Primex Plastics Corp. received a three-year tax abatement during Richmond Common Council’s Jan. 20 meeting. Council unanimously approved the personal-property abatement for an $8 million investment in equipment for its Industrial Parkway production facility that will create six additional jobs. The abatements will be 100% the first year, 50% the second year and 30% the […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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County banks $2.3 million in 2025 interest revenue
Wayne County received nearly $2.3 million in interest earned from bank accounts and investments during 2025. Treasurer Beth Fields reported the $2,299,923.88 income Jan. 21 to the county’s Board of Finance, which is composed of the three county commissioners. Six bank accounts earned $1,590,204.47 in interest, while certificate of deposit and bond investment interest totaled […]
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Commissioners: Coroner ignored directives
Wayne County’s commissioners say that removing from the coroner’s fleet a Chevrolet Tahoe that Coroner Brent Meadows drove to an out-of-county job was a decision based on policy and liability alone. Meadows responded to the Jan. 14 decision by posting a Facebook statement the next day, indicating he believes commissioners are targeting him. Commissioners then […]
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Auditor will challenge commissioner in GOP primary
Mark Hoelscher wants to bring a different perspective to county government, and he’s decided he can best do that as a county commissioner. Hoelscher has withdrawn from this year’s Republican primary to be re-elected as auditor and instead filed to challenge Commissioner Brad Dwenger for the party’s District 1 Board of Commissioners nomination. Hoelscher served […]
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City wants to improve airport’s 1st impression
Richmond Municipal Airport serves as a gateway to the city for flyers, providing a first impression as U.S. 40 and U.S. 27 do for motorists. Jonathan Meade, president of the city’s Aviation Board, told Richmond Redevelopment Commission members a planned new terminal building would provide a welcoming environment for those flying into the city. Meade […]
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HELP: ‘We’re in trouble financially’
Wayne County’s animal control officer placed 183 animals with the HELP the Animals shelter last year, stressing the shelter’s capacity and financial capabilities. “We’re not trying to paint an ugly picture, but the reality is: If you look at our books, we’re in trouble financially, and we’re not going to be here with another year […]
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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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Building a barn? Flood plain changes will help
Wayne County residents planning to build an accessory structure — a garage, barn, gazebo or greenhouse, for example — in a flood plain likely will soon face less regulation. The county’s Advisory Plan Commission on Jan. 15 voted to favorably recommend to the county commissioners a new flood plain ordinance. If approved by commissioners, it […]
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Duplexes receive zoning OK despite neighbor objections
Developer Doug Tharp hopes Reid Health doctors will find two duplexes along U.S. 27 in the Fair Acres addition attractive places to live. Despite neighbor concerns about putting new rentals in the addition, Richmond’s Board of Zoning Appeals granted Tharp two variances Jan. 14 that remove zoning obstacles for the duplexes. A variance of use […]
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Flu mutates with ill effect
A mutated flu strain threatens to cause back-to-back severe flu seasons, according to Wayne County’s health officer. During the Wayne County Board of Health’s Jan. 13 meeting, Dr. Jennifer Bales discussed the current “very high” incidence of flu-like illnesses. She said the county is experiencing the first peak of the flu season, with a second […]