The Smith Hill planned unit development will include 167 single-family homes and 98 townhomes, with the completed development expected about in 2044, according to a detailed development plan submitted to Richmond’s planning department. Smith Hill submitted a drainage plan and traffic study for one of two upcoming steps necessary for the development to proceed. The […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Opioid grants to ‘change people’s lives’
Wayne County has more than a quarter of a million dollars this year to combat drug use and overdose. The money represents the county’s share of state settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the fifth year receiving annual payments. The state attorney general’s office estimates the county will receive $3,877,700.26 in settlement money […]
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Test Road park passes floodwater test
The new Test Road Trailhead was completely covered by floodwaters Aug. 12 that left downed trees, limbs, debris and muck. But that was a big win for the parks department. Denise Retz, Richmond’s parks superintendent, said the new amenities performed exactly as designed and emerged undamaged. The unfortunate flooding provided a test that built confidence […]
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Care necessary with cleanup work, water, food
Work quickly began on flood-damaged Wayne County buildings, but those doing the work should protect themselves, according to the Wayne County Health Department. Proper protection equipment, such as gloves and rubber boots, should be worn when working in flooded or damaged areas, Dan Burk, director of the health department, told WWN. Burk also recommends those […]
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Courthouse elevator situation reaches low point
The courthouse’s lone elevator stopped working July 31 when a circuit board for an electric motor that provides dynamic braking failed. Steve Higinbotham, the county administrator, said during the Wayne County commissioners’ Aug. 5 meeting that necessary parts were available within three weeks, although he’d requested a quicker time frame. Commissioners are working with the […]
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Inmate mental health care receives $62K boost
Mental health issues plague many inmates in Wayne County’s jail, according to Sheriff Randy Retter, making access to mental health care vitally important. To that end, Retter requested during Wayne County Council’s Aug. 5 meeting that it provide an extra $62,000 in his 2027 budget to double mental health services in the jail from 20 […]
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RPD to provide RCS 3 school resource officers
Richmond Police Department will provide Richmond Community Schools one fewer school resource officer this school year. During its Aug. 6 meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved a memorandum of understanding for the 2026-27 school year. Major Austin Lipps highlighted that the MOU provides three officers for $300,000 rather than the four […]
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Sun helps customers meet needs
Sunny days help 24 Richmond Power & Light customers generate their own electricity. Seventeen customers operate solar systems that generate less than 10 kilowatts, while seven more operate larger systems. RP&L General Manager Tony Foster provided the utility’s board, which is composed of Richmond Common Council members, with a solar update during an Aug. 3 […]
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Hagerstown library requests $230K bond
A new roof covers the Hagerstown Public Library, but the library’s budget can’t cover loan payments incurred for the roof and other projects. Jennifer Taylor, the library’s current director, appeared Aug. 5 before Wayne County Council to request that council approve a bond to pay off the library’s debt. Taylor said that the previous director […]
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Republican caucus fills prosecutor vacancy
Ashley Green will begin serving as Wayne County’s prosecuting attorney before voters officially elect her. Green was chosen by a Republican caucus Aug. 6 to finish Mike Shipman’s term that ends Dec. 31. Sept. 1 will be the final work day for Shipman, who is not running for reelection this year. Green takes over Sept. […]