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.

November Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: bit.ly/SWNewsNov2023.

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. 

In this month’s newsletter, a message of thanks is shared for the help the community gives to keep our local waterways clean. In addition, there are three articles:

  1. November 16 is National Stormwater Day – The National Municipal Stormwater Alliance declared November 16 to be National Stormwater Day as November 16, 1990, is when the Federal Register included notice of the promulgation of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I MSP program marking this a major day in the stormwater community.
  2. The series on the origin of words used to describe waterways draws to a close this month with a focus on the word used to describe the smell in the air after a summer thunderstorm: Petrichor.  
  3. Holiday F.O.G. Warning – F.O.G. stands for fats, oils, and grease and if these are dumped down a drain it can harm the health of our sewers and local waterways. Find out the proper ways to handle F.OG.s during the holiday season and year-round.

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.

Bryce Gast: A Goshen life remembered

Bryce Gast, Goshen’s Administrative City Engineer, passed away suddenly on October 3, 2022. Bryce embarked on his journey as the City of Goshen’s Administrative City Engineer in May 2019. From the very beginning, he displayed a passion for his work that would leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Goshen. His commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the city’s development set the stage for a remarkable tenure.

Recent, substantial upgrades to Goshen’s Wastewater Treatment Plant—much of the work designed and implemented over the years, with Bryce in a lead role—involved replacing pumps and clarifiers dating back to the 1960s and 70s, expanding the facility’s aeration tank system, installing a more energy efficient blowing system, and installing a new dewatering building for the plant’s biosolids.

Read more about Bryce’s life and his contribution to the City of Goshen.

Read More
Remembering Bryce

2023 Leaf collection is underway

The 2023 Fall Season leaf collection began in October 2023.  There is no set schedule for leaf collection.  The crews follow a route through the City and keep rotating through the route until all the leaves are picked up. The leaf collection season usually ends in mid-December.

With those beautiful leaves falling all around us , we want to make sure our community stays vibrant and water-drainage friendly. So, we’re kindly requesting your help to keep our storm drains leaf-free and our streets puddle-free!

Here’s how you can join in and make our neighborhoods shine even brighter:

  • Clear those storm drains near your home or business, allowing rainwater to flow freely and reducing ponding.
  • Skip the Curb Piles: Please avoid piling up leaves along the curb, which can lead to drainage issues. Let’s keep our streets leaf-free!
  • Spread the Word: Share this post with neighbors and business owners to spread the word about this leafy mission.

For more details on leaf collection visit: https://goshenindiana.org/street-department

Wilden Ave. Set to open soon

Wilden Avenue will soon be open, but not this Saturday as planned. Reith-Riley informed the City they will need to keep the road closed until 12 PM Friday, November 17, in order to finish concrete and grading work. When they open, we anticipate a smooth ride between Indiana Avenue and Main Street!

Park restroom access during the fall and winter 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.

Don’t forget to ‘Fall Back’! Daylight Saving Time ends on November 5, 2023

As the leaves change color and the air gets crisper, it’s a sure sign that autumn is in full swing. With the changing of seasons comes an important reminder – the end of Daylight Saving Time! On November 5, 2023, we will set our clocks back by one hour, officially marking the return to Standard Time.

Why ‘Fall Back’?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice where we adjust our clocks forward by one hour in the spring and set them back by one hour in the fall. The concept is simple – we “spring forward” in March to make better use of natural daylight during the longer days of spring and summer, and in November, we “fall back” to return to Standard Time as the days become shorter.

What to Do:

On the night of Saturday, November 4, 2023, before you head to bed, remember to set your clocks back by one hour. This simple action will ensure that you’re in sync with the new time schedule.

Safety Check:

This is also an excellent time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your safety.

Conclusion:

Daylight Saving Time is a timeless tradition that helps us make the most of daylight throughout the year. So, on Sunday, November 5, 2023, remember to set your clocks back, enjoy the extra hour, and embrace the coziness of autumn as we transition into the Standard Time zone.

Happy New Water Year

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: bit.ly/SWNews_Oct2023.

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. 

In this month’s newsletter, there are three articles:

  1. Happy New Water Year – Find out what the “water year” is and why it is important to understand how much water falls from the sky from place to place and during different seasons of the year. Additionally, find out how you can help monitor rainfall by becoming a volunteer with CoCoRaHS. 
  2. Find out the origins of the word “hydrology” in the next installment of the “Why are there so many words for waterways?” series. 
  3. The Value of Water has been calculated at $58 Trillion by the World Wildlife Foundation! Water has immense value but we continue to have “water blindness” to this important resource. Find out more.

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.

Visit City Hall, Utilities, and Goshen Police Station during Trick or Treat Mainstreet!

Mayor Gina is excited to welcome you downtown at her office in City Hall during Trick or Treat Mainstreet from 12- 5 PM on Halloween Tuesday, October 31st 2023. Continue your route across the street to the Goshen Utilities building, followed by an opportunity to take pictures with Chase and Marshall – honorary members of the Goshen Police and Fire departments at the Goshen Police Station.

The Goshen Chamber of Commerce organizes the event, and participating stores will have orange signs on their windows.

Here is a list of participating businesses as of 10/27:
Synder’s Jewelers; L&M Hair Salon; John Hall Hardware; Sorg Jewelry; The Post; Soapy Gnome; Micheal’s Insurance Agency; Merino Law; Goshen Historical Museum; Goshen Water Department; Goshen City Hall; Op1Vet; Kruggel Lawton CPA; Woldruff’s Footwear; Woldruff’s Apparel; Edward Jones; Blissful Events; Goshen Theater; Energy Well; Goshen Chamber of Commerce; The Nut Shoppe; Jules Boutique; Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn; Maple City Market; YAUB; Imagination Spot; 1st Source Bank; Springer Design; Rieth Rhorer Funeral Home; Missy Vodi Photography

See you from 12- 5 PM on Halloween Tuesday, October 31st, 2023, for a day full of Treats and no Tricks.

Goshen’s 38 Ongoing Road Projects

Are you curious about the latest updates on Goshen’s ongoing road projects? We have 38 projects aimed at improving our city’s infrastructure, making it more accessible and convenient for all residents. One of these projects, Wilden Ave, is making remarkable progress and is scheduled to reopen on November 11th.

Wilden Ave: Paving the Way for a Better Goshen

Wilden Ave is one of the key roads undergoing transformation in our ongoing road improvement projects. It’s been a significant effort, and we’re thrilled to announce that it’s on track to reopen on November 11th.

We understand that you might want to dive deeper into each of these 38 projects. For a more in-depth look at Wilden Ave and all the ongoing road projects in Goshen, we invite you to click here. This link will provide you with detailed information about each project, maps, and how they contribute to the betterment of our beautiful city.

Improving Infrastructure for a Brighter Future

These ongoing road projects in Goshen are a testament to our commitment to creating a more efficient and accessible city. They aim to enhance the quality of life for our residents, improve traffic flow, and ensure the safety of all who use our roads.

As we near the reopening of Wilden Ave and continue work on the other 37 projects, we encourage you to stay updated and engaged in the development of our city’s infrastructure. Feel free to explore the provided link for a comprehensive overview of the ongoing road projects and get ready to experience a better, more convenient Goshen.

We’ll keep you posted on further developments and milestones.

If you’d rather chat please call our engineering team with inquiries at 574-534-2201 or send an email to engineering@goshencity.com

FEMA and FCC to Conduct Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test

Washington, D.C. – Oct. 4, 2023

In collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the effectiveness of emergency communication systems and keep citizens informed during critical situations.

What to Expect

The national test will take place on Wednesday, October 4, at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET. It will consist of two components: the WEA and EAS capabilities.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA):

  • The WEA portion will be sent to all consumer cell phones, making it the second test to include all cellular devices.
  • The test message will appear in either English or Spanish, based on the language settings of your mobile device.
  • The message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” For Spanish language settings: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”
  • The test will last approximately 30 minutes, and your cell phone should receive the message only once if it’s switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and your wireless provider participates in WEA.

Emergency Alert System (EAS):

  • The EAS portion will be broadcasted to radios and televisions.
  • This marks the seventh nationwide EAS test.
  • The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages, stating: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.”

Why This Test Matters

The primary goal of the October 4 test is to ensure that these alert systems remain effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those of national significance. In the event of widespread severe weather or other significant events, the backup testing date is set for October 11.

FEMA and the FCC are working closely with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders to minimize any confusion and maximize the public safety value of this test.

How It Works

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), which allows authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communication networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

This year, the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

Accessibility and Public Safety

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which then deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To ensure accessibility for all, including individuals with disabilities, these alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Stay Informed

We encourage all citizens to be aware of this nationwide test and to share this information with friends and family. Your participation in this test helps us improve our emergency communication systems and ensures that they are ready to serve you when it matters most.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to enhance the safety and well-being of our communities.