A new roof covers the Hagerstown Public Library, but the library’s budget can’t cover loan payments incurred for the roof and other projects. Jennifer Taylor, the library’s current director, appeared Aug. 5 before Wayne County Council to request that council approve a bond to pay off the library’s debt. Taylor said that the previous director […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Republican caucus fills prosecutor vacancy
Ashley Green will begin serving as Wayne County’s prosecuting attorney before voters officially elect her. Green was chosen by a Republican caucus Aug. 6 to finish Mike Shipman’s term that ends Dec. 31. Sept. 1 will be the final work day for Shipman, who is not running for reelection this year. Green takes over Sept. […]
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Mayor to decide between police, fire study
Mayor Ron Oler will decide whether the city’s police or fire department undergoes an efficiency study this year. After debating which department should be scrutinized first, Richmond Common Council had delayed action on an ordinance appropriating $62,000 from the local income tax fund to pay consultant Baker Tilly for the efficiency study. The other department’s […]
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Make My Move recruits 50th worker
Wayne County just met its latest goal to recruit 20 new workers to move here from out-of-state by Sept. 1, but finding desirable housing has been the workers’ biggest challenge in making that choice, economic development leaders say. During their Aug. 3 board meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County leaders discussed whether to offer […]
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2026 model truck adds nearly $4K to cost
Wetzel Auto will provide Richmond’s street department with a 2026 model truck rather than a 2025 model. The upgrade will cost an additional $3,937.92, which the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved during its July 30 meeting. Total cost for the Ford F-350 with an in-stock service body will be $83,437.68. The original […]
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Planned electrical substation clears Richmond plat hurdle
A planned electrical substation took another step forward July 29. The Richmond Plat Committee unanimously approved a split of 5.5 acres from a 124.344-acre farm field at 6155 Hodgin Road. American Electric Power plans to build a substation on about 2 acres of the land, with the rest containing a driveway and retention pond. Shannon […]
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In due time, tax impacts will hit
Unhappy taxpayers thinking this year’s property tax bills didn’t provide them promised relief won’t fully see the state legislature’s reforms for a few more years. Comprehensive legislation passed during the Indiana General Assembly’s 2025 session phases in reforms through 2031 payments. At that time, property owners will pay taxes on just one-third of their properties’ […]
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Union County requests 911 center consolidation
A serious staffing shortage caused Union County in April to request Wayne County’s assistance handling 911 emergency calls. Now, the shortage has become more dire. In April, Wayne County’s commissioners approved an interlocal agreement for the Wayne County Emergency Communications Center to handle Union County’s 911 calls overnight Tuesday through Saturday and all day Sunday […]
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Land trust hears public priorities
Imagine Richmond’s Depot District drawing residents and visitors for dinner, dancing and performances, while a few blocks south downtown, residents enjoy walking to buy groceries, coffee and more. That’s a vision residents shared with Wayne County Land Trust staff members during a public information meeting July 30 inside First Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary. About 30 people […]
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Milestone Contractors to pave 8 city roads
Milestone Contractors will mill and pave eight stretches of Richmond roads during the next month. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety on July 23 awarded a $673,299 contract to Milestone. The city received $332,941.50 in state Community Crossings funds and will cover $340,357.50. The roads that will be paved are: The board also […]