Louie Keen plans out-of-this-world additions to Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. The self-described mayor of Uranus bought the remaining land formerly occupied by New Creations, providing an additional 70,000 square feet of building space and another 14 acres along U.S. 40 east of the Interstate 70 interchange. He has a galaxy of ideas — […]
Author Archives: Mike Emery
Mike Emery is a reporter and layout editor for the Western Wayne News.
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City extends through 2026 its medical equipment deal
George’s Family Pharmacy will continue to provide durable medical equipment for Richmond city employees covered by the city’s health insurance. During its April 16 meeting, Richmond’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved an addendum extending the 2018 contract through 2026 at 2018 rates. Durable medical equipment includes items such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks […]
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State well-being initiative targets health gaps
Indiana has tasked its rural counties to identify ways that improve health outcomes, and it’s offering to foot the bill. Dan Burk, director of the Wayne County Health Department, explained the new funding opportunity to the county’s Board of Health during its April 14 meeting. The state’s Growing Rural Opportunities for Well-being initiative will use […]
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Trees important part of infrastructure
Richmond’s trees represent infrastructure, just like roads and bridges. Thomas Hill, the city’s GIS coordinator, wants residents to one day pay as much attention to that green infrastructure as to the gray infrastructure. This summer, the city will pay more attention to the trees that provide shade, which lowers temperatures, reduces energy bills and benefits […]
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Auction sells 16 delinquent properties
Bidders paid $3,200 for 16 properties during a tax lien certificate sale April 16 in the Wayne County Administration Building. The purchase amounts, though, are not as important as again having the chance to receive property tax payments. Each of 31 properties included in the auction has overdue taxes and failed to sell at a […]
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Property tax angst, rather than relief
The Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly promised Hoosiers property tax relief when passing 2025 legislation; however, that’s not what some Wayne County taxpayers felt when opening their tax bills. Instead, they’re expressing angst to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office that their bills do not reflect an expected reduction. Tax payments this year reflect last year’s property […]
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RFD identifies 6 prospective employees
Richmond Fire Department’s recent recruiting efforts resulted in a six-person hiring list that the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved April 9. Nick Arbogast, the department’s chief of EMS, said three openings currently exist and two or three retirements are expected this year. The hiring list is: Jadon Kolb of Losantville; Brandon Wetherell […]
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Variance will permit storage building on Flatley Road
A Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals decision April 8 will permit construction of a storage building at a Flatley Road residence located in a high intensity industrial zoning district. The BZA unanimously granted a variance of development standards to reduce side and rear setbacks for the planned 1,500-square-foot building. The building will leave a 10-foot […]
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County moves toward Vaile property transfer
Twenty-two vacant properties in the Vaile neighborhood should have new homes by the end of 2027. Affordable HomeMatters already has acquired 19 properties and is close to securing three more from Wayne County’s commissioners. During their April 8 meeting, commissioners unanimously authorized Ron Cross, the city attorney, to prepare resolutions that would transfer tax certificates […]
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Zoning variance allows customizing vans into campers
Keith Rose customized a van for he and his wife to camp. It turned out so well that other campers want him to create campers for them. During an April 9 meeting, the Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals granted 4-0 a variance of use for Rose to begin a customization business inside a pole […]