Items of Interest

Safety first: The City of Fort Wayne reports that skating ponds at our city parks, including Lakeside, are NOT safe for ice skating due to current weather conditions. Snow and rain tend to insulate the ponds from the effects of cold, preventing them from freezing enough to be safe for humans. The best ice is created when we experience a series of cold days (below 20 degrees) without snow or rain. And given how quickly it got cold in November, it seems likely that we're going to hit such weather this year. Red lights/flags are posted at each pond to let you know when it's safe, or you can contact Parks & Recreation at 427-6000, www.fortwayneparks.org.

But not to worry, you can ice skate at Headwaters rink downtown or at McMillen Park ice arena. And if you are looking for free ice skating, come to the McMillen Park holiday ice skating party on Saturday, December 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free but you are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Community Harvest Food Bank. For each item you bring, you'll be entered to win a prize. I am told that a certain jolly elf will be making a stop that afternoon as he plans out his December 24 travels.

And taxes second: And if you or someone you know is over 65, you will want to be aware of a new property tax exemption FOR WHICH YOU MUST FILE BY DECEMBER 31. It is called the OVER 65 CIRCUIT BREAKER and has different rules than the previous exemption, so it's worth checking out. The exemption limits how much your property taxes can be increased each year. Click here for more information or you can call 449-7241. Remember, the deadline is fast approaching.