Radio communication problems have plagued Wayne County first responders for decades. That’s why fixing those problems became a Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program priority. With American Rescue Plan Act dollars available, county officials hope to finally fix areas with poor reception for emergency radios. Ritter Strategic Strategies, a consulting firm owned by Wayne County Council member […]
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Officials prioritize smoking cessation, student health
Indiana’s top health official recently visited Wayne County as the state begins its Health First Indiana program. Dr. Lindsay Weaver, the state’s health commissioner, and members of her team met with local health and elected officials Jan. 12. Becca Alliston, the clinical director for the Wayne County Health Department, updated the county’s Board of Health […]
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BearCat creates council controversy
An armored vehicle created the most controversy among Wayne County Council members when they considered possible expenditures of American Rescue Plan Act dollars. During the Jan. 17 workshop, the county’s commissioners presented council members with recommendations for some of the county’s remaining $4.3 million in uncommitted ARPA funds. Commissioners had reached a consensus about the […]
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See Meltdown sculptures before they melt
Professional ice carvers from around the country have begun arriving in Wayne County and are ready to get out their chisels and chain saws. Between now and Saturday, the 11th annual Meltdown Winter Ice Festival will offer indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Many of the events are free for the public, and most […]
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Most county schools’ grad rates exceed 90%
Most Wayne County schools leaders are expressing pride about their Class of 2023 graduation rates. However, some frustration simmers among some board members and administrators about how those rates can be affected by factors outside schools’ control. According to Indiana Department of Education data, nearly every Wayne County high school showed a graduation rate of […]
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County dog deal’s done
Wayne County’s animal control officer will now take stray and confiscated dogs to the HELP the Animals shelter. The three county commissioners unanimously approved a contract Jan. 17 with HELP to pay $200 per dog housed with the West Main Street shelter. The HELP board had previously signed off on the agreement. Commissioners will approach […]
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Forum participants: Prioritizing diversity benefits whole community
More than 100 residents gathered for an hour to hear why several students, parents and educators believe that Richmond Community Schools needs to adopt an equity policy. The Rev. Michael Jefferson, pastor of Richmond’s Bethel AME Church and a former teacher, served as moderator for a Jan. 16 community forum organized by Richmond Education Association’s […]
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3 GOP candidates running for Superior 1 judge
Those who want a part-time or a full-time public service role — such as helping their county spend tax money or leading a trial — have several opportunities to consider in the 2024 election. Primary opportunities Although November’s election seems far away, those who want to run as Republicans or Democrats need to make up […]
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Centerville considers purchases
Citing the potential benefits of license plate readers after recent incidents, Centerville Police Department received town council’s support to purchase one and will seek additional Wayne County’s help to buy another. Police Chief Ed Buchholz said security cameras around town have gathered evidence for everything from homicide trials to porch swing thefts. Buchholz heard about […]
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Western Wayne schools flush with cash
Having been awarded $2.8 million in grant funding during 2023, Western Wayne School Corporation is financially more healthy than it has been for several years, according to Superintendent Andy Stover. Cash balances at the end of 2023 included $954,633 in education, $572,846 in operations, $176,054 in debt service and $1,539,908 in the emergency and rainy […]