Tag: Fort Wayne

Taking Flight: Allen County, Indiana’s Aviation History

By Andrew Danielson

Southwest of downtown Fort Wayne, the thunderous roar of jet engines pulses through the air at Fort Wayne International Airport. Passengers concentrate on gate departure and arrival times as they hurry through the long corridors of the travel edifice. A voice announces baggage claim details over the PA.

But Fort Wayne International isn’t the only airport in the city.

Across town, located off of West Ludwig Road, the buzz of a small single-propeller plane cuts through the air, sounding like an enormous dragonfly. Suddenly, a small white speck hurtles down a runway, sailing into the air in a graceful arc. Flight operations are in full swing on this crisp, clear day at Smith Field Airport, a small airport on the north side of Fort Wayne.

As I stood and watched that small airplane begin its flight into the wild blue yonder, I realized that I was seeing almost 100 years of aviation history. For this airport is the birthplace of commercial aviation in the Summit City.

Historic Hangar built in 1930

Smith Field: The Origins of Fort Wayne Aviation

Smith Field first opened as the Paul Baer Municipal Airport in June of 1925, according to the History of Fort Wayne & Allen County, Volume 1 (History of Fort Wayne).

The History of Fort Wayne article on aviation detailed how Smith Field was named after the first American ace (a pilot who shoots down at least five enemy aircraft) Paul Frank Baer. Baer had served as a pilot during World War 1, first in the French Foreign Legion. When the United States joined the war in 1917, Baer became part of the US military as a pilot.

Following the war, Baer was a hero of his hometown, the Summit City. It was only fitting that Fort Wayne’s first official airport should be named after this American hero.

However, that all changed in World War II.

A documentary by PBS Fort Wayne explained that in 1940, the Army Air Corps (the forerunner of the US Air Force) was building air fields across the country.

For Fort Wayne, the choice came down to either converting Baer Field (as Smith Field was then called) to an army air corps base, or building a brand new airport for the army.

The fear was that if Baer Field became primarily a military airfield, Fort Wayne could lose its bustling commercial air traffic. Baer Field was doing a roaring business, and Fort Wayne didn’t want to lose this valuable asset to the city’s economy and quality of life.

The final decision? Build a brand new air field on the southwest side of Fort Wayne.

At the time of its completion in 1941, the new air field cost $10 million according to the Fort Wayne Airport Authority’s website.

But the new airfield needed a name.

As explained in the History of Fort Wayne, the army’s tradition was to name these kinds of military installations after military aviators.

Fort Wayne residents, on the other hand, preferred to name the new airfield either after the Revolutionary War hero General “Mad” Anthony Wayne or the aviation pioneer and Fort Wayne native Art Smith.

In a compromise, it was decided to rename Baer Field in honor of Art Smith, while the new airport took on the name of Baer Field.

The decision was appropriate, as it honored two of Fort Wayne’s aviation heroes, Paul Baer and Art Smith.

Art Smith: Fort Wayne’s Aviation Pioneer

Art Smith was a rock star of the early aviation world.

The History of Fort Wayne recounts that Art Smith was the first American pilot invited to Japan. Smith had received an invitation extended by the Emperor of Japan to come put on exhibitions of flying.

In the course of his career, which included being a stunt pilot, military pilot instructor, and air mail pilot, Smith amassed an enviable number of awards and a network of famous friends.

The National Air and Space Museum records that Art Smith, known as the “Bird Boy” of Fort Wayne, received a tremendous outpouring of tributes upon his untimely death in an airplane crash in 1926. Tributes came from the giants of aviation, including Orville Wright, the first human to ever fly an airplane. Famed pilot Charles Lindbergh also paid homage, circling the city of Fort Wayne three times in honor of Smith’s legacy.

Today, a monument to Art Smith, at a height of nearly 40 feet, stands in Memorial Park in downtown Fort Wayne on the same location in which Art Smith first took off in his homemade airplanes.

Wartime Innovation at Smith Field

Perhaps one of the most intriguing elements of Smith Field’s history is the fact that it served as a top-secret military installation in addition to its commercial activities during World War II.

According to the History of Fort Wayne, the US military built and designed what is the predecessor to today’s guided missiles or weaponized drones, the TDR-1 Assault Drone. A twin-engine aircraft that could carry explosives and be guided by radio control via an early form of television, the TDR-1 was flown to Smith Field, electronics installed in the cockpit, and then shipped to the military via a rail line that ran alongside the airport.

TDR-1 missiles were unmanned, being remotely piloted. They saw action for a limited period of the war, being deployed against the Japanese in the Pacific Theatre. Eventually, the project was ended by the military for a variety of reasons.

Today, only one example of a TDR-1 assault drone exists in the world according to the History of Fort Wayne. That example is currently on display in Pensacola, Florida at the U.S. Naval Air Museum.

Historic Hangars and Rare Architecture

But Smith Field is not known for just its wartime efforts.

The airport actually hosts two historically significant architectural elements, both hangers.

Hangar 2, with its three large doors and spacious interior, was unusual at the time of its construction in 1930 as mentioned in the PBS Fort Wayne documentary. Its size was enough to accommodate the large passenger aircraft of the time, such as the Douglas DC-3, which could carry about 20 passengers.

But perhaps the most unusual and rare historic artifact at Smith Field is its Carousel Hangar.

The National Park Service describes the Carousel Hangar at Smith Field as, “…the only example of Clark W. Smith’s patented design ever built.”

The outside of the Carousel Hangar

Smith’s design was to build a rounder hanger that looks very similar to a grain silo. A door in the side can be rolled back, revealing the interior of the hangar and the carousel network.

The network itself consists of a series of long, metal tracks, sticking out of a central, rotating hub like spokes in a wheel. There are enough tracks to support up to four small planes.  

Scott Noble, a local private pilot who stores his small plane in this Carousel Hangar, explained the basic function of the hangar design.

He said that the carousel network can be rotated around the central hub (just like a carousel).

“You could put your airplane in this and then they would just move it to wherever they needed to,” Noble explained.

Scott Noble’s plane inside the carousel hangar
Detail of the central hub of the carousel

Basically, if a pilot wants to get his airplane from this hangar, they simply need to open the doors of the hangar, rotate the carousel until their particular plane is pointed to the exit of the hangar, start up the engine, and taxi out on to the runway.

One of the neat features of this carousel method of plane storage is that the entire assembly can be rotated by hand. It does take a little muscle to get the carousel moving, but the entire mechanism is remarkably compact and efficient.

Smith Field’s Role in Modern Aviation

Even though Smith Field is more than a century old, it continues to be a hive of aviation activity.

With the edition of a brand new terminal building in 2013, Smith Field only seems to be increasing both activity and size.

“Look at how big this thing is,” Noble said excitedly. “I mean, this is double or triple the size of what it used to be.”

New Terminal Building

The reality is that Smith Field serves a vital role in the aviation industry of the Fort Wayne area.

According to the Fort Wayne Airport Authority’s website, Smith Field has been designated the primary reliever airport for Fort Wayne International.

But what is a reliever airport you might ask?

As explained on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) website, a reliever airport is, “An airport designated by the Secretary of Transportation to relieve congestion at a commercial service airport and to provide more general aviation access to the overall community.”

Basically, a reliever airport takes the pressure off a main commercial airport like Fort Wayne International. For example, while Fort Wayne International handles large aircraft and numerous commercial flights for passengers, Smith Field can handle the smaller planes of general aviation and private pilot flight traffic.

This isn’t to say private pilots can’t fly in and out of Fort Wayne International – it just means that private pilots and general aviation traffic have another option available to them for takeoff, landing, refueling, and storing their personal planes.

That’s good news for everyone. Fort Wayne International can keep an efficient flow of large commercial traffic coming in and out of the city while Smith Field serves all of the smaller airplane traffic.

But Smith Field is important for more than its reliever role.

Sweet Aviation, a local business owned by the founder of Sweetwater Sound Chuck Surack, currently operates out of Smith Field. According to Sweet Aviation’s website, the business provides, “…maintenance, charter, detailing, aircraft rentals, and robust flight training.”

Inside the new terminal building

In addition to Sweet Aviation, Smith Field also hosts the Aviation Center, which is home to Ivy Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program. Built in 2012 at a cost of $2.3 million, the Aviation Center is a large facility – 21,000 square feet – and it provides both hangar and classroom space for Ivy Tech’s programs.

Beyond its commercial use, Smith Field also serves as the introductory location to young people to the world of flight.

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which sees young people taken on airplane rides by private pilots, has several upcoming rallies scheduled for the airport,  sponsored by the EAA’s Chapter 2. Through this program, young people are introduced to the excitement of soaring into the sky and the world of aviation.

A Historic Airfield with a Modern Mission

Smith Field has so much to offer the northeast Indiana community.

Listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, Smith Field’s historic past is firmly recognized, an indelible testament to its honored service in times of peace and war.

But Smith Field also looks forward to the future, serving as the birthplace for the flight dreams of young aviators today, and the pilots and aircraft mechanics of tomorrow.

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We (College Students) Are Not Climate Villains — But Our Choices Still Matter

College students are often quick to point out—correctly—that they are not the primary drivers of climate change. Corporations, governments, and fossil fuel industries bear the greatest responsibility for rising emissions.

But that reality does not mean student behavior is irrelevant. On college campuses, everyday choices made by thousands of students add up, shaping both a university’s carbon footprint and the culture around climate action.

Universities contribute to climate change through several types of emissions, often grouped into three categories or scopes.

There are Scope 1 emissions, which come from on-site fuel use, such as heating systems or university vehicle fleets. Along with these are Scope 2 emissions, which include purchased electricity that powers classrooms, dorms, and labs.

The largest category for many campuses, however, is Scope 3 emissions, indirect sources like commuting, air travel, food purchasing, waste, construction materials, and the goods students consume.

It is in this third category where student behavior matters most. Scope 3 emissions are shaped by daily habits: how students get to campus, what they eat, and what they buy.

While students often have lower per-person emissions than older adults due to smaller living spaces and fewer long-distance trips, those advantages can disappear quickly through heavy car use, fast fashion purchases, takeout packaging, and dorm-related waste.

Just as importantly, the habits and norms students develop during college often carry into adulthood. Choices that feel minor now can shape long-term patterns of consumption, transportation, and environmental responsibility, increasing the likelihood of higher-impact behaviors later in life.

At Purdue University Fort Wayne, this issue is especially visible. PFW is widely considered a commuter-heavy campus, with university leaders estimating that roughly three–quarters of students commute instead of living on or near campus.

Transportation alone becomes a major climate factor under those conditions. Using EPA averages: A student commuting 10 miles one-way, 4 days/week, over two semesters produces = 1 metric ton of CO₂ per year. When multiplied across thousands of commuters, even modest individual changes begin to matter.

Consumption patterns compound the problem. Overconsumption among younger generations has become normalized, fueled by social media trends, influencer marketing, and constant product cycling.

Trend-driven purchases, whether they be clothing or collectibles like Funko Pops (an especially wasteful product), may feel harmless, but they carry real environmental costs.

Electronics tell a similar story. Many students upgrade phones, tablets, and gadgets frequently, often without properly recycling old devices. Surveys show that a majority of Gen Z and Millennial consumers do not fully understand what electronic waste is, and many throw devices directly into the trash. This creates one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world and embeds additional emissions into mining, manufacturing, and shipping replacement devices.

What makes this issue particularly frustrating is that students are not indifferent to climate change. Surveys consistently show that a majority of young people are deeply worried about the climate crisis, with many reporting anxiety that affects their daily lives.

Yet awareness does not always translate into action. Research has identified a persistent attitude–behavior gap: students may understand the environmental harm of fast fashion or excessive consumption, but continue to indulge in these habits because they are cheap, convenient, and socially reinforced.

This gap is not simply a failure of personal responsibility. It reflects structural pressures—limited transit options, affordability constraints, and digital ecosystems designed to encourage constant consumption.

As long as trend culture and algorithm-driven marketing dominate student spaces, climate concern alone will struggle to turn into consistent behavior change. However, institutional support—especially around transportation and food systems—can help shift habits in areas where students have the greatest opportunity to make lower-impact choices.

There are, of course, simple ways in which students can adjust their lives to reduce impact. Carpooling, combining errands, adjusting class schedules, or using transit where available can reduce emissions. Small energy habits, such as turning off lights, lowering the heat or air conditioning when away, and using energy-saving device settings, also add up. Choosing plant-forward meals occasionally, reducing food waste, and reusing textbooks or dorm goods can lower emissions without demanding major lifestyle overhauls.

Beyond individual choices, students hold real influence over institutional action. Universities often respond to student pressure, whether through climate action plans, renewable energy targets, or improved transit and recycling infrastructure.

On many campuses, including this one, students are already working, formally and informally, to push sustainability efforts forward, demonstrating that change is possible and that individual involvement contributes to a broader, ongoing movement rather than starting from scratch.

Student organizations, campus committees, and student government all offer avenues to push for transparency and accountability. Civic engagement, such as voting and participating in local community and governmental planning extend that influence beyond campus borders.

Students are not the villains of the climate story. But neither are they powerless bystanders. The reality lies somewhere in between. Our daily choices shape campus emissions, signal our climate stance values, and influence whether our climate concern becomes real action. At commuter-heavy schools like PFW, those choices matter even more. Climate progress does not begin and end with students—but it does pass through them.

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Climate Change Preparedness Faces Political and Practical Challenges

By Cincade Drudge

As extreme weather events grow more and more frequent and devastating, the question shifts from how to prevent climate disasters to how to prepare for when they strike.  

Around the world, weather-related disasters have already affected more than 2.5 billion people, caused 2 million deaths, and resulted in over $4 trillion in economic losses the last fifty years.  

Floods, droughts, and heat waves are intensifying, and their effects are rarely consistent. A region may face drought one year and flash flooding the next. These unpredictable swings make preparedness one of the most complex challenges in the fight against climate change. 
Preparation for climate change may be complex, but it is not an optional venture; it is vital. Because climate change cannot be fully prevented, adaptation and resilience efforts are now a core part of protecting at-risk communities. Preparedness now means developing plans, strengthening infrastructure, and improving response systems before disaster hits. 

These actions can take many forms: updating stormwater systems, building cooling centers, restoring wetlands, expanding urban tree cover, or ensuring emergency alerts reach residents in multiple languages. The question then becomes, where will the money to fund all this come from?  

The cost of funding preparedness is a frequent complaint of opponents. However, it has been found that every dollar spent on climate preparedness yields a $13 return in avoided damages and cleanup costs. In other words, investing in resilience pays off even if a disaster never occurs. 

Federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have all developed adaptation plans that integrate climate data into their operations and emergency planning. 

Funding programs such as FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance and the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants help turn these plans into reality, supporting states and cities with the resources to build resilience.  

Federal legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act further bolsters clean energy and climate resilience investments, helping to fund clean energy projects and develop a federal climate planning strategy.  

But these positive efforts have not been without political friction. The current administration has signaled its intent to scale back environmental regulations and limit the authority of federal agencies, threatening to undo years of progress.

Some of the agencies that lead on preparedness have even faced existential threats through budget cuts, workforce reductions, and policy rollbacks. In addition, the administration has imposed new limitations on scientific bodies such as NOAA, restricting data collection and suppressing climate-related research. These moves have extended even to the political policing of language; agencies were reportedly discouraged or outright banned from using terms like ‘climate change’ in official documents.

That tension is especially visible at the state level, where climate preparedness can depend heavily on politics. In Indiana, for example, climate planning has faced major obstacles.  

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) recently created a Priority Climate Action Plan under an EPA grant, identifying vulnerabilities like flooding, extreme heat, and agricultural disruption. 

However, that work came to an abrupt halt. Governor Mike Braun ordered the agency to cease developing federal climate plans without his or the legislature’s approval—effectively freezing the project. IDEM returned the remaining federal funds, leaving no clear path forward. 

Regional organizations, like the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), have tried to fill the gap with localized climate documents and community engagement. Yet, without state-level backing, these efforts often lack the resources and authority to create widespread change. 

This leaves much of the responsibility to local governments, who often face the steepest challenges and the greatest need, with fewer resources.  

Leaders have tried to step up here locally in Fort Wayne; under the Sustaining Fort Wayne Initiative, the city developed its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a blueprint for both emissions reduction and resilience.  

The plan outlines practical steps such as improving stormwater management, expanding urban forestry to combat extreme heat, and protecting waterways from contamination during severe storms. 

Inclusion is a core focus of Fort Wayne’s strategy. Emergency communications are being adapted to reach non-English-speaking residents, and the city uses the Hoosier Resilience Index to measure progress and identify vulnerable populations.  

These actions demonstrated that meaningful preparedness can happen from the ground up, even when higher levels of government falter. 

However, while these efforts marked meaningful groundwork, movement appears to have slowed in recent years. Since the second Trump administration began, there have been few visible updates or expansions to the city’s climate plans, raising concerns that momentum has stalled at a time when local leadership is increasingly critical.

Still, the road ahead is anything but simple. Many local governments lack the funding, staffing, and expertise to carry out large-scale adaptation projects. Federal support fluctuates with each election cycle, and state politics can either bolster or block local action. 

The result is a patchwork of preparedness across the country; some regions are building up preparedness and resilience with strong leadership and investment, while others remain dangerously unprepared. 

The stakes could not be higher. Climate preparedness isn’t about distant future threats; it’s about protecting lives, homes, and communities right now. Investing in preparedness saves money, prevents loss, and ensures a safer, more stable future for everyone. 

While Fort Wayne has already made a meaningful attempt at preparedness, we can always push for more support for these efforts and encourage similar preparedness efforts in surrounding communities and on a federal level.  

Cincade Drudge is a student journalist at Purdue University Fort Wayne and a Waterfield Environmental Intern at the Environmental Resources Center on campus. 

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Faith on Campus: How Religious Students Navigate Identity and Inclusion at PFW

By Cincade Drudge

At a time when overall religious affiliation among young adults is declining, students at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) who practice faith face unique challenges and opportunities. As national surveys show a drop in religious identity among college students, faith-based organizations on the PFW campus work to foster inclusion and community amid a shifting culture.

According to the 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study from the Pew Research Center, religious disaffiliation among young adults may have leveled off since 2019.

However, the levels of disaffiliation remain significantly higher than in past decades, with only 69% describing themselves as belonging to an organized religion compared to 83.7% in 2007.

Additional research from the CIRP Freshman Survey 2019 indicates that the number of college freshmen who identify as nonreligious has risen from about 10% in 1986 to 33.6% in 2019.

Despite a decline in participation in organized religion, faith-based campus organizations continue to serve as spaces for spiritual growth and community.

PFW is home to several religious organizations, including Campus Ministry, Mastodon Catholic, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. These groups allow students to connect with others who share similar beliefs while also fostering a welcoming environment that promotes belonging and outreach.

These campus organizations are not limited to solely the Christian faith, with PFW also featuring organizations of other faiths, such as the Muslim Student Association, which is dedicated to creating a positive environment for students to learn about Islam.

Zach Gaerte, a student leader and treasurer of Campus Ministry, emphasized the group’s mission.

“Our focus is on building a welcoming community where students can grow in their faith,” he said. “We are open to anyone, regardless of faith or background, and we work hard to create an environment where people feel supported.”

Campus Ministry, a student-led, recognized religious organization on the PFW campus, holds service events, social events, and weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.

“We’ve done events like worship nights, winter retreats, and even a winter formal,” Gaerte added. “All are welcome to join the community and hear us out.”

For religious students, balancing their beliefs with their studies can be troublesome, and finding time for their faith can be difficult.

Kate Landrigan, a Catholic student at PFW, related to this struggle.

“Between exams, projects, and work, it’s hard to set aside time for my faith,” she said. “When you are up till 12:30 doing homework, it’s hard not to feel exhausted.”

Landrigan also noted that some misconceptions about religious students do exist, though not to a large degree.

“Some people assume that all Christians are judgmental, which isn’t true,” she explained. “I’ve also found it difficult to express my beliefs because many of my classmates aren’t religious, which is okay, but it doesn’t stop it from feeling hard sometimes.”

Gaerte, the student leader, also spoke of misconceptions about religious students.

“Some may have the idea that if you are religious, you are judgmental and aren’t accepting of others,” he said. “Everyone is their own individual with their own beliefs, and while there are obviously bad apples in every group, that is not our mindset, and I guarantee you, if you spoke to any of us, we would be willing to hear you out.”

In terms of administrative support for religious organizations and individuals, PFW is generally seen as supportive of religious freedoms and expression. Organizations like the Campus Ministry are treated the same as any other club or recognized group on campus.

“We go through all the same administrative red tape as other organizations and pay for the event space we use just like everyone else,” Gaerte said. “The school has been great about letting us operate, and we are extremely grateful.”

PFW provides space for religious organizations, but faculty members acknowledge gaps in institutional support.

Sherrie Steiner, an anthropology and sociology professor at PFW who teaches religious courses, pointed out that the university lacks a designated interfaith space.

“Some universities provide multi-faith centers where students of all religions can pray or reflect,” she said. “PFW has student organizations, but to my knowledge, there’s no dedicated space for prayer.”

Despite this limitation, Steiner noted that PFW has historically supported students’ religious expression. She recalled a past controversy involving a student play that depicted a Christ-like figure as gay.

“The administration defended students’ rights to stage production, despite some community backlash,” Steiner said.

According to a 2001 ABC News article, officials at the university, then named IPFW, protected students’ rights to put on the play while simultaneously allowing for demonstrators against the play, providing they didn’t carry weapons or signs.

While national trends show a decline in religious affiliation, faith-based groups at PFW continue to boast high engagement with students.

Gaerte, of the Campus Ministry, mentioned that their weekly ministry gatherings usually draw between 60 and 75 students. While the group doesn’t prioritize attendance figures, he noted it’s uplifting to witness strong student engagement.

As religious demographics continue to shift, the role of religious organizations in higher education will likely evolve to engage individuals from diverse faith backgrounds or even those without a specific religious affiliation.

Professor Steiner also spoke of something in a similar vein regarding what religious disaffiliation truly means.

“So as people get younger, they’ve been disaffiliating. Not necessarily spiritual but disaffiliating from formal religious organizations,” Steiner said. “Oftentimes, they have sacred beliefs, but… It’s not affiliated with any specific church,” Steiner said.

At PFW, religious students navigate the challenges of faith in an increasingly religiously disaffiliated environment. While some misconceptions persist and institutional support remains neutral, organizations like Campus Ministry provide a sense of belonging for spiritual students.

As national trends indicate a decline in religious identity, students like Landrigan and Gaerte demonstrate that faith still plays a meaningful role in college life.

“Even if fewer people identify with a specific religion, community will always be important,” Landrigan, a religious student said. “Faith is still a core part of many students’ lives.”

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Zoning Dispute Over Stellhorn Road Property Highlights Fort Wayne’s Development Priorities

By Cincade Drudge

A passionate debate over a proposed zoning amendment for 4.42 acres at 6501 Stellhorn Road has raised concerns among local residents and created a difficult decision for city officials.

The property at the heart of this issue is currently zoned for residential use (R1, R2, R3), and is being considered for rezoning to general commercial use (C3), to allow for the construction of a self-storage facility by Schmucker Building Services LLC. While proponents argue the development aligns with Fort Wayne’s drive for commercial expansion, some residents fear the loss of a residential buffer and potential property devaluation.

The rezoning proposal, designated as Z-25-02-08, was introduced unanimously by the Fort Wayne City Council on Feb. 25. Following this, the Fort Wayne Plan Commission held a public hearing on Mar. 10, where stakeholders, including developers and residents, could voice their perspectives on the project’s potential impact.

Satellite image of Stellhorn Road with proposed development highlighted in blue (Courtesy of FW City Council)

During the hearing, Susan Trent, a legal representative for Schmucker Building Services, emphasized the existing commercial nature of the surrounding area, stating, “The property is in a mixed-use zone and is near multiple businesses, including a hospital, fast-food chains, and shopping centers.”

Trent also pointed out that her team had reached out to the residents of the neighborhood next to the planned development and received no response.

“My staff has not received any inquiries back from residents, although we may hear some tonight,” Trent said. “You know, obviously, without any contact, no concerns were raised about our plans.”

Members of the commission highlighted that the area’s small parcel size limits alternative commercial or residential uses, making it less desirable for residential expansion. However, concerns over the impact on nearby homeowners remained a key issue in discussion.

Local resident Catherine Lawlinger, who lives close to the proposed development, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the rezoning.

“The privacy fences separating our homes from commercial spaces aren’t ours,” she states. “The developer should be responsible for installing a proper fence to protect our neighborhood.”

Lawlinger also noted concerns she had for her special-needs granddaughter’s safety, referencing the lack of a clear buffer between the neighborhood and the proposed storage facility.

Another resident, Kip Site, argued that the property has served as a natural buffer between existing businesses and residential homes.

“When we moved in nearly 30 years ago, that land was a protective space between the businesses and our homes,” Site said. “Rezoning it would put a commercial structure right in our backyard.”

A primary concern among residents was the proposed development’s impact on property values and neighborhood aesthetics.

The facility referred to as the “Stellhorn Toy Shed” would feature storage units sold as condos rather than traditional rental spaces.

Residents questioned who would be responsible for maintaining the property and preventing neglect over time.

Trent assured the residents and the commission that the development would comply with city ordinances.

“The storage units will be condoized, meaning owners, rather than renters, will maintain them. An HOA will be established to oversee upkeep,” she explained.

Despite these assurances, residents remained skeptical about long-term property maintenance. Concerns about the adequacy of the existing fence were also raised.

Trent argued that the four-foot-high berm covered with vegetation would serve as an effective screen; residents countered that parts of it are in poor condition and that new fencing should be put in to reinforce the screening effect.

Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission provisionally approved the rezoning petition and returned it to the City Council with a do-pass recommendation.

In a later business meeting, commission members noted that the project’s existing natural barriers would be maintained, with the condition that if excessive vegetation is removed during construction, the developer must plant additional trees.

The Fort Wayne City Council is expected to hold a vote on the rezoning proposal in the coming weeks. If approved, construction on the Stellhorn Toy Shed could begin later this year.

The approval of this rezoning would be particularly notable given Fort Wayne’s current push for more affordable housing. As the city faces an ongoing housing shortage, some residents question whether commercial development should take priority over new residential projects.

The decision to rezone residential land for commercial use may indicate the city’s priorities in balancing economic growth with housing availability. This highlights a broader tension in Fort Wayne’s urban planning; as the city continues to grow, zoning decisions like this one will shape its future landscape, sparking discussion about where Fort Wayne’s development priorities should ultimately lie.

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Senior Leadership Experience Offers Students a Retreat

By Noah Proffitt

Seniors and graduate students from PFW will have the opportunity, tomorrow, to network and prepare for life after college. This Friday, Mar. 28, the “Senior Leadership Experience” will take place at multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne from noon to 8 p.m.

The annual retreat provides skills and advice as students prepare for the transition from the classroom to the workforce.

Participants meet with local professionals and PFW Alumni to learn about their businesses, while also receiving advice on finances, job search, workplace culture, and housing.

This year, students will meet with local PFW alumni Edwin Chow, who founded Summit City Climbing Co, a local rock-climbing business. They will learn about how Chow runs and creates his business, while also having the chance to test their rock-climbing skills.

After visiting Summit City Climbing Co, students will head back to Parkview Field where the rest of the retreat will take place. They’ll be able to tour the stadium, meet with a fan engagement coordinator and learn about the business of Fort Wayne’s local baseball team.

Among the community speakers scheduled for this daylong event are representatives from the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne, who will give advice on how to prepare and look for apartments to rent.

The retreat will end with a keynote and a video from Deans across colleges giving advice to students.

The event is organized by Student Leadership and will be led by Abbey Wang, assistant director of Student Leadership and Student Government Association.

“I want students to come and have fun,” Wang said. “And leave the event and be like, wow! I learned a lot and also had a great time.”

Wang mentioned several reasons to attend: “Number 1, it’s free; number 2, there’s free food; and number 3, it’s fun.”

Mikayla Hagerty, a senior and previous student body president, now works as a leadership assistant and will help spearhead the event.

“I’m excited to network with other soon-to-be graduates,” Hagerty said. “Looking into the next year, I’m looking at what would help me out as a senior.”

For this retreat, all the 40 spots are filled up. However, the Senior Leadership Experience happens every year, and there are additional opportunities for freshmen, sophomores and juniors too. Be sure to check out next semester for future retreats.

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Crafting Connection: Sunday Morning Solace at Swizzle

By Kendra Roberts

Late Sunday morning at Swizzle, a cozy cafe and alcohol-free bottle shop in Jefferson Pointe, a small group gathers for a calming creative escape. From 10 a.m. to noon, the store’s Sunday Morning Solace: Quiet Crafting event provides attendees a perfect way to connect with the community and offers a great way to unwind and recharge for the week ahead.

The event, hosted by Jennifer Kent, master knitter and owner of Tactile Elements, happens every other Sunday. The next gathering is on Mar. 30.

With a focus on bringing people together through creativity, the event allows participants to bring their current projects, whether knitting, drawing, or other handmade crafts, to work in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

A Fort Wayne resident for eight years, Kent recognized a gap in the local crafting community and saw an opportunity to create the gathering she felt was missing. She launched this recurring event last November.

“The space is just very welcoming, and the idea of community is the goal,” Kent said. For Kent, a passionate advocate for creativity and community, Swizzle provided the perfect venue to make that vision a reality.

The event’s simple yet powerful concept resonated with attendees. Not only does it offer a calm, creative space, but it also fosters connections among like-minded individuals. Kent’s goal is to build a community that can come together regularly through shared interest.

Kent observed that attendance to this event has been steady, with five to six participants regularly joining. However, she noted that last month, icy conditions lead to a smaller turnout. 

“Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t cooperated too much,” she said smiling. She suggests that the snow and ice has prevented people from getting out, resulting in a small group number.

Living so close, the weather doesn’t discourage Kent from hosting, and she still encourages people to join if they can make it safely.

“You can either come or you can’t, but I’ll be here,” she said.

While the weather hasn’t stopped her from showing up, Kent also expressed her hopes that when the weather turns, there might be an increase in attendance.

“We’ve already had a few people stop in the store saying, ‘Oh we’ve been looking for a group!’” said Kent and better weather will hopefully increase this occurrence.

One of the key advantages of hosting the crafting event at Swizzle is its ability to welcome passersby into the group. The shop’s open atmosphere allows newcomers to feel comfortable, making it easy for them to join a session even if they haven’t attended.

Swizzle, which opened its doors in May 2024, has already become a beloved spot for local creatives and anyone looking for community-building activities.

This quiet crafting event is just one of many offerings at Swizzle, which also hosts book clubs, trivia nights, watercolor classes, and more. The store’s broader mission is to provide low-cost activities for people to gather, unwind, and connect.

Heather Grady, Swizzle’s store manager, shared, “Swizzle aims to be a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy an alcohol-free cocktail, coffee, or tea and feel at home.”

The Sunday Morning Solace event aligns with the store’s mission to serve as a hub for both creativity and connection.

If you’re seeking a meaningful way to connect with crafters or simply find a way to calmly craft before a new week, Sunday Morning Solace at Swizzle offers a perfect place to begin.

For more information on the next Sunday Morning Solace: Quiet Crafting event or any other community events at Swizzle, check out their events page on their website or follow them on social media @swizzleafmarket. 

You can also call the store at (260) 207-4587 or stop into the store located in Jefferson Pointe.

Hope to see you there!

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Historic Old Fort Hosts Training Event for Reenactors

By Andrew Danielson

The Old Fort in downtown Fort Wayne was the scene of bustling activity as reenactors from the Midwest came for training and mentoring in the art and skill of historical reenacting.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, men and women of the War of 1812 reenactment community gathered at the Old Fort on 1201 Spy Run Ave. for the 1812 Officer & NCO Garrison event. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., these reenactors learned how to lead a military unit from the War of 1812, as well as how to guide other historical interpreters in military drills and practices from the period.

“This is an annual opportunity for the reenacting community here to knock off the rust of the off season,” Cory Balkenbusch explained. “There’s not a whole lot of reenacting over winter time.”

Balkenbusch is a reenactor currently living in Ohio. He’s no stranger to the historical recreation community. As a child, Balkenbusch and his mother, Jennifer Balkenbusch, attended many events at the Old Fort. A board member of the Old Fort noticed their interest and eventually asked Balkenbusch if he’d like to join them and do reenacting himself, an opportunity Balkenbusch snapped up immediately at the young age of 12.

“I’ve always loved history,” Balkenbusch said with a laugh. “My mother always brought me out to reenactments here as a kid.”

Balkenbusch’s enthusiasm for reenacting and his commitment to helping others get into the hobby was shared amongst the attendees of the event.

John Davis, who lives just outside of Marion, Indiana, is a veteran with many years’ experience in historical depictions. He leads a reenacting unit called Davis’ Company, Indiana Territorial Rangers.

Back in the early 1800s, Indiana Territorial Rangers assisted the fledgling United States military throughout the military campaigns of the War of 1812 in what has become the state of Indiana.

“The War of 1812 finished the Revolutionary War,” Davis mentions, as he leans back against his bunk in his quarters at the Old Fort.

Davis explained that the Indiana Territorial Rangers were considered the special forces of the US military at the time. Members of the unit fought guerilla style, shooting from behind trees and bushes, patrolling paths and roads, and acting as scouts for the military. Their uniforms were the color of earth or snow, providing them with camouflage throughout the year.

Davis’ Company member William “Bill” Blevins was a perfect example of the Indiana Territorial Rangers, with his white overcoat and white boots blending perfectly with the Indiana snow lying on the grounds of the Fort.

Blevins, a surgeon with the Davis’ Company, originally came into contact with reenacting as a Boy Scout leader, where his troop had frequent camping events in connection with historical reenactment camps. When the troop closed down, Blevins, an ardent lover of the outdoors, decided to continue his enjoyment of camping and the outdoors by joining the Davis’ Company.  

Standing near his friend Bill Blevens, David Taylor, another member of Davis’ Company, munched some authentic early 1800s chow – peas, bread and some cheese. Taylor came to reenacting via the influence of his father.

Taylor’s drab brown coat and boots provided a unique contrast to the white coat of Blevins, but their coats represent the many kinds of camouflage these early special forces soldiers had in the early 1800s, as the Indiana Territorial Rangers did not wear official US military uniforms.

With nearly 60 people registering for the event, there was a wide variety of historic uniforms and costumes on display throughout the day. Soldiers in green coats and trousers were chatting by the Fort’s flagpole, while other participants in dark blue coats marched through the front gates.

Balkenbusch, from Ohio, said that this particular event, organized cooperatively by various reenactment organizations including those at the Old Fort, had participants from across the Midwest region, including folks from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky.

Some attendees had come to the event to “brush up” on their skills in reenacting. However, some event goers had come for something specific – military training, such as that given to soldiers stationed in Fort Wayne during the 1812 War.

“The US Army is using three different drill manuals during the War of 1812, even up to four at one point,” Balkenbusch explained.

That military training was on full display, with soldiers practicing marching and military drill outside the Fort. Others soldiers stood guard at the front gate. One could hear orders being shouted, a drum beating out a military call to assembly, and officers passing along orders to their command.

Participants came to this event to do what they love – bringing history to life through reenactment. The event at the Old Fort is just one way volunteers can help showcase that history.

“There are so many different options to get involved here,” Balkenbusch said of getting involved with reenacting at the Old Fort. “We always like to say we have something for everybody.”

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PFW Softball Team Sweeps Doubleheader in Detroit

On Apr. 20 the Mastodons beat Detroit Mercy in a doubleheader. The final score for game one was 3-2 which finished in the sixth inning.

Detroit took a the lead with a score on a wild pitch in the first inning.

At the bottom of the sixth inning Brooke Wintlend hit a three run home run for a go-ahead run. Bailey Manos and Gwen McMenemy scored making the score 3-1.

In the bottom of the seventh, Detroit had the game tying run on second and the winning run on plate, but they struck out.

Game two of the double header final score was 13-5.

Grace Hollopeter led the game off with a home run, which was her third of the weekend. Detroit came back with two runs giving them the lead.

In the second inning the Mastodons had six runs. Brooke Lickey and Wintlend both homered in the second.

The fourth inning is when Detroit started to make a comeback with a three-run homer. The Mastodons answered with two runs in the fifth.

First at bat in the sixth Hollopeter homered again giving the Mastodons double-digits on the scoreboard.

Kayla Roberts struck out two in the game and got her second win of the season with a 4.2 IP.

PFW improves to 12-29 and Detroit Mercy falls to 3-33. The Mastodons resume play on Friday, Apr. 26 at noon in Green Bay.

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PFW Softball Team Wins Against Detroit

On Apr. 19 the Mastodons beat the Detroit Mercy in the sixth inning. The final score was 9-0.

Grace Hollopeter started the game off with a home run in the first inning. In the fourth inning the Mastodons added three more runs. Two were from wild pitches.

In the fifth Brooke Wintlend gave the Mastodons their second home run of the night bringing the score to six to zero.

Alanah Jones had an amazing performance with 14 K’s. 12 of them were consecutive. Jones was also 2-for-2 from the batters box.

The two teams meet again for a Saturday doubleheader on Apr. 20.

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