Local columns | Journal Gazette

Airport caters to business fliers; not all happy

Frank Gray — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Steve Staley travels a lot for a living, flying all over the country auditing building inspectors for HUD, whatever that involves.

12% of bills reach Pence

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Now that the 2013 legislative session has wrapped - including gubernatorial action on all the bills - it's time to review the term by the numbers.

Fogle loved to shoot the news

Frank Gray — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

When I started at The Journal Gazette in the 1980s, one of the first people I met was a guy named Dailey Fogle, a name just odd enough to make it easy to remember.

Stutzman revives push to bring gun producer to Indiana

Brian Francisco — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:24:47 EST

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-3rd, announced Thursday he has renewed his invitation for gun manufacturer Beretta USA to move from Maryland to Indiana.

Parties agree to weekly addresses

Niki Kelly — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:55:25 EST

A Huntington-based online radio station announced this week that all three major political parties in Indiana will offer a 3-5 minute weekly radio address each Saturday on www.indianatalks.com starting this weekend.

Where the sidewalk ends

Frank Gray — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

When a developer builds a new subdivision, it isn't uncommon to install sidewalks on just one side of the street. That's the way it was done in Evelyn Murphy's subdivision along Londonderry Lane on the city's north side.

Ag panel approves Donnelly amendments

Brian Francisco — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:01:20 EST

Two amendments advocated by Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., were part of the five-year farm bill approved Tuesday by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Local telecom leader to testify on patent laws

Brian Francisco — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:15:21 EST

Mark Grady, founder and president of INdigital Telecom in Fort Wayne, is scheduled to testify Wednesday on patent laws at a hearing of the U.S. House Small Business Committee.

Legislative session by the numbers

Niki Kelly — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:56:11 EST

Now that the 2013 legislative session has wrapped -- including gubernatorial action on all the bills -- it's time to review the term by the numbers.

Rejection? There's an app for that

Frank Gray — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Life in middle and high school has doubtlessly changed a lot since I was a student, but one thing hasn't changed. If you try to flirt with a person who has no interest in flirting back, you're liable to be shot down in flames and be labeled a creep, though the modern term, I'm told, is "creeper."

Councilman tries to delay project already in works

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

At Tuesday's Fort Wayne City Council meeting, John Shoaff, D-at large, went out of his way to derail an otherwise routine matter.

Internet tax might aid hometown merchants

Frank Gray — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate passed, by a wide margin, a bill that would let states collect sales tax from online retailers.

Two lawmakers honored by Chamber

Niki Kelly — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:07 EST

The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, now part of Greater Fort Wayne Inc., on Wednesday honored two northeast Indiana legislators with annual awards.

More honors for Lugar

Brian Francisco — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:17:49 EST

Former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar will receive two more awards this week for his 36-year career on Capitol Hill.

Old tree stands tall at former birthplace

Tue, 07 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Ten years ago, when Lutheran Hospital was planning its Heart Pavilion off West Jefferson Boulevard, one doctor lamented that in clearing the land, some really nice trees were going to be bulldozed and ground to pulp. Well, hospital officials told the doctor, if you want them, cut them down and take them.

New Libertarians leadership at the helm

Niki Kelly — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:06:46 EST

Indiana Libertarians recently elected a new statewide leadership team at its 2013 convention. The men will serve two-year terms.

By his work, other orphans may find siblings

Frank Gray — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Melvin Claymiller was 5 years old in 1935 when he and his siblings went to live at the St. Vincent Villa Catholic Orphanage on Wells Street.

Pence ready to ramp up Sagamore honors

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Gov. Mike Pence could give more Sagamore of the Wabash awards in one year than former Gov. Mitch Daniels did in his entire eight years in office.

Donnelly on visit to Pakistan

Brian Francisco — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:08:40 EST

Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., reportedly led a congressional delegation on a visit to Pakistan this week.

Kids can get right kind of education

Frank Gray — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Foundation One stood in the back room of his barber shop on Pontiac Street meticulously trimming the hair on a customer's head, removing tiny bits at a time, at the same time taking a phone call from someone who desperately needed to talk to him.

Remark still hounds Mourdock

Brian Francisco — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:39:51 EST

Six months after his election defeat, Richard Mourdock cannot shake his reputation as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate who seemingly grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory.

Save your cutting for the budget

Dan Stockman — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:09:51 EST

Fort Wayne City Council President Tom Didier, R-3rd, has a new perspective on the pestilence decimating the region's ash trees: Tuesday, he appeared at the City Council meeting with his hand bandaged.

Pence sets Sagamore rules

Niki Kelly — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:47:45 EST

Gov. Mike Pence could give more Sagamore of the Wabash awards in one year than former Gov. Mitch Daniels did in his entire eight years in office.

With risks, why even carry a gun?

Frank Gray — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Different people carry guns for different reasons. I once knew a man who owned a bar, and he once told me in weird-speak, "I always carry a firearm on my person."

Cycle title changed; owner left wanting more

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Mark Fiedler's motorcycle headache has just gotten a little smaller. Last week we wrote about Fiedler, a motorcycle rider who had decided he was getting older and it was time to have a more comfortable, head-turning ride.

House lawmakers enjoy old-style vote

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

As the last evening of the legislative session was wearing on Friday night, lawmakers got a peek into life as a legislator before computers and other technological advancements.

Firefighters' wives help out Texas town

Frank Gray — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The earthquake-sized blast that leveled parts of the little town of West, Texas, hasn't exactly been ignored by the media, but the huge explosion has definitely taken a back seat in the news to the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Common council to comment on common wage

Dan Stockman — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:56:50 EST

Technically, Fort Wayne City Council members have Tuesday off. But for the past several years, the council has used the fifth Tuesdays that occur four times a year for in-depth discussions of various topics.

Donnelly gives maiden speech in Senate

Brian Francisco — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:36:04 EST

U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly called for an “opportunity agenda” based on “Hoosier common sense” to create American jobs during his maiden speech Wednesday afternoon on the Senate floor.

Custom-built, not rebuilt

Frank Gray — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Mark Fiedler got his first motorcycle, a Kawasaki dirt bike, about 15 years ago, but he's getting older now and he's looking for something a little more comfortable - and unique. So he set out to build his own custom motorcycle.

Mourdock not gone but forgotten

Brian Francisco — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:47:38 EST

U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor mentioned a 2012 national election that didn't go our way during his speech Monday at the Allen County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner.

Lugar honored for transparency efforts

Brian Francisco — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:19:59 EST

Former Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., has been named this year's recipient of the Integrity Award given by Transparency International-USA.

Lawmaker likes expungement

Niki Kelly — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:42:53 EST

Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, might be the only lawmaker who gets to take advantage of an expansive expungement bill passed Monday.That's why he had a very specific question when the legislation came up for final vote.

GOP dinner speaker prompts back-and-forth

Brian Francisco — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:57:35 EST

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody has weighed in on the choice of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., to speak at Monday evening’s Allen Country Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner.

End of session nigh

Niki Kelly — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:27:28 EST

The 2013 legislative session has only a few days remaining, though the end date is a bit in the air.

Still waiting, mother wants slain son's case closed

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

At 5:30 Tuesday afternoon, under the dome in the Allen County Courthouse, families will gather for a candlelight vigil in which the names of homicide victims of the last three years will be read.

Delph's tweeting tweaking Zoeller

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The war of words between Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, and Republican Attorney General Greg Zoeller escalated last week.

Pesky personal cams find a place

Frank Gray — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

I remember listening to a radio program years ago about UFOs, and an unbeliever mentioned that despite all the reports of flying saucers, no one had ever filmed a UFO. A believer retorted that people believe in car crashes, but he didn't recall anyone ever capturing a car crash on film.

And the rookie scores...

Dan Stockman — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:11:05 EST

You can forgive Ben Groeneweg if he looked a little nervous as he took a seat at the end of the City Council table Tuesday. After all, this was the City Utilities engineering program manager's first time ever coming before the council.

Constitutional amendments wither in Indiana

Niki Kelly — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:14:29 EST

Several proposed constitutional amendments have met their demise this year.

Cleanup on Maumee grows each Earth Day

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Eight years ago, Abigail King started an organization called Save the Maumee Grassroots Organization and started pushing to clean up the river - all by herself.

Call before donating power scooters

Frank Gray — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

When I wrote last week about a New Haven man who had his motorized wheelchair stolen, I got the sort of response I didn't expect.

Misleading ad can send wrong reply

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Some Hoosiers might unwittingly be supporting Gov. Mike Pence's proposed income tax cut thanks to a deceptive online ad by Americans for Prosperity. The ad has been popping up on local blogs as well as other websites, including those of The Journal Gazette and The Chicago Tribune.

Students to restore Noble farmhouse

Frank Gray — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Up in Noble County stands an old farmhouse that the locals regard as historic. It's the Sower farmhouse, the centerpiece of a farm that's part of a Farm to Fork Program, where people can visit and buy produce and other products directly from the source.

Lawmakers come up short in blood drive

Niki Kelly — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:16:18 EST

The legislative branch competed in a good old-fashioned blood drive last week, with bragging rights going to the men and women behind the scene.

Tax cut ad misleading

Niki Kelly — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:48:14 EST

Some Hoosiers might unwittingly be supporting Gov. Mike Pence's proposed tax cut thanks to a deceptive online ad by Americans for Prosperity.The ad has been popping up on local blogs as well as other sites, including The Chicago Tribune.

Wheelchair theft a low

Frank Gray — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

I think we can all agree that thieves are real lowlifes. You work hard and save your money to buy something, and then a thief just takes it.

Formula pegs 3rd District as most Republican in state

Brian Francisco — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:53:58 EST

The latest edition of Indiana Legislative Insight reports that the nonpartisan Cook Political Report is calling the 3rd District the most Republican congressional district in Indiana.

Holocaust survivor: Never forget the horror

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Last week Doris Fogel spoke to a group of students at Ball State University. Next week she'll be speaking in Chicago, but she had to turn down a request to speak in Palm Springs, Calif., on Monday because she will be busy in Fort Wayne.

House carrying on while Bosma mends

Niki Kelly and Brian Francisco — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

GOP House Speaker Brian Bosma is healing well from an unexpected surgery last week.

South side goes to bat on bank exit

Frank Gray — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The Southside Business Group doesn't get its name in the news that much anymore. In a way, that's a good thing.

Criticized trip to India minus Stutzman: Office

Brian Francisco — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman has been under media scrutiny for a trip to India that his office says he did not take.

Wolkins finds his kind of tie

Niki Kelly — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:28:53 EST

Everyone has heard of clip-on ties.Some men who dread the tight fabric around their necks relish in them.

Gay-marriage advocates petition Donnelly

Brian Francisco — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST

Online petition drives are urging Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., to support same-sex marriage.

GI finally honored; other families wait

Frank Gray — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

On Friday, in a small ceremony in a Florida nursing home, representatives of the Army presented the Purple Heart medal to the mother of Capt. Herbert Crosby, a Fort Wayne native who earned the medal in January 1970 when the helicopter he was piloting went down in Vietnam, killing everyone on board.