Centerville’s council and clerk-treasurer won’t receive a pay increase in 2026 while the town sees how new state tax changes affect its finances. Council approved the ordinance impacting its elected officials 5-0 during its Tuesday, Dec. 9, meeting. Council President Dan Wandersee said the amount saved will be small, but it’s important to make sure […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
Posted inNews
EDC selects new board chair
Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County said goodbye to longtime board leaders and approved a new officer slate for 2026. During its Dec. 8 meeting, the board welcomed incoming Chair Peggy Cenova, Vice Chair Tony Foster, Secretary Mike Gaddis and Treasurer Rodger Smith. Cenova was appointed by Wayne County Commissioners with approval of Wayne County […]
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Nearly $1M coming for road, bridge improvements
Wayne County and two towns successfully applied for nearly $1 million in matching taxpayer funds for road and bridge improvements through Indiana’s Community Crossings program. State officials announced the 191 cities, towns and counties that each received a share of the $100 million on Tuesday, Dec. 9, through Indiana Department of Transportation. Winners included Wayne […]
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Officials: Baby box activation was just a test, demonstration
Community concern about the activation of a baby box in Richmond in early December was unfounded. Matthew Cain, director of Wayne County Emergency Management and Emergency Communications, confirmed that the activation was a planned test and demonstration. Cain said Richmond Fire Department conducted the testing during a podcast recording with Monica Kelsey, CEO and founder […]
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Dreams funded in full
Shocked and grateful were words that two Wayne County high school seniors used as they described their reactions to winning full-tuition scholarships. Wayne County Foundation staff surprised Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School’s Abby Lumpkin and Richmond High School’s Priya Hodges on Friday, Dec. 12. They were selected as Wayne County’s two Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, an […]
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Opportunities abound to fulfill holiday wishes
The opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face or provide relief from the cold this month is easily within reach. Several Wayne County organizations welcome help in fulfilling needs and wishes. A few groups are offering special giveaways or public gatherings. These are just some of the opportunities to give or receive joy before […]
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‘Rudolph’ brightens theater stage
It’s not Dasher, Dancer, Prancer or Vixen who gets to star in a Richmond Civic Theatre show. The community theater performs a musical adaptation of the beloved “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” TV special starting Thursday, Dec. 11. RCT volunteers offer the musical at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays from Dec. 11-14 and 18-21. […]
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Friends: Hamm ‘really cared about our area’
Former Indiana State Rep. Richard Hamm stayed connected to state and local government through chats over spicy shrimp, sugar cream pie and meals at the VFW. In addition to his years of helping Wayne County residents at the state level, Hamm was known for decades of providing jobs and supporting many nonprofit organizations. Friends shared […]
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Barrett, Raatz support redistricting
Indiana State Rep. Brad Barrett voted for reworking Indiana’s election maps to ensure that Hoosiers are only represented by Republicans in Congress. State Sen. Jeff Raatz has indicated his plans to vote yes as well. Indiana’s House of Representatives voted 51-47 for House Bill 1032 favoring redistricting on Friday, Dec. 5. Barrett, a Richmond Republican, […]
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Honor surprises coach, Santa, veteran, mentor
Bill Tyler thought he’d been invited to a dinner honoring Jimmy Bogue for Bogue’s contributions to youth sports. However, Tyler was surprised to learn the honor was really for one of Bogue’s mentors: Tyler himself. The December surprise was extra appropriate for the Cambridge City resident who portrayed Santa Claus for 40 years at community […]