Over the next six years, Jefferson Township taxpayers will pay off a loan that replaced the Hagerstown Jefferson Township Public Library’s roof. During its Sept. 2 meeting, Wayne County council approved 4-2 the library issuing a six-year bond for up to $230,000 that will repay about $150,000 remaining on the $160,000 loan used for the […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Vacant industrial park land divided into 3 parcels
Available Gateway Industrial Park land will split into three parcels of 41, 22 and 13 acres. During its Aug. 20 meeting, the Wayne County Advisory Plan Commission unanimously approved the secondary plat petition from Wayne County government, which owns the industrial park land. The county commissioners authorized filing the petition during the July 22 commissioners […]
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‘We’ll take any help we can get’
A federal disaster declaration that includes Wayne County makes federal funding available for individuals and public entities that suffered flooding losses. Matthew Cain, director of the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency, told Wayne County’s commissioners during their Aug. 26 meeting that a disaster recovery center would be established. It would provide one-on-one assistance to individuals […]
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Wayne Township, Spring Grove to pay RFD $914K
Richmond Fire Department will receive nearly a million dollars to provide fire protection next year for Wayne Township and Spring Grove. During its Aug. 27 meeting, the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved separate contracts with the township and town. Wayne Township will pay RFD $845,609 in four payments, and Spring Grove will […]
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Plan completes Garwood Acres
A Richmond developer plans to complete an east-side subdivision 45 years after six lots were left undeveloped. Smarrelli General Contractor submitted a site plan with five homes, a cul-de-sac and detention basin in the Garwood Acres third phase. The plan accompanied a petition to vacate the six-lot plat approved in 1981. During its Aug. 26 […]
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New prosecutor takes oath
Judge Gregory Horn congratulates Ashley Green after swearing her in as Wayne County’s prosecutor Aug. 28. About 90 people attended the ceremony in the magistrate’s courtroom on the first floor of the courthouse. Green took office Sept. 2, replacing Mike Shipman, who chose not to run for reelection this year. Green released the following statement […]
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Richmond parking lots to receive improvements
Richmond’s downtown surface parking will receive needed improvements with $50,000 provided by the city’s Redevelopment Commission. The commission approved the tax increment finance contribution from its main downtown allocation area during its Aug. 18 meeting. The city previously received Redevelopment Commission funding for parking garage improvements. The money will cover repairs to retaining walls and […]
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State funds county health initiatives
The Wayne County Health Department received $661,913 from Indiana’s Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being initiative. Director Dan Burk presented the five-year contract during the joint Wayne County Council and commissioners workshop Aug. 19. The initial funding lasts through July 2027, and the county will need to apply for additional funding. Burk said the funding should […]
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Stray pups will cost city $45,000 in 2027
Stray dogs found in Richmond will still be sheltered next year at the Henry County Humane Society. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a 2027 contract during its Aug. 20 meeting. The contract will pay $45,000 to shelter up to 300 animals, a $150-per-animal cost. Any animal beyond that will also cost […]
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RFD boat torn, vehicle submerged in flooding
While navigating swift-moving, dangerous floodwaters, Richmond Fire Department’s inflatable rescue boat had a 4-foot hole torn in its bottom. RFD learned lessons Aug. 12 while helping execute 29 water rescues, and Deputy Chief Matt Baker talked about the experiences during the Aug. 17 Richmond Common Council meeting. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lynn Fire […]