The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in more than a thousand confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. Check out our website for updates: https://bit.ly/2S7n68S
Newly released data shows Indiana's first death due to the novel coronavirus was six days earlier than previously announced. Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the state's first death March 16. "It saddens me to announce that as of earlier this morning, we as a state have lost our first Hoosier to the coronavirus, COVID-19," Holcomb said. But data published Friday by the Indiana State Department of Health shows two Hoosiers died of the coronavirus on March 10 and a total of five people died before March 16. When asked to confirm the data, the state's joint information center said, "Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and have occurred over multiple days."
Allen County's first two COVID-19 cases were confirmed March 19. We are now regularly updating case numbers on our website - the total number of Allen County residents with confirmed COVID-19 is at 4 as of 2:32 p.m. Friday, March 20. Check allencountyhealth.com/covid-19 for the latest updates,
Reminder: This broadcast happens tonight, Friday March 20 at 7:00pm. Tune in, call in to the PBS Fort Wayne studio at 1-866-969-2720 and connect to community experts with your questions.
2020, March 21 - Primaries scheduled for Georgia, Maryland, Indiana, Connecticut and Kentucky were all reported postponed to May or June due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP, 3/21/20)
2020, March 23 - Governor Orders Hoosiers to Stay Home in Fight Against COVID-19Governor Eric J. Holcomb delivered a statewide address today to order that Hoosiers remain in their homes except when they are at work or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for health and safety. The order is in effect from March 25 to April 7.
Right now, Allen County has 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the number continues to climb, but we can slow it down. Please practice social distancing. Stay home unless you need to go out for an essential reason.
Allen County reported its second death due to COVID-19 and six additional cases Tuesday. We've been working on compiling demographic information on all our positive cases. We will update demographics weekly and post to our website at allencountyhealth.com/covid-19
2020, April 16 - Governors in seven US Midwest states said they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in their regions. The governors for Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky have formed a partnership to work together on restarting the economies in their states, they said in a statement. (Reuters, 4/17/20)
FREE COVID-19 testing at Ivy Tech Community College Coliseum campus, 3800 N Anthony Blvd., is still going on from 9a-6p through Friday. Be sure to get tested if you are a symptomatic:
> A healthcare worker, first responder or essential worker with a symptomatic person in your household
> A symptomatic person who is also considered high-risk due to age (65+), weight (a BMI>40), or underlying health conditions (chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, heart disease with complications, immunocompromised, diabetes, renal failure or liver disease)
Bring your Indiana-issued driver's license or ID AND proof of employment if you're essential personnel.
Two Parkview physicians discuss an unfortunate side effect of the coronavirus pandemic – patients are waiting too long to get treatment for other concerning issues. Remember, we're still here. Please, don't wait. Parkview providers urge: “Don’t wait to seek care”Last Modified: April 16, 2020.
In late May 2020, Fort Wayne witnessed the most contentious demonstrations of civil unrest to unfold in its downtown, and one of the largest such protests ever to occur anywhere in the city. The civil unrest was sparked by the murder of Black Minneapolis resident George Floyd by White police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, which reignited movements against racial injustices and sparked waves of civil unrest throughout the world. In Fort Wayne, the protests began in earnest the evening of Friday, May 29, 2020 when hundreds of protesters occupied the intersection of Clinton Street and Main Street. After this contentious first encounter, protesters were dispersed by law enforcement through the use of less-lethal crowd control measures. Heavy attention was given to the reported 50 windows that were broken throughout downtown establishments later that night. Beginning that weekend and continuing for the next several weeks, thousands of protesters from the community met daily on the Courthouse Green to protest the murder of George Floyd and ongoing racial inequalities within the city and beyond. Although matters remained comparatively peaceful in Fort Wayne, at times tensions intensified, which resulted in numerous injuries, dozens of arrests, and multiple civil suits. An early draft of the historical interpretation dubbed these events “the Battle for Fort Wayne” referencing not only the physical, but also the social and cultural contentions for our community’s understanding of the unfolding strife. #sociallyhistory
City View Date Created: December 14, 2020 Creator: Patrick Stelte
December 2020. Topic this month: Lincoln Highway historical marker and dedication includes news conference and interview with Creager Smith, Historic Preservation Planner.
2020, November 1 - As part of the Indiana Lincoln Highway Association's Control Station Project a donated 1928 concrete Lincoln Highway marker was installed Wednesday at the Visit Fort Wayne headquarters at 927 S. Harrison St. When the original markers and signs were put up in 1928 the Lincoln Highway route in Indiana was changed to mostly use what became US 30. The original route which was State Route 2 became US 33. The two routes diverged on the eastern part of Indiana very close to where this marker was installed. Thanks go to Creager Smith, Bruce Butgereit and Jeff Blair for their work on this project.Copied from a November 1, 2020 post by Russell Stephen Rein on Lincoln Highway on Facebook. See our Lincoln Highway page.
This curious coyote was filmed 11-05-20 in an area with a lot of deer and small animal traffic. Time and temp can be seen at the bottom screen. [ See oue Fox Island County Park section ]
As we head into a weekend with some lovely weather, we just want to let everyone know that today we had 344 new COVID-19 cases. We are grateful to all our neighbors who've done the challenging work to try to slow the spread of this virus in Allen County. But we have to ask for just a little more. We hope folks will hold off on get-togethers in the coming weeks if you can't mask up and socially distance. It's just not safe. We are seeing a lot of spread happening at parties, weddings, sleepovers and folks sharing rides and meals. Those times we are with our friends and neighbors, we tend to let our guard down. But the virus hasn't given up, and it's spreading. Please keep wearing your masks around others, washing your hands regularly, and keeping at least 6 feet distance from people outside your household. #newnormal
Today Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Matthew Sutter announced a public health order in effect November 22 at 12a.m. limiting event and gathering sizes and placing some additional restrictions on facilities like restaurants, bars and fitness centers so we can slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We are so far in the red, we have to make some changes so our hospitals and hardworking healthcare workers can continue to provide necessary and life-saving treatment to all patients.
As we expected, our county shifted to the state's red category today...or as Dr. Sutter likes to say, "so freaking red you should just stay home." That means effective Nov. 22, any social gathering or event expecting between 26-100 people must be approved by our department and no events of more than 100 people will be permitted; bars, restaurants and fitness centers must operate at 50% capacity; food establishments should also be closed to indoor service between 12-5a.m. And remember, these will remain in effect until the county shifts to a less-restrictive color for two consecutive weeks.
Our community has been hit pretty hard the past few weeks with COVID-19 deaths. While symptoms of the virus can be similar, the devastating impact it has had on Allen County, Indiana, the U.S. and much of the world just cannot be compared to the flu.
We have lost 375 of our neighbors, co-workers, friends and loved ones since March to COVID-19. Our county reported 18 flu deaths in 2019 (and the 2018 flu season, which was nastier, saw 55 deaths). COVID-19 is not "just the flu."
While we are experiencing such widespread transmission, please help us curb the spread of this deadly virus by staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask in public, limiting gatherings and keeping a safe distance from people outside your household. Someone's life may depend on it! #NotJustTheFlu#MaskUp#SoRedYouShouldJustStayHome
2020, December 13
Sunday, December 13, 2020 nearly four pages of obituaries in The Journal Gazette newspaper.
Reed Steffen, patient care technician, PRMC, received the first COVID vaccine at 12:09 p.m. The vaccine was administered by Maryam Noureldin, PharmD.
In a blessing shared by Patrick Riecke, our director of Chaplaincy, he prayed:
"Today is a historic day. Today, our weary healthcare industry rolls up our sleeves. We wipe our brow. We steady our gaze, looking this virus dead in the face. A virus that has taken many things from us. A virus that has taken many people from us.
May the vaccines administered today walk in the footsteps of other vaccines which, in the face of other world-altering viruses, have stemmed the maddening tide.
May we lose just one less life.
We cannot get back the lives of those already deceased. But God, we plead with you to bring this pandemic to an end.
Bring the sickness to an end.
Bring the death to an end.
Bring the fear and anxiety to an end.
A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices.
We are so excited to see some of the first frontline workers in healthcare receiving COVID-19 vaccine today. While this is great news, it will still be a while before anything becomes available to the general population. So in the meantime, here is some good advice from the FTC on how to avoid the scammers who may try to take advantage of folks eager to get a shot.
We've gotten quite a few questions about when the COVID-19 vaccine is coming to Allen County and how people can sign up to get the shot.
Right now, the first phase is limited to healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Those folks will be contacted through their employer or facility with details. We don't yet have details on the next phases to come. And we don't have a waiting list or a timeline for when those will be. But we promise to let everyone know as soon as we do. In the meantime, here's a helpful video from Indiana Department of Health on what we know so far.Vaccine 101
We are grateful to be joining the COVID-19 vaccination effort in Allen County starting today.
Karen Figel, our first in the 80+ category to receive her shot this morning, was gracious enough to let us capture the moment. We’ll see her back in 28 days for the second dose, but so glad in the meantime to be taking this important step to get our community closer to the end of the pandemic.
The state just opened the effort to 70+ today. Appointments can be made at ourshot.in.gov or r by calling 211. We understand there are some long wait-times with both right now, so we appreciate everyone’s patience as they are handling a high volume. We are doing our best to address the issues as we learn about them.
On December 14, 2020, after weeks of careful planning and anticipation, a small group of six frontline co-workers from various departments received Indiana’s first COVID-19 vaccines at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation. Now, more than a month into the rollout of this protective measure, we reflect on the logistics of setting up a clinic of this size, and talk to those who were honored to be in the initial group of vaccine recipients.
2021, February 13
Today, co-workers at the vaccine clinic received yummy “Vaccine Me” cookies created by Cakes by Laurie in Auburn. The...
Today, co-workers at the vaccine clinic received yummy “Vaccine Me” cookies created by Cakes by Laurie in Auburn. The treats were courtesy of the Parkview Foundation's Frontline Worker Care Fund, made possible by the generosity of the First Source Foundation.
The recent opening of The Bradley boutique hotel in downtown Fort Wayne is one of numerous projects changing the skyline of Indiana's second largest city. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3iRLKYI
The recent opening of The Bradley boutique hotel in downtown Fort Wayne is one of numerous projects changing the skyline of Indiana's second largest city.
Over the last several weeks, Parkview Health has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations, as well as patient volumes at clinics across the region, due to increasing COVID-19 activity. Approximately 90% of COVID-positive hospitalizations at Parkview are unvaccinated patients.
Emergency Departments and walk-in clinics are experiencing longer-than-normal wait times. Similar to statewide trends, approximately one in five Parkview Emergency Department patients is COVID-positive.
Unvaccinated Hoosiers make up the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, including hospitalizations, statewide and at Parkview Health hospitals. Vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. All individuals age 12 and older can get a free vaccine – visit ourshot.in.gov for a list of vaccination sites.
In anticipation of the authorization of COVID-19 booster vaccines, Parkview Health is currently in the process of re-establishing the Mirro Center for Research and Innovation as a mass vaccination location for the community. More information and details about hours of operation will be shared in the future.
To reduce the spread of the virus and its impact on the well-being of the region, area residents are strongly encouraged to follow guidance from the CDC. This includes wearing a face covering in indoor public settings, practicing social distancing and getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
Amidst a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers, staffing is a critical resource and will limit capacity at all levels of care. Therefore, proper utilization of healthcare resources is key to maintaining operations.
If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider to determine appropriate next steps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a free online Coronavirus Self-Checker Tool, which can help assess your individual situation and determine if you should be tested and/or seek care. Parkview also offers several options for virtual care, including a virtual walk-in clinic and scheduled virtual appointments with a provider via MyChart.
Parkview appreciates the community’s help in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the strain on healthcare resources in our region.
American Electric Power is proud to be a founding member of the National Electric Highway Coalition. The coalition is committed to providing electric vehicle (EV) fast charging ports that will allow the public to drive EVs with confidence along major U.S. travel corridors by the end of 2023.
As we prepare to ring in the #NewYear, the Census Bureau projects the United States population will be 332,403,650 on Jan. 1, 2022.
For more on population estimates from our Population Clock and population projections for 227 countries and areas from our International Database, check out our new #AmericaCounts story.
As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to more individuals, we continue to get questions regarding the process. Dr. Michelle Collins-Austin, PPG – Family Medicine, walks us through the vaccination, from check in to observation.
2022, March 25
People continue to choose Fort Wayne-Allen County! Fresh population stats from 2021: ✅ Allen County grew at 5x the...
People continue to choose Fort Wayne-Allen County! Fresh population stats from 2021:
Allen County grew at 5x the national rate Allen County saw positive domestic migration for the 5th straight year Fort Wayne was among the fastest-growing metros in the Great Lakes region... again!
2022, April 13 - Meet a Parkview RN who painted a mural, commemorating his coworkers’ experience during the pandemic by Kara Hackett posted April 13, 2022 on Input Fort Wayne. Walking through Parkview Regional Medical Center to the Parkview Heart Institute, you’ll see a mural of masked doctors and nurses, caregivers praying together in scrubs, vaccinations being distributed, and then coworkers, families, and friends gathering once again. The artist, Jason O’Connell, 51, is an RN at Parkview Heart Institute. From left to right, the mural depicts the likeness of his real-life coworkers and commemorates their heroic work throughout the pandemic, caring for Fort Wayne patients on the frontlines and distributing vaccines. Ultimately, it offers a message of “hope” to the community for better days ahead.“It’s important for me to keep in mind that there’s joy in the world despite the struggles we have,” O’Connell says in a video on Parkview’s website.
2022, April 14 - Indiana state poem on Jeopardy television show.
CountyLine: County Horse Trails Project posted May 9, 2022 by allencountyinfoon YouTube The Allen County Commissioners, Three Rivers Horse Trails and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announce the awarding of a grant to construct a trailhead and equestrian trails in southeast Allen County.
2022, May 9 - The Allen County Commissioners, Three Rivers Horse Trails and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources today announced the awarding of a grant to construct a trailhead and equestrian trails in southeast Allen County. The $250,000 grant awarded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, along with $62,500 in matching funds from Allen County, will permit the construction of a three-acre trailhead in the 5400 block of Paulding Road with parking for trucks and horse trailers along with convenience facilities. The site will also feature handicapped accessible mounting and trails appropriate for therapeutic riding. Approximately five miles of horse trails will be created around farm fields and through wooded areas at the site encompassing approximately 200 acres total along with equestrian obstacles for the enjoyment of riders and the challenge of their horses. Three Rivers Horse Trails will host events and activities as well as maintain the trailhead and trails upon completion. Construction is expected to begin next spring with completion scheduled in the summer or fall of 2023. Copied from Grant Awarded for County Horse Trail Project May 5, 2022 post on Allen County Government. Three Rivers Horse Trails Inc. on Facebook.
2022, May 9 - TinCaps Jersey Auction to Help Fund Daisies Monument Fort Wayne TinCaps and City of Fort Wayne partner on Fort Wayne Daisies Player Monument. Newsrelease started with: FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne TinCaps, in partnership with the City of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department, are raising funds to renovate and improve the Fort Wayne Daisies monument at the historic site of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) team’s home field, located at Fort Wayne’s Memorial Park. “Fort Wayne has a rich baseball history and the Daisies are front and center as trailblazers for the sport in this city,” said Michael Limmer, TinCaps Vice President of Marketing. “While Memorial Park has long had a marker to designate it as the former home field of the Fort Wayne Daisies, we felt each individual Daisies player deserved to be recognized as well. This new monument will highlight each of the 144 former players and managers associated with the Daisies during the team’s existence from 1945 through 1954.” The enhanced monument was designed and created as a partnership with the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department. Memorial Park is located approximately two miles east of Parkview Field, where the TinCaps play.
2022, May 11 - the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Facebook with player photos posted: On our Fort Wayne Daisies Throwback Night on May 21st, we will be hosting 5 women that played in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League! Be sure to come out to meet these women & hear their stories! Katie Horstman, Isabel Alvarez, Dolly Vanderlip Ozburn, Mary Moore, and Jeneane Descombs Lesko.
(The Journal Gazette's headline from May 15, 1922, is inset with this photo taken Monday. Some letters are obscured because of damage to the page before it was put on microfilm decades ago.)
2022, May 14 - the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Facebook posted: Our Fort Wayne Daisies throwback jerseys have arrived! Want to take one home? You can bid now at TinCapsJersey.com! Auction closes Sunday, May 22nd at 9:00 pm.
Naturalization records that have never been published online are now available on FamilySearch! Adams, Allen, and Blackford Counties have recently been added online and other county naturalizations will be added throughout the year.
Records can be quickly located when using FamilySearch and the Research Indiana Indexes together.
2022, May 23 - New York city removes their last pay phone. The first public coin-operated phone was installed in a Hartford, Connecticut, bank in 1889 and pay phones are still available in Fort Wayne such as at the Citilink transfer station downtown shown in a photo in the article: Hanging up on a cultural relic by the Editorial Board published May 28, 2022 in The Journal Gazette newspaper.
The city of Fort Wayne population in 2021 was estimated at 264,169 when Fort Wayne grew by 0.8%, making it the 203rd fastest growing city out of the 797 nationwide with populations of 50,000 or more. Copied from City sees 0.8% population growth Expert cautions against seeing trend in small number by Maya Wilkins published May 28, 2022 in The Journal Gazette newspaper.
2022, May 30 - on the Jeopardy television show: Fort Wayne is home to the grave of this legendary orchard planter posted by Wesley's TV on Facebook. See Johnny Appleseed. Posted as Tonight on Jeopardy on Reddit.
2022, June 13 - a derecho thunderstorm with 98 mph winds hit the Fort Wayne North East Indiana area around 10 pm downing powerlines and around 83,000 customers lost power with Indiana Michigan Power (41,000), NIPSCO (32,000), and Northeastern REMC (10,000) who were sharing information on Facebook.
Crews have restored power to nearly 3,000 customers after last night’s severe storms caused widespread outages. Approximately 37,800 customers are without power as of 11 a.m., down from a peak of 40,700.
About 450 I&M personnel and contractors are working across northeast Indiana and southwest Michigan, with an additional 450 mutual assistance personnel on the way to help get the lights – and the air conditioning – back on for our customers and communities.
Winds up to 98 mph – the wind speed of a category 2 hurricane – caused many trees and limbs to fall, breaking utility poles, damaging equipment and taking down power lines. Crews have found more than 60 broken or damaged poles as they continue to assess the widespread damage. The number of fallen trees is also hampering restoration efforts, as in some places crews must clear trees from roads just to access equipment to begin repairs.
We have updates on the list of schools. The below are currently closed due to power outages:
Maplewood Elementary
Waynedale Elementary
Indian Village Elementary
Kekionga Middle School
Miami Middle School
We have updates on the list of schools. The below are currently closed due to power outages:
Maplewood Elementary
Waynedale Elementary
Indian Village Elementary
Kekionga Middle School
Miami Middle School
2022, June 14
We've mentioned how transmission lines are down that feed into our NREMC substations. Here is an example of what we mean. This is a look at the AEP transmission lines along SR 14 (intersection of Scott Road and 14) in Allen County. These poles are the reason 3,000+ of our members in SW Allen County are without power.
We've mentioned how transmission lines are down that feed into our NREMC substations. Here is an example of what we mean. This is a look at the AEP transmission lines along SR 14 (intersection of Scott Road and 14) in Allen County. These poles are the reason 3,000+ of our members in SW Allen County are without power.
Today more than 1,200 line workers, forestry experts, assessors, contractors, support crews and mutual assistance personnel will work to restore power to our customers impacted by Monday night’s severe winds. In addition, drones and specialized equipment will be utilized to help restoration efforts.
Power outages are currently impacting approximately 22,500 customers – the majority in the hard-hit southwest Fort Wayne and Waynedale areas. Hindering restoration efforts in this area are several large trees blocking roads and significant damage to power poles and power lines. In the Fort Wayne area alone, damage assessors have discovered nearly 100 broken or damaged poles and nearly 190 spans of downed wires so far.
2022, June 15
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VIDEO⚡️— Check out this really neat lightning video from Monday night’s storms from local videographer Bryce Fritzel.
Though some may have questioned the need for Title IX or worried about the impact it would have on sports programs for boys and men, records of the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) in the decades preceding its passage highlight the disparities girls and women faced in athletics and, thus, the importance of the legislation. According to excerpts of IHSAA board meeting minutes, by 1927, "the board went on record as being opposed to inter-state tourneys and sectional, regional, and state basketball tourneys for girls." Girls could play in intramural games within the school, but higher competition was generally frowned upon if not outright denied.
IHSAA records from 1955 reiterate some of these sentiments, noting "They [IHSAA] do not recommend a highly organized interschool athletic program for girls, but do encourage a Girls' Playday Program." Further, rules governing these "Playdays" included one noting that girls could only play basketball between November 1st and the date in which the boys' school team was eliminated from tournament play.
Read more about the IHSAA's rules governing girls and women in sport in Indiana prior to Title IX with these documents from the Indiana State Library Rare Books and Manuscripts collections.
2022, June 26
Last week more than 1,200 individuals worked around the clock, using the Memorial Coliseum and Clyde Theatre as staging...
Last week more than 1,200 individuals worked around the clock, using the Memorial Coliseum and Clyde Theatre as staging sites. Our team repaired or replaced more than 350 poles, 65 transformers and 700 spans of downed wires. Join us in thanking them for their tireless work, and commitment to our community!
Thank YOU for your patience as we restored power to more than 41,000 customers after last week’s powerful storm. We are so grateful for the support we received from community members and businesses.
2022, June 28
Our most recent day with a high of 106° happened 10 years ago. There are 3 other 106° days in #FortWayne 's record...
Our most recent day with a high of 106° happened 10 years ago. There are 3 other 106° days in #FortWayne's record books and it's the highest temp ever recorded in the city. The Live Doppler 15 Fury Storm Team says we're heating up to the 90s soon and won't get as high as the triple digits.
The 2020 CenterOfPopulation is 11.8 miles from the 2010 center and 885.9 miles from the 1790 center. Ahead of tomorrow's celebration in Hartville, Missouri, explore national centers of population since 1790, including relative population shifts by decade, and more.Centers of Population. From a September 21, 2022 post by the United States Census Bureau on Facebook.
PBS Fort Wayne premiered the two-hour documentary The Forgotten: A History of the State Developmental Institutions in Fort Wayne showing the long history of the Indiana School for Feeble Minded Youth since it opened in Fort Wayne in 1890.
2022, September 29 - Good news! If you missed the broadcast premiere of our latest documentary, "The Forgotten: A History of the State Developmental Institutions in Fort Wayne," you can now stream it here: https://to.pbs.org/3COkyoH
Do you hate changing your clocks twice a year? Did you ever wonder why the heck we do this? Be Smart explains the history of daylight saving time, look at its effects on our health, and asks whether it's time to get rid of the time change once and for all!
Produced by PBS Digital Studios, a video you're welcome to watch & share. And share with us... how do you feel about this issue?
2022, November 29
Still feeling the magic from the Night of Lights last Wednesday in Downtown Fort Wayne! 🎄✨ 📸: Photo by John...
We are pleased to be deploying one of the first all-electric semitrucks outside California. Its inaugural delivery will be a 44,000-pound food donation to Gleaners Community Food Bank later today.
Tonight, the nation prepares to ring in the #NewYear!
#ICYMI: We project the United States population will be 334,233,854 on Jan. 1, 2023. This represents an increase of 1,571,393 (0.47%) from New Year’s Day 2022, and 2,784,573 (0.84%) since Census Day (April 1) 2020.
Learn more about our U.S. and world population projections on #AmericaCounts.
Today we welcomed works of art from 1927 into the public domain! Check out the movies, music, periodicals & books that are now free to remix & reuse in our latest blog post
2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: Now that 2023 has begun, here are some statistics to recap 2022! Fort Wayne and South Bend both had below normal precipitation totals for the year. Fort Wayne's average temperature was right at average, while South Bend was 1.4 degrees above average. To find out more about the weather in 2022, go to these links: Fort Wayne, IN: Climatological Report (Annual)
On January 3, 1888, exactly 135 years ago today, Marvin C. Stone received the patent for the paper drinking straw. In commemoration of this moment, January 3rd is known as National Drinking Straw Day. Since then, a variety of drinking straws are used. It is believed the Sumerians used the very first drinking straws for drinking beer. The oldest drinking straw known to be in existence was found in a Sumerian tomb dated 3,000 B.C.E. In recent history Fort Wayne has played a prominent role in the production of drinking straws. In response to the growing concern over environmental issues, Paramount Tube (a subsidiary of Precision Products Group, Inc.) began searching for an alternative to plastic drinking straws. The answer was found in Stone’s 1888 patent. Stone’s descendants still owned an original and functioning straw press, which was bought by Precision Products and moved to Fort Wayne. In 2007, they re-introduced paper straws through a new subsidiary, Aardvark Paper Drinking Straws, which was the only manufacturer of paper drinking straws in the country. In 2018, Aardvark Straws was purchased by Hoffmaster Group, Inc., a Wisconsin based company that specializes in premium paper napkins and other disposable dining items. Still based in Fort Wayne, Aardvark continues to produce the majority of the paper drinking straws used in the United States. Celebrate National Drinking Straw Day by enjoying your favorite beverage using a drinking straw! #sociallyhistory
2023, January 13 - Pocket Telephones 1919 newspaper
The Journal Gazette's larger edition is moving to Saturdays, effective Jan. 28. The features readers have come to expect on Sundays will be part of the Weekend Edition.
The Sunday edition will be published this weekend.
The Journal Gazette will continue local coverage of major breaking news and sports events online seven days a week.
The free story linked here has more information on the change, including details on how to activate a digital subscription, which is included with a daily print subscription.
Questions and concerns can be directed to Fort Wayne Newspapers Customer Service at 461-8519 or jgcustomerservice@fortwayne.com. The JG newsroom, which operates this social media page, does not have access to customer delivery or digital account information
2023, January 25 - Many locations averaged between 4 and 6 inches of snow, with the heaviest snow falling from late morning through mid afternoon. Some meso banding occurred in a few locations that allowed for locally higher amounts, approaching 7 to 9 inches. The map represents reports received through our various data sources. A table of specific amounts can also be found under the Storm Reports tab of this story. From January 25, 2023 Winter Storm at Northern Indiana at Weather.gov.
It was a snowy day at the Fort Wayne International Airport yesterday! In fact, for January 25th, FWA set a new record daily maximum snowfall! A total of 6.2" of snow fell yesterday! This breaks the old record of 5.4" which was set back in 1978, during the start of the Blizzard of '78!
2023, February 20
We are old enough to remember celebrating the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in our elementary...
We are old enough to remember celebrating the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in our elementary school, but of course, Presidents Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February (today). Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers.
Although we are closed today, celebrating, we just want you to know that 18 U.S. presidents have been documented in complete or in-progress print or online editions supported by the NHPRC, and a few others have had their papers preserved through microfilm collections. In addition, six presidents--Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon--are part of the Presidential Recordings project at the University of Virginia.
Here’s where to find them:
Founders Online -- Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and John Quincy Adams are part of the corpus of 185,000 documents captured here. Bonus: papers of non-presidents Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.
Their online post has links to online Presidental papers.
2023, March 31 - several tornadoes in northeast Allen County including one that traveled nearly 8 miles started around Bowers Cemetery on Maysville Road traveling towards Harlan.
2023, April 1
Our survey teams have confirmed 3 tornadoes from Friday night! - An EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Royal Center, IN -...
What's in a record? When you hear or see news that a region had its hottest or wettest month since records began, you can check the climatological record books yourself to see what that really means.
Amazon announced it would build the fulfillment center back in April 2021. It employs about 1,000 people. According to Amazon, since 2010, it has created more than 22,000 jobs in Indiana and invested more than $19 billion across the state.
2023, April 2 - 6 confirmed northeast Indiana tornadoes including Tornado - 3 N NEW HAVEN, IN which struck the Bowers Cemetery in St. Joseph Township.
From the March 31st event, we have a total of 6 confirmed tornadoes - 2 in White County, IN , 1 in Cass County, IN, 2 in Allen County, IN, and 1 in Paulding County, OH. You can read more about each tornado and see photos of the damage at Summary of Severe Weather Friday March 31st, 2023.
8:30 PM ET Update: For those wondering, we had survey teams go out today in Grant/Wells counties in Indiana. We have an additional team lined up to go out tomorrow to Jay County, IN and Allen County, OH. We will share additional updates and add more info to our event webpage sometime tomorrow.
The photo below is from the NWS IWX Survey of the EF-2 tornado in northeast Allen County, IN near Harlan, IN.
We are thinking of those impacted by Friday night's severe weather and tornado outbreak. Not just in our forecast area, but to anyone impacted in the Midwest and Mid-Mississippi Valley. ❤️
2023, April 2 - NWS confirms 2 tornadoes, including an EF-2, in Allen County
The photo below shows damage to a property in Portland, IN in Jay County, IN near the intersection of 2220 E and 300 N. Thank you to the Jay County EMA for their help during this survey!
2023, April 4 - Allen County posts sixth straight year of positive domestic migration
As two tornadoes touched down in Allen County on Friday, an Allen County Sheriff’s Department officer encountered one of them while on patrol.
Near Cuba, a mile or so south of Harlan, just south of US 37 - The ACSD confirmed the incident happened on Thimler Road just south of Notestine Road, which lines up with the tornado’s path, according to the National Weather Service. Copied from:
Today, Mayor Tom Henry, city officials, and developer Barrett & Stokely held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of The Lofts at Headwaters Park.
Honor Flight has allowed over 3,000 veterans to travel from Fort Wayne to Washington D.C. so those who have served can visit the memorials built in their honor.
2023, May 1
History was made today at the Allen County courthouse and at courthouses across #Indiana. May 1, 2023, marks the first day on which news media may photograph and record for broadcast non-confidential court proceedings. #camerasincourtpic.twitter.com/4eWKaxCiFT
— Allen Superior Court (@allensuperiorct) May 1, 2023
History was made today at the Allen County courthouse and at courthouses across #Indiana. May 1, 2023, marks the first day on which news media may photograph and record for broadcast non-confidential court proceedings. #camerasincourt
Some photos from the "Pillars of Hope and Justice" monument installation this past week. Some of these appeared in the Metro and Perspective sections of today's edition of The Journal Gazette.
The monument commemorates a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In Fort Wayne on June 5, 1963. The pillars incorporate words and phrases from the speech. The monument will be dedicated on Monday, June 5, 2023, the 60th anniversary of the speech. Dr. King’s son will be a speaker at the ceremony.
2023, June 5 - dedication of the Pillars of Hope and Justice, a public art monument commemorating the June 5, 1963, visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Fort Wayne.
This evening, Martin Luther King III joined our community to dedicate the Pillars of Hope and Justice, a public art monument commemorating the June 5, 1963, visit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Fort Wayne.
This History Center will participate in tonight’s dedication of Pillars of Hope and Justice. This article in Saturday’s Journal Gazette describes our role in reconstructing the speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in Fort Wayne on June 5, 1963. See the PDF or click on the link below for the article.
In February of 2020, Fort Wayne City Council introduced a resolution requesting the Public Art Commission create a public display that commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s visit to Fort Wayne on June 5, 1963, and the words and message he communicated through his speech in the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Because a complete, fully recorded version of that local address was not known to exist, the Fort Wayne History Center collected, assembled and ordered all documented remarks, as repeated in area newspapers. The reconstruction relied on fractional transcriptions from five distinct sources and represented approximately one-quarter of the content spoken by Dr. King during that historical event. The partially reconstructed speech is shown here and was recited during the 60th Anniversary Celebration by the Reverend Dr. Bill McGill, on the same stage and from the same podium used by Dr. King. A full video of Dr. McGill’s recitation is included in this segment.
Here are two video links from the Monday, June 5, 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Pillars of Hope and Justice” dedication and 60th anniversary celebration. At the 10:45 mark in the first video, Executive Director Todd Pelfrey describes the research and reconstruction of Dr. King’s June 5, 1963 address to the people of Fort Wayne.
Commissioner Beck welcomed guests and discussed the project’s funding sources. The land, already owned by the Allen County Board of Commissioners, requires development that will include close to 10 miles of trails, equestrian obstacles, and a handicap accessible mounting area. A grant of $250,000 from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was obtained due to the commitment of $62,000 in matching funds from Allen County.
The project required support from the local horse community. Three Rivers Horse Trails Board President, Lynn Sroufe, shared that one of the top activities enjoyed by horse owners is trail riding. “Currently, you have to leave the county or even the state to find an appropriate and safe space to ride. It costs money to hook up your trailer and travel.” Sroufe and others worked to open a horse trail complex 18 years ago but ran into obstacles. “Our current board is made of a variety of equestrian enthusiasts with different skill sets and talents. Their push to make this happen was the catalyst.”
Kristen Guthrie, VP of Marketing and Communications at Visit Fort Wayne, shared that they never want to hear that residents must travel out of the community to enjoy a hobby or an amenity and noted that this new attraction will not only be greatly enjoyed by riders in Allen County, but will draw visitors from around the region.
Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager of City of Fort Wayne echoed the economic impact of the project. “Mayor Tom Henry and his Administration are supportive of Allen County government’s efforts to construct horse trails in our community. This is an important quality of life amenity that will be attractive to many local residents and visitors,” she said. “By working together, we’re going to make a lasting and meaningful difference for horse enthusiasts. This collaborative effort also helps position our area as a leader in recreational activities to enhance the well-being of the public and provide opportunities for possible economic development opportunities in the future.”
Development of the site is underway with trails scheduled to open late fall 2023.
Tuesday was a cool August day that broke a record in Fort Wayne. It was also our first August day with highs in the 60s in quite some time. The good news is we’ll see warmer temperatures return on Wednesday. You can read up on the statistics of this fall-like day we experienced by visiting the article below. #15Fury
Thrilled to join Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and city leaders to officially open the new Fort Wayne Amazon Robotics fulfillment center along U.S. 30. The first of its kind in Indiana, the new center has already created 1,000 jobs.
Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. When considering the accomplishments and contributions of workers throughout history, one category, the child laborer, doesn’t always come to mind.
Child labor was a significant part of the American labor story. For decades, children gave away their childhoods and missed school to be doffers, sardine packers, cigar rollers, newsies, or work in whatever job that could bring in money. While their conditions were not often acknowledged in their lifetimes, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and its prohibition of employment of children in oppressive work is part of their legacy.
To view more photos that document the American labor experience, visit the National Archives online exhibit “The Way We Worked.” Visit our online Ccatalog to see more images from Lewis Hine.
Image: Women Demonstrating against Child Labor, New York City, 1900.
On this day 95 years ago, Boy Scouts across the country permanently marked the Lincoln Highway with concrete posts, placing them into holes dug prior by other troops. At the time, it was noted "this will be one of the most important pieces of service undertaken by the Boy Scouts of America." Some of the iconic posts still remain, almost a hundred years later! The closet post to the museum is located in Youngstown at the intersection of Arnold Palmer Drive and Club Manor Road. The post is located on private property so please be respectful when viewing or taking photos. Picture courtesy of Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, Iowa. #TBT#BoyScouts#LincolnHighwayMarkers
In celebration of National Drive Electric Week, the City's Public Works Division highlighted Fort Wayne's electric vehicle (EV) charging station efforts and shared plans for the future.
October 10 is Electronic Records Day! For decades, the National Archives has enabled researchers to access federal records developed for use with computer applications.
The Federal Records Act of 1950 offers the legal framework for managing federal records, including their creation, upkeep, and disposition. Since the National Archives started collecting electronic data in the 1970s, these records have become invaluable tools for archive research. The Research Services Electronic Records Division is home to more than 2,000 series of electronic records, totaling more than 800 million unique files and 400 terabytes in size, from more than 100 federal agencies. We also have electronic records from every White House dating back to President Ronald Reagan.
Learn more and watch our video about the National Archives Electronic Records Archives (ERA) System and its role in managing and preserving electronic records of the federal government. https://www.archives.gov/era
Today, Mayor Tom Henry announced a super voluntary annexation proposal that could lead to a major economic development project for the community. Read more: https://bit.ly/3LQELyA
Oct. 28, 2023 “Indiana state flag: the back story” Author, journalist, and Morgan County resident David Reddick will be Nelson’s studio guest. David will discuss the history of the various Indiana state flags as well as the life and career of Paul Hadley, who designed our current flag. This show airs this Sat. Oct. 28 from noon to one ET at WICR 88.7 fm in Indianapolis. Stream at Indiana state flag: the back story, or download the WICR HD1 app on your phone or computer and stream live from anywhere.
We're doing some digging into snowfall climatology on the overnight shift this morning! In the past 70 years, it has snowed twice on Halloween in Fort Wayne and South Bend. Will we add a third year to this chart? Our forecast currently has highs in the upper 30s next Tuesday, October 31st, with chances for rain/snow showers!
It appears likely that the coldest air of the season is on the way early next week! Our current forecast for Halloween would place in the top 5 coldest Halloweens on record in Fort Wayne and South Bend if it verifies. The record coldest high temperature on Halloween is 35 degrees, set back in 1917.
Measurable snow has occurred on about 3% of all Halloweens since records began in the 1890s. This year, snow accumulations are possible...it is also possible that South Bend sets a new record this year! 1-2" of snow possible near Lake Michigan, with totals up to 0.5" elsewhere. Stay tuned for updates. #firstsnow#HalloweenSnow
It was a near record cold and snowy Halloween! Both Fort Wayne and South Bend saw their coldest Halloween since 1917! Fort Wayne had a trace of snow, while South Bend had the 2nd snowiest Halloween on record with 1.4”.
Legendary Indiana Basketball coach Bobby Knight passed away and the internet/social media is buzzing. At his best, he was unbeatable, but when he wasn't, he gave people plenty of reasons to dislike him... He visited Fort Wayne several times and local media are posting stories. From a genealogy point of view is an interesting video: "September 2000 - Coach Bob Knight on How His Epitaph Should Read" and the recent Findagrave.com policy to keep posting closed for 3 months from the death date! RIP
HolidayFest featuring the Night of Lights, presented by TriCore and Downtown Fort Wayne, broke record attendance numbers on Wednesday, November 22. Over 50,000 people attended the always popular and nostalgic Night of Lights event, celebrating northeast Indiana’s favorite community traditions and kicking off the holiday season in DTFW!
#ICYMI: #Population trends are returning to pre-pandemic norms as the number of annual deaths decreased last year and #migration reverted to patterns not seen since before 2020, according to recently released Vintage 2023 population estimates.
The nation gained more than 1.6 million people this past year, growing by 0.5% to 334,914,895.
Though Christmas was celebrated in the late 18th century during George Washington's time, modern visitors to Mount Vernon might be surprised to find so few contemporary holiday decorations in the Mansion.
Throughout Washington’s life, his references to Christmas are few, making it extremely difficult to reconstruct details of his holiday celebrations. 18th-century decorations were also much simpler than those today, taking after the English tradition. That is why we keep Christmas at Mount Vernon quite simple even today.
Until the mid-1800’s Christmas was not widely celebrated in the United States. Many Protestants considered Christmas to be pagan and Catholic and, because it isn’t mentioned in the Bible, refused to acknowledge it as a religious holiday. The Puritans in New England went so far as to enact a law making it illegal to celebrate Christmas [ see our 1659 Timeline ]. Christmas didn’t become a national holiday in the United States until 1870.
In Scotland the anti-Christmas sentiment was even stronger and long-lived. John Knox declared that Christmas was an invention of the Catholics and in 1580 he banned the celebration of Christmas (then called Yule) in Scotland. In 1640 the Scottish Parliament officially abolished recognition of the holiday, declaring that “the church within this kingdom is now purged of all superstitious observation of days.” For over 300 years, Christmas was not recognized as a holiday in Scotland.
Christmas became a national holiday in Scotland on December 23, 1958, sixty-five years ago today.
Merry Christmas from all of us at IWX! Here is the Christmas Day climatology for the Fort Wayne and South Bend climate sites. Note that the warmest and coldest high temperatures on Christmas Day happened in back to back years!!
Happy 50th Birthday to the Endangered Species Act of 1973! For many different reasons, about 1 million animal species globally are facing extinction, and the Endangered Species Act is just one of the many policies in place to help protect endangered species in the United States. Not only has this act brought hundreds of species back from the brink of extinction, but it has also increased our understanding of the impact humans can have the natural world.
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is home to many endangered species and donates $300,000 annually to various conservation partners worldwide with a portion of all Zoo ticket sales going towards our conservation efforts.
The Endangered Species Act turned 50 this week! National forests and grasslands around the country are home to dozens of species, from frogs and fish to foxes and fishers, listed as endangered or threatened. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/species-peril.
For the past 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been a vital safety net for protecting fish, wildlife and plants. The law has been instrumental in preventing the extinction of numerous imperiled species and safeguarding the environments in which they thrive.
From the peregrine falcon to the island fox, we are thankful for the species this law has helped recover and save. While we have made significant progress in safeguarding species on the verge of extinction, many face challenges to recovery, including habitat loss and climate change.
Over 1,700 species of fish, wildlife and plants are listed as endangered or threatened in the nation. Agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) work with state, Tribal and local partners to restore endangered species, like the California condor.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ESA today, we look to the next 50 years and beyond with a renewed commitment to species conservation. It is up to all of us to continue the success of the ESA so future generations may experience the natural heritage we all cherish.
On December 17, 1823, Allen County was organized by an act of the Indiana General Assembly. The new county was to be named in honor of Colonel John Allen, an attorney and Kentucky state senator who was killed in the War of 1812. . .
Several notable weather events occurred in our area in 2023. This includes the February ice storm, the March 31-April 1 tornado outbreak that was the largest in over 7 years, and several severe weather events at the end of July. What weather event stands out to you from 2023?
2023 will be remembered for being much warmer than normal (especially during the winter) and for a notable lack of snowfall. Temperatures ranged from the single digits to the low 90s throughout the year. Fort Wayne and South Bend both saw a top 10 least snowiest year on record.
2023 was a top 5 warmest year on record in Fort Wayne and South Bend! Summer was slightly cooler than normal in Fort Wayne and near normal in South Bend; all other months of the year were well above normal. December, January, and February were an astonishing 7-10 degrees above normal!
For anyone vaguely tuned in to the machinations of copyright law, this Public Domain Day (the day at the start of each year on which works enter the public domain) is an extra delightful one, for it finally sees the appearance of a certain mouse. That's right... Mickey is free! At least the particular iteration of Mickey that first graced our screens in Disney's 1928 film Steamboat Willie. And, at least in the United States, which sees works from 1928 enter the public domain today.
More on Mickey's freedom in our special blogpost, as well as our highlights from the other new entrants to the hallowed zone that is the public domain: Happy Public Domain Day 2024!
We have just experienced one of the warmest and least snowy Decembers in Fort Wayne's history. We also saw drought conditions persist across the area. Take a look at the statistics and preview what's to come in January by clicking below. #15Fury
Good morning! December 2023 was the 2nd warmest December on record in Fort Wayne and South Bend! In addition, snowfall was notably lacking throughout the month at both climate sites thanks to the presence of a strong El Niño that is ongoing. #december2023
The Birthplaces of Lutheran Health Network are happy to announce the first babies of the New Year, born Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. The first baby born in Allen County - baby boy Rory - arrived at Dupont Hospital. Baby girl Olivia entered the world at Lutheran Hospital , followed by baby girl Bailey at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. Baby girl Elizabeth (not pictured) was warmly welcomed at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.
Before this weekend's weather arrives, here's a reminder about what roads INDOT is responsible for taking care of! We also are not responsible for the Indiana Toll Road.
See where our trucks are at 511in.org or the TrafficWise app.
Winter storms can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially regarding travel. Before you head out on the road, check your county's travel advisory map (The photo does not represent current travel status) to see if any advisories, warnings, or watches are in effect. Stay up-to-date and stay safe! You can find the latest info at on.in.gov/travel-status
Downtown Fire That massive cloud of smoke downtown is from a stubborn fire at an old paint factory on Jacobs Ave. north of downtown. Fire crews have been at the scene for nearly 12 hours now. Just drove by and could see flames shooting from the building.
"We've caught probably hundreds of people inside the building in the past and sometimes we've had whole tent cities set up literally overnight because we check the building on a regular basis," said Bean.
Arch Executive Director, Connie Haas Zuber says a local investment LLC, like Hanning and Bean, is the best chance the property could've had at being restored.
"It is very, very hard to protect a property like this from squatters coming in and damaging it. It's really sad that investment in this company, in this building, got wasted because they could've had a really cool historic preservation project," said Zuber.
"It's a shame because we had looked at several different redevelopment opportunities for it. We've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars cleaning the building out," said Bean.
Happy Groundhog Day! It’s that time of year again where we wonder: To winter or not to winter? Since we can’t control spring like Persephone, we’ll tune in to a furry little “forecaster” named Punxsutawney Phil. While his accuracy rate has fallen to 30% over the past decade, you can always count on him to look cute and grumpy at the same time.
This year, he didn’t see his shadow, which means an early spring! Whether you’re rejoicing that your cardigan can get more outings or celebrating that those pale noodles called your legs might finally see some sun—we’re just happy to hop back into bed. Learn more about Phil’s past predictions here: http://bit.ly/GroundhogsAndClimate#PunxsutawneyPhil
You just reached the final chapter of tonight's game. Here's your clue! :
2024, February 11
Carroll High School graduate Drue Tranquill is a Super Bowl champion! With KC's win, Tranquill joins Fort Wayne natives like Rod Woodson, Trai Essex, Bernard Pollard, and Ben Skowronek with a Super Bowl ring.
Carroll High School graduate Drue Tranquill is a Super Bowl champion! With KC's win, Tranquill joins Fort Wayne natives like Rod Woodson, Trai Essex, Bernard Pollard, and Ben Skowronek with a Super Bowl ring.
Watch stoves change across 100 years! Still curious? Explore a 1921 stove diagram that shows some of the features available at the time! https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-times-features-of-a-stove-in/116670368/
On Tuesday, Fort Wayne resident and Huntington native Jesse Matheny won his second straight game of Jeopardy! to advance to the show's Champions Wildcard tournament finals.
Matheny will compete both Wednesday and Thursday as part of the 2-day finals round where the player with the highest combined total will be the winner.
Allen County continues to buck Midwestern trends with strong growth in 2023. According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, Allen County’s population grew by 2,901 residents (0.74%) for the year, four times the annual population growth rate (0.18%) in the Midwest. Allen County’s growth rate also outpaced the state (0.44%) and nation (0.49%); its population now stands at 394,545 residents.
On Monday, April 1, join us for the Allen County Bicentennial Opening Ceremony at the Rousseau Centre!
April 1 is Allen County's official 200th birthday — the perfect day to kick off the celebrations happening throughout 2024.
Keynote Speakers:
—Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch
—Therese Brown, Allen County Commissioner
—Todd Pelfrey, The History Center
—Tom Harris, Allen County Councilman and Bicentennial Executive Board Chair
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away peacefully this evening, Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share that Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry passed away peacefully this evening, Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Statement regarding Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry from the Henry Family.
INDOT has announced locations for the first round of EV fast charging stations selected through Charging the Crossroads, INDOT’s plan to expand Indiana’s statewide EV charging network along interstates and highways as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
Bandemer’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in Fort Wayne’s success over the past decade as he has played a key role in several major projects throughout the community that have positioned Fort Wayne as a point of destination to live, work, and play.
For the Swifties singing “like who uses typewriters anyway?”…. Hemingway for one! Also Mark Twain, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jack Kerouac, David Sedaris, Sylvia Plath, George Orwell, J.D. Salinger, Margaret Atwood, John Steinback, and Virginia Woolf. [ Swifties refers to the fans of the hugely popular singer Taylor Swift ]
For many writers, the typewriter transcended mere functionality evolving into a talisman imbued with profound significance for their craft – a companion in the solitary journey of creation.
Typewriters through the years:
1. Hammond Typewriter Company, New York, New York, 1884-1927 from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian collection
2. The Printable Oliver, 646692. The Oliver Standard Visible Writer No. 9, 1916 from the Smithsonian American History Museum collection
3. Hermes Baby Rocket Typewriter, 1966 from the Smithsonian American History Museum collection
4. Typewriter Exhibit, Arts and Industries Building. (1948)
5. Advertisement of “everybody’s Typewriter” from The Oölogist for the student of birds, their nests and eggs. (1889-1890)
It turns out that there is a lot of myth and misinformation surrounding the development of QWERTY, but these various theories all seem to agree that the QWERTY layout was developed along with, and inextricably linked to, early typewriters.
Earlier today, we celebrated a monumental milestone for Fort Wayne and Allen County with the groundbreaking of the new Google Data Center on Paulding Road! The project, expected to be a $2B investment for Google, will include local investment in our communities and economy.
This achievement marks a significant step forward in the development of southeast Fort Wayne and showcases the strength of collaboration with Google and our partners at the City of Fort Wayne, City of New Haven, Allen County, AEP-Indiana Michigan Power, Fort Wayne City Utilities, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
We're thrilled about the opportunities this brings to our community.
Google plans to invest $2 billion in its Fort Wayne data center, officials announced today.
The first phase of Fort Wayne’s data center has been estimated at $850 million, Thomas Trent, the developer’s attorney, told local officials in January. Trent also estimated then that the investment could total $4 billion by the time the project is completed.
Google officials hosted Friday’s announcement at the data center’s future location on Adams Center Road. They were joined by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, U.S. Sen. Todd Young and Mayor Sharon Tucker, among other stakeholders.
The tech giant also announced a skilled trade career development program with Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and a collaboration with Indiana Michigan Power to add clean energy to the local grid.
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Google officials said they expect to create 200 jobs locally.
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“In 10, 20 or 50 years, future generations will look back on this day as one of the wisest decisions made in the sphere of innovation,” Holcomb said. “We’ve long been known as the crossroads of America, but we’re increasingly being known as an oasis for the data that will drive the future of the planet.”
Today city officials, in partnership with Downtown Fort Wayne, announced its first Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA) would open up on May 5 in downtown Fort Wayne.
Within a designated outdoor refreshment area or DORA, patrons will be able to order alcoholic beverages from participating vendors and take their drinks with them in designated to-go cups as they stroll downtown.
The nine area Water Playgrounds will open for the season on Saturday, May 25 at 9:00 a.m. Hope you can join the fun! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3KeHO2c
Rotunda as part of our Featured Document Display, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act! Signed by President Johnson in 1968, this law created uniform days for nine federal holidays.
Congress passed Public Law 90-363 in 1968. Known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, it established uniform days for nine federal holidays. When it took effect on January 1, 1971, the act designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day, replacing the traditional date of May 30.
Public Law 90-363: An Act to Provide for Uniform Annual Observances of Certain Legal Public Holidays on Mondays, and for Other Purposes, June 28, 1968.National Archives, General Records of the U.S. Government View in National Archives Catalog
2024, May 27 - Memorial Day
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. Before we called it Memorial Day, it was known as Decoration Day. Picture here are...
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. Before we called it Memorial Day, it was known as Decoration Day. Picture here are veterans honoring fallen soldiers on Decoration Day in 1903. In 2024, we would like to take a moment to honor all who have sacrificed while fighting for our country.
On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸
Thank you to all the 55+ organizations participating in yesterday's Memorial Dat Parade along Parnell Avenue and later in the closing ceremony inside the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
This year was particular as we unveiled two plaques to honor our 10 Fort Wayne Veterans who sacrificed during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Iraq. We had the honor to have three of the Gold Star Families present. (see pictures of the plaques)
Thank you, Tony Walker ( a four seasons linebacker to the Indianapolis Colts) and the Summer City quarter for playing and singing the national anthem.
Thanks to our volunteer team and support from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum we could not have made this happen yearly without you.
Thanks from your Commander.
Thank you to all our comrades from the VFW Jim Eby Post 857 for participating in the Memorial Day Parade 2024 in Fort...
Thank you to all our comrades from the VFW Jim Eby Post 857 for participating in the Memorial Day Parade 2024 in Fort Wayne, IN, along Parnell Ave and finishing at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Honor, Courage, and Sacrifice
Thank you
Commander
Today I covered Fort Wayne's Memorial Day parade as it passed along Parnell Avenue. Here's a little of what I saw out there.
Today, city and community leaders unveiled the new Downtown Public Art Trail SoundWalk.
The walking trail leads patrons through various downtown public art locations, accompanied by locally composed music and narrations detailing the origin and significance of each piece.
Today is the official day of the Dragon Boat Festival, which historically takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.
Today is the official day of the Dragon Boat Festival, which historically takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.
Join us for Fort Wayne's own Dragon Boat celebration, on August 2 and 3 at Promenade Park. More Info: Dragon Boat Races.
2024, June 13
A bp oil and gas company subsidiary hosted a morning ribbon cutting at a Fort Wayne renewable energy operation developed with Republic Services, about a $50 million investment.
A bp oil and gas company subsidiary hosted a morning ribbon cutting at a Fort Wayne renewable energy operation developed with Republic Services, about a $50 million investment.
The plant represents a partnership between BP’s Archaea Energy and Republic Services, which provides recycling, hazardous waste and related services. The Fort Wayne plant at 6354 Yohne Road is the first of 40 projects planned nationwide through the joint venture, the news release said.
The Fort Wayne plant will have eight full-time employees. Landfill gas, a natural byproduct of the decomposition of waste in landfills, is a form of greenhouse gas. The new operation will use technology to convert the landfill gas into renewable natural gas, also known as RNG. The use of it can promote cleaner air and more sustainable energy compared to traditional fossil fuels, the companies said.
The local plant – the largest Archaea Modular Design in Indiana – will be able to process up to 6,400 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute. That’s enough energy to heat more than 25,000 homes annually, according to the EPA Landfill Gas Energy Benefits calculator, the companies said in their new release.
2024, June 14
Today is Flag Day, a day that celebrates the birthday of the United States Flag. In honor of the day, here are some fun facts about our flag! #ICC #Indiana #CountyCommissioners #FlagDay
Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker and Browning Real Estate Partners announced a major redevelopment of the former Pepsi warehouse site along the north side of the St. Marys River.
The project, to be named the Treeline District, will transform the north side of Riverfront Fort Wayne with public spaces, 250 apartments, and a parking garage.
Our Clean & Green team continues to keep DTFW beautiful by doing some painting to cover up graffiti on the wraparound area of the Metaform mural (created by Jerrod and Kara Tobias) on Columbia Street. Clean & Green: Clean & Green
2024, July 11
July 11 is #WorldPopulationDay! Our International Database indicates the #WorldPopulation will reach 9 billion by 2037....
Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker and developer James Khan broke ground to mark the beginning of construction of the Villages of Arneo, a mixed-use project located along North Clinton Street, between Brooks and Wallen roads.
Saturday marks 40 years since General Motors, one of the biggest automotive manufacturers in the world — announced plans to build a new factory in Fort Wayne.
Saturday marks 40 years since General Motors, one of the biggest automotive manufacturers in the world — announced plans to build a new factory in Fort Wayne.
2024, October 2
Yesterday, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Hillcrest Commons right here in Fort Wayne! This exciting new development...
Yesterday, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Hillcrest Commons right here in Fort Wayne! This exciting new development will offer supportive housing for at-risk individuals and adults experiencing chronic homelessness. This is more than just a construction project, it's about creating hope, stability, and brighter futures for those who need it most. We're proud to partner with The Model Group and Fort Wayne Housing Authority to bring this vision to life.
2024, October 14
The first of its kind in Fort Wayne. Residents are invited to two free public tours of the Innovative Housing Showcase on October 18-19. Details: https://bit.ly/489H5e0
Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker announced that developer Barrett Realty Investments will move forward with plans to construct "The Wells Street Wedge," a mixed-use project that will be the first major private development on the north side of Riverfront.
We are getting a new stadium! Coming 2026! A beautiful stadium for the beautiful game. Read more at New Stadium
Mark Music, owner and CEO of Ruoff Mortgage and majority owner of Fort Wayne Football Club, announced plans Monday for a 7,500-seat stadium that would be the club’s new home beginning in 2026.
Mark Music, owner and CEO of Ruoff Mortgage and majority owner of Fort Wayne Football Club, announced plans Monday for a 7,500-seat stadium that would be the club’s new home beginning in 2026.
Thanks to everyone who was able to join us in welcoming the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Indiana last Saturday in...
To kick off the holiday season, "The People's Tree" is gearing up for its annual tree lighting at the U.S. Capitol. Linsey Davis reports on some of the people that made the tree's D.C. arrival possible- all the way from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. https://trib.al/vazz3nC
'People's tree' arrives in D.C. for lighting ceremony. To kick off the holiday season, "The People's Tree" is gearing up for its annual tree lighting at the U.S. Capitol. Linsey Davis reports on some of the people that made the tree's D.C. arrival possible- all the way from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.
Looking back at the time(s) President Jimmy Carter was in the Summit City. VIDEO: https://www.21alivenews.com/2024/12/30/remembering-time-president-jimmy-carter-visited-fort-wayne/
Ever heard of a cooper? It's a craftsman who makes or repairs wooden barrels and tubs! Meet Matthew Lipsky, the skilled owner and cooper behind Anne-Grey Cooperage, a unique shop formerly located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Journey Indiana is produced by WTIU – Public Television from Indiana University.
Journey Indiana airs live Thursdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm and can be found on the web anytime at the link in our bio.
2025, February 14
A game-changer for Fort Wayne's future. Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker unveiled plans for the North River Fieldhouse, a premier youth and adaptive sports hub along Riverfront Fort Wayne. With more than 27 weekend tournaments expected each year—including basketball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, pickleball, baseball, and flag football—the complex is projected to generate $36 million in economic impact, 54,000 hotel nights annually, and support nearly 900 jobs. Future phases include a hotel, parking garage, restaurants, housing, and retail, further enhancing the area's growth. Read more: https://bit.ly/3D0vAtV
Today, Mayor Sharon Tucker unveiled plans for the North River Fieldhouse, a premier youth and adaptive sports hub along Riverfront Fort Wayne.
With more than 27 weekend tournaments expected each year—including basketball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, pickleball, baseball, and flag football—the complex is projected to generate $36 million in economic impact, 54,000 hotel nights annually, and support nearly 900 jobs.
Future phases include a hotel, parking garage, restaurants, housing, and retail, further enhancing the area's growth.
U.S. census data reflects population growth in Allen County: bit.ly/AllenGrowth The census data captures growth for the past 5 years and since 2020 Allen County saw a 3.6% growth in population.
The census data captures growth for the past 5 years and since 2020 Allen County saw a 3.6% growth in population
More details at Allen County leads northeast Indiana counties with population gains, Census suggests at the The Journal Gazette newspaper. 11 northeast Indiana counties are Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley. Only Steuben County lost population, 14 people. The population in Allen County on July 1 last year reached 399,295, allowing it to retains its spot as the third largest among Indiana’s 92 counties. Most growth is due to net international migration rather than natural increase (more births than deaths). Indiana population is now 6.9 million. More deaths than births are expected in rural counties lowering their population numbers in year to come.
This afternoon I was part of the news conference for the City of Fort Wayne Government reference to upcoming round about.
Here is my statement during the news conference:
“Good afternoon,
I’m Arnym Pedraza, the commander of VFW Post 857, also known as Jim Eby, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Our post is 103 years old and is the second oldest in Indiana. We foster a supportive environment for our VFW members, their families, and Auxiliary members and contribute services and resources to the community.
We are excited about an upcoming project to enhance the view and ensure safe passage for our community. The goals that we see with this roundabout include:
- Improving safety
- Promoting lower speeds and traffic calming
- Reducing conflict points
- Leading to improved operational performance
- Accommodating a wide range of traffic conditions due to their versatility in size, shape, and design
This project roundabout monument will honor our local, statewide, and national Purple Heart recipients, bringing us great pride. As we know, freedom is not free, and many have sacrificed significantly. We look forward to the construction of the roundabout and to shining a light in honor of all our Purple Heart recipients.”
Allen County grew at 5x the national rate
: Photo by John McGauley
Happy New Year 2023! U.S. Population Estimated at 334,233,854 on Jan. 1, 2023
Legendary 
In addition, snowfall was notably lacking throughout the month at both climate sites thanks to the presence of a strong El Niño that is ongoing. 
Happy 
Learn more here: 
Ever heard of a cooper? It's a craftsman who makes or repairs wooden barrels and tubs! 
Meet Matthew Lipsky, the skilled owner and cooper behind Anne-Grey Cooperage, a unique shop formerly located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 