Wayne County would need three times its 2022 opioid settlement money to fill all the requests it has received. Applications for the county’s $411,000 initial share of the national settlement requested in excess of $1.2 million. Twenty-three not-for-profit entities filed applications by the Dec. 28 deadline. Wayne County will receive nearly $2 million through 2038 […]
Category: News
Search for homeless shelter options sees new urgency
Concern over warming centers leads to meetings Community organizers are hopeful that concern over the lack of warm places for homeless people to shelter in Richmond will lead to development of a long-term program. Several people and community groups became alarmed in December when frigid temperatures were forecast for the Christmas weekend. The two existing […]
Residents can help expand high-speed internet options
FCC’s challenge process impacts local broadband funding Wayne County residents have the opportunity to shape the county’s broadband future. The Federal Communications Commission has used broadband provider data to create a map listing broadband availability for addresses across the country. In a unique opportunity, the FCC is allowing residents to verify the availability listing for their […]
After 5 decades, new auditor returns to office
Hoelscher confident in transition despite slow start Mark Hoelscher last served Wayne County as auditor five decades ago. While the auditor’s core role — tracking the county’s finances and paying its bills — remains the same, computerization has changed how the work happens. Hoelscher, who has discussed his inexperience with computers, and his chief deputy […]
Golden Eagle Industries continues student-powered growth
Students at Lincoln High School have the opportunity to have a head start in the working environment. It has been a year and a half since Lincoln Golden Eagle Industries started on Aug. 25, 2021. Besides screen printing on T-shirts and other apparel, they have built porch swings and painted a barn in the community. […]
Mayor, councils, clerks on 2023 ballots
Some candidates must file by Feb. 3 Although candidates for president, Congress and governor pop into homes through TV commercials, those elected to town and city leadership roles often have more influence on everyday life. In 2023, many Wayne County voters will have a chance to choose who will set their utility rates, decide how […]
Through 5 decades, Paust’s service impacts city, county
Commissioner honored with Sagamore of the Wabash Ken Paust wants to make Richmond and Wayne County a better, more attractive place to live. For five decades, he’s worked to do just that as a Richmond council member, a county council member and, finally, as a county commissioner. “What is best for this county? What can […]
What do candidates need to know before signing up?
Jan. 12 panel discussion offers inside look, tips Several prior candidates for local offices plan to share what they wish they had known going into their elections, in hopes of helping others. Hearing about their experiences could influence whether Wayne County residents decide to file for election in 2023. Most communities have a few races […]
Dublin residents urged to boil water
Dublin residents learned Wednesday night that they are to boil their water until further notice. Dublin Fire/EMS representatives announced the town had had three water main breaks as of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. When a portion of Cambridge City had a similar alert in late January, town officials said water for human consumption should be brought […]
Weather-related closings and delays
The Western Wayne News is collecting information about weather-related closings and delays. Last updated Dec. 23 at 8:40 p.m. Wayne County is under a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Saturday with blowing snow continuing and winds gusting as high as 55 mph. According to Wayne County Emergency Management Agency, areas of blowing snow will […]