Wayne County communities have another chance to reduce blight.
During their May 6 meeting, the county commissioners approved an amendment to a memorandum of understanding with the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County about the countywide blight program.
As first reported in the May 6 WWN, the EDC requested permission to use leftover money from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program initiative, estimated at $150,000, for demolitions needed for environmental reviews and removal of unsafe non-historic additions or outbuildings or hazardous materials to rejuvenate Richmond’s Starr and Vaile neighborhoods. Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said he requested the program also continue demolitions in county communities that request assistance.
“I want to do as much of that as we can,” Plasterer said.
Commissioners Brad Dwenger and Aaron Roberts agreed the county should assist the communities, and approved the amendment 3-0.
The blight program money is part of a match program for Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative blight funding that’s been received.
The EDC also brought to commissioners a request for permission to purchase a vehicle it has been leasing once the lease expires. Commissioners approved the purchase.
Fairgrounds projects
Work continues on a parking lot east of First Bank Expo Center at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
The gravel lot is expected to be completed in time for the 4-H Fair. It will remain gravel for approximately a year to allow the gravel to settle, then it will be covered with asphalt.
During the discussion, Dwenger said residents have asked him if the county would add trees to the fairgrounds replacing dead trees removed for the parking lot. Mike Sharp, the county highway supervisor, said smaller trees could be considered for islands in the parking lot.
Dwenger also asked about the next fairgrounds priority: Creating a storage space for tables and chairs used by groups renting First Bank Kuhlman Center or Expo Hall. Commissioners agreed the project should move forward.
EMS contract
Commissioners addressed a new emergency medical services contract for 2027.
This is the last year of Reid Health’s five-year contract to provide service outside of Richmond and Wayne Township, which is covered by Richmond Fire Department. It’s the first contract during which Reid provided countywide coverage.
Dwenger recommended that he; Steve Higinbotham, the county administrator; Wayne County Council member Barry Ritter; and Matthew Cain, director of Wayne County Emergency Management Agency and Emergency Communications Center, form a committee to identify and evaluate EMS providers.
Dwenger said it’s good to evaluate options and create competition.
A version of this article appeared in the May 13 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
