In today’s edition:

🌆 Northeast Indiana Population Grows as Five Counties Outpace State Rate

🚨 Teenager Pleads Guilty to Battery in Shooting Outside Fort Wayne Home

🎰 Local Elks Charity Casino Banned for 10 Years by Indiana Gaming Commission

💳 Joann Customers Upset Over Retailer’s Move to Stop Accepting Gift Cards

🌾 Federal Funding Freeze Impacts Allen County Farmers

🛣️ Major Road Project Underway at Maplecrest and State Road 930

🏃 Block Party Fun Run Raises Money for New Haven’s Historic Broadway District

🧠 United Way of Allen County Launches Program on Mental Health of Infants and Children

🧱 Bricks & Minifigs Fort Wayne Grand Opening

👮 Fort Wayne Police Department Reopens Citizen Police Academy

🏍️ Neighbors Voice Concerns Over Proposed Motorsports Club in Allen County

🚴 New App Lays Out Bike Routes in Fort Wayne

Sports

🏒Komets win

🤸Bishop Dwenger regional champs

📰News

🧱 Bricks & Minifigs Fort Wayne Grand Opening

The Bricks & Minifigs lego store in Fort Wayne celebrates its grand opening on march 15th, inviting families and collectors alike to explore unique building sets and interactive play areas. The event promises fun activities and special offers for attendees. Read more from Visit Fort Wayne here.

🚴 New App Lays Out Bike Routes in Fort Wayne

A new mobile app has been released, detailing bike routes in Fort Wayne. The application offers cyclists precise navigation and route planning, aiming to encourage safe riding and promote healthy commuting in the city. Read more from WANE here.

🌆 Northeast Indiana Population Grows as Five Counties Outpace State Rate

The population in Northeast Indiana increases as five counties, including a mix of suburban and regional areas, register growth exceeding the state rate. Demographic trends indicate a notable surge in local residency. Read more from WFFT here.

🚨 Teenager Pleads Guilty to Battery in Shooting Outside Fort Wayne Home

A teenager has pleaded guilty to battery following an incident involving a shooting outside a Fort Wayne home. Details confirm the minor’s acknowledgment of the charges after the event near residential property occurred. Read more from WANE here.

🎰 Local Elks Charity Casino Banned for 10 Years by Indiana Gaming Commission

The Indiana Gaming Commission has banned a local Elks charity casino for 10 years. The decision follows regulatory findings and enforcement measures aimed at upholding gaming standards and community trust in charitable gambling operations. Read more from WANE here.

💳 Joann Customers Upset Over Retailer’s Move to Stop Accepting Gift Cards

Joann customers express frustration as the retailer discontinues accepting gift cards. The policy change comes amid store closures and operational adjustments, prompting immediate customer reactions over the inconvenience. Read more from WFFT here.

🌾 Federal Funding Freeze Impacts Allen County Farmers

A federal funding freeze has directly affected Allen County farmers, limiting available financial support for local agricultural operations. The measure is set to impact farm production, local market stability, and ongoing farming practices in the region. Read more from WANE here.

🛣️ Major Road Project Underway at Maplecrest and State Road 930

Construction has begun on a major road project at Maplecrest and State Road 930. The development aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and support ongoing infrastructure upgrades in the area. Read more from WANE here.

🏃 Block Party Fun Run Raises Money for New Haven’s Historic Broadway District

A block party fun run is underway, raising funds to support restoration efforts in New Haven’s historic Broadway District. Community members participate actively, combining fitness and fundraising to revitalize a cherished local landmark. Read more from WFFT here.

🧠 United Way of Allen County Launches Program on Mental Health of Infants and Children

United Way of Allen County introduces a new program focusing on the mental health of infants and children. The initiative seeks early intervention support, addressing critical needs in developmental well-being for local families. Read more from WANE here.

👮 Fort Wayne Police Department Reopens Citizen Police Academy

The Fort Wayne Police Department has reopened its Citizen Police Academy, welcoming local residents for a hands-on educational experience. The program aims to foster community relations and provide insights into law enforcement operations. Read more from WANE here.

🏍️ Neighbors Voice Concerns Over Proposed Motorsports Club in Allen County

Local residents have voiced concerns regarding a proposed motorsports club in Allen County. Community members highlight potential issues related to noise, safety, and environmental impacts surrounding the new club proposal. Read more from WANE here.

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🏀🏈Sports🏒⚾

🥅 Komets Add Muscle with Jermaine Loewen Signing 

The Fort Wayne Komets are bolstering their roster with Jermaine Loewen, a 6’4” forward known for his size and toughness. Loewen brings AHL and ECHL experience, adding physicality as the Komets push for the playoffs. Read more from WANE 15.

🗓️ Fort Wayne Komets Game Schedule

Upcoming Komets Games

• March 14, 2025: 7:10 PM EDT, Fort Wayne vs Wheeling (ECHL) at Wesbanco Arena, Wheeling, WV

• March 15, 2025: 7:10 PM EDT, Fort Wayne vs Wheeling (ECHL) at Wesbanco Arena, Wheeling, WV

• March 16, 2025: 4:00 PM EDT, Fort Wayne vs Indy (ECHL) at Fishers Event Center, Fishers, IN

🏀 Notre Dame Falls to UNC in ACC Tournament

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish saw their ACC Tournament run end with a 76-56 loss to North Carolina. Ending Notre Dame’s season with a 13-20 record. Read more from WANE 15 here.

Today’s Weather Forecast.

• Daytime: A mix of clouds and sun with a high of 73°F. Breezy SSE winds (15-25 mph), with stronger gusts possible hold onto your hats!

• Likely our first 70 degree day of spring!

• ☀️ Sunrise: 7:53 AM | 🌇 Sunset: 7:46 PM Humidity: 59%

🌙 Friday Night: Partly cloudy early, then scattered thunderstorms rolling in late. Low of 58°F with strong S winds (20 mph). Rain chance: 60%—keep that umbrella handy! ☔ Humidity: 63%

🚨 Heads up: Windy conditions and late-night storms could make for a noisy night!

Monday, March 14

🎶 Live Music

• Dan Savoie (Blues) – Sweetwater Sound, 12:00 PM (Free)

• Joe Justice (Variety) – Chateau Rehab and Healthcare, 2:30 PM (Free)

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

• Shannon Persinger Duo (Piano) – Club Soda, 6:30 PM (Free)

• Staci Stork (Variety) – Vinland Reserve Winery, 6:30 PM (Free)

• OK, Boomer! (Variety) – Sylvan Cellars, 7:00 PM (No cover)

• Phil Plays Dead (Grateful Dead Tribute) – Piere's, 7:00 PM ($10 – $30)

• Chris Worth (Variety) – Redwood Inn, 7:00 PM (No cover)

• Rusted Hearts w/New League Record, Dormant (Punk) – Draft Taproom, 7:00 PM (No cover)

• Open Mic w/Right Turn Clyde – American Legion Post 160, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Free)

🎨 Art & Exhibits

• Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition – PFW Visual Arts Gallery, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Free)

• Violins & Hope: From the Holocaust to Symphony Hall – USF Rolland Art Center, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Free)

• The United States Colored Troops – ACPL Rolland Center for Lincoln Research, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Free)

• Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes: New Views of the Universe – Science Central, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ($10 – $12)

• Floor is Lava – Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ($5 – $7)

• Lauren Gerig: Verdue – Artlink, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Free)

• Phoebe Scott: Embodied – Artlink, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Free)

• In the Wild – Artlink, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Free)

• Better Together – Ruth Koomler Art Gallery, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Free)

• The Gardener – Kinhouse Gallery, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Free)

• Zac Benson: Delicate Moments in Time – Garrett Museum of Art, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Free)

🎭 Theatre

• I Hate Hamlet – Arena Dinner Theatre, 6:45 PM ($50)

• The Dinner Detective: True Crime Murder Mystery Show – Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM ($59.95)

• Walk Two Moons – PPG ArtsLab, 7:30 PM ($15 – $22)

🎉 Festivals

• Clover Classic: Day 1 – Deer Park Irish Pub, 12:00 PM - 11:59 PM (Free)

🏀 Sports

• NAIA Men’s Basketball National Tournament: Huntington vs. Lourdes – Platt Arena, 6:00 PM

🎤 Comedy

• Brian Posehn – Summit City Comedy Club, 7:00 PM ($26 – $34)

🎼 Workshops

• Two-Day Recording Workshop w/Larkin Poe – Sweetwater Studios, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ($995)