Western Wayne Schools Superintendent Kelly J. Plank was placed on administrative leave after being charged Monday with a Level 5 felony battery count in Henry County. Court records show the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office charged Plank, 44, on Monday, May 11, in Henry Circuit Court 2 with one count of battery resulting in serious bodily […]
Author Archives: Chris Hardie
Chris Hardie is the owner and publisher of the Western Wayne News.
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Candidates share views in election forum
As voters headed to the polls at the end of the primary election season, some candidates took one more opportunity to make their case. Taxes, education funding, economic revitalization, and transparency and accountability for voters were among the recurring themes in the Wednesday, April 29, forum, which had over 50 attendees. It was one of […]
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Economy updates payroll process
The town of Economy is updating its town payroll procedures after a state audit found an outdated practice that meant state and local payroll taxes had not been withheld as required. An Indiana State Board of Accounts audit examined the town’s finances from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024. State examiner Paul D. Joyce […]
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Earlham ends some majors to cut costs
Mathematics, philosophy and French are among the subjects that Earlham College says it will no longer provide curriculum or degree programs in which students can major. The Richmond liberal arts college’s president, Paul Sniegowski, wrote in a March 30 email to community members that Earlham has concluded a curricular planning process tied to its recent […]
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New book connects the dots in U.S. history
A Wayne County author says his latest work will help high school students across the country gain a more complete understanding of U.S. history. Michael Henry has announced the publication of “Making Connections in AP U.S. History: Piecing Together Evidence and Argumentation to Develop the Big Picture.” The 140-page textbook will supplement classroom textbooks and […]
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Campus walkout focuses on ICE, right to protest
More than 100 students, faculty members and administrators gathered peacefully on Earlham College’s “Heart” in Richmond on Friday, Jan. 30, to express concern for how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are operating in the field. Speakers emphasized the need to show courage in protecting neighbors and community members from injustice. They also advocated for […]
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Retter to run for retiring Barrett’s spot
On Friday, Jan. 9, Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter announced that he will campaign to succeed Rep. Brad Barrett, following Barrett’s Jan. 7 announcement that he will not run again. “After many years in public service, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities,” Retter said in a news release. “I’m running […]
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Barrett will not seek reelection in 2026
State Rep. Brad Barrett says he will conclude his time representing House District 56 in the Indiana House of Representatives after eight years, and will not seek reelection in 2026. According to a statement released by the Indiana House Republican Campaign Committee and confirmed by a representative for Barrett, he will finish out the remainder […]
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Earlham’s staffing reductions affect 109 positions
Earlham College’s work to reduce personnel expenses will affect 109 roles, including 47 people who were notified this week that their positions have been eliminated or not renewed. Earlham President Paul Sniegowski shared the update in a message sent to the campus community on Friday, Dec. 19. “After months of meetings and broad consultation, the […]
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Chamber explores Richmond casino as revenue source
Should Wayne County encourage a casino to locate here in order to generate millions of dollars for local schools and government services? That was the question on the agenda during a Tuesday, Dec. 16, meeting facilitated by the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting, which took place at Reid Health in Richmond, was […]