Freedom, according to one story, meant so much to an enslaved man named William Bush that he had himself shipped in a wooden box addressed to “Newport, Wayne County, Indiana, care of Levi Coffin.” That story from 180 years ago is one that Aaron Martin loves to hear and retell in his work as program […]
Category: News
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Development decision delayed
A couple of feet is making all the difference for a planned Richmond subdivision. Trademark Construction requested the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission approve a primary plat request and two variances for a six-residence subdivision at 315 Garwood Road. One of the variances would make lot sizes 38 feet wide instead of the required 40. Plan […]
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‘Rat Boy’ surprises museum staff
Within a few hours of its unexpected delivery, a new donation to the Wayne County Historical Museum has already prompted more questions than answers. The museum announced May 22 that it received an unusual package that was left at its back gate. No contact information was provided to identify the donor, and security camera footage […]
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‘It was the welcome home we didn’t get’
Two western Wayne County veterans whose daughters were classmates didn’t realize they were both traveling on the 39th Indy Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. until the day before their journey. That was the first surprise of many on the action-packed trip Larry Gumm and Jerry Doddridge took Saturday, May 20. Their sightseeing experience in the […]
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Veterans organizing Memorial Day weekend services
Veterans and community organizations have planned several Memorial Day weekend tributes and special events around the area that are open to the public. Beyond attending services, American Legion leaders also encourage residents to examine their flags and replace them if they’re tattered. Veterans’ organizations will accept old flags for proper disposal. Saturday, May 27 Crown […]
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Veteran receives quilt
Former Western Wayne resident Joe “Steve” Carroll, now of New Albany, recently was surprised with a Quilt of Valor made by three women to recognize his service to the United States. At the top it says, “Captain Joe Carroll, US Army, Vietnam – Company Commander.” Supplied
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Sheriff requests approval to purchase armored vehicle
Sheriff Randy Retter renewed his request to purchase a tactical vehicle during the May 24 workshop with Wayne County Council and commissioners. Retter last year applied for a grant that would have funded purchase of an armored vehicle; however, he did not receive the grant. He returned May 24 with a new proposal to purchase […]
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Honoring fallen officers, their families
Seara Burton’s name was read first during Friday’s annual Peace Officers Memorial Service honoring Wayne County law enforcement. The Richmond Police Department K-9 officer became the county’s 16th officer to lose their life in the line of duty Sept. 18, when she died from gunshot injuries sustained Aug. 10 during a traffic stop. Burton was […]
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State funding boost will help address county’s low life expectancy
Wayne County’s life expectancy ranks second lowest among Indiana’s 92 counties, at about 73 years. The county’s health department is preparing to address factors that end lives prematurely, using additional funding it will receive from the recently passed two-year state budget. That budget includes a $225 million investment in public health. Counties must opt to […]
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RCS approves teacher stipends
Facing district teacher turnover averaging 25% and as high as 50% in some schools, Richmond Community Schools has approved a plan to improve teacher retention using two types of supplemental payments. One teacher group says the process didn’t follow proper protocol. First, all RCS teachers rated as highly effective or effective on this year’s evaluation […]