Hey Locals,

We're on vacation this week, so we have an abbreviated issue this week.

In news: Two new subdivisions are proposed for Northwest and Southwest Allen County, and Indiana's high infant and maternal mortality rates are decreasing.

In things to do: Rune Restaurant is hosting its first event tomorrow, featuring Chef Sean Richardson's signature avocado toast, and a plant bar pop-up is coming to Creative Women of the World with free wine and snacks.

Don't forget: In June, we're partnering with Pikoso Burrito Co. inside Union Street Market at Electric Works to bring all paid subscribers a FREE order of chips and salsa. We give our paid members a freebie every month at a local business to cover the cost of membership. See what a paid membership is all about with this 30-day trial, and you can get that chips and salsa.

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

• More than 700 homes could come to the Northwest side, and another 98-lot subdivision is proposed for Southwest. The local GRE Development Corp. proposed a 776-lot subdivision for Woods Road near Huntertown and Carroll Middle School in Northwest Allen County Schools district. Another local developer, New Venture Development Corp., has also asked for plan and rezoning approvals in Southwest Allen County for its Sierra Ridge subdivision on Lower Huntington Road at Homestead Road. Both projects will be discussed at a public hearing by the Allen County Plan Commission next month on July 11 at 1 p.m. at Citizens Square, before a vote on July 18. If approved, they go on to county commissioners for final approval.
• Indiana's high infant and maternal mortality rates are decreasing. Infant mortality rate (IMR) is considered the No. 1 indicator of health status in the world and is defined as the death of a baby before their first birthday. In 2022, Indiana’s IMR was the state’s highest since 2017 and among the highest in the nation. It's expected to decrease in 2023, from 7.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022 and to 6.5, according to preliminary data (still higher than the 2021 national average of 5.4). Local officials attribute IMR improvements* to efforts made by area nonprofits to better connect families to help and resources. Another report found Indiana's maternal mortality rate is also decreasing. In 2021, 80 pregnant and postpartum women died in Indiana, down from 92 in 2020. Indiana’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee was created in 2018* to review cases and suggest tactics for prevention.

Plus: Southwest Allen County Schools superintendent contract, Three Rivers Festival events relocating, new trails and more. Read all about it in our premium newsletter.

• Eat: Breakfast for Dinner at Rune Restaurant's first walk-in event on June 12, 5-8 p.m. The menu features Chef Sean Richardson's signature avocado toast with add ons, complimented with a pop up espresso bar by Conjure Coffee and breakfast cocktails.
• Party: on the Patio at Gallery K on Broadway June 13, 6-9 p.m., featuring Jessie Doyle. The weekly summer event offers food, live entertainment, beverages and, of course, art – all in one of the coolest local venues near Downtown.
• Sip & Shop: at a Plant Bar Pop-Up at Creative Women of the World Downtown, June 13, 5-7 p.m., in partnership with Fuller Plants. Enjoy free wine and snacks with plants and pots for purchase.
• Remember: to attend Middle Waves Music Festival and After Waves Party (free) on June 15 at Parkview Field. Gates open at 3 p.m., and tickets ($40 adults; $10 kids) can be tickets in advance or on site. (Details in our full story last week!)

What else? Learn about more events in our premium newsletter.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett