Banners filled with photos, empty chairs and purple ribbons offer powerful reminders of the dozens of Wayne County lives lost to overdose each year. According to the Wayne County Health Department, 44 people died of overdose in 2023. So far in 2024, the county has had 27 overdose fatalities. However, it takes a few weeks […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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RCS facilities conversation shifts to Dennis, Baxter
Richmond Community Schools is still in the conceptual design stage for determining which buildings will receive millions of dollars for repairs. At its Aug. 14 work session, board members shared opinions and asked questions of architect Kevin McCurdy, administrators and each other as they decide how to spend 2024 bond proceeds. One major decision is […]
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Open burning, tornado siren among council topics
Two Cambridge City homes destined for demolition might have a new lease on life, but another homeowner is upset about raccoons, chickens and a pig at adjacent properties. Packing town hall, several residents asked questions or raised concerns during Cambridge City’s Aug. 12 council meeting. Blight In other business
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Demand grows for violence survivor assistance
It’s a September tradition in Wayne County to release butterflies and help a social service organization. The fourth annual Evening of Hope Butterfly Release on Thursday, Sept. 5, will benefit A Better Way, formerly known as Genesis. It takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. in Richmond Rose Garden in Glen Miller Park. Butterflies can be purchased […]
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Centerville sees support for $50K grant
Centerville leaders are gathering residents’ support before applying for $50,000 to update plans guiding future decisions and growth. Before its Aug. 13 regular meeting, council conducted a public hearing to collect comments for its application to Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The town’s share for Lochmueller Group’s work would be $9,600. The town’s […]
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Ideas, help sought for 2025 fair
Wayne County’s next 4-H fair is being planned for June 21-28, 2025. Organizers say they are always looking for ways to improve the fair and bring the best entertainment possible, although they have to work within a budget. Potential committee members or fair sponsors, or those who have suggestions about what they’d like to see, […]
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Dad: New playground ‘a great asset’
With shouts, giggles and a frequently clanging bell, kids gleefully tried new playground equipment dedicated Thursday, Aug. 15, in East Germantown. It’s just a block north of U.S. 40, next to the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County’s Wayne Bank Unit, 519 Queen St., and open to kids from across the county and beyond. […]
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Town employee suggests ending water fluoridation
Cambridge City is considering eliminating the addition of fluoride when treating water, but Indiana dental and health experts urge council to reject the change. During council’s Aug. 12 meeting, town employee Chris Stapleton suggested removing fluoride. After a discussion, members decided to table the matter until their 6 p.m. Sept. 9 meeting at town hall, […]
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2 manufacturers closing doors
Although Wayne County has gained jobs and investments from some recent business consolidations, corporate leaders have decided to wind down operations at two Richmond plants. Valerie Shaffer, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County president, said EDC staff are working with human resource teams for TBK America and Champion Target to help connect their former employees […]
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2 schools score 100% IREAD passage rates
Two Wayne County schools had all their third and/or second graders pass Indiana’s most recent reading test. Some others weren’t far behind. Rose Hamilton Elementary School, part of Centerville-Abington Community Schools, and Community Christian School in Richmond, both earned 100% on the 2023-2024 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination, or IREAD, assessment. Northeastern Wayne Elementary was […]