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 […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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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 […]
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Plasterer wants to help county’s forward progress
Jeff Plasterer sees big things ahead for Wayne County, and he’d like to remain part of that. During the Dec. 6 Wayne County commissioners meeting, Plasterer announced that he will run during 2024 for reelection to his District 3 commissioners seat. Plasterer began representing District 3, which includes the western third of the county, during […]
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Cheers! DORA receives council go-ahead
The Depot District is Richmond’s first Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. Richmond Common Council passed two DORA ordinances with 6-3 votes Dec. 18. The first allows the city to establish up to the state maximum seven DORAs, and the second created the Depot DORA. A new state law permits cities to establish areas exempt from certain […]
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Plastics company files $700K lawsuit for lost property
The plastics recycling business involved in an April 11 industrial fire has named the city and state in a lawsuit seeking $700,000 in damages. Cornerstone Trading Group’s lawsuit in Circuit Court names the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the city of Richmond and Richmond Fire Department as defendants. It claims the company has property within […]