Wayne County citizens have an opportunity to address how their tax money is spent locally. The county’s taxing districts must advertise their proposed 2024 budgets, public hearings and budget adoption plans on the state’s Department of Local Government Finance website. Visit https://budgetnotices.in.gov/unit_lookup.aspx?ct=89000 to find budget information submitted by county government, the city of Richmond, plus […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
Posted inNews
County council puts requests for new positions on hold
Auditor Mark Hoelscher withdrew his request for a new full-time employee to track grants. Hoelscher made the move at the end of Wayne County Council’s Aug. 16 workshop after council members delayed making a decision on his request. Council considered that and two other requests because they had received classification and wage information from their […]
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Farm Bureau to provide fairgrounds with gazebo
The Wayne County Fairgrounds will soon feature a gazebo. Wayne County Farm Bureau will purchase for about $35,000 and donate a 16-foot-by-32-foot gazebo for the fairgrounds. Commissioners voted 3-0 during their Aug. 16 meeting to grant Farm Bureau naming rights to the livestock show arena for five years in return for the donation. Farm Bureau […]
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New health funds get 1st OK
Health First Indiana funding will not immediately improve Wayne County residents’ health. Instead, accepting more state money will signal the beginning of ramped-up efforts to make Wayne County healthier and help residents live longer. The county ranks 90th of Indiana’s 92 counties in life expectancy. Wayne County Council members Aug. 16 unanimously approved the Wayne […]
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Solar grows as Richmond electricity source
On some sunny day late next year, area solar panels will generate more than one-third of the electricity used in Richmond. By then, eight solar parks will supply power to Richmond Power & Light’s system for consumption by RP&L customers. RP&L General Manager Tony Foster updated the RP&L board about local solar energy during the […]
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Commissioners consider public health funding opportunity
Wayne County’s commissioners will decide if the county should accept millions of dollars designated toward improving the area’s poor public health ranking. A few local residents are asking them to say ‘no.’ Indiana’s legislature this year committed $225 million in additional health funding for 2024 and 2025. Counties must opt in by Sept. 1. Wayne […]
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2023 opioid settlement payments grow 478%
For the second consecutive year, Wayne County government will receive more than $400,000 in opioid settlement money in 2023. Since the county received about $411,000 last December in the first settlement installment, new settlements have been reached to hold companies accountable for their roles in the opioid addiction crisis. The Indiana Attorney General now estimates […]
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Roundabouts coming to Wayne County
The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to install Wayne County’s first roundabouts. Two roundabouts are included in the new-look Interstate 70 interchange with U.S. 40 on Richmond’s east side. That reconstruction is part of the Revive I-70 project that will impact I-70 throughout its 20-plus miles in Wayne County, then extend to Indianapolis. INDOT representatives […]
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2 grant-funded positions become county employees
Wayne County Council approved making two grant-funded health department positions county employees, after significant debate. The two positions — a full-time coordinator and a part-time employee — work as part of the fetal infant mortality review grant. A committee reviews all fetal deaths and deaths of infants up to 1 year old in Wayne and […]
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Parking problem? Public needs spaces at county complex
Wayne County’s commissioners will discuss parking with county department heads during this month’s staff meeting. The commissioners talked during their Aug. 2 meeting about the parking situation around the Wayne County Administration Building, Wayne County Courthouse, sheriff’s office and jail, and Wayne County Health Department. Parking sometimes becomes an issue for the public visiting the […]