The former site of Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center in Richmond will have new life as a home for residential and outpatient services provided by Damar, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that helps children and adults with autism and intellectual, developmental and behavioral disabilities. In a news release, Damar said it had purchased the 74-acre property […]
Author Archives: Chris Hardie
Chris Hardie is the owner and publisher of the Western Wayne News.
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Residents invited to shape watershed management plan
Residents might not often think about the watershed area they live in, but these water systems can have a big impact on agriculture, drinking water quality, plant and animal life, weather patterns and recreation options. Now, landowners, farmers and those who use waterways for recreation are being invited to help shape the health and future […]
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Construction may snare motorists
Utility work being planned for an already challenging road intersection in Richmond will require motorists to adjust their routes starting next week. During their April 10 meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety heard about the need to close sections of eastbound U.S. Highway 40 and 37th Street in front of the Kroger […]
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Hagerstown council braces for increased water rates
Hagerstown residents might want to set aside some extra funds to cover expected water rate increases that are needed to support updating the town’s water infrastructure. Sarah Correll, an attorney with Ice Miller, presented an update on the issuance of a bond to fund the replacement of the town’s water lines, along with a corresponding […]
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Lincoln grad brings love of math, physics to global tech industry
If you’ve used a modern smartphone, television or computing device, you’re likely benefiting from the work of 1982 Lincoln High School graduate Joseph Olson. Classmates might remember him for his accomplishments on the tennis court — he was a TEC doubles champion in his senior year — or his participation in band, but as a […]
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Renters, landlords meet to clarify housing rights
Tenants and landlords came together in a Feb. 27 meeting to figure out how everyone can do their part to ensure laws are being followed and rights are being respected in area rental housing arrangements. Attendees have rented houses and apartments for all sorts of reasons. Some were young professionals just starting out in the […]
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Reid Health sees leadership transition
Reid Health has a new acting president and CEO. Ben Wells, who joined the regional healthcare organization in July 2024 as a vice president and chief financial officer, has assumed the top role in an acting capacity, according to a Reid Health representative. Craig Kinyon had been in that role since 2008 after serving as […]
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State overreach concerns officials
Hagerstown is joining the list of area towns concerned about how proposed state legislation might reduce or remove local control of services. During their Feb. 3 meeting, Hagerstown Town Council members heard from fire chief Rick Cole about the potential implications of various bills, including HB1233. Proposed by Republican rep. Karen Engleman from District 70, […]
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State dings school system for financial management
The Indiana State Board of Accounts released a Jan. 29 report noting Nettle Creek School Corporation was deficient in managing some bank accounts and in submitting required reports to the state. The report examined the management of the school corporation’s extracurricular bank accounts from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. SBOA said the school […]
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Residents share community improvement ideas
Housing, child care and health care topped the list of issues needing funding and improvement in Wayne County, according to 15 residents who attended a Jan. 29 public meeting that Forward Wayne County facilitated. The event, held at the Richmond High School cafeteria, was the first of four listening sessions that community leaders are holding […]