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Schools confront language, math proficiency rates

For another year, state testing results show that students in most Wayne County school districts are struggling with academic performance in English and math, although there were some gains. While many performed close to Indiana’s statewide proficiency percentages, students in most local districts demonstrated well below 50% proficiency in both subjects. Only approximately 16.2% of […]

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Cuts coming as county considers 2026 budget

When you need more money than you have, what do you do? Wayne County Council began trying to answer that question for the 2026 budgeting process in earnest on July 16, spending about 5 1/2 hours listening to departmental budget proposals. A lot of work and many difficult decisions remain prior to budget adoption late […]

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Garage demolition receives Historic Preservation OK

Renowned architect John Hasecoster designed the Free Classic-style home at 1907 E. Main St. in Richmond late in the 19th century, but the garage currently behind the historic home wasn’t built until after Hasecoster sold the property. Now, that deteriorated garage, which is about 95 years old, will be demolished. Property owner Jack Cruse received […]

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PHOTOS: Milton playground photos

Residents and supporters celebrated recent updates to Milton’s Community Park, including new playground equipment and landscaping, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 19. Community members raised over $50,000 to unlock a matching grant through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. At the event, Milton Clerk-Treasurer Amy Smith called the updated park “a place […]

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Bands compete in Jay County, Muncie shows

Wayne County bands continued testing their skills in weekend competitions leading up to Indiana State Fair Band Day.  The weekend contests are Central Indiana Track Show Association events. Portland Hagerstown and Lincoln competed in the Jay County Lions Band Contest in Portland on Friday, July 18.  Centerville had planned to compete, but when wet conditions […]

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Chanticleer adds Centerville concert venue

Just one year shy of a major milestone, Chanticleer String Quartet is continuing to offer free performances in new and traditional locations. It’s time for the Richmond-based ensemble’s 49th annual Summer Festival, which draws performers from around the country. The quartet and its guest artist, saxophonist Paul Klemperer, will play eight concerts in 12 days […]

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Welding, fabrication business receives OK

An Economy man’s second attempt before the Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals turned out in his favor July 10. Abner King received a variance of use to operate a welding and fabricating business to repair agricultural equipment from a detached garage at his Manning Road residence. King previously requested the variance during March’s BZA […]

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Cambridge City scales back zoning review

Noting budget uncertainties for the town, Cambridge City’s Plan Commission will aim to address zoning concerns without the help of outside consultants at this time. During its July 10 meeting, commission members considered whether to recommend the town council hire a Zionsville firm for $12,000-$17,000 or the town’s current lawyer for $10,000 to redo the […]