2+ week, 3+ day ago (135+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Citilink riders across Fort Wayne can now see where their buses are in real time. The tracking system is made possible by a technology partnership with Systrans. According to the public transit service, the tracking system will enhance convenience, comfort, and safety for riders, especially as winter weather approaches. In addition to tracking the buses" real-time locations, the tracking system provides estimated arrival times. It is available through the Token Transit app. "One of the biggest things for our team is that we want to provide a dignified experience to all of our riders," said Jillian Kreider, Marketing Specialist at Citilink. "Our partnership with Systrans, an Equans company, and the Transit app is going to continue to provide that dignified experience by allowing riders the opportunity to optimize their day."...

2+ week, 4+ day ago (121+ words) (WPTA) - 20 members of the 87th Indiana State Police (ISP) Recruit Academy received their first patrol vehicles on Wednesday. During the event, the agency revealed that its patrol vehicles will now be displaying a new look. State officials say the new look honors ISP's past while equipping the agency and its troopers for the future. "As these new Troopers begin their service, they carry forward a proud tradition of protecting Hoosiers with integrity and courage," Indiana Governor Mike Braun said. "The new patrol vehicles are a fitting way to mark this next chapter." "We are excited to have both our new Troopers and these new look Dodge Durangos begin their service in communities throughout Indiana," ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott said....

2+ week, 2+ day ago (407+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The County Line Church of God Food Pantry is addressing protein shortages with help from an unexpected source: donated venison from Indiana hunters. The food pantry has struggled with protein availability as egg prices increased, eggs being one of their staple proteins they give away. Wendy and Nancy from the County Line Church of God Food Pantry said they are "definitely lacking in the protein and our resources for that." The pantry recently received a call from Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry offering venison donations. Nancy was eager to hear about the offer. "I was amazed when we were contacted that "hey, there's venison available," Nancy said. "I said when can I pick it up? And they were like "right now' and I said OK I'll be there in an hour." The Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry program,…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (342+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The Fort Wayne Rescue Mission is partnering with Sweetwater to launch a music program that helps residents work through life's challenges by jamming together. The "Jamming as Motivation" program brings residents together to play donated instruments, write music and connect with others facing similar struggles. Sweetwater provided the instrument donations that made the program possible. "It's really good. I like it, puts me kind of in a better head space for the day," said Jonathan Ramer, a program participant who reconnected with guitar playing after losing his instruments years ago. Ramer played guitar as a teenager but stopped when life got in the way. "Then through the course of life, I just lost the guitar, so I stopped playing," he said. "If I've got a bunch of stress from the week, whatever, it helps just to…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (227+ words) Several businesses in 21Country are honoring those who have served our country with Veterans Day deals and freebies. FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Several businesses in 21Country are honoring those who have served our country with Veterans Day deals and freebies. Here is a list of Veterans Day offerings: - Kroger is offering a 10% discount to active duty and veteran military service members for both in-store and pick-up shopping. - Great Clips is offering free haircuts to veterans and active military members. Non-military customers can also participate by getting a haircut and receiving a free haircut card to give to a veteran. - Golden Corral will offer a free meal and drink to veterans and active-duty military members as part of its 25th anniversary of its annual Military Appreciation Night. - Bob Evans locations are providing a free meal from a special menu to veterans and active duty…...

5+ day, 5+ hour ago (278+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Brightpoint has opened and expanded its Energy Assistance Program (EAP), aimed at helping families manage high energy bills. The one-time EAP benefit helps households across northeast Indiana afford winter heating costs. New this year, Brightpoint has expanded the program to now serve homes in Adams, Huntington, and Wells counties, in addition to Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley counties. Applicants must meet the following income levels to be eligible for the program: Brightpoint says NIPSCO customers who do not meet the income guidelines but have a household income under 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for NIPSCO Hardship and are still encouraged to fill out an EAP application. Other necessary qualifications can be found here. Applications are open now through April 20, 2026, and can be found online. They are also available in person at…...

2+ week, 3+ day ago (105+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The Women's Fund of Greater Fort Wayne is sharing its latest research. During a conference on Thursday, the organization released its '2025 Allen County Women & Girls Report'. The report provides a five-year update to the study that established the fund in August 2020. Key findings in the report were divided into three categories: personal safety, economic security, and young women and girls. The report says the state's sexual harassment, rape, and domestic violence policies need improvement, local workplaces could better meet the needs of women, and that communication is key for young women and girls' well-being....

3+ hour, 48+ min ago (143+ words) GRANT COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA) - Indiana State Police (ISP) are investigating a death in Grant County on Sunday. According to the agency, its detectives were requested by the Marion City Police Department for the death of a Marion Health Police Officer at Marion Health Hospital. A preliminary investigation indicates that officers with the Marion City Police Department, Marion Health Police Department, Grant County Sheriff's Office, and ISP responded to an emergency involving 25-year-old Ronnell J. Johnson of Marion around 6 a.m. First responders and medical staff found Johnson suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to ISP. The agency says it is believed that Johnson was handling a non-department-issued/personally owned handgun, which discharged, striking him. Life-saving measures were administered; however, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. Notification to the next of kin has been made....

2+ day, 6+ hour ago (115+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - OmniSource announced the return of its free electronic recycling event to collect donations for Shepherds House and the Humane Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry. Inspired by two employees who benefited from programs offered by the two organizations, OmniSource will waive standard recycling fees and accept non-perishable food and pet supply donations. The event will take place from Dec. 1 to 5. OmniSource is located at 219 Murray Street in Fort Wayne. To learn more about electronic recycling, visit OmniSource. You can also catch the latest news from 21Alive anytime on'Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Just search "21Alive" in the app store and download the app to your device....

2+ week, 4+ day ago (162+ words) FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - On Wednesday morning, the Allen County Department of Health announced the Health First Allen County (HFAC) grant recipients for 2026. The funding is part of the 2023 initiative focused on making core public health services more accessible to county residents. So far, the department has awarded nearly $6 million through the public health grant program, and this upcoming year, 13 local organizations will receive $840,000. "Our partners are as reliable as they are creative and dedicated. These are organizations that have worked for years to help in a variety of important areas. They have stepped up again to serve the residents of Allen County, and we continue to be thankful for their thoughtful approaches and willingness to tackle such challenging issues." The funds will be used towards work in the following seven core public health service areas: For more information about…...