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IU East researcher, panel to discuss battling misinformation online

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As a part of its Media Literacy Week programming, Indiana University East will host a panel discussion on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. in the library at Hayes Hall in Richmond. Dr. Andrea Quenette, Dr. E. Scott Lee and KT Lowe will discuss battling misinformation online, how information and misinformation affect elections, and how the media portrays international conflict. The event is free and open to the public, and can also be attended online. Lowe, who studies and presents on fake news and combating misinformation, developed a guide to those topics that is now used by librarians and instructors around the world.

A group of students and educators stand together to show off certificates of recognition
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Centerville schools updates: salary boost, renovations

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Centerville-Abington Community Schools’ teachers will receive a minimum salary increase of $6,303 through their newly approved 2022-2023 district contract. Superintendent Mike McCoy said that negotiations aren’t always smooth sailing, but he appreciates the opportunity to have professional conversations with Centerville Education Association leaders to find solutions. McCoy also said he’s pleased the district could provide a pay increase for teachers that helps show appreciation for their hard work and gets CACS “to where we need to be legally.” Indiana lawmakers implemented salary schedule requirements that have taken effect during this school year. For example, full-time teachers must make a minimum of $40,000 per year.

A panel discusses addiction treatment options
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Panelists: County focused on opening doors to addiction treatment

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Wayne County is moving away from solely locking up those battling addiction to viewing them as people who can be helped when they’re open to assistance. Five area leaders in law enforcement, government, health care, education and harm reduction participated in a panel discussion Oct. 19 at Holiday Inn in Richmond as part of Meridian Community Health’s speaker series. Participants were Charmin Gabbard, executive director of Connection Café, harm reduction advocate and subject expert; Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter; Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright; Lisa Suttle, regional vice president of clinical services for Meridian Health Services; and Dr. Brad Barrett, who is currently running for re-election as District 56’s state representative. Retter said he’s proud that local law enforcement is moving beyond “warehousing” residents and instead helps them find resources to address their addiction and/or mental health concerns, because inmates often deal with one or both.

Dena Little
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Morrisson-Reeves Library hires director

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National search culminates with selection of Dena Little

A Virginia librarian who previously worked in Ohio will become director at Morrisson-Reeves Library in early December. Dena Little will become the Richmond library’s sixth director since its founding in 1864, its board of trustees announced on Monday. “Dena’s depth and breadth of library experience, strong communication skills, knowledge of and approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), approachability, and professionalism are among her many strengths,” board president Jennifer Lewis said in a news release. Little is coming to Wayne County from Arlington Public Library in Virginia, where she served in leadership roles for the past five years, most recently as assistant division chief. She also has experience in Ohio public library systems.

Little’s strengths include project management, staff development, strategic and outcomes planning and analytical evaluation, MRL officials said.

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Developer planning 232-unit senior housing complex for Richmond’s southeast side

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Independent living proposal coming to Plan Commission Oct. 26

A real estate investment company’s plan to build a senior living complex just outside of city limits on Richmond’s southeast side will come before the city’s Advisory Plan Commission Wednesday, Oct. 26. Powers Properties Investments LLC of Indianapolis is proposing a complex of two-bedroom multi-family dwellings surrounding a recreation area. It fronts on the west side of Garwood Road about halfway between Hodgin and Wernle roads.

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9 advocate for Centerville fire station renovation

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Police chief sounds off about staff shortage, radio changes

On the same evening that some residents spoke in favor of a fire station expansion, the town’s police chief noted a couple “troubling” developments for his team of first responders. CPD Chief Ed Buchholz is concerned the current staffing shortage could grow worse, and that larger local agencies’ plans to install a new radio system could reduce his department’s communication with them. Station renovation
Nine people, many of whom are affiliated with Centerville Fire/Rescue, spoke in favor of the department’s proposal to pursue a state grant to renovate and expand Fire Station No. 1 on South Morton Avenue. No one spoke in opposition.

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Volunteers planting trees to cool down parts of Richmond

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New program seeks to reduce temperatures, reduce energy use

A new group of volunteers is creating shade by planting trees in the hottest areas of Richmond. The City of Richmond Tree Tenders Volunteer program planted trees in the Baxter Neighborhood on the city’s west side on Saturday, Oct. 8. They plan more tree plantings in North Richmond on Saturday, Oct. 22, and in the West Depot District on Nov.

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Experts: immunization is about more than reducing deaths

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Advice from well-trusted, caring health care professionals is the best way to reverse the decline in childhood immunizations, according to respected experts both national and local who participated in Thursday’s Vaccine Summit. Meningitis. Paralysis. Lingering effects like these will become more common if the decline continues, the panelists said. Vaccination is not just about preventing death but also about reducing the long-term effects the diseases cause.

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For first time, RFD honors firefighter killed in 1860

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Researcher finds more details about previously unknown sacrifice on 29th birthday

Philip Riley and his wife came to Wayne County from Ireland in pursuit of a better life. However, the father of three died on his 29th birthday while fighting a fire in downtown Richmond on Oct. 28, 1860. Riley’s death had not been included as part of the in-the-line-of-duty deaths mourned each year by Richmond Fire Department, but RFD officials learned about him earlier this year, and have begun honoring him. The oversight was corrected during RFD’s 52nd memorial service Friday, when a helmet was placed at the traditional Firefighter Memorial Table, a bell was rung in his memory, and his story was told.

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Red flag warning issued to discourage outdoor burning; Cambridge City adds ban

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National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for several area counties, which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. The warning is for Wayne, Fayette and Union counties in Indiana and Preble and Darke counties in Ohio. A red flag means outdoor burning is not recommended because weather conditions are favorable for rapid fire growth. On Friday afternoon, Cambridge City Volunteer Fire Department announced that Cambridge City and Jackson Township will be on a burn ban starting that day for an indefinite amount of time.