Allen County prosecutor reviewing 'thousands of hours' of video from Fort Wayne protests
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The Allen County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing "thousands of hours" of video of protests in downtown Fort Wayne late May as it considers criminal cases against protesters who were arrested, amid widespread calls for charges to be dropped.
In a Monday morning news conference, Prosecutor Karen Richards said she is treating the 108 misdemeanor cases and other felony cases that came out of May 29 and May 30 protests as she does with any other criminal case – with a thorough review. She said she will not make a "knee-jerk" decision on any.
Richards said she has tasked two employees with reviewing thousands of hours of video from local police, the public, and the media. She will review actions against both protesters and police.
FWPD, protesters talk race relations, how to bridge gap
It was during those first two nights of protests in downtown Fort Wayne when 99 people were arrested after peaceful demonstrations turned violent and destructive. Most were arrested on misdemeanor charges of Disorderly Conduct, Rioting and Failure to Leave an Emergency Area.
Since, protests have been held daily, but have remained mostly peaceful. Police and protesters have marched together, and held talks to find common ground.
A sticking point: protesters have called for Richards to drop charges against the protesters who were arrested.
Protests in downtown Fort Wayne have entered their third week.
Most northeast Indiana counties reached 'full employment' in December
by Corinne Moore / Jan 27, 2021
INDIANAPOLIS (WANE) - Unemployment for December 2020 looked dramatically different from when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring as many counties in northeast Indiana reached "full employment" status.
"When I saw the record high unemployment rates in April, I really thought it was unrealistic that we would get back to full employment by year's end, but I'm glad I was wrong. December 2020 had close to 2,400 more unemployed workers than December 2019 but the overall recovery is remarkable," said Rachel Blakeman, director of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute.
Grant applications open for Community Hunting Access Program
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Communities interested in applying for funding through the Department of Natural Resources' Community Hunting Access Program can apply through March 31.
The program is designed to increase hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer in communities to help alleviate human and deer conflicts, the DNR said. Participating organizations are provided with financial and technical assistance to administer hunting programs in their communities.
Virtual workshop to be held for city's Neighborhood Improvement Grant program
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The City of Fort Wayne is holding a virtual workshop to answer questions about the application process for the City of Fort Wayne's Neighborhood Improvement Grant program.
The city said the program is designed to support neighborhood projects that beautify public spaces and strengthen community involvement. Accepted projects must enhance the aesthetics of the neighborhood, provide a clear community benefit, be accessible to all residents and increase civic pride.