Mayor Ron Oler will decide whether the city’s police or fire department undergoes an efficiency study this year. After debating which department should be scrutinized first, Richmond Common Council had delayed action on an ordinance appropriating $62,000 from the local income tax fund to pay consultant Baker Tilly for the efficiency study. The other department’s […]
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Make My Move recruits 50th worker
Wayne County just met its latest goal to recruit 20 new workers to move here from out-of-state by Sept. 1, but finding desirable housing has been the workers’ biggest challenge in making that choice, economic development leaders say. During their Aug. 3 board meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County leaders discussed whether to offer […]
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Bands tout their growth at state fair competition
Four Wayne County schools made up a quarter of Indiana State Fair Band Day’s Sweet 16 finalists. All four of those schools — Centerville, Hagerstown, Northeastern and Richmond — placed in the top 12 of 34 entrants. Richmond’s James Bond-themed show, “From Richmond With Love,” led the county with seventh place. Dan Merkamp, who retired […]
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Finalist accepts school district’s top job
After considering 10 candidates, Western Wayne Schools’ superintendent finalist has accepted its job offer. The school district had not yet shared the person’s name. The public can comment on the proposed contract next week. WWS’ board will hear residents’ objections or support for the contract during the legally required public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, […]
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2 RHS athletes hurt during Mummies season finale
On a fundraising night for Richmond High School football, two RHS athletes were injured at a community event, one of them critically. Richmond High School’s football program and Richmond Flying Mummies baseball team both issued statements Sunday, Aug. 9, about the incident during the Mummies’ season finale on Saturday, Aug. 8. The athletes were injured […]
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State Fair Band Day: Bands tout growth
Four Wayne County schools made up one fourth of Indiana State Fair Band Day’s Sweet 16 finalists. All four of those schools — Centerville, Hagerstown, Northeastern and Richmond — placed in the top 12 of 34 entrants. Richmond’s James Bond-themed show, “From Richmond With Love,” led the county with seventh place. The Marching Red Devils […]
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Meridian: Services continuing after job cuts
Meridian Health Services, which offers medical and behavioral health care, has dissolved eight positions in Wayne County and a few more in surrounding communities, but is keeping facilities open. Meridian operates school medical clinics at Richmond High and Test Intermediate in Richmond plus Union City and Union (Modoc). It also sends behavioral health staff into […]
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Board seeks financial improvement
Nettle Creek Schools Superintendent Emily Schaeffer brought optimism to the July 29 board meeting. After a spring reduction-in-force that required eliminating up to $900,000 in expenditures, Schaeffer was hopeful about the district’s financial future. For the first six months of 2026, the district’s operations budget was out of the red at $883,176, a goal that […]
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PHOTOS: Wet weather doesn’t dampen enthusiasm
Despite rainy weekend weather, Hagerstown celebrated its annual Jubilee Days on July 31 and Aug. 1. Celebrations included a parade, Friday night fish fry, craft and food vendors, live music and more. Sherry Stuart captured these photos for the Western Wayne News.
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Fewer violators, more violations in food inspections
Only six establishments were cited for food violations as summer nears its end. Two shared a combined 15 violations, including repeat citations for no hair restraints and holes in the walls near food prep stations. Violations No Violations Cambridge City: McDonald’s Dayton: Herman Ice Cream Greens Fork: AMVETS Post No. 38 Hagerstown: American Legion No. […]