The following is a message from Mayor Jeremy Stutsman. It contains important information for residents to know about recovery efforts that continue in the city:

It has been a very long week for many people. The City of Goshen is continuing to do all we can to help those who have been affected by this flood.

I am lifting the Declaration of Emergency for the City of Goshen effective immediately. Water continues to recede and all but two roads are back open to the public. Thank you for your patience and working with us through this challenging time.

Now we are past the initial emergency and are moving directly into our recovery phase. I will be appointing a local “Recovery Team” to coordinate and organize activities in the City of Goshen and communicate with other Elkhart County Communities. This group will meet daily to ensure we are staying on top of the recovery process.

The following is important information to know:

1. We will be taking the City’s dial-a-trailers and placing them in areas of the flood. These are for affected residents and any waste that has been damaged by the water.
2. We will also allow flood affected residents to place damaged property (carpet, furniture, boxes, etc.) near curb line. If you do this please notify the City at 533-8621. We will send our Street Department out to collect the trash. Please be patient with pick-ups as we have multiple tasks going all at once.
3. Maple City Chapel is organizing all volunteer efforts in conjunction with the City of Goshen. If you could use volunteers at your home or business or wish to volunteer please call, 533-0327. Please work through Maple City Chapel for all volunteer efforts.
4. The City of Goshen is waiving all building permit fees for any flood damaged structures. It is important that you or your contractor pull a permit.
5. Beware of post disaster scams. If you want to check out a business or make sure they pulled a permit please call Goshen Building Department, 534-1811. We will be issuing more information on this topic shortly.
6. Elkhart County Highway has inspected our bridges and declared no flood damage.

We are so grateful to everyone who is offering to help. Please keep in your thoughts other communities who are experiencing negative effects from this flood as well. We have many people in need and I know this community will come together, as we always do, to fill this need.

Honored to be part of this team,
Mayor Jeremy Stutsman