Author Archives: WWN Staff

Drug Free Wayne County Partnership wants its new initiative to strengthen community connections and build a sense of belonging across Wayne County. The “You Belong In Wayne” campaign aims to combat social isolation, enhance mental health and reduce substance misuse, according to a news release. It encourages individuals to build connections that improve mental health […]

After receiving more than 8,000 online comments and hours of testimony, Indiana Department of Education has presented a “significantly updated” second draft of a proposal to redesign high school diploma requirements, a news release said. The revised proposal presented to Indiana’s State Board of Education on Aug. 14 has been simplified to include one base […]

Wayne County residents have the opportunity to express their opinions about how tax money is spent locally. Taxing districts must advertise their proposed 2025 budgets and conduct public hearings before adopting their budgets. Budget information must be posted on the Department of Local Government finance website. Find budget information for Wayne County, the city of […]

The pianist/lead vocalist that Billy Joel hand-picked for his Broadway musical is part of Civic Hall Performing Arts Center’s 2024-25 season of nationally touring shows.  The series kicks off in October with Voctave, an a cappella ensemble with more than 150 million video views on social media.  Season tickets are now available that include all […]

Inspectors discovered two critical and eight noncritical violations during recent routine inspections of local establishments. The violations ranged from a cafe not having a certified food manager to two concerns about food being stored on the floor.  In addition, two establishments were reminded they need to post the most recent routine inspection form adjacent to […]

Reid Health’s 15th and final ReidRide will take place this weekend, but its commitment to buying shoes for kids isn’t ending. The fundraiser, organized by Reid Health Foundation, will move toward what Reid officials describe in a news release as an “exciting new event to celebrate wellness in a different way beginning in 2025. More […]

As kids head back to school and buses begin rolling again, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers speeding around a bus or ignoring a stop arm is reckless and illegal. “Ensuring the safety of our children is our top priority. Drivers must stop for school bus stop arms — no exceptions,” said Sheriff Randy Retter […]

A regional blood bank has issued an emergency alert because of a donation shortage. Solvita, formerly Community Blood Center, is struggling to meet blood demand from local hospitals. “The gap between what we are collecting and what hospitals are ordering has become an emergency,” said Tracy Morgan, Solvita’s vice president of donor services, in a […]