Fort Wayne Observed

Repurposing Campaign Signs

Old campaign signs never die. They are repurposed for a variety of uses.

One person used the metal campaign sign frames to provide supports for row covers for sensitive plants during the recent overnight frosts.

Today, a repurposed Mark Souder for Congress sign was repurposed as the back side of a sign promoting a garage sale on Portage Drive on Fort Wayne's near west side . The sign was on the northwest corner of the intersection of Portage and Taylor Street.

The reverse and the front are shown above.

Photo credit: Fort Wayne Observed | Mitch Harper

Rhubarb: $4.99 a Pound

Packaged rhubarb was recently seen in the produce section of a Fort Wayne market priced at  $4.99 a pound.

This seems a little high for what has been a quintessentially Hoosier springtime favorite. 

Ask around a bit and you are likely to find someone who would part with some rhubarb from their garden for free.

If this is a price that even a Hoosier community will pay for rhubarb, then someone should call the US State Department to suggest that an answer has been found to the quest for a substitute crop for poppies in Aghanistan and cocoa plants in Central America.

 

Reports that Fire Chief Kelly Retiring in August

It has been reported that Fort Wayne FIre Chief Peter X. Kelly will be retiring from his post on August 3rd.

A communication to fire department personnel was made this morning.

Mayor Graham Richard named Pete Kelly as Chief effective August 21,  2007.  He has served continuously as Chief under both Mayor Richard and current Mayor Thomas Henry since that date.

Frost Date is Past; Time to Plant

Gooseberries are already set and growing well.  Gooseberry pies will be made in early June.  Rhubarb pies, rhubarb crisp and rhubarb sauce are in season now.

The frost date for Fort Wayne was May 9th.  So, it is safe to begin planting your summer vegetables and flowers now. Early plantings of peas, spinach and lettuce are now beginning faster growth.

Expect crowds at garden centers on Mother's Day.  You may wish to consider shopping earlier for live plants at popular sources like Main's on SR 930, Broadview on WInchester Road or at either Stuckey's Greenhouse on Tyler Avenue or Lima Road.

Photo credit: FWOb | Mitch Harper

"So when do [Komets] they play for the Stanley Cup? Within 10 years?"

Greg Wyshynksi writes the blog "Puck Daddy" for Yahoo Sports. He writes in one of his recent posts:

The Komets are an interesting franchise. They won three straight IHL titles before moving to the CHL, considered better competition, where they won again. They're expected to move to the ECHL next season. So when do they play for the Stanley Cup? Within 10 years?

He wrote the comment in a post about the video posted by the JG of JG writer Justin Cohn getting razzed by the Komets for his written prediction that Wichita would win the CHL championship.

IRS Want Ad: No Current IRS Employees Need Apply

The Internal Revenue Service ran an ad under 'Career Opportunities' in the May 9th edition of the Wall Street Journal. 

The last paragraph of the ad for the $230,700 position contains this statement: "Current IRS employees are not eligible to apply for this position."

The ad seeks qualified applicants for the position of 'Chief Architect' in the 'Modernization and Information Technology Services" of the Internal Revene Service. The ad further states that the "announcement is for a streamlined critical pay position (excepted service not to exceed 4 years) located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area ..."

FWOb doesn't know whether the IRS doesn't believe any current IRS employees are qualified for the position, whether it wants new and fresh thinking from someone unencumbered by familiarity with the IRS, or whether, due to the time limited nature of the position outside of the permanent pay structure, the IRS may have in mind certain former employees.

Hamhanded Sign: Smith Field Airport Labeled Smithfield

The sign on Lima Road (Indiana 3) directing motorists to Fort Wayne's Smith Field general aviation Airport is Artless.

That is, it looks more as if the airport is sponsored by a national meat brand known for its hams than an airport named after famed early aviator Art 'Birdboy' Smith.

The run-together name of "SMITHFIELD" could be cured by INDOT with a new middle sign having a space inserted between "SMITH" and "FIELD".

On the other hand, Smith Field helps bring home the bacon to our region. It is estimated that activities at Smith Field have an annual economic impact of $8 million. 

The airport assumed its current name during WW II when the original name "Baer Field" was transferred to the then-new Army Air Corps air field on  Fort Wayne's south side. Paul Baer of Fort Wayne was a WW I flying ace.  Fort Wayne native Art Smith was an early aviation pioneer who was internationally known.