Online learning. Job searches. Telehealth appointments. Online banking. Remote work. All of these activities can change someone’s quality of life, and all of them require a reliable internet connection. In Wayne County approximately 9% of residents don’t have an internet connection at all, and of those who do only 57% are satisfied with their connection. […]
Category: News
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Randolph, Henry counties sharing nearly $4M in road funds
From staff reports Randolph and Henry counties are among the rural Indiana areas receiving federal transportation funds through Indiana Department of Transportation. Randolph County has received $2,410,400 for a project about half a mile west of U.S. 27 on Short Street. Henry County received $1.37 million for a project a fraction of a mile north […]
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Preparing for a derailment: ‘what if’ the unthinkable happens?
Wayne County agencies have plans for derailment, other hazmat responses Despite being as prepared as possible for an accident involving hazardous materials, local fire and response managers agree that no one agency can be completely ready for something like the derailment that occurred Feb. 3 in a small Ohio town. In East Palestine, Ohio, 38 […]
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Baby box, small theater among grant recipients
Twenty local organizations are receiving support for needs ranging from a Safe Haven Baby Box to scholarships for summer camp. Wayne County Foundation’s board has approved an allocation of $170,572 for projects through its Grant Cycle I and other first-quarter grant opportunities. Grants are made through gifts from individual donors who create funds to benefit […]
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City tags help return runaway pets home
City law requires registration, tags for dogs and cats A blue, star-shaped tag can help return an escaped dog or cat home to its loving family. It’s the first thing Richmond Police Department Animal Control Officer Desiree Durbin looks for when picking up a runaway pet. The city-issued tags, which are required by ordinance, help […]
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Former cemetery board member accused of stealing $50K
After an Indiana State Police investigation, a local woman has been formally charged with theft of more than $50,000 from a cemetery board. Trisha Collins Taylor, 43, of the 200 block of East Delaware Street in Cambridge City, is accused of stealing from the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in East Germantown. The charge is a Level […]
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Property tax bills may sting
Increased assessments affect amounts due in May, Nov. Spring property tax bills will be arriving in mailboxes, and Wayne County officials want taxpayers to prepare themselves to contribute a little more to local infrastructure this year. “We’ve already been warned by the state that they’re going to be higher than people expected them to be,” […]
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Discussion planned on ‘Why does history make us uncomfortable?’
Indiana Landmarks is hosting an online and in-person panel discussion called “Why does history make us uncomfortable?” at a time when school districts and Indiana General Assembly are considering restrictions on teaching materials. The free event is set for 6 p.m. April 10 at Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis, and online via Zoom. Panelists include James H. […]
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Governor: State budget, priorities ‘on the right track’ so far
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb remains hopeful that proposed investments in public health, housing, early childhood education, school safety and first responders will move forward during the final weeks of the legislative session. During an exclusive interview with Western Wayne News during his March 23 visit to Blue Buffalo, Holcomb said it’s an “interesting” time, comparing […]
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Antiques, auction expert remembered
Shane Hawkins shared expertise around county Wayne County auction and antique enthusiasts and business owners are among those mourning the loss of Shane Hawkins. Hawkins, a 54-year-old Fountain City resident, was known around the county through his work and community involvement. The Northeastern graduate died March 13. Hawkins provided a deep knowledge of antiques and […]