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The latest news & upcoming events in Fort Wayne Indiana

Welcome to The Fort Wayne Update! Our mission is to prevent homelessness and crime while promoting a happier, healthier, and wealthier life for all. Together, let's make Fort Wayne the best city it can be! Share our mission below.

Good morning Fort Wayne! Here is this weeks update!

Double December Giveaway!

1. Kroger $100 gift card. end December 12th

2. Raising Canes $50 gift card to celebrate the new grand opening this week on December 10th. (We extended the giveaway since they moved the grand opening)

Don’t forget all referrals count towards extra entries for BOTH giveaways while they last! So, get your friends on board and boost your chances to win. The more you share, the bigger your shot at scoring! 👇

In today’s edition:

1. Owners of Junk Ditch Brewing Company respond to lawsuits

2. City of Fort Wayne shares emergency shelter plan for winter months

3. Infant thrown from car during speedy Ohio pursuit; driver arrested

4. Fort Wayne welcomes two Drive & Shine locations

5. Some Indiana counties on Michigan line see rise in weed arrests

6. Aviation museum working to make Smith Field hangar future home

7. Hit and run halts first date: Warrant issued for Huntertown man

8. City Council could help fund private development on The Landing

9. How the Pontiac Street Market is doing 1 year after opening

10. Allen County Commissioners withdraw from TRAA ambulance agreement

11. Raising Cane’s pushes back opening date, ‘Caniacs’ will still get their fix before Christmas

12. Our 7 day weather forecast.

Sports

1. Komets Update and this weeks schedule.

Live Music Schedule

Events

1. Headwaters Park Ice Skating

2. $1 Night Light Display

3. Sensory Santa Event at Bierman Autism Centers in Fort Wayne

4. Breakfast with Santa

5. Dash-In at Holly Village

6. 2024 Festival of Gingerbread

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Weekly Poll 👇

📰News

🍻Owners of Junk Ditch Brewing Company respond to lawsuits

Junk Ditch Brewing Company, recently closed amid legal turmoil, is countering two lawsuits alleging over $800K in damages and sabotage claims. The owners argue accusers acted in bad faith, deny breaching agreements, and seek dismissal. Initial hearings for the lawsuits are set for December 18 and December 30. Full Article Here

☃️City of Fort Wayne shares emergency shelter plan for winter months

Fort Wayne's Winter Contingency Plan ensures safe shelter for those in need from December to March 2025. Options include Just Neighbors Family Shelter, The Rescue Mission, and St. Joseph Missions Women’s Shelter. Warming centers like The Salvation Army and Citilink buses offer daytime relief. Read More Here

👶Infant thrown from car during speedy Ohio pursuit; driver arrested

A police chase in Bryan, Ohio, turned harrowing as Zachary Chervenka, 32, sped over 100 mph with two children onboard. A 9-month-old was ejected from the car and found an hour later in freezing weather but is in fair condition. Chervenka was arrested Monday afternoon in Edgerton. Full Article

🚗Fort Wayne welcomes two Drive & Shine locations

Two long-awaited Drive & Shine locations in Fort Wayne are now open, offering car washes, oil changes, and DIY interior services for members. Early subscribers enjoy lifetime discounts on memberships. The third location on E Dupont Road is coming soon, continuing the expansion of this family-owned business. Full Story

🥬Some Indiana counties on Michigan line see rise in weed arrests

Indiana enforces strict marijuana laws despite neighboring states' legalization. Counties near Michigan see rising arrests, often linked to traffic stops detecting marijuana odor. Advocates push for reform as 62% of Hoosiers favor legalization. Prosecutors offer diversion programs for minor offenses, but significant penalties remain for repeat or larger-scale violations. Read More Here

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✈️Aviation museum working to make Smith Field hangar future home

Fort Wayne’s historic Smith Field is set to host the National Airmail Museum. With a $5M fundraising goal, the museum aims to restore Hangar No. 2, preserving aviation history while inspiring youth with hands-on experiences like virtual flights. This educational space will honor local aviation pioneers and their remarkable legacies. Read More Here

🚓Hit and run halts first date: Warrant issued for Huntertown man

Barry McCoy, 55, fled after rear-ending a motorcyclist, leaving him critically injured. He prevented his date from calling 911 but she later escaped to report the incident. McCoy faces felony charges, and a warrant is out for his arrest. Read More Here

🏢🏢City Council could help fund private development on The Landing

Fort Wayne City Council is considering a $20M housing project, "The Landing Exchange," on historic Main Street. The 40-unit complex will preserve views of the iconic buffalo mural. The city plans to issue a $4M bond, repaid through tax increment financing over 25 years. Full Story Here

🍇🍓🍉How the Pontiac Street Market is doing 1 year after opening

The Pontiac Street Market celebrates its first year, evolving to meet community needs in a former food desert on Fort Wayne’s southeast side. Offering full grocery services and free delivery, it symbolizes revitalization efforts, with Mayor Tucker envisioning continued growth and private investment in the area’s future. Read Full Story Here

🚑Allen County Commissioners withdraw from TRAA ambulance agreement

The Allen County Board of Commissioners will withdraw from the city-county interlocal agreement overseeing emergency services, ending the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority’s countywide operations. While unincorporated areas will experience no disruption, Fort Wayne officials continue to seek sustainable funding and a new model for emergency services. Read More Here

🐔Raising Cane’s pushes back opening date, ‘Caniacs’ will still get their fix before Christmas

Fort Wayne’s first Raising Cane’s restaurant opening has been delayed to Tuesday, December 10. Located at Northcrest Shopping Center, the popular chain will offer 20 lucky customers free food for a year at its grand opening. The restaurant promises a fun atmosphere and great food for the community. Read More Here

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The Update’s Community Showcase and Classifieds

If you have an event or story you'd like us to cover, or a classified. Please reach us by email here. Or message us on Instagram.

Join the Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club on Dec 20th & 21st for Christmas Magic! Free for military families, and foster families get one ticket with all kids free. Enjoy photos with Santa, a live show, a skating party, Disney on Ice character photos, and a Christmas bazaar!

Love staying in the know? Spread the word! Share the update with friends ,and unlock exclusive perks! (we will be adding more rewards) just copy your personal referral link and share anyway you like.👇

🏀🏈Sports🏒⚾

🏒Komets Update

It was a challenging week for the Komets. After a hard-fought win over the Cincinnati Cyclones on Dec. 4 (2-1), the team faced two tough losses: a 5-1 defeat to the Cyclones at home on Dec. 6 and a close 3-2 battle against the Kalamazoo Wings on Dec. 7. Can the Komets rally next week? Stay tuned! 🏒🔥

Komets Schedule This Week

• Friday, December 13, 2024

  • Puck Drop: 8:00 PM EST

  • Fort Wayne Komets vs Bloomington

  • Location: Bloomington

• Saturday, December 14, 2024

  • Puck Drop: 7:35 PM EST

  • Special Jungle Jerseys

  • Game Worn Jersey Silent Auction

  • Chuck-A-Puck Night

  • Location: Memorial Coliseum

• Sunday, December 15, 2024

  • Puck Drop: 5:00 PM EST

  • Final chance for Jersey Auction Bids

  • Meijer Family Night Offer

  • Post-Game Skate

  • Location: Memorial Coliseum

7 Day Weather Forecast.

Monday and Tuesday will bring a nice warm-up, with rain likely on Monday, before we dive back into freezing temps midweek. By the weekend, temperatures should climb back into the 40s for a break from the freeze! ❄️

Live Music Schedule

Please confirm the schedule with the venue to make sure nothings changed before you go.

Mon, Dec 9

• G-Money & Special Guests (Blues) – The Club Room at The Clyde, 7:00 pm, No Cover

• PFW’s Home for the Holidays (Holiday Music) – PFW Auer Performance Hall, 7:30 pm, $5 – $8

Tue, Dec 10

• Chris Worth (Variety) – StoryPoint Senior Living, 3:00 pm, Free

• Open Acoustic Jam (Acoustic) – Sweetwater Sound, 5:00 pm, Free

• Carolyn & Dave Martin (Classic Hits) – The Club Room at The Clyde, 6:00 pm, No Cover

• Fort Wayne Philharmonic: Holiday Pops (Orchestra) – Honeywell Center, 7:00 pm, $22

• Open Mic w/ Shane Bond – Thirty3, 7:00 pm, Free

Wed, Dec 11

• ta’korei (R&B/Pop) – Charlie's Place, 6:00 pm, No Cover

• Open Mic w/ Dr. Dom – Deer Park Irish Pub, 6:30 pm, Free

• Three Rivers Big Band (Jazz) – The Club Room at The Clyde, 7:00 pm, No Cover

• Open Mic w/ Chris Hambrick – K-ville Pub, 7:00 pm, Free

• 4D’s Bar & Grill Open Mic – 4D's Bar & Grill, 7:00 pm, Free

Thu, Dec 12

• The Midtown Men Holiday Hits (Holiday Music) – Honeywell Center, 7:00 pm, $35 – $75

• The Cold Hearts (Country) – The Club Room at The Clyde, 7:00 pm, No Cover

• Hillbilly Casino w/ Debutants (Holiday Rockabilly) – The Brass Rail, 8:30 pm, $10 – $12

• Tronic Thursdays (Electronic) – O'Sullivan's, 10:00 pm, No Cover

• The Gambler Returns (Kenny Rogers Tribute) – Eagles Theatre, 7:30 pm, $19 – $39

Fri, Dec 13

• The Sweet Orchestra (Classical) – Sweetwater Sound, 12:00 pm, Free

• James Baker Trio (Jazz) – Ruth's Chris Steak House, 6:30 pm, No Cover

• Shannon Persinger Duo (Variety) – Club Soda, 6:30 pm, Free

• To Breath Again w/ Grounds, Mighty Vices, Faith in Nothing (Rock) – Stan's Room at Piere's, 7:00 pm, $10

• Jon McLaughlin (Holiday Music) – The Clyde Theatre, 8:00 pm, $25

🥳Upcoming Events💃

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week.

Headwaters Park Ice Skating

The Headwaters Park Ice Skating Rink is open from Nov. 23 to Feb. 23, offering public skating daily. Admission is $6 (ages 3+), with rental options. Special holiday hours and gift certificates are available. Visit the park's Facebook for updates

$1 Night Light Display

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory offers $1 Night Light Displays every Thursday and Friday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20, showcasing festive gardens, poinsettias, and photo ops. Enjoy unique gifts at the Conservatory Shop and special holiday events!

Sensory Santa Event at Bierman Autism Centers in Fort Wayne

Join the Sensory Santa Event at Bierman Autism Centers on Dec. 12 from 5-7 PM! Enjoy a calm, sensory-friendly environment for photos with Santa, cookie decorating, and winter-themed games. This free event is perfect for children with autism. RSVP today!

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a festive Breakfast with Santa at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum on December 14 from 8-10 AM, catered by Dutch Heritage. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Pre-registration required. Don't miss this holiday treat!

Dash-In at Holly Village

Visit the Dash-In chalet in Holly Village at Porch Off Calhoun on Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy drinks and more while shopping in this festive downtown Fort Wayne location!

2024 Festival of Gingerbread

Celebrate the holidays at the Festival of Gingerbread, featuring stunning gingerbread creations by local artists. Visit the History Center from November 29 to December 22. Admission ranges from $4 to $7, with extended hours and special events throughout the season!

Interested in reaching our audience? You can sponsor our newsletter, reach us by email here

Thank you for reading the Fort Wayne Update. We will talk to you next Monday. Have a great week!