Drug Free Wayne County Partnership wants its new initiative to strengthen community connections and build a sense of belonging across Wayne County. The “You Belong In Wayne” campaign aims to combat social isolation, enhance mental health and reduce substance misuse, according to a news release. It encourages individuals to build connections that improve mental health […]
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Health department rearranges workers in its 2025 budgets
Wayne County Health Department has dropped its 2025 county budget request by about $13,000 from its 2024 funding. The county Board of Health approved the department’s revised county budget and the department’s Health First Indiana budget during its Aug. 20 meeting. That enabled the department to present the budgets to Wayne County Council during an […]
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Falling Starr, or rising Starr?
A Wayne County neighborhood is again on Indiana Landmarks’ statewide 10 Most Endangered list, but optimism is growing among several historic preservation leaders as progress is being made. The Starr Historic District is bounded by North A, North E, North 10th and North 16th streets in Richmond. Indiana Landmarks officials say that architecture enthusiasts previously […]
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County addresses animal issue at ‘crisis point’
Between neglect, abuse, health issues, and not having homes, animal welfare problems stretch to all corners of Wayne County. So far, Wayne County’s government and the City of Richmond have taken the lead in trying to address animal welfare through funding from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program. Commissioner Mary Anne Butters wants to see that […]
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Event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma
Banners filled with photos, empty chairs and purple ribbons offer powerful reminders of the dozens of Wayne County lives lost to overdose each year. According to the Wayne County Health Department, 44 people died of overdose in 2023. So far in 2024, the county has had 27 overdose fatalities. However, it takes a few weeks […]
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Growing Transcendia receives tax abatements
A Richmond film manufacturer hopes to compete in the health care and food and beverage markets after a $10.5 million equipment investment. Transcendia is adding machinery from Austria to its 300 Industrial Parkway location. Cody Cohoon, the site manager, said new capabilities, such as lamination, will open those markets to the company. Transcendia was awarded […]
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State hears concerns, revamps diploma proposal
After receiving more than 8,000 online comments and hours of testimony, Indiana Department of Education has presented a “significantly updated” second draft of a proposal to redesign high school diploma requirements, a news release said. The revised proposal presented to Indiana’s State Board of Education on Aug. 14 has been simplified to include one base […]
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RCS facilities conversation shifts to Dennis, Baxter
Richmond Community Schools is still in the conceptual design stage for determining which buildings will receive millions of dollars for repairs. At its Aug. 14 work session, board members shared opinions and asked questions of architect Kevin McCurdy, administrators and each other as they decide how to spend 2024 bond proceeds. One major decision is […]
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Vet set to coordinate pet projects
National expert Sara Pizano analyzed animal welfare in Wayne County, suggesting steps to improve the situation. Now, county government and the city of Richmond are enlisting a local expert, veterinarian Dr. Stacy Kostiuk, to spend four months implementing pieces of Pizano’s report. “The study showed us the gaps,” Richmond Mayor Ron Oler said during the […]
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Taxing entities set public hearings for budgets
Wayne County residents have the opportunity to express their opinions about how tax money is spent locally. Taxing districts must advertise their proposed 2025 budgets and conduct public hearings before adopting their budgets. Budget information must be posted on the Department of Local Government finance website. Find budget information for Wayne County, the city of […]