After the unusual start to the new school year, the Northeastern school board convened for its Aug. 18 meeting with hearts of gratitude. While school facilities encountered minor flood damage, Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien shared that some families remain displaced and without power. On Aug. 19, the middle and high school began collecting donations to share […]
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WWS ‘lucky’ to hire new superintendent
A few hours before officially being hired as their superintendent, Melissa McIntire exchanged high-fives with Western Wayne Schools students and walked kindergartners to their classrooms. Wayne County had postponed the first three days of school because of catastrophic community flooding. Monday, Aug. 17, might have been one of the most unique and rewarding first days […]
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Y’s plan: Explore old hospital site
Imagine driving down Chester Boulevard and seeing children playing football, soccer, softball and baseball in the abandoned lot where Reid Hospital once stood. Nearly two decades after the hospital left its 1401 Chester Blvd. location, that vision could replace the sight of overgrown weeds and environmental mitigation work. Richmond Family YMCA has expressed interest in […]
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PHOTOS: Kids find Archway Days fun
Centerville’s Archway Days festival was held on Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22, featuring fun for the whole family. An inflatable slide, dunk tank and miniature train were just some of the draws of the two day festival. Millicent Martin Emery captured these photos for the Western Wayne News.
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Deadline extended for SNAP replacement
Residents of Wayne and surrounding counties who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and lost food because of Aug. 11 storm damage or power outages now have until Monday, Aug. 31, to apply for replacement benefits. Fayette, Henry, Randolph and Union are also among the 53 eligible Indiana counties in the declared disaster emergency area. […]
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County extends disaster declaration 7 days
Wayne County’s commissioners extended the county’s disaster declaration another seven days. Matthew Cain, director of Wayne County Emergency Management Agency, requested the extension during the Aug. 19 Wayne County Council and commissioners workshop. The county must reconsider a disaster declaration every seven days, and the original declaration was made during the Aug. 12 rainstorm that […]
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Water flowed ‘like Niagara Falls’
After hearing steady rain fall throughout the night, starting at 1 a.m. Aug. 12, Hagerstown councilor Donnie Benedict began preparing to protect his Turnpike Road home later that morning. With a tractor and loader, he made berms to go around what he calls a “barndominium.” Around 12:30 p.m., Benedict went inside to eat lunch and […]
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Williamsburg pumps 10M gallons
Fearing that houses would begin collapsing and running on little sleep, Williamsburg firefighters sounded a statewide alarm to get help with remaining high water. Many impacted residents have been able to start drying out their homes and businesses from Aug. 12 floods, but a week later, Williamsburg still faced unique challenges, including a lack of […]
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Give support, get support
This listing has information about financial assistance, items and services available to flood victims, as well as information about how to contribute to those efforts. Some services will change or end, so readers should verify the latest offerings and needs with the organization directly. Monetary donations Be cautious about sending funds to unverified recipients claiming […]
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Flood-hit businesses can get $5K
Wayne County small businesses struggling after the Aug. 12 floods have an opportunity to receive grants up to $5,000. The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce announced Aug. 21 the Business Bridge Grant Program operating through its Chamber Center for Excellence. The program makes $3,000 to $5,000 available for small businesses. Funding comes from the […]