Wayne County has about $4.3 million in uncommitted American Rescue Plan Act dollars remaining. The money must be committed by the end of this year, and while that sounds like a lot of time, the county’s commissioners are now moving forward with identifying possible projects to fund, leaving plenty of time to complete the commitment […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Proposed neighborhood plans 178 homes
A proposed South 37th Street neighborhood would have 178 homes and up to 250 apartments. An ordinance was scheduled for presentation Jan. 16 before Richmond Common Council for referral to the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission. It would permit the mixed-residential neighborhood on five parcels totaling about 80 acres south of Backmeyer Road and between South […]
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Superior 3 judge giving up the ‘best gig’
When Judge Darrin Dolehanty addressed Indiana’s judges as the Indiana Judges Association’s president, he always began the same way: “This is the best gig in the world.” Dolehanty took the Wayne County Superior Court 3 bench Jan. 1, 2003, and after more than two decades, he’s giving up his spot on the bench — mostly. […]
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How do you say expensive in Tangale or Kekchi?
Wayne County’s probation department paid for court interpreters in Tangale, Kekchi and more last year. While the need to interpret languages other than Spanish is relatively rare, it’s costly — about $200 an hour. A state grant usually pays those costs, but an upcoming trial that would require two French translators could strain the probation […]
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County continues path toward animal welfare solution
Wayne County’s commissioners are reviewing a preliminary contract with HELP the Animals for the Richmond shelter to accept the county’s stray and abused animals. Ron Cross, the county attorney, presented the draft during commissioners’ Jan. 3 meeting. It calls for the county to pay $4,000 a month to cover a $200-per-animal cost. The sides would […]
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Developing downtown
Commissioner Brad Dwenger spoke with downtown Richmond business owners, and what he heard convinced him to vote against funding for a downtown apartment project. Dwenger said during the Dec. 20 commissioners meeting that those business owners do not support the $36 million project at the former Elder-Beerman site. Commissioners did pass 2-1 the $2 million […]
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County auditor will collect Cambridge stormwater fees
Wayne County will collect Cambridge City stormwater fees with property tax payments beginning in 2024. The county previously collected the fees for one year, then stopped for several years during which the town did not receive fee payments. After realizing last year the assessments had not been collected, Cambridge City requested the county reinstate the […]
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County asks for animal problem HELP
Wayne County’s commissioners continue seeking solutions for stray and confiscated animals. In 2023, the county had a relationship with Animal Welfare League, providing a $42,000 donation, but the shelter often did not have space to receive animals. Commissioner Brad Dwenger has opened a dialogue with HELP the Animals about a 2024 contract. Dwenger reported during […]
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Donated fairgrounds gazebo arrives
A gazebo provided by Wayne County Farm Bureau was placed Dec. 18 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. The gazebo sits on the First Bank Expo Hall side of an intersection behind and between the Expo Hall and First Bank Kuhlman Center. The county plans to anchor the gazebo with 4×4 posts sunk into the ground […]
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Neighbors: Auction facility will hurt property values
Neighbors appealing Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals decisions that permit an auction facility indicate in a court filing they expect reduced property values and a decline in quality of life if the facility operates. John and Tammy Tackett of the 1700 block of Bockhofer Road live immediately south of the property on the east […]