Organizations continue to offer opportunities for seasonal giving across the region. Reid Health Auxiliary is accepting $5-or-more donations to sponsor ornaments on the Blue Brigade Volunteer Auxiliary’s nine-foot Celebration of Love & Life Tree. The ornaments — angels, stars, and snowflakes — support patient care, medical equipment, technology, and community programs. Forms are available at the […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
Posted inNews
About 140 teens advancing to BPA state
At least 139 Wayne County students have qualified for Business Professionals of America’s State Leadership Conference next March. Students from Centerville, Lincoln, Northeastern and Richmond competed in the Region 9 Leadership Conference on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Indiana University East. Wayne County has had a strong BPA legacy for many years that includes multiple national […]
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New assistant principal starts Jan. 5 at LMHS
Lincoln Middle/High School will have a new assistant principal in the new year. Western Wayne Schools’ board hired Carrie Mastriano at its Wednesday, Dec. 10, meeting. Mastriano said she enjoys helping students become “great adults” and develop real-world skills. Now that her own children are grown, she thought the timing was right to step up […]
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Centerville schools buying 2 new buses
Bus replacement plans are going in a slightly different direction for Centerville-Abington Community Schools. At its Dec. 10 meeting, the board voted 5-0 to accept quotes for two new buses. Assistant Superintendent Sean Stevenson recommended buying a 72-passenger bus for $164,966 and a 48-passenger bus for $162,352. That was a change from CACS’ bus replacement […]
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Centerville council, clerk forego raises
Centerville’s council and clerk-treasurer won’t receive a pay increase in 2026 while the town sees how new state tax changes affect its finances. Council approved the ordinance impacting its elected officials 5-0 during its Tuesday, Dec. 9, meeting. Council President Dan Wandersee said the amount saved will be small, but it’s important to make sure […]
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EDC selects new board chair
Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County said goodbye to longtime board leaders and approved a new officer slate for 2026. During its Dec. 8 meeting, the board welcomed incoming Chair Peggy Cenova, Vice Chair Tony Foster, Secretary Mike Gaddis and Treasurer Rodger Smith. Cenova was appointed by Wayne County Commissioners with approval of Wayne County […]
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Nearly $1M coming for road, bridge improvements
Wayne County and two towns successfully applied for nearly $1 million in matching taxpayer funds for road and bridge improvements through Indiana’s Community Crossings program. State officials announced the 191 cities, towns and counties that each received a share of the $100 million on Tuesday, Dec. 9, through Indiana Department of Transportation. Winners included Wayne […]
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Officials: Baby box activation was just a test, demonstration
Community concern about the activation of a baby box in Richmond in early December was unfounded. Matthew Cain, director of Wayne County Emergency Management and Emergency Communications, confirmed that the activation was a planned test and demonstration. Cain said Richmond Fire Department conducted the testing during a podcast recording with Monica Kelsey, CEO and founder […]
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Dreams funded in full
Shocked and grateful were words that two Wayne County high school seniors used as they described their reactions to winning full-tuition scholarships. Wayne County Foundation staff surprised Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School’s Abby Lumpkin and Richmond High School’s Priya Hodges on Friday, Dec. 12. They were selected as Wayne County’s two Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, an […]
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Opportunities abound to fulfill holiday wishes
The opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face or provide relief from the cold this month is easily within reach. Several Wayne County organizations welcome help in fulfilling needs and wishes. A few groups are offering special giveaways or public gatherings. These are just some of the opportunities to give or receive joy before […]