An insurance agent addressed Richmond Common Council about what he called a “horrendous problem,” blight. Richard Lake said Richmond residents share the blame for the city’s blight; however, he asked council members during the June 5 meeting to solve the problem he said leads to drug use, crime, generational poverty and declining property values. “The […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Bidders sabotage county auction
Out-of-state bidders sabotaged the county’s June 6 deed sale. The group, which has attended other Indiana counties’ deed sales, did not follow through on winning bids and pay for the properties. Winning bids on 14 properties totaled nearly $4 million, including $3.5 million for one North 17th Street property with a boarded-up house. Following the […]
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Firefighters renovate N. 8th building
When Richmond Fire Department Engine 1 arrives at a fire, its three firefighters strive to save the burning building. Now, during their time away from RFD, Tom Broyles, Nick Arbogast and Matt Baker work in a different way to save a building. The three formed Buddies on the Block LLC and are renovating a 33,465-square-foot […]
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HELP committee narrows project list
The question of how to spend millions in community improvement dollars is closer to being answered. Wayne County’s Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program core committee will submit its project list Friday to the Purdue Center for Regional Development. Those projects will form the Strategic Investment Plan for American Rescue Plan Act dollars committed by the county […]
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2024 budget process begins
Not even halfway through 2023, it’s time to think about 2024 budgets. Wayne County’s commissioners began their budget discussions during a portion of their May 24 weekly meeting. The County Council, which finalizes the county’s budget, has requested departments provide budget requests by June 1. Commissioners plan to ask the council for additional money in […]
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Development decision delayed
A couple of feet is making all the difference for a planned Richmond subdivision. Trademark Construction requested the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission approve a primary plat request and two variances for a six-residence subdivision at 315 Garwood Road. One of the variances would make lot sizes 38 feet wide instead of the required 40. Plan […]
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Sheriff requests approval to purchase armored vehicle
Sheriff Randy Retter renewed his request to purchase a tactical vehicle during the May 24 workshop with Wayne County Council and commissioners. Retter last year applied for a grant that would have funded purchase of an armored vehicle; however, he did not receive the grant. He returned May 24 with a new proposal to purchase […]
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Honoring fallen officers, their families
Seara Burton’s name was read first during Friday’s annual Peace Officers Memorial Service honoring Wayne County law enforcement. The Richmond Police Department K-9 officer became the county’s 16th officer to lose their life in the line of duty Sept. 18, when she died from gunshot injuries sustained Aug. 10 during a traffic stop. Burton was […]
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State funding boost will help address county’s low life expectancy
Wayne County’s life expectancy ranks second lowest among Indiana’s 92 counties, at about 73 years. The county’s health department is preparing to address factors that end lives prematurely, using additional funding it will receive from the recently passed two-year state budget. That budget includes a $225 million investment in public health. Counties must opt to […]
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Historic Preservation Commission looks to grow its impact
Richmond’s Historic Preservation Commission members want to better promote and influence preservation in the city. Most are citizens living in historic homes who want to protect and enhance the city’s history. Unfortunately, the group often is called upon to make difficult decisions about demolitions involving historic buildings. They are taking steps, however, to expand their […]