Sanitary District plans $6.6 million loan with $2 million forgiven by state Richmond Common Council will allow Richmond Sanitary District to increase its bond allowance to cover an upcoming $11 million project. Council voted 7-1 in favor of the resolution during its March 6 meeting. Sanitary Director Pat Smoker had presented the resolution Feb. 20, […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Superior Court 3 to receive additional security
Commissioners also open bridge, culvert bids Additional security will soon be provided in one of Wayne County’s courts. It’ll only be for Superior 3 right now because that’s all current funding will allow. During their March 8 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved contracting with Whisenhunt Construction for $32,000 to provide shatter-resistant film for the courtroom and […]
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State considers doubling juror pay
Local judge says boost ‘a long time coming’ Wayne County jurors who spend eight hours listening to testimony and weighing evidence receive pay equivalent to $5 per hour. It’s the same all across Indiana, but it could soon change. House Bill 1466 would double compensation for those called among a jury pool and for those […]
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Former 4-H Horse and Pony treasurer accused of stealing
Woman charged with theft, fraud over bank card transactions A former 4-H committee treasurer is accused of stealing nearly $12,000. Stephanie Ball, 48, of the 4000 block of Hunt Road, is charged with theft and fraud as Level 6 felonies. She was arrested March 3 and posted $1,500 bail. A Wayne County Circuit Court trial […]
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New RFD chief climbs from fire cadet to top spot
Brown is 2nd of 3 generations in fire service Tim Brown, the son of a firefighter, became a fire department cadet at age 13. He progressed to become a volunteer firefighter then a full-time firefighter in Ohio, then after spending some time as a police officer, Brown returned to fire service during April 1988 when […]
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Council approves Sugar Creek tax abatements
Plant to install new equipment, enclose areas Wayne County Council unanimously approved personal property and real estate tax abatements for Sugar Creek Packing Co. during its March 1 meeting. The tax abatement committee last month had considered the abatements for equipment and building expansions and recommended approval. “Thank you for being such good partners in […]
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Dublin identifies water infrastructure, streets as HELP priorities
Council receives preliminary engineering plan for comprehensive water utility project Joan Casey said she attended Dublin’s Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program public meeting to listen and learn. She learned that water infrastructure, housing, streets and sidewalks are priorities for the 11 people, including town council members and town employees, participating in the Feb. 28 session. “I […]
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County urgently addresses issues identified in state audit
Consultant contracted to assist auditor’s office An Indiana State Board of Accounts audit identified issues that Wayne County is scrambling to correct. Auditor Mark Hoelscher received the necessary approvals from Wayne County Council and commissioners March 1 to hire Hartman and Williams, a Bloomfield-based governmental accounting consultant. Hoelscher told commissioners Hartman and Williams would have […]
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$411,000 opioid settlement money addresses missing element
Commissioners support programs that will provide transitional housing Wayne County lacks transitional housing for those recovering from addiction. The county’s $411,000 initial share of a national opioid settlement presented an opportunity to help fill that void. It’s an opportunity the county commissioners took. “The seven organizations that were awarded opioid settlement money are addressing an […]
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Collaboration, support key to historic preservation efforts
Valuable housing stock deteriorates despite 3 groups’ efforts Historic homes stand out. They can be beautiful, even if they’re in disrepair, have boarded up windows, or are inhabited by people with nowhere else to go. These buildings represent the past, but their futures are in question. “Historic preservation is very important to a city like […]