Two local programs next week will celebrate Black History Month, observed in February. On Sunday, a program featuring local performers is planned at Earlham College. On Tuesday, a panel of local people will talk about what it means to be Black in Richmond. The Sunday event, titled “Black History: Innocent, Pure & Acknowledgment,” will begin […]
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Utility bills, bus violations among Centerville topics
No residents speak at water, electric rate hearing Acknowledging that no one loves paying extra for utilities, Centerville’s council voted unanimously on Valentine’s Day to slightly increase customers’ water and electric costs. Nine residents attended public hearings preceding the votes, but most were town employees or volunteers. None spoke. Increases are based on municipal adviser […]
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Imagination Library could expand statewide
Nonprofit aims to register all Wayne County kids for free books Leaders of an organization providing free books to preschoolers are “really excited” about a new possibility of partial state funding. Every Child Can Read (ECCR) has provided no-cost books to more than 5,300 Wayne County children since 2014. The Richmond-based nonprofit has more than […]
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Northeastern changing to longer class periods
High, middle schools will adopt block schedule this fall Students and faculty at Northeastern Middle and High schools will be adjusting to a new class schedule next semester. The schools are adopting a block schedule. Rather than having seven or eight class periods a day with subjects repeating daily in the same time period, the […]
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County increases 2023 assessments on 4 legal drains
Funds pay for ditch maintenance Landowners in four Wayne County watersheds will have their legal drain assessments increase 25% this year. At first glance that seems a large increase, however many landowners will see little or no change to the drain assessments on their property tax bills. Individual assessments for small, residential parcels are often […]
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Restaurant group’s ‘major gift’ supports recreational tennis
Amigos’ program for 100+ youth now has official home A youth tennis program now will have an official home on renovated courts, thanks to local restauranteurs. The El Bronco and El Rodeo restaurant group in Richmond has made a three-year financial commitment to support Earlham College’s recreational tennis programs. Earlham officials call the donation “a […]
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Graduation rate expected to drop at HHS
School board president challenges how rate is calculated School board members raised a question about how graduation rates are figured even while expressing pride in Hagerstown High School’s performance. At 98.88%, HHS showed the highest 2022 graduation rate among Wayne County schools, according to the Indiana Department of Education. Only one student who started as […]
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Hagerstown fire chief renews call for change to EMS callouts
With ambulance stationed in town, firefighter responses questioned Medical calls that require a response from the Hagerstown-Jefferson Township Fire Department continue to be an issue. Fire Chief Rick Cole told the Town Council on Feb. 6 that of 25 total calls in January, 16 were for emergency medical service, most unnecessary. In comparison, in all […]
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Commissioners plan to award opioid settlement money this month
Applicant projects were prioritized through scoring system Twenty-three applicants should know this month whether they’ll receive a share of Wayne County’s 2022 opioid settlement disbursement. On Feb. 8, the county commissioners set their commitment goal to help interested agencies apply for $25 million the state has made available in additional grants. Local matches are required […]
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Richmond, firefighters still at odds over 2023 contract
Council rejects fact-finding panel’s recommendations, negotiations continue Richmond Fire Department members continue working without a 2023 contract. Common Council rejected a fact-finding panel’s recommendations Feb. 6 with an 8-1 vote. There was no discussion prior to the roll-call vote, only a recommendation from Ron Oler, chair of council’s finance committee, that council reject the recommendations […]