Fort Wayne Daily Local Headlines: Parkview expansion plans, I-469 roadwork, and a $50K deadline

Top local headlines

Fort Wayne woke up to a mix of big-picture planning and very practical day-to-day updates. Here are the stories locals are most likely to feel first: health care capacity, traffic patterns, and a couple of time-sensitive community items.

Parkview planning birthing center expansion at Randallia

Parkview Health says it will expand the Family Birthing Center at Parkview Hospital Randallia, adding a Level II Special Care Nursery. Plans call for a 12-room, 14-bed nursery plus six additional postpartum rooms, which leaders say could support about 100 more deliveries per year once the project is running.

The health system estimates the investment at about $10.8 million and says the project would add more than 75 clinical positions. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026.

I-469 pavement replacement brings lane shifts and ramp closures

Drivers should brace for a months-long pavement replacement project on I-469 between Wheelock Road and U.S. 24. INDOT says work starts Monday, March 9, with lane shifts and width restrictions in key stretches of northbound and southbound lanes.

A notable pinch point: the on-ramp from westbound U.S. 24 to northbound I-469 is expected to close for about a month starting Monday, March 16. Later, the off-ramp from southbound I-469 to Maysville Road could close for up to three months. The schedule currently targets completion by the end of November, weather permitting.

Deadline day: $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Fort Wayne

If you or someone you know bought a Powerball Double Play ticket at the Lassus Handy Dandy on Coldwater Road for the Sept. 6 drawing, Thursday is the last day to claim the $50,000 prize. Lottery officials say the ticket must be claimed by 4:30 p.m. on March 5 at the prize payment office in Indianapolis.

Food-bank boost: ‘Jars of Love’ peanut butter drive runs through March 30

Lutheran Health Network is collecting peanut butter and other nut butters for six area food banks through March 30, noting the item is both nutritious and often under-donated. Organizers say last year brought in 5,900 jars, and the goal this year is 7,000. Donation bins are being placed at hospitals, physician offices, and several community partner sites around Fort Wayne.

TinCaps and PNC open nominations for small-business spotlight

Local entrepreneurs can also put their name forward for the TinCaps’ Going To Bat for Small Business program. Two businesses will be selected for recognition during the 2026 season, with hospitality and marketing support valued at more than $10,000 each. Nominations opened March 2 and are scheduled to close April 24.

Sources

https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/03/05/birthing-center-expansion-planned-parkview-hospital-randallia/
https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/03/02/pavement-replacement-set-begin-along-stretch-i-469-monday/
https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/03/05/final-day-claim-50k-powerball-winning-ticket-sold-fort-wayne/
https://www.21alivenews.com/2026/03/04/jars-love-drive-happening-now-through-march-30/
https://www.milb.com/fort-wayne/news/going-to-bat-2026