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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.

2. Raising Canes $50 gift card to celebrate the new grand opening this week on December 5th.

Our Raising Cane's Giveaway ends December 5th, and the Kroger Giveaway wraps up December 12th. 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! 👇

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In today’s edition:

1. BakerStreet Steakhouse fire under investigation

2. Weapon found in Snider High School student's backpack

3. Parkview Field announces no fireworks show at Night of Lights

4. The Fort Wayne Zoo will stay open during winter for the Wild Zoo Wonderland

5. Grassroots Fort Wayne organization brings Christmas to 80 children

6. No Jail For Indiana Driver Who Pleaded Guilty In Road Rage Shooting Incident That Severed Victim’s Spine

7. Nordmann’s Nook: The big legacy of a small-town destination bakery

8. Chen, PFW help Allen County land $1.7M grant for battery recycling

9. Culver’s new restaurant primed to open Dec. 9 in New Haven

10. Dental Clinic fills vital need in the community

11. Lutheran Hospital marks 120 years of healthcare service

12. ‘Pottersville:’ Anti-casino group warns of bleak New Haven future

13. Our 7 day weather forecast.

Sports

1. Komets battle Everblades

2. Purdue fires head football coach Ryan Walters

Live Music Schedule

Events

1. Opera on Ice

2. A Christmas Carol

3. A Night In Bethlehem

4. Holly Village & Holly Shopping 2024

5. Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market

6. The Fort Wayne Great Santa Run 5K

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Weekly Poll 👇

📰News

🔥BakerStreet Steakhouse fire under investigation

Firefighters quickly controlled a kitchen ventilation fire at BakerStreet Steakhouse on North Clinton Street Monday night. The blaze caused minimal damage, with no injuries reported. The restaurant plans to reopen Tuesday evening, pending a replacement motor.Full Article Here

🔫Weapon found in Snider High School student's backpack

Snider High School’s security system detected a gun in a student’s backpack Tuesday morning. Staff swiftly secured the weapon and implemented safety protocols. Principal Chad Hissong urged students to report any safety concerns to help maintain a safe school environment. Read More Here

🎄Parkview Field announces no fireworks show at Night of Lights

Downtown Fort Wayne’s Night of Lights takes a festive twist this year, replacing fireworks with Parkview Field's enchanting Holiday Lights Walk-Thru. Families can enjoy extended hours Wednesday evening, 5:30-10 p.m., for a magical stroll through illuminated displays. Full Article

🦒The Fort Wayne Zoo will stay open during winter for the Wild Zoo Wonderland

The Fort Wayne Zoo transforms into a festive Wild Zoo Wonderland, featuring holiday decor, kid-friendly activities, and visits with Santa! Highlights include cookie decorating, a walk-in snow globe, and Jasper the snowy owl. Open until Santa’s return north! Full Story

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Grassroots Fort Wayne organization brings Christmas to 80 children

Operation Santa Dears is spreading holiday cheer, aiming to support 80 children this Christmas! Founded by Tera Elliott, the growing charity hosts toy, book, and hygiene drives, plus a wrapping party at 2Toms Brewing Co. Read More Here

🏥No Jail For Indiana Driver Who Pleaded Guilty In Road Rage Shooting Incident That Severed Victim’s Spine

Channing Davenport avoided jail time after a road rage shooting left Byron Turner paralyzed. The accidental shooting followed a heated altercation in Fort Wayne. Davenport received a two-year sentence with one year in a residential facility and probation. Read More Here

🥖Nordmann’s Nook: The big legacy of a small-town destination bakery

Nordmann’s Nook, a beloved bakery in North Manchester, thrives under Army veteran David Jimenez and his family. Offering homemade treats, local crafts, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s become a community staple and tourist destination, blending tradition, kindness, and charm to drive local pride and economic growth. Read More Here

🔋Chen, PFW help Allen County land $1.7M grant for battery recycling

Purdue Fort Wayne and Allen County secured a $1.7M Department of Energy grant to lead lithium battery recycling research. Spearheaded by Professor Bin Chen, the project aims to cut battery-related fires by 50%, train students, and boost public education through the "Stop the Spark" campaign, promoting safe battery disposal. Full Story Here

🍽️Culver’s new restaurant primed to open Dec. 9 in New Haven

Culver’s is opening a new location in New Haven on Dec. 9, offering free ButterBurgers to the first 100 guests. The store celebrates its grand opening on Dec. 16, marking the 1,000th Culver’s restaurant. Co-founder Craig Culver will attend the ribbon-cutting with local officials. Read Full Story Here

🪥Dental Clinic fills vital need in the community

The IU Fort Wayne David A. Bleeke, DDS Dental Clinic offers affordable dental care while training future professionals. Located in Neff Hall, it serves all populations, from kids to adults. Students gain hands-on experience under expert supervision, providing quality services that positively impact both patients and learners. Read More Here

🏥Lutheran Hospital marks 120 years of healthcare service

Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne celebrates 120 years of service, growing from a 25-bed facility to a 396-bed hospital. With specialized services like trauma care, stroke and cancer programs, and robotic-assisted surgeries, it continues to provide compassionate, quality care to patients in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.Full Story Here

🎰‘Pottersville:’ Anti-casino group warns of bleak New Haven future

Cathie Humbarger, spokesperson for the Coalition for a Better Allen County, criticized New Haven's proposed casino, calling it a negative force for the area. She questioned the validity of a 2022 study supporting the casino and expressed concerns over potential corruption, citing Full House Resorts' financial challenges and the lack of promised economic growth. Read More Here

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🏀🏈Sports🏒⚾

🏒Komets battle Everblades

The Fort Wayne Komets fought hard against three-time defending champs Florida, securing three points with a win and an overtime loss. With a 10-5-1 record, they’re holding strong in second place, just five points behind Toledo. Next up: a trip to Cincinnati and home games against Kalamazoo! Full Article

Komets Schedule This Week

• Wednesday, Dec 4th: Fort Wayne Komets @ Cincinnati Cyclones, 7:35 PM EST, Heritage Bank Center

• Friday, Dec 6th: Cincinnati Cyclones @ Fort Wayne Komets, 7:35 PM EST, Memorial Coliseum (Marathon Fill-Up Card Night)

• Saturday, Dec 7th: Kalamazoo Wings @ Fort Wayne Komets, 7:35 PM EST, Memorial Coliseum (Teddy Bear Toss & Chuck-A-Puck Night)

Purdue fires head football coach Ryan Walters

Purdue University has fired head football coach Ryan Walters after a disappointing 1-11 season, including a 66-0 loss to Indiana in the Old Oaken Bucket Game. Walters finished his tenure with a 5-19 record. Purdue is now beginning a national search for a new head coach to lead the program. Read More Here

7 Day Weather Forecast.

🌤️ Fort Wayne Weather Update! 🌧️

Get ready for a chilly week ahead! We’re starting off Monday with a chance of snow flurries, adding a little winter magic to the air. After that, expect partly cloudy skies for most of the week. The Arctic air is sticking around, keeping temperatures mostly below freezing, Bundle up and stay warm as we dive into December! 🧥

Live Music Schedule

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

Monday, Dec 2

• Parker Newby (Indie Folk) | 12:00 pm | Sweetwater Sound | Free

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

• Busco Beans Open Mic Night | 7:00 pm | Busco Beans | Free

• Baker Street Centre Open Mic | 7:30 pm | Baker Street Centre | Free

Tuesday, Dec 3

• Sunny Taylor & Guest (Classic Hits) | 6:00 pm | The Club Room at The Clyde | No cover

• Drum Circle | 7:00 pm | Sweetwater Sound | Free

• Open Mic w/JJ and McRae | 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Curly's Village Inn | Free

• An Evening of Saxophone and Band Treasures w/Viet Cuong & Holst (Classical) | 7:30 pm | PFW Auer Performance Hall | $5-$8

Wednesday, Dec 4

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

• Sweet Strings Jam Session | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Sweetwater Sound | Free

• Hubie Ashcraft (Variety) | 7:00 pm | Arena Bar & Grill | No cover

• Mitch Gallagher Band (Jazz) | 7:00 pm | The Club Room at The Clyde | No cover

• 4D’s Bar & Grill Open Mic | 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm | 4D's Bar & Grill | Free

Thursday, Dec 5

• Auburn Community Chorus Holiday Carolers (Holiday) | 6:00 pm | Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum | Free

• Joe Hess Band (Country) | 7:00 pm | The Club Room at The Clyde | No cover

• Tronic Thursdays (Electronic) | 10:00 pm | O'Sullivan's | No cover

Friday, Dec 6

• Dungeon Synth Night w/Haudh, Elyvilon, Foglord, Lone Sentinel (Dungeon Synth) | 6:00 pm | Stan's Room at Piere's | $20

• James Baker Trio (Jazz) | 6:30 pm | Ruth's Chris Steak House | No cover

• Sixteen Candles (80s Tribute) | 8:00 pm | The Clyde Theatre | $15-$20

• Good Night Gracie (Variety) | 8:00 pm | The Club Room at The Clyde | No cover

• Under the Covers (Variety) | 9:30 pm | The Venue | No cover

• Decade Divide (Rock) | 9:30 pm | Mitchell's | $5

• #IYKYK (Rock) | 10:00 pm | Latch String Bar & Grill | No cover

Saturday, Dec 7

• Three Rivers 2024 Honor Band (Variety) | 1:30 pm | PFW Auer Performance Hall | Free

• Winona Lake Christmas in the Village Concert (Nine Lessons & Carols) | 4:00 pm | Rodeheaver Auditorium | $12-$15

• The Wingmen (Classic Rock) | 5:00 pm | Byler Lane Winery | No cover

• The Subliminal Verses w/Inconvenienced by the System, Persevere, Chokesetter, Sleep Tight, Cocaine Culture, Faith In Nothing, Eyes of Anguish, Controller, Death Hex (Slipknot Tribute) | 5:30 pm | Piere's | $15

• Avery Mitchell (Variety) | 6:00 pm | Deema | Free

• The DeeBees (Variety) | 6:00 pm | Country Heritage Winery | No cover

• ta’korei (R&B/Pop) | 6:00 pm | Deema | Free

• James Baker Trio (Jazz) | 6:30 pm | Ruth's Chris Steak House | No cover

• Gregg Bender Trio (Variety) | 7:00 pm | Mad Anthony Brewing Co. | No cover

• The Lightfoot Band (Rock) | 7:30 pm | Baker Street Centre | $45-$65

• The Sweetwater All Stars (R&B/Soul/Jazz) | 8:00 pm | The Club Room at The Clyde | No cover

• Todd Harrold Band (Jazz) | 8:00 pm | American Legion Post 148 | No cover

• Ty Causey Band (R&B) | 9:00 pm | Wrigley Field Bar & Grill | No cover

• Tyler Poe & The Volunteer Railroad (Country) | 9:30 pm | Knockin' Boots Saloon | $5

• Ethan & The Painted Strangers, Cameron Davies & The Vandals, VEO (Americana) | 10:00 pm | O'Sullivan's | No cover

🥳Upcoming Events💃

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

Opera on Ice

Join Opera on Tap Fort Wayne for a thrilling performance, "Opera on Ice," on December 5 at 2Toms Brewing. Enjoy winter-themed classical tunes, local singers, and great beer and BBQ. Free entry from 7:00-8:30 PM. Don’t miss it!

A Christmas Carol

Experience the heartwarming tale of redemption with Summit City Music Theatre's 3rd annual "A Christmas Carol" at Salomon Farm Park, December 6-15. Enjoy a cozy, outdoor show in the historic Old Barn. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss this festive family tradition!

A Night In Bethlehem

Step back in time at Avalon Church’s free “Night in Bethlehem” event on December 6th! Explore interactive tents, enjoy live animals, and celebrate with cookies, music, and a photo booth. Fun for all ages—no ticket needed!

Holly Village & Holly Shopping 2024

Celebrate the holidays with Holly Shopping in Downtown Fort Wayne! Shop local on Small Business Saturday and throughout December at over 50 retailers and eateries. Visit Holly Village for unique handmade crafts by local artisans every weekend through December 21.

Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market

Join the first-ever Sleigh Days Christmas Village & Market at the Allen County Fairgrounds! Enjoy shopping with 50+ vendors, photos with Santa, crafts, face painting, and more. A fun, family-friendly event with a $5 donation, benefiting fairgrounds improvements.

The Fort Wayne Great Santa Run 5K

Join the festive fun at the 2nd Annual Fort Wayne Great Santa Run on December 7, 2024! Don a Santa suit for a jolly 5K through downtown, complete with a finisher shirt, medal, cookies, and hot chocolate. Proceeds benefit cancer research.

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