Wayne County commissioners approved bids, heard about fairgrounds weather damage and wrapped up several other items in their final meetings of 2025. During a brief Dec. 30 meeting, county administrator Steve Higinbotham said that a tree at the Wayne County Fairgrounds was downed by high winds, breaking a light pole and downing electric lines. Electricity […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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107 new parking spots in fairgrounds’ plan
The Wayne County Fairgrounds will have 107 additional parking spots when a new lot east of First Bank Expo Hall is completed. During the Dec. 17 monthly workshop, Wayne County Council members unanimously gave permission for the project to proceed, promising to appropriate full funding next year. Mike Sharp, the county’s highway supervisor, and Brandon […]
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New police contract provides 3% raises
Richmond Police Department officers will receive 3% noncompounding raises each of the next two years after agreeing to a contract with the city. During its Dec. 18 meeting, Richmond’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved the new two-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police John Hennigar Lodge No. 63. The contract covers 76 […]
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Richmond boosts its WCTV support
Richmond Common Council pledged $250,000 to Whitewater Community Television during 2026. During its regular Dec. 15 meeting, council passed an amended memorandum of understanding regarding quarterly franchise fees the city receives from Comcast. The resolution originally promised 100% of the franchise fees to WCTV, up to $250,000; however, council member Jerry Purcell proposed the amendment […]
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Health First Indiana contracts receive approvals
Reid Health, Birth to Five and Bridges for Life will continue helping the Wayne County Health Department work toward improved community health outcomes during 2026. The three organizations were selected for Health First Indiana funding next year, and the Wayne County Board of Health approved their contracts during its Dec. 9 meeting. The next day, […]
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Deadline for property tax deductions, credits nears
Wayne County Auditor Mark Hoelscher wants residents to save money when they pay property taxes next year. Therefore, he stresses that residents should ensure they have filed for deductions and credits for which they are eligible. For those owning their property by Dec. 31, the deadline to file is Jan. 15. Available deductions and credits […]
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AFSCME workers get 3% raises
Union workers in Richmond’s parks, sanitary and street departments will receive 3% non-compounding pay increases the next three years. The raises are part of the new three-year contract between the city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1791. The Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved the contract during […]
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Auction facility gets food truck approval
A food truck is now permitted to serve those attending auctions at a Wayne County facility. The Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals approved amendments to a variance of use and special exception for Midway Auction Barn LLC during its Dec. 11 meeting. The amendments permit a food truck on the east side of the […]
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Sheriff plans to lease 35 in-car computers
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office hopes that leasing instead of owning its in-car computers will save taxpayer dollars in the long run. During their Dec. 10 meeting, the county commissioners approved leasing 35 Panasonic laptops at an annual cost of about $36,000. Another $10,000 will be needed to adjust vehicle mounts to the new units. […]
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Food, beverage tax approved as parks funding solution
Every meal purchased at a Richmond restaurant soon will help the city’s park system. That’s after Richmond Common Council voted 8-1 during a Dec. 15 special meeting to enact a 1% food and beverage tax. State legislation passed this year permitted the city to enact up to a 1% tax on food and beverage sales […]