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.

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

2023 Fall fire hydrant flushing

Map of flushing zones

Click here for an interactive map of showing the hydrant flushing schedule.

The City of Goshen Utilities will begin flushing fire hydrants for the fall season starting Monday, October 9th through Friday, October 13th.

From Monday, October 9 through Friday, October 13, the Goshen Water & Sewer Department will be flushing from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the upper-pressure zone, which is everything northeast of U.S. 33 and the Norfolk Southern tracks.

Also, on Monday, October 9, they will start nighttime flushing from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from North Greene Road to the western city limit and between the Norfolk Southern tracks to the southern city limit.

On Tuesday, October 10, workers will start flushing from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Cottage Avenue and 10th Street between the Norfolk Southern tracks and the southern city limit and between Lincolnway East and the Norfolk Southern tracks heading east to the city limits.

On Wednesday, October 11, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., workers will flush hydrants between Pike Street and the southern city limit and between North Greene Road and Cottage Avenue.

On Thursday, October 12, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., workers will be flushing between Norfolk Southern and the southern city limit, between North Greene Road and the western city limit.

The Water & Sewer Department asks that you avoid doing laundry on the day the flushing is close to your home due to the rust that is being removed from the water mains. If you do have a problem with your laundry, please call the Water & Sewer Department; they will have some special soap for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Goshen Water and Sewer at 574-534-5306.

City of Goshen sends out additional representatives for Lead-Safe Goshen Project

The City of Goshen is continuing its Lead-Safe Goshen Project by sending out additional representatives to collect water service line information by knocking on residents’ doors. Residents should know that no one representing the city will try to sell them anything when they knock on doors.

City representatives collecting this information will have a City ID badge issued by the Goshen Police Department. Photos of the representatives are also provided below. Representatives will be knocking on doors where information has yet to be collected.

Residents can also choose to self-report the material of their water lines by filling out this survey.

As part of State and Federal Lead/Copper Rule requirements, the City of Goshen Water Utility is working to inventory the material of all water service lines in Goshen. The City is required to submit an inventory to State agencies next fall.

Meet our door knockers

Levi Moser, Alexa Kennel, Acadia Imhof, Anna Osborne and Rodrigo Millan

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.

City of Goshen to honor Indigenous Peoples Day with special event

To celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, the City of Goshen Community Relations Commission will host a special event at the Goshen Theater on Monday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. honoring the region’s rich history as the land of the Potawatomi and Miami nations.  

Doors to the theater will open at 6 p.m., with information tables available in the lobby. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community.  

Fables Books, Potawatomi-Miami Trail Marker Group, and One Circle, a Goshen College club focusing on addressing injustices toward Indigenous People, will all have tables in the lobby.  

A selection of portraits from “Dancing for Our Tribe” by Sharon Hoogstraten, Potawatomi Citizen, will also be displayed in the lobby. Hoogstraten created this permanent record of present-day Potawatomis wearing the traditional regalia passed down through the generations but modified to reflect the influence and storytelling of contemporary life.  

This year’s presenters are: 

Iron Bear Singers 

Iron Bear is a drum group composed of the Southern Plains singing style and Ponca influence. The members of Iron Bear represent many tribes from the Midwest. The drum lives in Hammond, Indiana, and is cared for by lead singer Sterling Big Bear III. The group’s name comes from Sterling Big Bear’s great-grandfather’s brother, Iron Bear. They continue using the name Iron Bear to honor family and ancestors. 

Citizens of Pokagon Band of Potawatomi 

Pow Wow dancing demonstration featuring Men’s and Women’s Traditional and Women’s Jingle Dress Dancing. 

Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen) 

Ballew will discuss food sovereignty and cultural sustainability as the Cultural Sustainability Lead for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Center for History and Culture.  

Erin Burggraf (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen) 

Burggraf will share Indigenous children’s stories and the importance of uplifting diverse voices in literature. After her presentation, she will be available in the lobby to read children’s books to any kids and parents in attendance.  

Schedule of event:

6:00 – Lobby open to visit informational tables
6:30 – Traditional Potawatomi welcoming and welcome address from Mayor Gina Leichty
6:40 – Indigenous children’s books with Erin Burggraf (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen)
7:00 – Iron Bear Singers and Pow Wow dancing demonstration
7:30 – Presentation on food sovereignty and cultural sustainability with Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Citizen and Cultural Sustainability Lead for the Center for History and Culture)
7:50 – Final words and closing

September Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: bit.ly/SWNewsSeptember2023. 

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. Stormwater Treatment Units – Stormwater treatment units or STUs help to minimize the impacts of stormwater pollutants on our local waterways by capturing pollutants. Read more about how these STUs are maintained and how much material was captured over the past year.
  1. Find out the origins of the words “waterway and watercourse” in the next installment of the “Why are there so many words for waterways?” series. 
  1. World Rivers Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September and highlights the many values of our rivers and the threats they face.

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.

Mayor Leichty honored to host Governor Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation

The City of Goshen and the Goshen Chamber of Commerce yesterday hosted Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The board had a series of meetings as part of their quarterly business event followed by a public session at the Goshen Theater with more than 100 people in attendance.

“We’re so glad Governor Holcomb and the IEDC team chose Goshen as their host for the third quarter meeting,” said Mayor Leichty. “It was great to spend some time with the Governor and his team today, hear his plans for economic development in the state, and also to be able to share our vision for Goshen’s future.”

During the public session, Governor Holcomb and board members reported on IEDC’s key initiatives, an update on the Governor’s recent trip to Japan, and details about the launch of READI 2.0. The Governor also spoke about Indiana’s procurement of the Department of Defense’s $32.9 million grant as part of the CHIPS and Science Act for microelectronics development.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the state economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Led by the Indiana Secretary of Commerce, David Rosenberg, and governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb.

Goshen recognized for outstanding environmental planning

The Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers (INAFSM) awarded the City of Goshen the Outstanding Floodplain Project Award for creating and implementing the Goshen Flood Resilience Plan during its annual conference last week.  

The annual statewide award recognizes an outstanding municipality or manager who has instituted a proactive approach to water resource management in Indiana. 

“Environmental preparedness is vital for the well-being of our community,” said Mayor Gina Leichty, “Successful implementation requires the help of a whole team. Fortunately, Goshen’s talented leaders are guiding Goshen towards a more sustainable future.” 

“It is an honor for us to be recognized by the Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers as the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Floodplain Project award winner for the City’s work to help our community be more flood resilient,” said Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator.

The Flood Resilience Plan was developed after the City experienced its most significant flood event in recorded history in 2018. The City partnered with Christopher B Burke Engineering, LLC to create a study that identified at-risk areas and outlined practical ways of addressing the problem. The plan was passed unanimously by the Goshen City Council in July 2022.  

Recommendations within the plan ranged from specific actions undertaken by various city departments to ordinance updates that limit high-risk development and incentivize future growth outside flood hazard areas. 

More info about the City’s plans to address flooding and additional resources can be found here. 

City employees and elected officials integral to the creation and implementation of the Goshen Flood Resilience Plan with Mayor Leichty.  (Front L to R: Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator; Mayor Gina Leichty; City Councilor Julia King; Mattie Lehman, GIS Coordinator. Back L to R: Deputy Mayor Mark Brinson; Aaron Sawatsky-Kingsley, Environmental Resilience Director; Dustin Sailor, Public Works Director; City Councilor Matt Schrock; Tanya Heyde, Parks and Recreation Director; Ryan Miller, Stormwater Specialist)