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 […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Through 5 decades, Paust’s service impacts city, county
Commissioner honored with Sagamore of the Wabash Ken Paust wants to make Richmond and Wayne County a better, more attractive place to live. For five decades, he’s worked to do just that as a Richmond council member, a county council member and, finally, as a county commissioner. “What is best for this county? What can […]
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Relocating remote worker chooses Wayne County
Make My Move has extended 5 more offers Make My Move has delivered a mover to Wayne County. Valerie Shaffer, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, told the county commissioners Dec. 14 that the first mover has bought a home in Wayne County. Make My Move offers relocating remote workers incentives to […]
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Mayor, former fire chief share their views about Dec. 6 dismissal
Former Richmond Fire Department Chief Jerry Purcell and Mayor Dave Snow have further explained their views about why Snow removed Purcell from his position Dec. 6. Purcell wrote what he called an “open letter to the citizens of Richmond, Indiana” that he emailed Dec. 18 to the Western Wayne News and posted on his Facebook […]
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New coordinator to facilitate community improvement spending
Coordinating the use of millions of dollars in community improvement funding is no small job, and it’s one that could help shape life in Wayne County for years to come. Beth Fields is ready for the challenge. The state designed the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program to help Indiana communities best utilize Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery […]
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Steep sewer rate hike aims for long-term savings
Richmond bills to rise 13.75% in 2023 A typical Richmond Sanitary District residential customer will pay more than an additional $70 next year. By the 2025 end of the three-phase rate increase, the annual cost will be more than $140 higher than 2022. Local officials say the changes are necessary to pay for operations and […]
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Toy giveaway brings smiles
Law enforcement provides toys while giving back to community Trae held his new skateboard, showing great restraint. It remained wrapped in plastic despite the Richmond Municipal Building’s long, smooth hallway. Indiana Fever mascot Freddy Fever couldn’t ignore that hallway, riding on his stomach as smiling children watched on Dec. 7. Trae, though, resisted, tightly grasping […]
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Mayor replaces city’s fire chief
Purcell remains with RFD until May retirement Jerry Purcell worked Wednesday to help move Richmond Fire Department forward, but for the first time in nine years, he was not the fire chief as he did so. Mayor Dave Snow announced Tuesday night that Purcell was no longer RFD’s chief. “The City of Richmond would like […]