Most Wayne County schools leaders are expressing pride about their Class of 2023 graduation rates. However, some frustration simmers among some board members and administrators about how those rates can be affected by factors outside schools’ control. According to Indiana Department of Education data, nearly every Wayne County high school showed a graduation rate of […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Forum participants: Prioritizing diversity benefits whole community
More than 100 residents gathered for an hour to hear why several students, parents and educators believe that Richmond Community Schools needs to adopt an equity policy. The Rev. Michael Jefferson, pastor of Richmond’s Bethel AME Church and a former teacher, served as moderator for a Jan. 16 community forum organized by Richmond Education Association’s […]
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3 GOP candidates running for Superior 1 judge
Those who want a part-time or a full-time public service role — such as helping their county spend tax money or leading a trial — have several opportunities to consider in the 2024 election. Primary opportunities Although November’s election seems far away, those who want to run as Republicans or Democrats need to make up […]
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Centerville considers purchases
Citing the potential benefits of license plate readers after recent incidents, Centerville Police Department received town council’s support to purchase one and will seek additional Wayne County’s help to buy another. Police Chief Ed Buchholz said security cameras around town have gathered evidence for everything from homicide trials to porch swing thefts. Buchholz heard about […]
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Town increases pledge toward performance area
Cambridge City’s council approved about $30,000 more in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward a permanent venue for outdoor concerts, movies and other events, although donations could reduce the town’s share. No one spoke during a public hearing about the project behind the fire station during council’s Jan. 8 meeting. A hard surface would be […]
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Added equipment could speed voting, ballot scanning
Wayne County taxpayers won’t see a bill for nearly $125,000 of equipment that officials say should make the 2024 election run more smoothly. On Friday, Jan. 12, Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales traveled to Richmond to present a ceremonial check for $123,501 to Clerk of Circuit Court Debra Berry, election board members and county […]
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4 local projects in running for READI state grants
Wayne County has four projects on a list of 20 being considered for the region’s application for state funding. Valerie Shaffer, president of Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, said 24 projects across Wayne County were suggested for east central Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 application. Shaffer and Acacia St. John, […]
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‘Gods of Comedy’ appearing at theater
When a professor finds a long-lost manuscript that would bring worldwide fame and then loses it, she calls on the ancient Greek gods of comedy to get her out of the mess. For young professor Daphne Rain, the first surprise is that the gods show up. The second surprise is that any two people — […]
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Bittersweet move for Sorah
When Steve Sorah joined Cambridge City’s town council, his two sons weren’t yet born. Presley is now 20, and Vince is a Lincoln High School senior. Town councils often have member turnover through the years for various reasons such as moving away or increased job or family obligations. When Sorah meets other town councilors, they’re […]
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$42M in upgrades planned at Centerville Welcome Center
Indiana Department of Transportation plans to close its Centerville Welcome Center for about two years to make an estimated $42 million in improvements. The project near Mile Marker 143 on westbound Interstate 70 is part of INDOT’s 10-year rest area and welcome center improvement plan. The Centerville Welcome Center will be completely reconstructed with the […]