Wayne County Jail inmates frequently struggle with opioid addiction. Treatment programs help those inmates for the days, weeks or months they are incarcerated, but Sheriff Randy Retter would like to increase those programs’ impact. He addressed Wayne County’s commissioners Sept. 13 about receiving some of the county’s 2023 opioid settlement disbursement. “What my goal is, […]
Category: News
Posted inNews
$2M will help Centerville reduce lead in water
More Centerville residents should have less lead in their drinking water next year. The town qualified for $2 million in forgivable loans from Indiana’s State Revolving Fund toward eliminating lead lines. This second phase of the project will cost about $5 million. Council President Dan Wandersee thought it wise to pursue that funding before it […]
Posted inNews
Workshop starts school improvement program
Work on improving student academic performance through a Next Generation School Improvement Grant started last Wednesday, Sept. 13, after a year of planning. Local educators are working with consultants from Equitable Education Solutions on implementing methods they can use to improve student performance, concentrating on employability skills. The program is funded by a $2.45 million […]
Posted inNews
BZA approves U.S. 27 location for livestock auction
Wayne County will have a livestock auction. Midway Auction Barn LLC and Omer Kauffman received approval Sept. 14 from the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals to locate an auction facility along U.S. 27 north of Fountain City. The BZA had previously denied a petition to locate the auction on Helm Road south of Williamsburg. Five […]
Posted inNews
Council supports park, playground efforts
A new park performance venue, an inclusive playground and other improvements are on the horizon for Cambridge City, made possible by donations, grants and state and federal funding. Wayne County Commissioner Jeff Plasterer outlined the town’s opportunities through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program during its Sept. 11 council meeting. Cambridge City already committed $118,978, which […]
Posted inNews
Arts roundup: Fairy tale, flute, pianos offer fun
From a new twist on a children’s classic tale to flute, piano and organ soloists, it’s a busy time in local arts. Richmond Civic Theatre’s Stage One Youth Theatre is in its final weekend of “The (Almost) Totally True Story of Hansel & Gretel.” Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. […]
Posted inNews
Town renews solar power talks
Hagerstown Town Council has renewed talks with an electric company about building a solar generating station. The council met last week with representatives from American Electric Power, which sells power to the town. The company had expressed interest in building a solar array on town-owned land in 2016. By consensus on Sept. 12, the council […]
Posted inNews
Photos: Levi Coffin Days 2023
The 56th annual Levi Coffin Days Festival took place over the weekend, organized by the Fountain City Lions Club. The event honors Levi and Catharine Coffin’s work to help enslaved people find freedom. Photographer Joshua Smith was there for the Western Wayne News and shared these photos:
Posted inNews
Food, parade, history mix for Levi Coffin Days
Smoked pork chops, parade entries, chalk art and live music could help attract area residents to Fountain City for Levi Coffin Days. The 56th annual festival takes place from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and Sunday, Sept. 17, along and near U.S. 27. Highlights will include the parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, […]
Posted inNews
DORA explorers: Richmond considers new alcohol law
People might soon stroll through Richmond’s Depot District sipping alcoholic drinks if council approves two ordinances presented Sept. 5. Mayor Dave Snow presented the ordinances that would enable the city to take advantage of a new state law permitting Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas. The DORAs are exempt from certain open container laws, allowing alcoholic beverages […]