A need for care in the community inspired a former Richmond resident to open a licensed sober home facility. Ashlee Smith, owner and executive director of the Journey House, wanted to give back and provide care, structure and support to those who want to recover and transition into a sober, stable life. “Journey House stands […]
Author Archives: Lorin Williams
Lorin Williams is a reporter for the Western Wayne News.
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Second Black Expo celebrates community connections
Grab your fans and boots for the second annual Black Expo presented by the Black Legacy Project of Wayne County. The free event will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the First Bank Kuhlman Center, 861 Salisbury Road N., in Richmond. The “friend-raiser” aims to create community connections while celebrating Black […]
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Housing accelerator advances
Come April, another portion of Wayne County’s greater housing initiative will break ground in Richmond’s Hidden Valley subdivision. Adding housing to the westside subdivision is one of five projects that are part of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County’s home accelerator program. The other two in Richmond are Garwood Acres and Sandbridge Hills, along […]
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Healthier future for Connersville community
The future of health care in Fayette County was the focus of Reid Health’s open house for its new Connersville campus. More than 200 people filled the 2500 Park Road building’s lobby Jan. 31 for an hour-long ceremony before embarking on guided tours. With the next generation in mind, St. Gabriel students Lilly Copeland and […]
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Student explores political service
Nathan Hogg’s passion for public service has connected him with a variety of community building efforts in Wayne County. In 2026 it’s taking him beyond local borders to an internship with the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. The IU East junior and Richmond native started his role on Jan. 5. An […]
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Projects prepare for funding possibilities
Wayne County stands ready when an opportunity to grow or improve quality of life presents itself after development of a 32-project Countywide Strategic Investment Plan. Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, Economy, East Germantown, Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton, Richmond and Wayne County proactively prepared their wants and needs for the next seven years to capitalize […]
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Tom Butters: Remembering an artist’s gift
In December, Wayne County lost Tom Butters, described by community members as a prolific artist, teacher and advocate who left behind an invaluable legacy. He was 84 years old. Bess Sturgis recalls her friend and collaborator as a force of nature within the arts community. An artist and author herself, Sturgis was both thrilled and […]
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IU’s flawless season touches close to home for some
Indiana University won its first National College Football Championship last week, topping a historic 16-0 season. While many fans celebrated from the comfort of their homes, some Hoosiers witnessed the victory in person. Richmond’s Thane Berger, an IU freshman, experienced the flawless season up close as a team manager. The Northeastern High School alumnus described […]
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Milton faces possible federal ARPA fund recoup
A former town official says Milton might have to repay over $100K in federal dollars after required reports were not filed on time. Former Milton Clerk-Treasurer Terry Craig says that State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allotted to the Milton council through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2023 are subject to being recouped by […]
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Meltdown preview: Crafts, treats & more
Wayne County is heating up for the coolest, coldest event of the season. Richmond’s annual Meltdown Winter Ice Festival will take place Jan. 29 to Jan. 31. Attendees can enjoy the official events, including watching an ice cream eating contest and joining a mug pub crawl and the Meltdown Throwdown, featuring ice-carving artists. If you […]