Centerville council learned about what will hopefully be a short-term police personnel shortage and approved an orange shirt temporarily being placed on the town’s mascot. Those were two of the discussion topics at council’s Aug. 27 work session. Police Chief Ed Buchholz said Austin Hines, whose hiring was announced in June, was to start Indiana’s […]

Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
Emergency communications upgrade moves forward
Wayne County appears to be moving closer to an updated emergency communications system that eliminates dead spots, especially in southwestern and northeastern corners, that have been troublesome for about 30 years. The new equipment would eliminate barriers in information sharing between volunteer fire departments, law enforcement, Reid EMS, and dispatchers in Wayne and surrounding counties. […]
Scenic overlook named for longtime leader
Recognizing her 50-plus years of service to a nature preserve and local Girl Scouts, a scenic overlook has been named for a late Richmond woman. Hayes Arboretum, at 801 Elks Road, organized a dedication of the Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook on Aug. 17. A parking area is near the overlook for motorists taking the auto […]
Falling Starr, or rising Starr?
A Wayne County neighborhood is again on Indiana Landmarks’ statewide 10 Most Endangered list, but optimism is growing among several historic preservation leaders as progress is being made. The Starr Historic District is bounded by North A, North E, North 10th and North 16th streets in Richmond. Indiana Landmarks officials say that architecture enthusiasts previously […]
County addresses animal issue at ‘crisis point’
Between neglect, abuse, health issues, and not having homes, animal welfare problems stretch to all corners of Wayne County. So far, Wayne County’s government and the City of Richmond have taken the lead in trying to address animal welfare through funding from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program. Commissioner Mary Anne Butters wants to see that […]
Event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma
Banners filled with photos, empty chairs and purple ribbons offer powerful reminders of the dozens of Wayne County lives lost to overdose each year. According to the Wayne County Health Department, 44 people died of overdose in 2023. So far in 2024, the county has had 27 overdose fatalities. However, it takes a few weeks […]
RCS facilities conversation shifts to Dennis, Baxter
Richmond Community Schools is still in the conceptual design stage for determining which buildings will receive millions of dollars for repairs. At its Aug. 14 work session, board members shared opinions and asked questions of architect Kevin McCurdy, administrators and each other as they decide how to spend 2024 bond proceeds. One major decision is […]
Open burning, tornado siren among council topics
Two Cambridge City homes destined for demolition might have a new lease on life, but another homeowner is upset about raccoons, chickens and a pig at adjacent properties. Packing town hall, several residents asked questions or raised concerns during Cambridge City’s Aug. 12 council meeting. Blight In other business
Demand grows for violence survivor assistance
It’s a September tradition in Wayne County to release butterflies and help a social service organization. The fourth annual Evening of Hope Butterfly Release on Thursday, Sept. 5, will benefit A Better Way, formerly known as Genesis. It takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. in Richmond Rose Garden in Glen Miller Park. Butterflies can be purchased […]
Centerville sees support for $50K grant
Centerville leaders are gathering residents’ support before applying for $50,000 to update plans guiding future decisions and growth. Before its Aug. 13 regular meeting, council conducted a public hearing to collect comments for its application to Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The town’s share for Lochmueller Group’s work would be $9,600. The town’s […]