A former Hagerstown teacher and coach was acquitted last week of a sexual misconduct with a minor charge. William T. Drake, 73, was charged in July 2019 with the Level 5 felony count. A conviction would have carried a sentencing range of one to six years. His trial began Sept. 23 in Wayne County Superior […]
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RCS delaying school Monday, planning low-tech lessons
Richmond Community Schools’ student and staff information was breached in an online attack, and instruction will be delayed two hours on Monday as employees work on tech issues and prepare low-tech lessons. The RCS network was targeted on Friday, Sept. 27, and information housed in a tool it uses, PowerSchool, was breached. Bridget Hazelbaker, director […]
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PHOTOS: Homecoming happiness
All six county schools crowned their Homecoming royalty for 2024 in September. Learn more about the celebrations and view photos below. Centerville Centerville’s Senior Homecoming Court included Makenna Hartman, Timmy Wright, Paytyn Elsrod, Jacob Vredeveld, Michelle Martin, Jack Sewell, Queen Olivia Van Winkle and King Aiden Hoelscher. The queen and king were crowned during the […]
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Contractors chosen to complete fairgrounds projects
Upgrades continue at the Wayne County Fairgrounds to entice more rentals for the facilities. During their Sept. 18 meeting, Wayne County’s commissioners awarded bids to two contractors for First Bank Kuhlman Center projects. RoofLynx of Charlestown bid $75,000 to replace the roof, and Whisenhunt Construction of Richmond bid $97,500 to update the ceiling and lighting […]
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Who will replace election workers?
Dixie and Rick Armstrong have seen plenty of elections come and go while working the polls in Wayne County. While they’re confident in the integrity of the process, they worry about where the next generation of election workers will come from. Dixie Armstrong has been an election inspector at Wayne County voting sites for about […]
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Council continues deep dive into 2025 budget
Richmond Common Council’s finance committee continues to analyze the city’s 2025 budget. During council’s Sept. 16 meeting, Justin Burkhardt, the finance committee chair, requested council delay discussion and action on the budget and five salary ordinances. He said the committee “would like to iron out some more details with the administration.” Council conducted the budget […]
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Youth group fetes RCS principal
Rae Ferriell-Woolpy, who has worked in local education for 51 years, is being saluted for inspiring youth. Tickets are still on sale for Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County’s Smart Futures Dinner, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, at Wayne County Fairgrounds’ First Bank Expo Center. Former Indiana Fever player and WNBA champion […]
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RCS board prioritizes school building projects
After taking a tour, Richmond Community Schools’ board members support an approximately $7.3 million full building upgrade soon for Dennis Middle School and installing new tennis courts near McBride Stadium. Another potential addition could be a practice facility with an inflatable dome. However, they’re going to hope that the heating/cooling system at Baxter Elementary School, […]
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Service years will pay for county employees
Longtime Wayne County government employees will likely receive an extra reward for their service next year. Wayne County Council, during a Sept. 18 discussion, agreed to provide stipends for employees serving at least five years as of Oct. 1, 2025. The plan that would cost about $230,000 begins with a $400 stipend for five years […]
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Longtime ER doctor becomes county’s new health officer
A former Reid Health chief of staff and top award winner is Wayne County’s new health officer. Dr. Jennifer Bales was approved 3-0 by Wayne County’s commissioners during their Sept. 18 meeting, a day after the county’s Board of Health unanimously approved recommending her appointment. Bales, a Richmond resident, has been a Reid emergency room […]