Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ New Haven Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council is raising funds for the Guardian Park project through the CreatINg Places program (donations will be matched up to $50,000 within 60 days). City officials said the effort will help young leaders gain useful skills and benefit the community for years. 21Alive
- ➤ Blue Jacket, a local nonprofit, is asking for clothing donations to outfit guests attending its job training academy today, as 20 participants have sought attire to boost their job success. Donations can be dropped off at its three local centers (Lima Rd, E State Blvd, S Calhoun St). 21Alive
- ➤ Bowl for Kids’ Sake, a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, is scheduled for March 8 in two sessions from 1-3 p.m. at Auburn Bowl, 1815 Sprott St. in Auburn. KPC News
- ➤ A $50,000 winning Powerball ticket purchased last August at Lassus Handy Dandy on Coldwater Road will expire if not claimed by 4:30 p.m. on March 5 at the Hoosier Lottery Prize Payment office in Indianapolis. 21Alive
- ➤ The Inspire Neighborhoods Conference invites speakers and award nominees for a free event on Friday, Sept. 11 at Electric Works. Proposals are due March 31 + nominations by June 30 as the City’s Community Development Division highlights neighborhood resilience. Around Fort Wayne
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A spokeswoman for Greater Fort Wayne said on Wednesday that the group only reviewed Google’s new data center website for basic clarity; no funds or design work were exchanged, and Google created the site solely to back its $2 billion investment near New Haven — despite its branding similarities. The Journal Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne Community Schools hosted its 2nd annual 3DE Arby’s Case Competition on Wednesday, where freshman teams researched ways to improve Arby’s customer experience for teens using data and creative thinking. Inspire Brands representatives chose winners from each school, and four teams will advance to the national competition in April. 21Alive
- ➤ The Indiana House approved an education bill on Tuesday with a 67-28 vote that imposes stricter parental controls on youth social media & directs state reviews of certain low-wage college degree programs, sending it to the Senate for further debate. WOWO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fort Wayne’s High Street CPTED Pilot Area initiative won the 2026 Project of the Year award from the U.S. CPTED Association (Feb. 16) after reducing crime by 40 percent. The project improved lighting, sidewalks and public art along the corridor. Around Fort Wayne
- ➤ City Utilities Field Operations crews repaired a water main on East State Boulevard on Wednesday, Feb. 18 near North Anthony. The work began at 8:00 a.m. and closed the westbound lane while eastbound traffic remained open for one day. US 93.3
- ➤ State Rep. Jim Pressel has asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to review NIPSCO rates after customers in northern Indiana reported bills increasing more than 90% in recent years (a review that will examine investments and expenses to boost rate stability). 21Alive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A blood drive honoring leukemia patient Chance Young runs Saturday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Guard Drill Room Floor, 130 W. Cook Road, to ease an ongoing American Red Cross blood shortage; donors between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 earn a $20 e-gift card. WOWO
- ➤ Humane Fort Wayne is asking for donations to cover treatment for nearly 30 dogs rescued from heartbreaking conditions in Wabash County in early January. Many of these dogs are heartworm positive and their treatment costs exceed $1,000 per dog, with a $10,000 goal to help them recover. 21Alive
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Emo Philips Live Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the brilliant humor of Emo Philips in an intimate comedy setting.
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Beat Making Workshop for Girls
7-10 p.m. — Sweetwater Academy of Music & Technology — Learn to create beats using Ableton Live in a fun, supportive environment for girls aged 8 and up.
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Bert Kreischer Live in Fort Wayne
7-9 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Tickets available — Catch comedian Bert Kreischer for an unforgettable night of laughter.
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Church and Pastoral Revival Celebration Anniversary
3-7 p.m. — Paper Mill on The Landing — Free entry — Celebrate a year of faith and community with heartfelt dinner, worship, and fellowship.
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Don McMillan's Comedy Show
7-11 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — $ — Experience laughter and insights on whether AI can ever replace comedians through Don McMillan's unique blend of charts and humor.
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Mechanical Mayhem
7 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Check the event page for pricing — Experience thrilling monster truck races and tractor pulls in an epic motorsports showdown.
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Gravel Switch Concert
7-11 p.m. — Piere's Entertainment Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt sounds of Gravel Switch live on stage with their soulful tunes.
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Writers' Room
6:30-8 p.m. — Fort Wayne Improv — Free entry — A bi-weekly gathering for writers to create, share ideas, and hold each other accountable in a supportive atmosphere.
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Akropolis Reed Quintet Performance
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Pearl Street Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the sonically daring Akropolis Reed Quintet in a captivating performance of new works.
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BANDemonium
8 PM — Baker Street Centre/C2G Music Hall — $10 — Enjoy an eclectic night of local music featuring Sun.Dyle, Neighborhood Strays, Sahara, and Mom Wagon.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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