Youth Engagement Council provides teen forum for hands-on civic engagement

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry is inviting city high school students to get involved in their community and learn more about city government by applying to join the Mayor's Youth Engagement Council. The deadline to apply is June 15.

Applications are available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/myec, and may be faxed to (260) 427-1115 or mailed to Mayor's Office, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

The council is a group of up to 25 students who work to develop and implement service-learning initiatives. Since the council was started in 2010, the group has looked for ways to engage their peers, volunteered at community events and learned about local non-profit organizations and businesses. They have also organized and hosted "Fort Wayne's Almost Famous," an annual event that showcases youth talent.

Bike to work on Friday, May 17th

Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Mayor Tom Henry is encouraging local residents to pedal to work on Friday, May 17 on National Bike to Work Day. On their way to work, bike commuters are invited to stop by Headwaters Park West for a free breakfast that includes Starbucks coffee, bagels from the Bagel Station, and sweet treats from the Pembroke Bakery. The breakfast will be held from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Temporary bike parking and restrooms will be available.

"Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, and you can save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time," Mayor Henry said. "I'm proud of our efforts to make Fort Wayne a bike-friendly community, and I encourage local residents to discover the fun and benefits of biking."

Before heading home for the day, bike commuters can stop between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for food and entertainment at Fort Wayne Outfitters & Bike Depot, 1004 Cass St. The shop is located along the St. Marys Pathway of the Rivergreenway and immediately east of the historic Wells Street pedestrian bridge.

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today presented legendary Fort Wayne Komets broadcaster Bob Chase with a "Key to the Fort" award at a ceremony in the Mayor's office.

Family, friends, and representatives from the Fort Wayne Komets and WOWO Radio attended today's event.

The Key to the Fort goes to individuals who've made an extraordinary commitment to the community through a lifetime of stewardship and involvement.

The Key is a hand forged replica of the iron key that was at the Fort in the days of Anthony Wayne, circa 1790. The original key is at the History Center. The key, with its highly unusual tumbler structure, came to the History Center from an early 20th Century donation from the family of Mayor Franklin Randall, who was Fort Wayne's mayor during the Civil War.

"It is my privilege to recognize Bob Chase for all that he has done for our great City," said Mayor Henry. "Bob's professionalism, character, humility, and his love for his family and the Komets are all attributes that make him a unique and special man in our community."