be issued for all violators.

For more information on acceptable items, visit goshenindiana.org/recycling.

Celebrate Independence Day at Fireworks on the Fairway

The long-loved fireworks in Goshen at Black Squirrel Golf Course are returning this year with a new name, Fireworks on the Fairway. Doors to the event open at 4 p.m., and attendees can enjoy the various local food trucks and vendors and kick back on the fairway. A brief program will begin at 8 p.m., and the fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. The event is free for the entire community.

Parking locations can be found on the map above. The Goshen Police Department asks area motorists to please avoid the roads surrounding the golf course if possible to alleviate traffic congestion. The fireworks show will last approximately 30 minutes. At the conclusion, traffic will be restricted primarily to outbound traffic from the golf course. Our officers will be doing their best to get people out of the area as quickly as possible but ask motorists to be patient.

Goshen Parks and Recreation’s Splash-Tastic Weekend returns for another year

The City of Goshen’s Parks and Recreation Department will once again host its Splash-Tastic Weekend at Abshire Park from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28.

This is the second year parks and recreation staff will install two 300-foot inflatable slip-n-slides on the hill at Abshire Park. Individuals can purchase $10 wristbands and enjoy the slides for a two-hour session. Kona Ice, DonutNV, and other food vendors will be on-site for an additional cost.

Tubes are mandatory to enjoy the slide. Sliders should bring their own one-person inflatable pool tube. Wristbands will not be sold at the event, so preregistration online is required. Below are available session times:

Friday, July 26

  • 2 – 4 p.m. (Preschool and Special needs children)
  • 5 – 7  p.m.

Saturday, July 27

  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • 2 – 4 p.m.
  • 5 – 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 28

  • 12 – 2 p.m.
  • 3 – 5 p.m.

Parking at Abshire Park is limited. Overflow parking is available at both Dykstra Park and Goshen Church of God.

Visit the Goshen Parks and Recreation page for more information: goshenindiana.org/parks-rec.

4th of July Safety Tips

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, it is important that Goshen residents be aware of fireworks regulations. A local city ordinance was adopted in 2007 at the urging of residents concerned about neighborhood safety and noise. Regulation is controlled by parameters imposed in state legislation.

Fireworks Safety:

Enjoy the local fireworks displays and leave the big ones to the professionals. Consumer fireworks are allowed by state legislation and local ordinance from 5:00 p.m. until two hours after sunset (or until approximately 11:20 p.m.) from June 29 through July 9, except on July 4 when they are allowed from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight. If you decide to light your own, follow all local laws and keep a bucket of water or hose nearby. Remember, safety first! Fines for violations may be up to $500 per incident.

To report a violation of the fireworks ordinance, citizens are welcome to call the non-emergency dispatch phone number—533.4151. The caller must supply an exact address of where the violation is occurring in order for a police officer to respond effectively to the call.

Fireworks not limited to certain dates and times by local ordinance include dipped sticks or wire sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers, snakes or glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers (i.e., party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick matches, cigarette loads).

Local regulations apply to “consumer fireworks” as defined in state statutes. Such fireworks include certain small ground or aerial devices designed to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion. They are required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16CFR1507. Ground devices (firecrackers, salutes, and chasers) are limited to 50 milligrams of explosive composition. Aerial devices (sky rockets, missile type rockets, helicopters or spinners, roman candles, mines, and shells) are limited to 130 milligrams of explosive composition. Larger devices are not allowed under local ordinance and require state permitting.

Grill Safely:

Keep your grill clean and never leave it unattended. Make sure it’s placed well away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches.

Water Safety:

If you’re heading to the pool or beach, always supervise children and ensure everyone knows how to swim. Wear life jackets when boating.

Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re spending the day outside in the sun. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Protect Your Skin:

Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours. Wear hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays.

Be Mindful of Pets:

Fireworks can be scary for pets. Keep them indoors in a safe, quiet area to reduce stress and prevent them from running away.

First Aid:

Keep a first aid kit handy for minor injuries. Know the location of the nearest emergency services in case of a serious accident.

Let’s make this 4th of July memorable for all the right reasons. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the celebrations!

Notification of Norfolk Southern track closures 

 The engineering department received notice that Norfolk Southern is planning to close the following crossings between approximately July 8 and July 31, 2024, for installation of new rails. Each crossing is expected to be closed to traffic over one to four days. Engineering staff have been in communication with the railroad’s safety contractor to emphasize the need to avoid simultaneous major crossing closures, limit crossing closure duration, and avoid impacting traffic for the Elkhart County 4H Fair. A more detailed schedule is expected from Norfolk Southern early next week, which will be communicated to Goshen residents and businesses via the City’s website and social media. 

 Railroad Crossing Closures Expected – Mainline Tracks Railroad Crossing Closures Expected – Marion Branch 
Ferndale Road / CR 15 Jefferson St 
Peddlers Village Road / CR 28 Purl St 
Greene Road Reynolds St 
Beaver Lane Plymouth Ave 
Indiana Avenue Jackson St 
1st Street Burdick St 
Main Street New York St 
Cottage Avenue College Ave 
Lincoln Avenue Kercher Rd 
Monroe Street 

June brush pickup begins next week

The monthly brush pickup will begin on the week of June 24, 2024.

During scheduled brush collections, the Street Department will make only one pass through the city to pick up brush. Please have your brush by the front curb, but not in the street, by that first day in the morning at 7 a.m. Brush will not be picked up in alleys. The piles of brush should be trash-free. Crews cannot access the piles if blocked by vehicles.

For information regarding Dial-A-Trailer and the Brush Trailer, go to goshenindiana.org/street-department.

The next summer brush pick up weeks will begin on the following days:

  • July 29, 2024
  • August 26, 2024
  • September 30, 2024

Cooling shelter available amid extreme heat

With dangerously hot weather moving in through Elkhart County this week, the City of Goshen is asking residents to be mindful and take action to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports an excessive heat advisory from Tuesday Afternoon through Saturday, with heat index values rising into triple digits.

Extreme heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.

In talking with the Goshen Public Library and First Light Mission, the City of Goshen has designated the library, 601 S. Purl Street, and First Light Mission, 801 Wilkinson Street, as cooling centers during these extreme weather events. Individuals can go to the library to cool down and escape the heat. Individuals can use the Library during its regular business hours, which are below.

First Light Mission is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will provide a safe, cool place for those exposed to the elements and welcome those in need with open arms while also ensuring the privacy of residents and their families.

  • Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday 1 – 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The NWS recommends being prepared to drink plenty of fluids and staying in an air-conditioned room or out of the sun if possible.

Additionally, Mayor Gina Leichty asked residents to look after one another. “Please check on your friends, family, neighbors, the homeless, and the elderly during this time of extreme heat,” she said. “If you know of anyone in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to call for help.”

If you need assistance checking in on someone, please contact Officer James Ballard at 574-536-1790. If you need transportation to a cooling center, contact the Goshen Police Department at 574-533-4151. Please call 911 if you have an emergency.