While hoping for additional students this fall, Centerville-Abington Community Schools is preparing for tight budgets. While reviewing 2027 budget drafts with board members at their July 29 meeting, Superintendent Mike McCoy said leaders have worked hard to cut upcoming expenses after losing about 120 students over the past two years. CACS’ education fund is down […]
Author Archives: Millie Martin Emery
Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.
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Parasite illnesses increasing locally and statewide
Indiana’s cases of digestive distress caused by cyclosporiasis have continued to rise by about 100 per day, and local cases are increasing too. At this time, Indiana Department of Health has confirmed eight Wayne County cases of the parasite that can cause severe diarrhea and other digestive distress, fever, and other flu-like symptoms for weeks. […]
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Band Day blends cartoon, classical tunes
Students from Wayne County’s five public high schools are preparing a wide range of music and intricate steps for Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday, Aug. 7. Information about how to watch or listen to Band Day performances can be found on Page 25. Western Wayne News will publish contest coverage in its Aug. […]
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Patriotic musical to open at Richmond Civic Theatre
Family connections run deep in Richmond Civic Theatre’s third performance of “1776: The Musical.” RCT opens its season Thursday, Aug. 6, with a show about the behind-the-scenes struggles that U.S. Founding Fathers faced in developing the new nation. The 250th anniversary of that accomplishment is being celebrated in 2026. RCT previously performed the musical in […]
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RCT alum hired to lead theater
Inspired by Richmond Civic Theatre shows as a child, Kate Jetmore acted in Junior Players and RCT before performing professionally across the country. Now, after living abroad for more than two decades, the Richmond native is returning to serve as RCT’s executive director. After a comprehensive search, RCT’s board announced its new hire July 23. […]
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Cool intent: Nettle Creek Players moves indoors for musical revue
Nettle Creek Players will offer its first professional show in more than two years in Hagerstown, and audiences will be treated to air conditioning and indoor seating along with Broadway hits. NCP will offer what organizers call a charming musical revue with familiar tunes by the late Stephen Sondheim that a narrator will tie together. […]
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Homeownership 101 workshops planned
Attending an affordable home ownership workshop could help participants receive as much as $20,000 in down payment assistance. The Homeownership 101 series will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on four Tuesdays (Aug. 4-25) at Vaile Elementary School, 300 S. 14th St., Richmond. It’s open to those wanting to buy a home soon or who are […]
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Bat in beehive, rain among string quartet surprises over years
About 30 kids and teens at Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County were “completely engaged” while attending a Chanticleer String Quartet performance last week. “They’ve still got it,” said Eli Howell, the clubs’ senior art instructor, about the Richmond-based quartet that is marking its 50th summer music festival. Howell said he was impressed how […]
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Families prepare for school changes
Families will find new hours and policies this fall at some Wayne County schools, including a statewide restriction on personal technology use. Personal technology To comply with Indiana General Assembly’s new statewide law, students attending public and charter schools must either power off their cell phones and other electronics and put them in lockers throughout […]
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Centerville, Hagerstown lead area in band contests
Twelve high school bands from Wayne, Henry and Randolph counties headed north last weekend to test their Indiana State Fair shows. Centerville, Hagerstown, Lincoln and Randolph Southern traveled to Jay County Lions’ contest on Friday, July 24, in Portland. Centerville led Wayne County schools, finishing fifth after Spirit of Muncie, Anderson, Winchester and Jay County. […]