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 […]
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Church volunteers to serve as warming center
Oak Park Pentecostals planning a community services center A Richmond church has volunteered to serve as a warming center for the rest of this winter and is laying groundwork for a community services center. During a Feb. 7 meeting of a group that has been working on establishing emergency warming centers, Oak Park Pentecostals said […]
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Affordable housing among local schools’ top concerns
Board members tout quality education in all 5 districts Despite ongoing competitions for students and unique programs touted by each of Wayne County’s five public school districts, school board members generally agree that kids have great opportunities to learn at any of the county’s schools. “We all work together on the same team, even […]
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Pipe company promises 111 new jobs
EDC lands manufacturer for industrial park In less than two weeks, Wayne County announced its second new employer at Midwest Industrial Park. Viking Group, Inc., a Michigan-based manufacturer and distributor of fire protection solutions, has announced it is buying 40 acres in Richmond to build a new manufacturing facility for its subsidiary, MV Pipe LLC. […]
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2023 primary election canceled
Board upholds GOP’s candidate challenges, leaving no contested races Wayne County election officials agreed Monday that no primary election is necessary this spring. The cancelation came after deciding that only one Republican candidate met state criteria to run for Richmond mayor, following eligibility challenges filed in January. No other Richmond races had more than one […]