Wednesday, December 10
Hi 36° Low 20° | 🌧 Rain/Snow, Snow Showers Late
Wednesday starts with light rain in the morning, turning to snow showers in the afternoon as temperatures drop toward freezing. Highs reach 36°F with gusty WSW winds making it feel colder. Tonight, expect a few snow showers under cloudy skies with lows near 20°F and continued breezy conditions.

💧 Public Hearing on Fort Wayne Water Rate Hike

🚨Hillegas Reopens After Crash From Police Pursuit

❄️Warming Centers Offer Refuge As Temperatures Drop

❄️Mailbox Damage Raises Questions About INDOT Snowplows

🎄Christmas Tree Sales Down, Vendors Optimistic

🏠Move to Make Sober Living Easier in Fort Wayne Begins

❄️Fort Wayne Hosts Free Winter Solstice Walk/Ride at Salomon Farm

🚔 Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge For Thunderbowl Shooting

🏈 Indiana Hoosiers Earn Top Seed In College Football Playoff

💧 Fort Wayne residents can weigh in on proposed water rate increases during a public hearing on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Citizens Square, Lower Level, Omniroom. The hearing, led by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) and supported by the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), allows consumers to give oral comments on the city’s five-year “Moving Forward with a Purpose” plan, which includes phased rate hikes from $29.65 to $35.26 for residential use of 4,000 gallons. Written comments can also be submitted to the OUCC by Jan. 23, 2026. A final decision is expected in summer 2026. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🚨A police pursuit Monday night led to a crash on Hillegas Road near Husted Street before 7:30 p.m. A pickup truck ended up in a ditch, but no serious injuries were reported. Northbound traffic was temporarily detoured at State Blvd. and has since reopened. Both Fort Wayne police and North Central Fire units responded. Read more from WANE 15 here.

❄️With cold weather settling in, Fort Wayne’s warming centers are helping people stay safe and warm. The Rescue Mission provides meals and shelter for 100–150 visitors daily, while Project.Me offers snacks, hygiene supplies, clothing, and computer access. Other locations include InAsMuch Ministry, Allen County Public Library, Citilink buses, and the Salvation Army. These centers give people a safe place to rest and access services during harsh conditions. Read more from WFFT here.

❄️A Fort Wayne resident says Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) snowplows have damaged his mailbox three times in three years, along with dozens of others along Illinois Road. He attributes the damage to how snow is pushed rather than the plow blades. INDOT states drivers exercise care, but damage can occur from snow force. Residents can file claims at INDOT4U.com or 855-463-6848, and INDOT suggests preparing mailboxes and clearing snow nearby to reduce risk. The resident says repairs often fall to homeowners. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🎄Northeast Indiana Christmas tree vendors saw lower sales after a snowstorm hit during their busiest weekend. Spencer Straessa of Plant Center sold 430 of 560 trees, compared to 520 normally. The Reifenbergs of St. Joe Christmas Tree Farm and Jason Trabert of The Trabert Christmas Tree Farm also reported slower sales due to cold and wet conditions but remain optimistic that business will catch up. Vendors note the weather helps keep trees fresh. Read more from WANE 15 here.

🏠Fort Wayne’s Plan Commission discussed proposed zoning changes to make building sober living houses and addiction treatment facilities easier. The updates would define sober living homes, rehabilitation centers, and detox facilities in line with federal Fair Housing and Americans with Disabilities laws. Residential sober living homes could be located anywhere single-family homes are allowed, while commercial facilities provide care without on-site living. Advocates say the changes could reduce overdoses, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Read more from WANE 15 here.

❄️Fort Wayne invites the public to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Salomon Farm Park on Sunday, December 21. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Wolf Family Learning Center, with a 6.5-mile bike ride on the Pufferbelly Trail or a 1.65-mile walk on the Salomon Farm Trail Loop. Participants are encouraged to bring lights, decorations, and helmets for safety. The evening concludes with a campfire and food at Salomon Farm, with chairs recommended for comfort. Read more from WFFT here.

🚔Fort Wayne police arrested 24-year-old Tristan Pernell after two people were shot Thursday night at Thunderbowl on Lafayette Street. Court documents say security footage showed a member of a victim’s group punch a man with Pernell before Pernell allegedly ran to the entrance, pulled out a handgun, and fired toward the group. Two victims were hit, a witness was nearly struck, and police said his gunfire endangered at least 20 people in the crowded room. Pernell was also found shot outside, treated for his injuries, and arrested Monday. Thunderbowl reopened the next day and continued normal operations. Read more from WANE 15 here.

Enjoying the newsletter? Forward it to a someone in the Fort! 👇

🏈 Indiana football is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time after winning its first Big Ten championship since 1967 with a 13-10 victory over Ohio State. The Hoosiers will face the winner of a first-round game between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama. Notre Dame was the first team out and will not play a bowl game, finishing 10-2. Read more from WANE 15 here.

Fri, Dec 12 🏒
Kansas City vs Fort Wayne — 7:35 PM EST

Sat, Dec 13 🏒
Kalamazoo vs Fort Wayne — 7:35 PM EST

Sun, Dec 14 🏒
Kalamazoo vs Fort Wayne — 3:00 PM EST