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 […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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 […]
Posted inNews
NWS won’t buy more electric buses
Northeastern Wayne Schools hired a new assistant principal and discussed electric buses, a valedictorian wall and 2026 budgets during its Oct. 15 meeting. Administration Tracy Cox was hired as Northeastern High School’s new assistant principal. She previously worked at Union (Modoc) for about five years. Buses, budget, pay The board conducted hearings for next year’s […]
Posted inNews
Bulldogs: Time’s right for move
With a unanimous school board vote, Centerville-Abington Community Schools has committed to joining a new athletics/academic conference. After hearing Athletic Director Clay Bolser’s updates and his reasons to join the Eastern Crossroads Conference at their Wednesday, Oct. 22, meeting, board members voted 5-0 to begin the transition in 2026-27. The Bulldogs are the second Wayne […]
Posted inNews
Bestselling author brings new thriller to Richmond
An internationally known author who spent her teen years in Wayne County will sign copies of her latest novel, which is a thriller focused on high school students. Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau is offering a meet and greet for Jennifer Niven, a 1986 Richmond High School graduate. The gathering will take place from […]