Fort Wayne
Today
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Wayne. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Nonprofits in Fort Wayne can share their 2025 wish lists with Journal Gazette readers if they submit a single paragraph listing up to 15 needed items in the required format — submissions are due by 3 p.m. on Nov. 3 and accepted lists will be published over Thanksgiving. The Journal Gazette
- ➤ Comedy fundraiser 'Crackin’ Up For A Cause' will benefit the Community Harvest Food Bank on October 24 at the Fort Wayne Comedy Club at 1324 Minnich Rd—tickets cost $15 and the event starts at 7:30 p.m. after doors open at 6:30 p.m.—the show will feature headliner Shea Freeman along with regional comedians and include a $100 cash raffle, extra prize giveaways, and live stream access. WOWO
- ➤ Allen County Toys for Tots returns for the 2025 holiday season after a temporary suspension and is seeking monetary donations from local businesses sent to MidWest America Federal Credit Union at 1104 Medical Park Drive — every donation will buy stocking stuffers and toys for local children. Coordinator Andrea Ainsworth said that over 6,000 children benefited from the program in 2023 and the organization expects even more support in 2025 — each contribution making a difference. 21Alive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Sensitive personal information for more than 29,000 patients was stolen from the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program clinic when an unauthorized actor breached its network between Dec 12 and Dec 17, 2024, leading to multiple class action lawsuits being filed; affected patients were notified on Oct 2. 21Alive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A 30-foot steel sculpture named Amaryllis was dedicated Thursday on West Jefferson Boulevard to honor the late artist Jody Hemphill-Smith—hosted by the Hemphill-Smith Art Foundation and led by her husband Mark; community members then joined an ice cream social to celebrate her legacy. 21Alive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana education officials unveiled major updates to the school accountability system that add new reading indicators and a back on track measure — changes that will replace the old letter grade system with diploma seals showing college and career readiness. Public comments will be accepted until Nov. 17 as officials plan to adopt final rules in December for implementation in the 2026–27 school year. WOWO
- ➤ Thirty-one Fort Wayne teens were announced on Thursday at Pearl Streets Arts Center as part of Heather Headley's masterclass program, which will run for three days next month and offer performance lessons. Headley, a Northrop High School graduate and Tony Award winner — with top teachers — will guide the participants in building their skills. The Journal Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services is offering the Hope Through Heat program to cover costs for replacing non-working heating systems for residents who own their home, live in the city, and meet income requirements. Funding from HUD is limited and applications will be reviewed on a first-qualified—first-served basis. US 93.3
- ➤ Restoration work at Fort Wayne’s historic fort is progressing ahead of its 50th anniversary next July as the Hospital/Doctor’s and Commanders Quarters have been completed, last week saw the demolition of the Junior Officers Quarters, and new timbers have arrived this week. The project needs additional funding to rebuild the Main Gate Building—home to the Quartermaster’s Office and Enlisted Quarters—while public photography remains limited to ensure safety and prevent delays. WFFT-TV
- ➤ Rolling slowdowns occurred on I-69 in Fort Wayne overnight as a utility contractor replaced fiber optic cables between the Illinois Road and Lima Road exits. Each slowdown lasted up to 10 minutes — with at least a 20-minute gap between each — and weather conditions impacted the schedule. 21Alive
- ➤ The Indiana Department of Transportation and State Police are urging drivers to move over for vehicles with flashing lights on highways this Saturday, October 18, in observance of National Move Over Day—drivers who cannot move over safely must slow to 10 mph below the speed limit. The revised law aims to reduce fatalities among roadside workers. WFFT-TV
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Fright Night Silent Film: The Phantom Of The Opera
7-8:30 p.m. — Embassy Theatre — $10 general admission, free for members and under 12 or seniors — Experience the classic silent horror film with live organ accompaniment.
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River City Rat Race
2-6 p.m. — Historic Old Fort — Registration fees apply — Experience one of the most scenic 10K races through the autumn parks and riverfront of downtown Fort Wayne.
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Eric Johnson Live Performance
8:00-9:30 PM — Clyde Theatre — Starting at $29.50 — Experience the legendary guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson and his eclectic musical styles across genres.
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Making Strides of Fort Wayne
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Parkview Field — Free entry — Celebrate courage and hope in the fight against breast cancer with the Northeast Indiana community.
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Mamacitas & Mimosas
11 AM – 2 PM — The Ari Creative Event Studio — Check for costs — Indulge in authentic Mexican brunch flavors while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
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Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons vs. Ball State Cardinals
7-11 p.m. — Hilliard Gates Sports Center — VIP tickets available — Experience premium amenities and enjoy college basketball excitement.
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PMP Certification Training in Fort Wayne
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Fort Wayne, IN — Early Bird Pricing Available — Gain comprehensive CAPM certification training with expert-led interactive sessions and valuable resources.
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Fort Wayne Philharmonic: Holst and Mozart
7-8:30 p.m. — Clyde Theatre — Dinner and drinks available — Experience a delightful evening of classical music with Holst, Ravel, and Mozart in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Old Fort Cluster Dog Show
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — Entry details not specified — Experience the excitement of breed judging and obedience at this annual dog show.
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Gabriel Rutledge Live Comedy Show
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Summit City Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Join comedy sensation Gabriel Rutledge for an evening filled with humor and entertainment.
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