Fort Wayne/ Allen County
Science Central sets planetarium opening
Science Central on Friday announced the official opening of the region’s only public planetarium will be March 26.
Regular daytime demonstrations will be included with general admission. Special night shows and rental opportunities will be offered.
The 1,830-square-foot planetarium features a 21-foot-high, 28-foot-wide dome and can accommodate about 50 seated guests. It features a star ball projector donated by the University of Saint Francis, paired with a new Digistar digital projection system, giving visitors a stunning view of the cosmos.
The $2.8 million project reflects years of planning, renovations of Science Central’s historic building and a commitment to providing accessible, high-quality STEM experiences to the community, officials said.
“Science Central continues to serve as a central hub of exploration where curiosity sparks imagination and learning,” said Mandee Mikulski, executive director. “The planetarium launches our mission forward, offering experiences that visitors will remember for years to come.”
7-month I-469 project begins next week
The Indiana Department of Transportation will begin work next week on a bridge deck overlay on eastbound Interstate 469 over Maplecrest Road, officials announced Friday.
Starting on or after Monday, crews will work on the eastbound I-469 bridge between mile markers 28 and 29. Work on the project is expected to be complete by the end of September. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
During construction, two lanes in each direction of I-469 will remain open. Westbound traffic will shift and eastbound traffic will use a median crossover to travel the westbound side of I-469 in the construction area. Drivers should also watch for crews working on Maplecrest Road beneath the I-469 bridge.
The on-ramp from northbound Maplecrest Road to westbound I-469 will close at a date to be announced to allow for the traffic shifts on I-469. Once closed, traffic will be able to access I-469 by using the on-ramp from southbound Maplecrest Road to westbound I-469 that is directed by a temporary traffic signal, or drivers may seek an alternate route.
Colonial wetlands to receive lights, seats
Fort Wayne City Utilities will add lighting and seating to the Colonial Heritage Wetlands after receiving a 2025 Agile Grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, officials announced Friday.
When the wetlands were completed in 2023 as part of the Hessen-Cassel Road stormwater improvement project, lighting and benches were discussed during neighborhood meetings but were not included in the original construction due to budget limitations. City Utilities then applied for additional funding for those features.
The $10,000 Agile Grant will pay for electrical wiring along the site’s existing walking path to enable new lighting and seating.
The wetlands reduce flooding for surrounding neighborhoods by slowing stormwater during heavy rain and filtering it through native plants with deep root systems that absorb excess water and stabilize soil. A two-stage ditch and bioswale help manage flows while protecting the Treier Ditch and Maumee River waterways.
– The Journal Gazette