When an emergency situation strikes Wayne County, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office rolls out a 2004 Hurricane motor home that’s been converted to serve as a mobile command unit. Sheriff Randy Retter said he’s lost confidence in the aging vehicle’s ability to function, so he was eager to bid on a purpose-built MCU being auctioned […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Probation dept. wants reduced work week
As part of the 2025 budgeting process, Wayne County Council received a request that probation officers reduce their weekly hours to 37.5 while maintaining the same wages. Kory George, the county’s chief probation officer, presented information during the Oct. 2 council and commissioners meetings about that reduction from 40 hours. The state establishes probation officers’ […]
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Gov.: Provide input to state
“When you see a problem, solve it.” That’s the advice Gov. Eric Holcomb gave local leaders Oct. 3 to conclude a fireside chat outside Reid Health’s Lingle Hall. The state, Holcomb said, relies on innovative people in all 92 counties, people who own businesses and are connected to their communities to grow, to improve and […]
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New assisted-living facility plans move forward
A Louisville, Kentucky, company wants to construct a four-story assisted-living facility on more than 6 acres along Chester Boulevard. Richmond Advisory Plan Commission members heard during their Sept. 25 meeting a rezoning petition that would permit that construction. Members voted 7-0 to recommend Richmond Common Council approve the request to rezone 1901 Chester Blvd. from […]
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Judges’ perspective: Teetor’s the winner
A mural honoring inventor Ralph Teetor won a Fort Wayne artist top prize in the Wayne County Murals Program’s competition, according to a news release. Chris Catalogna won $10,000 for the mural on The Boot Box, 60 W. Main St., Hagerstown. Judges liked how the mural fit the long building and said “the depiction of […]
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PHOTOS: Tacos tantalize taste-testers
Celebrity chef Fernanda Tapia provided a cooking demonstration for families Thursday, Sept. 26, at Jack Elstro Plaza, providing tacos to taste. The evening also included games and learning activities. The Boston-based Tapia won Food Network’s “Chopped” in 2019, finished second during a champions competition and appeared on “Beat Bobby Flay.” Richmond Community Schools and its […]
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Jury finds former teacher not guilty of misconduct
A former Hagerstown teacher and coach was acquitted last week of a sexual misconduct with a minor charge. William T. Drake, 73, was charged in July 2019 with the Level 5 felony count. A conviction would have carried a sentencing range of one to six years. His trial began Sept. 23 in Wayne County Superior […]
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Contractors chosen to complete fairgrounds projects
Upgrades continue at the Wayne County Fairgrounds to entice more rentals for the facilities. During their Sept. 18 meeting, Wayne County’s commissioners awarded bids to two contractors for First Bank Kuhlman Center projects. RoofLynx of Charlestown bid $75,000 to replace the roof, and Whisenhunt Construction of Richmond bid $97,500 to update the ceiling and lighting […]
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Council continues deep dive into 2025 budget
Richmond Common Council’s finance committee continues to analyze the city’s 2025 budget. During council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Justin Burkhardt, the finance committee chair, requested council delay discussion and action on the budget and five salary ordinances. He said the committee “would like to iron out some more details with the administration.” Council conducted the budget […]
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Service years will pay for county employees
Longtime Wayne County government employees will likely receive an extra reward for their service next year. Wayne County Council, during a Sept. 18 discussion, agreed to provide stipends for employees serving at least five years as of Oct. 1, 2025. The plan that would cost about $230,000 begins with a $400 stipend for five years […]