While preparing for a milestone season, Richmond Symphony Orchestra’s music director signed a five-year contract renewal. Andrés Lopera was named the RSO’s fourth music director three years ago after a yearlong search. The orchestra has since reported average concert attendance of approximately 750 patrons. That’s about 150 more per concert than pre-pandemic levels. Orchestra leaders […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Cambridge City catches more cats
Cambridge City officials continue expanding efforts to control the town’s stray cat population through a trap-neuter-release program coordinated with Animal Care Alliance in Richmond. Since March 18, 53 stray cats have been captured and spayed or neutered, with additional surgeries planned for a pregnant cat and a litter of seven kittens once they are old […]
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Richmond Shakespeare Festival – May 14 at Elstro
Food trucks and free theater are planned on two upcoming Thursdays in a local park. Comedy, betrayal, romance and forgiveness are common themes in many of today’s movies and TV shows. Some of their writers have been inspired by William Shakespeare. Richmond Shakespeare Festival is offering Shakespeare in the Park performed by regional touring companies […]
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Girls Inc. honoring women, girls, business
Girls Inc. of Wayne County has named Stasia Veramallay the county’s newest Athena Leadership Award recipient, recognizing her professional success, community service and support of women and girls. Veramallay, a financial adviser with Vista Investment Partners, launched the Wise Women financial education series and spent 13 years leading a Girl Scout troop. She also has […]
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Land trust shares its leadership
Intending to clearly explain who they are and what they aim to do, leaders of Wayne County Land Trust offered an information session to announce more partners and describe long-range plans. The land trust, which Wayne County Foundation formed in May 2025, is focused on acquiring, restoring and revitalizing several Richmond downtown and depot commercial […]
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WWS Athletics ‘diminished but healing’
Running a sports program is comparable to riding a roller coaster because things can move up slowly and go down quickly, according to Lincoln Middle/High School Athletic Director Rodney Klein. Despite declines in enrollment and athletic participation in recent years, Klein remains positive about LMHS’ potential to provide great experiences for students through a fiscally […]
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Wrong guess ultimately right
Centerville Senior High School senior Eva Soper thought she had just lost Wayne County’s top Every Day Counts prize as the final ping-pong balls were drawn May 6. Seeing what she believed was fellow finalist Kaden Ervin’s number, Soper prepared to congratulate the Hagerstown senior before realizing she had misread the ball. Moments later, she […]
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UPDATED: Superintendent placed on leave following felony charge
Western Wayne Schools Superintendent Kelly J. Plank was placed on administrative leave after being charged Monday with a Level 5 felony battery count in Henry County. Court records show the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office charged Plank, 44, on Monday, May 11, in Henry Circuit Court 2 with one count of battery resulting in serious bodily […]
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RCS public forums focus on future plans
Community members are invited to attend one of two open forums about future plans for Richmond Community Schools. RCS Superintendent Curtis Wright will lead the sessions that offer the public a chance to ask questions, share feedback and discuss the district’s strategic plan updates. The sessions take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at […]
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Pavilion project celebrates partnerships
A project years in the making officially opened Friday as Cambridge City leaders, volunteers and residents dedicated the new Creitz Park Pavilion, a nearly $1 million investment intended to expand community events and strengthen downtown activity. The festivities brought together residents and community leaders from across the county to celebrate the new gathering spot, and […]