Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County plans to conduct business as usual despite looming funding uncertainties for local, county and state government units related to its operations. At its Aug. 4 board meeting, President Valerie Shaffer received members’ tentative approval for a 2026 budget she presented Aug. 6 for county leaders, who have the final […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Northeastern chooses O’Brien as interim leader
Northeastern Wayne Schools has appointed an interim superintendent after its leader’s resignation. As of Aug. 2, Jennifer O’Brien is the district’s interim superintendent. She recently became NWS’ assistant superintendent. The board approved O’Brien for the interim role during a special July 29 meeting. Before joining the district as Northeastern Elementary School’s assistant principal, O’Brien served […]
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Library might need to leave downtown
Citing failing essential systems, Morrisson-Reeves Library officials say they could be forced to find another permanent location if Wayne County officials don’t allow the library to pursue more than $18 million in bonds for a renovation. MRL Director Dena Little and board members issued an Aug. 7 letter to the community noting a “pivotal moment” […]
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3 districts pause student services contracts
After several years of relying on Communities In Schools of Wayne County to directly connect students with supplies, social services and mentors, three of Wayne County’s five public school districts won’t have CIS employees stationed in their buildings this fall. Although local CIS staff and board members are making changes to local operations, the nonprofit […]
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No election necessary for Cambridge City
Cambridge City won’t have an election this year. It might not be good for voter choice, but it saves money for the town, time for potential voters and effort for candidates. Incumbent councilors Debbie McGinley and Jim McLane were the only two candidates who filed before the Aug. 1 deadline. They both filed as independents. […]
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3 bands crack fair’s top 10
With themes ranging from the 1980s “Pac-Man” video game to dance trends and Greek mythology, Wayne County’s five public high schools rose to the challenge of Indiana State Fair Band Day. Richmond, Centerville and Hagerstown placed in the top 10, while directors for Northeastern and Lincoln also were proud of their students’ hard work on […]
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Town examining funds for 3 projects
Centerville is working to address several maintenance concerns. Sanitary inspection Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Quality conducted a sanitary survey inspection at Centerville Water Works on June 18. The inspector found two minor deficiencies that required a response and/or follow-up inspection within 30 days. Water plant No. 2’s chlorine room had condensation […]
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Band students enjoy their summer ‘family’
Summer marching band participation means long days and evenings full of tiring, sweaty practices for students, directors and their families, but students say those efforts are worth it. Here are a few comments from participants at each of Wayne County’s five bands that will appear at Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday, Aug. 1. […]
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Volunteer, Marine named Good Friend and Neighbor
Randy Newman has continued his family’s tradition of giving back to the community, earning the same award as his grandfather did. Newman was surprised with the Good Friend and Neighbor Award at the 65th annual Rural Urban Dinner on Thursday, July 17, at Willie & Red’s in Hagerstown. Economy Lions Club organizes the gathering, which encourages […]
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Weekend weather dampens competition
What started as a delay for lightning turned in to a full cancellation of the Drums of Winchester band competition on Saturday, July 26. Only 11 bands, including Lincoln High School, performed before the storms rolled in over Winchester Community High School. Those groups were given critiques but none received scores, and no other local […]