Pet Registration Tags

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Charles

Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control reminds pet owners that city pet registration tags can be purchased from the shelter and from local veterinary clinics. The tag is required for all dogs and cats living within the City of Fort Wayne for identification and to aid in the return of lost pets.  A simple registration tag on your pet’s collar can be the very ticket your pet needs to come back home.  Tags can also be mailed to you by printing, completing and mailing a pet registration form from the shelter website at www.fwacc.org. Yearly tags and lifetime registrations are available. For additional information call 260-427-1244, menu option 7.

Contributed by Peggy Bender, Community Relations & Education Specialist, Animal Care Control

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“Curb” Your Enthusiasm – Follow the Law

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Charles

It’s finally springtime, and that surely means that flowers will start sprouting up everywhere! Primary elections will soon be held too, and that surely means that political campaign signs will spring up in places they’re not allowed.

The enthusiasm that surrounds our political system is great but many campaign signs are posted along roadways so that candidates can try to maximize exposure from the motoring public.

It’s a safety Issue: But signs can also be a distraction to motorists, and can sometimes even present a hazard when posted at intersections.  These factors can detract from the benefits candidates seek from their signage.

Remember: Fort Wayne has an ordinance that prohibits placing signs within the public right of way.  Ordinance G-20-07 makes it illegal to place any non-authorized signs within the public right of way, and it also allows for the immediate destruction of any illegally placed signs, without notice.  Campaign signs are not an allowable exception to this ordinance.  Municipal Code 99.026 provides a good summary of this ordinance.

How close is too close: Campaign signs should not be posted within the grass strip between the street curb and the public sidewalk as this area is nearly always within the public right of way.  Although it isn’t always quite so easy to identify where the right of way ends and private property begins along a street without walks, a good rule of thumb is that the right of way line is typically 11′ off of the edge of the street pavement.

If you have any questions, please contact the Right of Way Office through 311.

Contributed by Rick Orr, Director, Transportation Administration

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Reduced Fees at Pet Adoption Event

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Charles

Mega Match-a-thon March 30 & 31

Homeless dogs and cats are clipping their nails and combing their coats for the upcoming Mega Match-a-thon Pet Adoption Event coming to Fort Wayne on March 30 & 31. If you’re looking to add a new pet to your family then get ready for an incredible 2-day pet adoption event that will include special reduced adoption fees on all adoptable dogs, only $45, and cats only $10. Share a Flyer

The event will be held at two locations. Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, 3020 Hillegas Road will be open from 12-8 p.m. both days. Hope for Animals, 1333 Maycrest Drive will host multiple animal rescue organizations from 12-8 p.m. on Saturday. Those hoping to find a new best friend should come prepared for a same day adoption. Bring a collar and leash for a dog adoption and a cat carrier for a cat adoption. To expedite the process, bring vaccination records for all pets in your home and bring along all family members for a meet and greet.

Mega Match-a-thon is made possible with a grant from the ASPCA® (The National American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) headquartered in New York as an amazing effort to help save more lives. The goal of the Fort Wayne event is to match 100 dogs and cats with loving, responsible homes.

Contributed by Peggy Bender, PIO, Animal Care & Control

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Renaissance Pointe – An Opportunity

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Charles

Have you driven through the Renaissance Pointe neighborhood lately? Just a mile from downtown, the area is undergoing a significant building boom! Sixty-six new houses are planned by developer Kevan Biggs; nearly a third are in some phase of construction. The City has invested in the public infrastructure of the neighborhood; the YMCA has opened a state-of-the-art new facility in the heart of the area. Biggs has put together about ten million dollars in funding resources to add rooftops to a neighborhood that is poised to be one of the most desirable locations for families in the next few years. Hammers are swinging, concrete is being poured, and frames are going up on about 19 houses so far. John and Gay Streets near Creighton have been the epicenter of the activity so far. All 66 houses will be built and ready to become homes for families by April.

This development is important for a number of reasons: the investment it represents in one of our older neighborhoods; the opportunity it offers families to move toward homeownership; and the alteration these new homes will make to the profile of Renaissance Pointe. It’s hard to quantify the energy 66 new families will add once the houses are all occupied. Anyone interested in finding out more about how to qualify for one of the homes is encouraged to contact Cindy at 1-800-589-4332 or www.rentbiggs.com

Contributed by Rebecca Karcher, Community Engagement Director, City of Fort Wayne

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Students Rally to Help Homeless Animals

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Madeline

Student members of the Animal Care Teen (ACT) program at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control will rally together on Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to conduct a special Stuff the Whisker Wag’n service event. Their goal is to collect much needed canned food for homeless shelter dogs and cats. ACT students decided on the project after learning that 6,435 cats and kittens arrived at the shelter during the spring and fall months of 2011. In total 8,027 lost and homeless felines and 6,118 canines were sheltered at Animal Care & Control last year.
Citizens are asked to drop off canned food suitable for cats, kittens, puppies and dogs to help the shelter prepare for spring litters and homeless strays. Dry food is not needed at this time. For those who donate a case of canned pet food, they will be thanked with a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A sandwich as supplies last. The Whisker Wag’n will be parked in the Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control parking lot located at 3020 Hillegas Road. Rain or shine, teens will eagerly await donations for this first ever event.
The Animal Care Teen program in its 26th year offers youth who are ages 13-17 an opportunity to learn about animal related careers, develop leadership skills, and to ACT for animals through service work.

Contributed by Peggy Bender, Community Relations and Education Specialist, Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control

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4 Things You Shouldn’t Let Freeze

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Charles

Is there anything more frustrating than waking up on a cold winter morning to find that you have no water because the pipes have frozen?   Water pipes that are exposed to cold can freeze when the temperature drops to 20 or lower.

Taking a few simple steps before the snow flies can help protect your pipes.

1. Indoor Pipes

Inside your home, the pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing are those located in un-insulated spaces such as crawl spaces, basements, attics and garages, or in exterior walls.

Before cold weather arrives, insulate pipes in these exposed areas with foam insulation at a minimum.  If you have experienced frozen pipes in the past, consider wrapping those pipes with electrical heating tape and then insulating them.

If you can’t protect pipes before cold weather sets in, you may need to let the water run during very cold weather.  Remember, hot water pipes can also freeze, so let a small steady stream of lukewarm water run.  For sinks against outside walls, it may also help to open cabinet doors below the sink so warm air can circulate.

If you’re taking a winter vacation, don’t turn off the heat.  Leaving the thermostat set to at least 55 can help keep pipes from freezing.

2. Water Meter

Customers of Fort Wayne City Utilities are responsible for making sure the water meter is protected from freezing.  If the meter is in an unheated garage, keep the garage door closed to hold in as much heat as possible.  Protect the meter in a basement or crawl space by closing off crawl space vents and doors, repairing broken windows and making sure basement doors and windows close tightly.  You might also consider installing an insulated meter cover.  If the meter does freeze, City Utilities customers may be charged more than $130 for a replacement.

3.  Gutters

Clean leaves and other debris out of the gutters so that they will be able to carry away melting snow and ice.  Leaves and other material can freeze in a downspout causing the downspout to burst or causing the gutters to overflow.  As part of cleaning the gutters, use a hose to spray a concentrated stream of water down the downspout to force out any potential blockages.

4. Exterior Faucets and Hoses

A dripping outdoor water faucet – also known as a hose bib or sill cock – can cause the faucet and water pipe that feeds it to freeze and break.  Many hose bibs installed today are frost –free.  If you have an older home turn off the water to the faucet inside the house if possible, then drain the faucet by turning it on for a few moments.  If there is no inside shut-off, consider putting an insulated cover over the hose bib.

Disconnect the garden hose.  Leaving the hose connected to the outside faucet can cause water to remain in the faucet.  If it freezes, it can burst the pipe.  Protect the hose itself by disconnecting and draining it, especially if you plan to leave it outside during the winter.  If the water freezes inside the hose it may cause the hose to split.

If a pipe does freeze despite all of your precautions, and you know where the freeze up is located, you may be able to thaw the pipe yourself, but it should be done slowly and carefully to avoid a pipe break.  One option is to use a hand-held hair dryer.  Blow the warm air over the pipe, keeping the dryer moving.  Another method is to wrap the frozen pipe with towels or rags and pour warm water over it.  This is messy, but may work.  Finally, make sure everyone in the house knows where the master water shut-off valve is located.  In case a pipe bursts, you can turn off the water.  The master shut-off is usually located near where the water line enters the house.  You may want to tag the valve with a bright color so you don’t have to search for it.

Contributed by Mary Jane Slaton, Program Manager, City Utilities

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Be a Good Neighbor – Shovel Sidewalks

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Charles

Help Keep Sidewalks Safe When it Snows

Most people in Fort Wayne use sidewalks every day walking to work, school or shopping.  We use sidewalks for exercise and also to wait for buses.   Without a wide clear path through the snow and ice it can be difficult for anyone to use the sidewalks safely.  It can be especially difficult for children, senior citizens and people with disabilities.   Please help the City keep sidewalks cleared of snow and ice this winter.

  • Sidewalks should be cleared by 9:00 AM if snow has fallen overnight.
  • Remove snow along all of the sidewalk adjacent to your property.  If you live on a corner lot, you may have sidewalk on two sides.
  • Pile the snow on your yard or the park strip.
  • Please don’t push the snow from your driveway or sidewalk into the street and don’t cover crosswalks with snow.

Taking responsibility for your sidewalks helps to provide a safe, continuous path for pedestrians in your neighborhood and it is required by the Fort Wayne Municipal Code.

Contributed by Mary Jane Slaton, Program Manager, City Utilities.

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8 Things to Remember for Holiday Shopping

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Charles

With the holiday season upon us, the City of Fort Wayne Police Department would like to offer the following holiday shopping safety suggestions:

  • Shop during daylight hours whenever possible, and if you must shop at night then shop with a friend.
  • Park your vehicle in a well-lit or high traffic area.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and if you carry a purse or a wallet keep it close to your body.
  • Avoid overloading yourself with shopping bags or packages.  Return to your vehicle periodically to store any purchases, and be sure to store those items in the trunk of your vehicle.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason, and most especially avoid street or parking lot vendors — many times these individuals are selling stolen or unlicensed merchandise, or may be trying to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  • Always, always be alert to your surroundings.


If shopping online:

  • Shop secure websites only.
  • If not using a prepaid credit card, then use a credit card.  Do not use a debit card to make purchases online.


    Contributed by the Fort Wayne Police Department.

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    11 Ways to Prevent Fires in Your Kitchen

    Posted on October 12, 2011 by Charles

    In recent weeks, the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) has responded to numerous reported kitchen fires. Because of this surge, and since it is Fire Prevention Week, the FWFD would like to remind citizens of simple kitchen fire prevention tips. Whether you are cooking the family holiday dinner or a snack for the children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will help keep you and your family safe.

    It’s a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or leave flammable materials, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of injuries. Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically.

    1. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
    2. Never leaving cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
    3. Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.
    4. Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
    5. Don’t cook if you’re under the influence of alcohol, taking a medication that causes drowsiness, or are fatigued.
    6. Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
    7. Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating elements.
    8. Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
    9. Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease.
    10. If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it, or use baking soda or a fire extinguisher. Never throw water on a grease fire.
    11. Don’t try to move or carry a pan in which there is a hot grease/grease fire. Even though moving the pan is common reaction when a grease fire is discovered, it often results in burns to the carrier and additional fire damage.

    So when should you call 911, and when should you try to fight a fire yourself? While fire extinguishers and baking soda can put out small fires when used properly, kitchen fires can spring up quickly and spread even faster. In the event of a fire, never hesitate to call the fire department. You should also be sure to get your family out of the house. Remember safety first: Keep yourself and your family protected, and call 911 for help.

    For more information about kitchen fires, visit www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org or call Stacey Fleming at 260.427.1102.

    Contributed by Stacey Fleming, Public Information Officer, FWFD

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    Caring Connections – Living United

    Posted on October 10, 2011 by Charles

    The Southside Market is located on Warsaw St. between Rudisill and Pontiac

    As the old adage states, “It is better to give, than receive.”   The United Way Day of Caring is a one-day event, involving thousands of people across the City, that really brings that saying to life. These volunteers take on a wide range of projects throughout the area to promote a vital and healthy community.  And, while the actual event may only be one day, it takes prior planning and preparation by many people to make it successful; many levels of giving to make our community a better place to live.

    City employees have participated in the Day of Caring for several years, but seven years ago staff members decided to take a more personal approach to helping. They wanted to connect to projects in their community.  It started by connecting with people that had active Neighborhood Code cases that were right in their own neighborhoods. They sought out those most in need (those that were on fixed or limited income). With this slight change in criteria, the city employee participation rate grew from approximately 18 employees to more than 60 in just seven years.

    Plain and simple, it feels good to give back. Whether that neighbor is next door or across town, the goal is to make a positive impact in their community.

    In seven years, our employees completed 16 projects ranging from painting garages to demolishing garages; painting and repairing houses to repairing roofs and building fences. This year, they focused on the Southside Market for one of their projects. City employees took on this historically significant landmark– located in Southeast Fort Wayne.

    The Marketplace represents the essence of family, community and neighborhood. It has been a gathering place for people every Saturday morning since 1929. Neighbors have fond memories of going to the market with their parents, siblings, and friends and following their nose to the quaint little restaurant inside….hanging around soaking up the smells, while their parents shopped for fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs and chickens brought in by local farmers.

    A clipping from the News Sentinel in 1934. These are the grandparents of Richard Schlup of Neighborhood Code.

    This project was particularly special in that the grandparents of one of our City staff working on the project were one of the founding families of the market.  Because Southside Market has brought so much enjoyment to families in the area, it is fitting that “family” was there to help to ensure that the tradition lives on.

    The renovation of the Market, built in 1929 and expanded in 1949, included power-washing, painting and some wood repair. It was a major undertaking, in fact, there was so much work to be done that many volunteers came back a second day to complete all of the necessary tasks. With Day of Caring volunteers and business donations this project saved the Market over $10,000 for the renovation.

    The late Dick Schlup, the son of Fred (above) and father of City employee, Richard.

    Fort Wayne is fortunate to have several businesses willing to donate the many supplies, lunches, equipment and services needed to carry out and complete each of the year’s Day of Caring projects.  This year’s generous donors included Garcia Concrete, Haffner Paint Company, Hahns Systems, Hanna Brothers Painting, Home Depot, Home Lumber, Kroger, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Lowe’s, McNamara Florist at Sand Point, Pizza Hut, PPG Porter Paint, R&C Fence, Sam’s Club, Scott’s, Sherwin Williams Paint Company, U-Haul, and Walmart. We are also grateful to the many City departments that participate and supply the equipment, trucks and manpower: Street Department, Parks Department, Solid Waste, Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services and the Mayor’s Office.

    A huge thank you to all of those who care about our City and a special thanks to Mayor Henry for supporting and allowing us to take these opportunities to coordinate and participate in this much-needed service to our community.

    Another booth that won a prize at the Southside Market in 1934.

    The Southside Market is a vibrant place to get fresh produce and many other items.

    Contributed by Cindy Joyner and Pamela Burns of Neighborhood Code Enforcement.

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