Good morning, Fort Wayne.

Fortify Life will open its new Fortify Play playground (1115 W.

7th St. in Auburn) on Wed, Sept. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. after years of planning and community support.

Electric Works is adding three new restaurants through a partnership with Cunningham Restaurant Group.

Construction is underway on a sports bar, a cafe and a dinner venue scheduled to open between late 2026 and the third quarter — offering new dining choices for campus workers and community visitors.

The History Center will continue its 2026 Miami Indian Heritage Days with an event on Saturday, Oct.

3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chief Richardville House (5705 Bluffton Road), where visitors learn through guided tours, local art and Native American demonstrations.

More than 800 Southwest Allen County Schools students took part in the Under the Lights celebration at Homestead High School last night from 6 to 9 p.m. They performed live music, art, athletics, and interactive demonstrations + wrapped the evening with a fireworks display rain or shine.

Homestead High School band director Jason Witzigreuter was named Indiana’s 2027 Teacher of the Year today at a pep session with Indiana Governor Mike Braun (with students, staff and family present) that celebrated his impact on education.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced that Mitch Frazier will become president of IEDC effective Oct.

5 — replacing Josh Richardson and working with Indiana Secretary of Commerce to boost statewide investment. Frazier brings deep experience in agriculture and business to the role.

The FDA approved Moderna’s MFLUSIVA for adults 50 and older ahead of this flu season, with accelerated approval for adults 65 (clinical studies show it is 27% more effective than standard shots).

Health experts advise discussing the option with a health care provider.

Allen County Public Library is partnering with Super Shot to offer free flu vaccine clinics open to anyone 6 months and older starting Sept.

21 at branches such as New Haven and Main. Clinics request a 15 administration fee for uninsured patients + pre-registration is available online.

Purdue Fort Wayne golfer Hunar Mittal, who grew up in India and overcame early doubts, earned All-League first team honors this season and now aims to lead her team to the Horizon League championship and Regionals while dreaming of the Olympics.

Purdue Fort Wayne will host its first club football game on Sunday, Sept.

20 at 1 p.m. at W. Paul Wolf Field — a debut for the new program — as it takes on Wright State University.

Monarch Festival

The Little River Wetlands Project announces its annual Monarch Festival to be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve barn, located at 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. This family-friendly event celebrates the incredible lifecycle and transformation of monarch butterflies through a variety of engaging programs and activities.

Monarch Festival

The Little River Wetlands Project announces its annual Monarch Festival to be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve barn, located at 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. This family-friendly event celebrates the incredible lifecycle and transformation of monarch butterflies through a variety of engaging programs and activities.