Richmond Municipal Airport serves as a gateway to the city for flyers, providing a first impression as U.S. 40 and U.S. 27 do for motorists. Jonathan Meade, president of the city’s Aviation Board, told Richmond Redevelopment Commission members a planned new terminal building would provide a welcoming environment for those flying into the city. Meade […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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HELP: ‘We’re in trouble financially’
Wayne County’s animal control officer placed 183 animals with the HELP the Animals shelter last year, stressing the shelter’s capacity and financial capabilities. “We’re not trying to paint an ugly picture, but the reality is: If you look at our books, we’re in trouble financially, and we’re not going to be here with another year […]
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Milton faces possible federal ARPA fund recoup
A former town official says Milton might have to repay over $100K in federal dollars after required reports were not filed on time. Former Milton Clerk-Treasurer Terry Craig says that State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allotted to the Milton council through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2023 are subject to being recouped by […]
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Building a barn? Flood plain changes will help
Wayne County residents planning to build an accessory structure — a garage, barn, gazebo or greenhouse, for example — in a flood plain likely will soon face less regulation. The county’s Advisory Plan Commission on Jan. 15 voted to favorably recommend to the county commissioners a new flood plain ordinance. If approved by commissioners, it […]
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Duplexes receive zoning OK despite neighbor objections
Developer Doug Tharp hopes Reid Health doctors will find two duplexes along U.S. 27 in the Fair Acres addition attractive places to live. Despite neighbor concerns about putting new rentals in the addition, Richmond’s Board of Zoning Appeals granted Tharp two variances Jan. 14 that remove zoning obstacles for the duplexes. A variance of use […]
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Flu mutates with ill effect
A mutated flu strain threatens to cause back-to-back severe flu seasons, according to Wayne County’s health officer. During the Wayne County Board of Health’s Jan. 13 meeting, Dr. Jennifer Bales discussed the current “very high” incidence of flu-like illnesses. She said the county is experiencing the first peak of the flu season, with a second […]
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City still places dogs in New Castle
Richmond this year will continue paying the Henry County Humane Society more than $40,000 to accept stray and seized animals. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved the 2026 contract during its Jan. 15 meeting. According to the contract, Richmond will pay $41,200 for placing up to 400 animals at the New […]
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Housing push expands
Cranes, hard hats and dump trucks are just some of the clues that Wayne County’s housing stock is growing. It’s hard to keep track of the medley of projects that are in various stages, and you might be surprised by how many organizations — and which ones — are jumping in to work on the […]
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Commercial dog breeders will not face cap
An ordinance amending Wayne County’s zoning regulations no longer limits how many female dogs a commercial breeder may have. During their Jan. 14 meeting, the county commissioners voted 3-0 to remove the limit, which had been added in November by the Wayne County Advisory Plan Commission. A final version of the ordinance will be presented […]
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City awards city’s 2026 fuel contract to Keystone
Keystone Cooperative will supply the city of Richmond with unleaded and diesel fuels during 2026. The Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved a contract with Keystone during a Jan. 8 meeting. Keystone was the only bidder for the yearlong contract. The board also provided Kara Noe, the city purchasing manager, authority to sign […]