Getting to the root of the problem

Fort Wayne, Ind. – As part of the effort to encourage residents to install rain gardens on their property, Fort Wayne City Utilities is partnering with Riverview Nursery to provide a source of native perennial plants.

True native plants can be difficult to find. Riverview is committed to rain gardens and has stocked many native plants to support Fort Wayne's efforts. These native perennial plants have been grown from seeds gathered at sites around Fort Wayne.

Riverview, in cooperation with City Utilities, will conduct two native plant sales -- on May 25 and June 13 -- as part of the Catching Rain Fort Wayne rain garden program.

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne's offices -- including the 311 Call Center, City Utilities, Animal Care and Control administration, Police and Fire Department administrations and the Parks and Recreation Department administration, community center and youth centers -- will be closed Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day.

Residential garbage and recycling pick-up is pushed back one day all week with Monday's collection on Tuesday, Tuesday's collection on Wednesday and concluding with Friday's route on Saturday.

The City's parking meters will be free on Monday.

The City will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28th.

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.