Nearly eight decades after he was killed in World War II, a Richmond man’s remains have been positively identified for final burial early next year. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced Nov. 22 that Lt. Gene Walker, a U.S. Army tanker, had been accounted for on July 21, a news release said. Walker died […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Crowd sounds off on educator, union leader suspension
Although no one spoke during Richmond Community Schools’ public hearing regarding a tentative agreement reached with Richmond Education Association, the board heard from additional unhappy constituents regarding the union leader’s paid administrative leave. During the board’s Nov. 20 meeting, Jamie Bolser, who oversees RCS finances and human resources, summarized the 2023-25 master contract to be […]
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Green light given for speed devices, eclipse camping
Cambridge City’s council gave preliminary support for two speed-monitoring devices around town, fundraising for a performance venue and renting camping spaces next April. Wayne County Foundation gave Cambridge City Main Street $11,000 toward several desired initiatives, such as wayfarer signs, billboards and website improvements. With police support, CCMS proposes buying two speed-deterring devices like those […]
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Health department aims for 2024 efficiencies
The Wayne County Board of Health unanimously approved several new contracts for 2024 that are expected to save money and improve services. Some of those contracts approved during the Nov. 13 meeting require county commissioners’ consent. Environmental updates Dan Burk reported permits and reports issued during the first three quarters. They include: In other business
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Iceless skating, carriage rides return to Winter Wonderland
Back by popular demand, an iceless skating rink will be set up for free use Saturday night. The attraction, which came to Cambridge City last year, returns with traditional favorites and a few new ones during the town’s annual Winter Wonderland celebration. Area residents are invited to browse the festive downtown shops, eateries, vendors, food […]
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RPD’s next chief coming from Sheriff’s Office
Ending a long tradition of appointing a new police chief from within Richmond Police Department, Mayor-elect Ron Oler has named a 22-year employee of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office as RPD’s next leader. Oler announced Thursday, Nov. 16, that Kyle Weatherly will be the city’s police chief as of Jan. 2. Before the media event, current […]
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Student legislation tackles range of issues
A local Model Legislature program recently celebrated 50 years of helping high school students try their hand at government, and one of its sponsors has been involved all 50 years. After gathering in the area for a few meetings, Eastern Indiana Model Legislature concluded its season at the Indiana General Assembly chambers in Indianapolis. Richmond […]
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Town signage, reptile housing, murals among $212K in grant projects
Twenty-one organizations have received funding for projects around Wayne County, ranging from additional food for the hungry to adult day care scholarships and removal of dead trees. Wayne County Foundation has announced the recipients receiving a share of $212,626 through Grant Cycle III and other third-quarter opportunities. Some of the grants support projects in individual […]
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Developer unveils apartment plans
Representatives of some of Wayne County’s largest employers were among those eagerly voting to move forward with contributing $2 million toward approximately 150 new apartments in downtown Richmond. It was the first step in many public approvals of a local financial package, said Valerie Shaffer, president of Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County. “There’s been […]
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CACS boosting support staff pay
Centerville-Abington Community Schools’ board is hopeful that a pay raise will help retain support staff. Currently, those employees receive a pay bump of 10 cents per hour after seven years. Administrators recommended changing the incentive to a 25-cent hourly longevity increase after five years, plus offering a 4% raise for all non-certified staff. Substitute teachers […]