Hey Locals,

We're on vacation this week. But we didn't want to leave you hanging!

Today's abbreviated newsletter offers a quick look at our top stories and events, including an Allen County Jail update, an active transit survey, and a gaming competition.

We'll be back next week with your typical rundown. In the meantime, enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Now let's get started.

Stories

Two top stories we're following.

• Allen County's proposed $350 million jail project could cause a 0.2% increase in income tax for all residents. Last week, The Journal Gazette provided an update on the project, set to start construction in Spring 2024, noting objections about the jail's exorbitant cost from County Councilman Paul Lagemann, R-3rd. Lagemann points out that whereas "other Hoosier jails have cost about $150,000 per bed," "the Allen County estimate equals around $280,000 per bed." He also questions the new jail's high inmate capacity, noting the current jail can hold up to 732 inmates and an estimated capacity of 981 is needed. Meanwhile, the final bed count at the new facility "might be as high as 1,242 beds." *Warning: This story is behind a paywall.
• The City of Fort Wayne's active transportation survey is live. This is your opportunity to share how Fort Wayne can be more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Take the survey here.

How much is Fort Wayne's population growing, and what's happening with housing? We break it down in our premium newsletter.

Events

Two top events this week.

• Creator Space is back for its third event this Saturday at Cinema Center. It will be spotlighting music with local indie rapper Max Wells, who recently returned to Fort Wayne after growing his following in Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. This weekend's free event from 5-7 p.m. will have free food provided by J.K. O'Donnell's and a cash bar. (Stay tuned for our full story with Wells next week on his upcoming album!)
• Fort Wayne gamers are looking to "Hold Down The Fort" on Saturday with a huge, paid-entry Super Smash Bros tournament. This event follows a 100-player tournament hosted in April and seeks to create an action-packed day for all players with a cap at 150 attendees. Reserve your spot now for $10-$20. Festivities will take place at 3402 Fairfield Ave. Get more information, and sign up here.

Riverboats, food truck rallies, and Sunday Fundays! We cover it all (and more) in our premium newsletter.

That's all for now. See you next week!

Love what we do?

Consider supporting us by becoming a paid subscriber! Our publication is entirely funded by our paid subscribers, and we wouldn't be able to do what we do without them. Upgrade today, and see what you're missing!

Also, help us get the word out. The Local is still relatively new to Fort Wayne, so we'd love it if you shared our stories on social media and told your friends to try our free newsletter. Together, we can create a more informed community!

Got a story tip or idea?

Let us know at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com.

Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett