Wayne County just met its latest goal to recruit 20 new workers to move here from out-of-state by Sept. 1, but finding desirable housing has been the workers’ biggest challenge in making that choice, economic development leaders say. During their Aug. 3 board meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County leaders discussed whether to offer […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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2026 model truck adds nearly $4K to cost
Wetzel Auto will provide Richmond’s street department with a 2026 model truck rather than a 2025 model. The upgrade will cost an additional $3,937.92, which the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved during its July 30 meeting. Total cost for the Ford F-350 with an in-stock service body will be $83,437.68. The original […]
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Planned electrical substation clears Richmond plat hurdle
A planned electrical substation took another step forward July 29. The Richmond Plat Committee unanimously approved a split of 5.5 acres from a 124.344-acre farm field at 6155 Hodgin Road. American Electric Power plans to build a substation on about 2 acres of the land, with the rest containing a driveway and retention pond. Shannon […]
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In due time, tax impacts will hit
Unhappy taxpayers thinking this year’s property tax bills didn’t provide them promised relief won’t fully see the state legislature’s reforms for a few more years. Comprehensive legislation passed during the Indiana General Assembly’s 2025 session phases in reforms through 2031 payments. At that time, property owners will pay taxes on just one-third of their properties’ […]
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Union County requests 911 center consolidation
A serious staffing shortage caused Union County in April to request Wayne County’s assistance handling 911 emergency calls. Now, the shortage has become more dire. In April, Wayne County’s commissioners approved an interlocal agreement for the Wayne County Emergency Communications Center to handle Union County’s 911 calls overnight Tuesday through Saturday and all day Sunday […]
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Land trust hears public priorities
Imagine Richmond’s Depot District drawing residents and visitors for dinner, dancing and performances, while a few blocks south downtown, residents enjoy walking to buy groceries, coffee and more. That’s a vision residents shared with Wayne County Land Trust staff members during a public information meeting July 30 inside First Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary. About 30 people […]
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Milestone Contractors to pave 8 city roads
Milestone Contractors will mill and pave eight stretches of Richmond roads during the next month. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety on July 23 awarded a $673,299 contract to Milestone. The city received $332,941.50 in state Community Crossings funds and will cover $340,357.50. The roads that will be paved are: The board also […]
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Council weighs whether to scrutinize police or fire
Richmond Common Council members must decide whether the city’s police or fire department will be put under a microscope first. Those two public safety departments and the parks department — three large annual budgets — were identified for efficiency studies performed by Baker Tilly, the city’s municipal consultant. Ordinances for the parks study and the […]
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County selects financial advisor for upcoming challenges
Wayne County Council selected C.L. Coonrod & Company to serve as its financial advisor amid the changing state financial landscape. Four companies had pitched their services to council, and during the joint council and commissioners workshop July 22, council unanimously voted to engage the Indianapolis-based Coonrod. The full proposal could cost $24,500 this year and […]
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County budget already ‘on the right track’
For about five hours July 22, Wayne County department heads and elected officials made modest budget requests to the county council members who control county finances. There were unavoidable increases, such as for dues, travel or increasing maintenance contracts, but requests for new positions were completely absent. By comparison, in 2022 council received 13 requests […]