Posted inNews

County’s HELP participation picks up speed

With the start of 2023, Wayne County’s participation in the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program has begun. Offered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the program helps participants plan effective spending of American Rescue Plan Act dollars. A group of county representatives participated in four days of HELP training last week in Connersville, […]

Posted inNews

Preservation Commission to decide fate of 4 old houses in Depot District

Demolition would clear way for 26,000-square-foot new building Bob Johnson will return to Richmond’s Historic Preservation Commission with updated drawings of a new, three-story mixed-use building. When he does, likely during the Feb. 13 meeting, commission members must choose between that new building and four vacant houses in varying states of neglect and disrepair. Johnson […]

Posted inNews

23 groups request shares of opioid settlement money

Wayne County would need three times its 2022 opioid settlement money to fill all the requests it has received. Applications for the county’s $411,000 initial share of the national settlement requested in excess of $1.2 million. Twenty-three not-for-profit entities filed applications by the Dec. 28 deadline. Wayne County will receive nearly $2 million through 2038 […]

Posted inNews

Residents can help expand high-speed internet options

FCC’s challenge process impacts local broadband funding Wayne County residents have the opportunity to shape the county’s broadband future. The Federal Communications Commission has used broadband provider data to create a map listing broadband availability for addresses across the country. In a unique opportunity, the FCC is allowing residents to verify the availability listing for their […]

Posted inNews

After 5 decades, new auditor returns to office

Hoelscher confident in transition despite slow start Mark Hoelscher last served Wayne County as auditor five decades ago. While the auditor’s core role — tracking the county’s finances and paying its bills — remains the same, computerization has changed how the work happens. Hoelscher, who has discussed his inexperience with computers, and his chief deputy […]