UPDATE: On Friday, May 8, at 2:16 p.m., Richmond Chief of Police Kyle Weatherly announced that Adam Blanton had resigned from the department. Weatherly said RPD appreciates Blanton’s contributions and wishes him well. WWN has asked RPD to clarify when the resignation becomes effective. Original story: Major Adam Blanton is “in the process of transitioning […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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2026 Primary Election results: Moore, Retter win
8,044 Wayne County voters have decided who will advance beyond the May 5, 2026, primary election, and in some cases, they’ve likely picked the winners of the fall general election. Primary races were decided for various county races, and results are being finalized for state and federal races. Click or scroll to read the results: […]
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Council drives toward police vehicle solution
Eight police vehicles remain in limbo four months after delivery to a local dealership, but Richmond Common Council’s president says a solution is coming. Richmond Police Department ordered eight Ford Explorer Police Interceptors last fall. Wetzel Ford received them in January, but the 2026 budget did not include funding, leaving the vehicles on the lot. […]
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May 16 events honor Seara’s fitness, K-9 loves
Ami Miller only donned a bite suit once to help Seara Burton and her K-9, Brev, train. She won’t be in the bite suit May 16, but somebody will be for the Seara’s Legacy K-9 Trials. “That is one of my greatest memories of her and Brev with me,” Miller said of the one-off training […]
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County considers helping high schoolers
This year’s high school freshmen face new work-based learning requirements from the Indiana Department of Education to receive readiness seals with their diplomas. Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said during the commissioners’ April 22 meeting that as one of the county’s largest employers, Wayne County government needs to understand the requirements and consider how it can help […]
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Council grants bioindustry project extension
After delays raising funds, Liberation Bioindustries now steadily progresses toward completing its precision fermentation biomanufacturing facility in Richmond’s Midwest Industrial Park. Richmond Common Council members Doug Goss and Jane Bumbalough said they came away impressed after touring the facility as part of council’s tax abatement committee. During its April 20 meeting, council passed two ordinances […]
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City acquires land for READI match
Reid Health will provide Richmond nearly 80 acres of land to be used in a planned housing development on the city’s east side. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved the acquisition of five tracts from Reid for the Smith Hill planned unit development south of Backmeyer Road between South 37th Street and […]
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Uranus rockets forward with new ideas
Louie Keen plans out-of-this-world additions to Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. The self-described mayor of Uranus bought the remaining land formerly occupied by New Creations, providing an additional 70,000 square feet of building space and another 14 acres along U.S. 40 east of the Interstate 70 interchange. He has a galaxy of ideas — […]
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City extends through 2026 its medical equipment deal
George’s Family Pharmacy will continue to provide durable medical equipment for Richmond city employees covered by the city’s health insurance. During its April 16 meeting, Richmond’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved an addendum extending the 2018 contract through 2026 at 2018 rates. Durable medical equipment includes items such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks […]
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State well-being initiative targets health gaps
Indiana has tasked its rural counties to identify ways that improve health outcomes, and it’s offering to foot the bill. Dan Burk, director of the Wayne County Health Department, explained the new funding opportunity to the county’s Board of Health during its April 14 meeting. The state’s Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being initiative will use […]