Richmond Power and Light expects to complete its transition to advanced metering infrastructure two years ahead of schedule, according to General Manager Tony Foster. AMI meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the utility’s office, Foster said during the March 4 meeting of RP&L’s board of directors, which is composed of Richmond Common Council […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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‘A true public servant’
For nearly five decades, Bob Chamness served Wayne County citizens with the sheriff’s department, probation department and county council. Chamness, 72, died March 3, and how much he will be missed was evident during county government meetings March 6. Somber council members and others shared their feelings and memories about Chamness. “(If) you watch Bob […]
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Documentary series to feature Richmond
A film crew will collect stories about Richmond’s history for a documentary. Mayor Ron Oler told Richmond Common Council members during their March 4 meeting that Ball State University PBS wants input from anyone with history and artifacts about the city for “Now Entering … Richmond.” The documentary is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. […]
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County receives $368K opioid settlement payment
Wayne County’s 2023 opioid settlement is in the bank. Commissioner Mary Anne Butters reported during the commissioners’ March 6 meeting that the county received a $368,260 payment consisting of its remaining 2023 distribution and an initial part of its 2024 distribution. The county’s share is part of $44.7 million distributed by the state attorney general’s […]
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Don’t be in the dark about the total solar eclipse
Wayne County will soon witness a rare celestial event. Dalton Township is one of the best viewing spots in the world to see the total solar eclipse shortly after 3 p.m. April 8, but local eclipse activities will span the weekend as the county expects thousands of visitors to share the nearly 4 minutes of […]
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Grant money helps sheriff’s officers ID drugs
Light passed into crumbs from the crushed cashew covering the small diamond sensor. Within a minute, the Target-ID from Smiths Detection identified the cashew’s composition. The top three ingredients listed on the display were cottonseed oil, castor oil and olive oil. The demonstration inside the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office evidence area showed how Target-ID could […]
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Rising construction costs leave bridge funding gaps
Rapidly rising construction prices mean Wayne County must find additional funding for eight bridge projects scheduled across three years. Brandon Sanders, the county’s engineer, appeared before the county’s commissioners Feb. 28 to discuss shortfalls associated with the rising costs. The first of the federal projects is Bridge 701 on South G Street in Richmond. Sanders […]
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Council’s next to consider development
Concerned about traffic, drainage, crowding and home prices, many of the more than 50 people attending the Feb. 28 Richmond Advisory Plan Commission meeting wore buttons that said “Vote no on ordinance 2-2024.” They did not get their wish. Plan commission members voted 7-0 to recommend Richmond Common Council approve the request of 11th Street […]
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County pushes forward with health plans
Indiana’s Health First Initiative infused $801,000 in funding into Wayne County to help address 16 core services. The Wayne County Health Department continues work toward building partnerships to help achieve Health First Indiana’s goals. Becca Alliston, the department’s clinical director, updated Board of Health members on Health First Indiana progress during the board’s Feb. 20 […]
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Stellar money available for 2 grant winners
Wayne County will explore submitting a letter of intent seeking up to $8 million from the state’s Stellar Pathways program. Commissioner Jeff Plasterer requested approval to pursue the funding, and the request was approved unanimously during the Feb. 21 commissioners meeting. Plasterer said the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs originally deemed Wayne County […]