Richmond Community Schools’ Charles Elementary School has been selected as a 2025 Indiana Blue Ribbon School. According to an RCS news release, the designation celebrates schools that demonstrate exemplary academic performance and employ innovative approaches to meet all learners’ diverse needs. Charles earned this recognition for fostering an environment where excellence is both expected and […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
Posted inNews
Reservations encouraged for community dinner
They’re not just talking turkey at Western Wayne County’s community Thanksgiving dinner. They’re talking mashed potatoes, fellowship, live music and giveaways. Anyone who lives in the Western Wayne Schools district is invited for the free meal from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12. The gathering will take place in Lincoln Middle/High School’s cafeteria, 205 E. Parkway […]
Posted inNews
Finalists chosen for full-tuition scholarship
Six seniors from Lincoln, Hagerstown and Richmond high schools were selected as Wayne County’s finalists for two full-tuition Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. And, another Hagerstown student is competing for Henry County’s Lilly scholarship. Wayne County’s finalists are: The finalists were chosen from 62 applicants. Wayne County Foundation’s selection committee independently scored the applications in a […]
Posted inNews
County combats SNAP pause
Even before some Wayne County residents learned they could lose food assistance benefits in November because of the federal government shutdown, long lines of vehicles gathered for regular food pantry giveaways across the community. Now, several Wayne County organizations concerned about neighbors going hungry are banding together to boost existing social safety nets. Who uses […]
Posted inNews
Lilly Endowment’s funds fuel future renewal projects
Lilly is again giving money to improve Indiana neighborhoods, arts and culture, and Wayne County residents will benefit. Lilly Endowment Inc. is awarding $250 million in grants across the state, and the county will receive more than a $5 million share, to be spent on three residential and commercial projects by the end of 2028. […]
Posted inNews
New HJSHS club encourages safe choices
Hagerstown Jr./Sr. High students have a new club empowering them to make positive, healthy choices. During their Oct. 15 meeting, Nettle Creek school board members approved the Students Against Destructive Decisions club. It will be open to seventh through 12th grades. The club promotes safe driving and making responsible decisions, raises awareness of risks, and […]
Posted inNews
‘Harder’ Centerville teacher negotiations end in contract
Labor negotiations can be charged, but handshakes and compliments were part of Centerville-Abington Community Schools’ new teacher contract approval. The school board unanimously approved the tentative agreement at its Wednesday, Oct. 22, meeting. Superintendent Mike McCoy said he appreciated another great year of negotiations, even when discussions were more difficult after funding decreases. Centerville’s enrollment […]
Posted inNews
Food-grade trailer wash will serve niche need
Wayne County soon will be home to a new food-grade trailer washout facility to help the area’s growing pet food manufacturing industry meet safety requirements. At its Oct. 20 meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County’s board approved a $26,000 grant request toward Milestone Trailer Wash’s more than $2 million upcoming investment. Wayne County’s commissioners […]
Posted inNews
Leader pledges $1K toward fixing cat colony
A Cambridge City councilor says he’ll give $1,000 toward spaying and neutering stray cats that are irritating residents. The announcement came during a special Thursday, Oct. 23, council meeting that was scheduled to approve the town’s 2026 budget. Cat colony At its November meeting, council plans to discuss creating a line item in its annual […]
Posted inNews
Investigators: Photographer worked at Dublin skating rink
Investigators seek the public’s help in identifying more alleged victims of a photographer facing federal child exploitation charges. They say he took photos at Dublin Community Club and other venues. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced Tuesday, Oct. 28, that 22-year-old Mikell Shepard of Connersville has been charged with three counts […]