Cheers and chirps could be heard throughout Wayne County as residents, visitors and wildlife marveled at the rare total solar eclipse Monday afternoon. About 200 eclipse chasers from California to Maine spread out comfortably in the grass and on benches at Cope Environmental Center in Centerville. They cheered before and after the nearly 4 minutes […]
Local news and updates from Wayne County, Indiana reportersCenterville
Centerville, Indiana is a town in Center Township, Wayne County that describes itself as “an American town in the heart of the midwest.” Famous for its antique shopping and as home of the annual Archway Days festival, Centerville is fun to visit, beautiful to live in and easy to get to from US 40 or via interstate 70.
The Western Wayne News covers updates from Centerville’s Town Council as well as Centerville-Abington Community Schools and their sports teams. Read below for the latest articles, meeting coverage, government activities and education news by our local reporting team.
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For now, Centerville willing to share its building commissioner
Centerville’s council discussed personnel updates involving the building commissioner and fire department, plus some needed repairs at its March 26 work session. Building commissioner Kevin Branson, Centerville’s building commissioner, has resigned to take another position. Town manager Kevin Slick has hired Terry Ford to start in April to replace Branson. Ford was Centerville’s building commissioner […]
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Abington Township board removes fire chief
The Abington Township board removed James Ausmus as the township fire department’s chief with a 2-1 vote March 26. Township Trustee Steven Kaiser said that during a meeting with an attorney, a determination was made that Ausmus breached his contract with the township and misused funds when distributing stipends to department officers during January. Ausmus […]
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Eclipse notebook: Model T Museum offering perks, indoor theater
Known for welcoming visitors from all around the nation and world, the Model T Museum in Richmond is planning a community celebration and tailgate gathering from noon-4 p.m. Monday, April 8. Autos of all ages are welcome for the “Sun, Moon & Cars: Total Solar Eclipse” Tailgate. The museum at 309 N. Eighth St. will […]
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Centerville schools increase food service wages
Centerville-Abington Community Schools is gearing up for the solar eclipse and has raised wages for food service staff. Wages After examining wages for food service employees with 10 other area school districts that don’t contract out that service, CACS realized pay is on the lower end of the scale. Workers will receive a 4% increase, […]
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Centerville’s water bills going up
No one spoke against or for Centerville’s plan to increase customers’ water bills over three phases. Just before its regular March 12 meeting, council conducted a public hearing to discuss the potential increase that will help pay for replacement of lead service line remediation, distribution improvements and water tower rehabilitation. Later in the meeting, council […]
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2 local schools earn wins at academic meet
Academic teams from Wayne and Henry counties are among those earning top finishes at the Eastern Indiana Academic League Invitational. Seventeen schools’ teams competed Feb. 26 in subjects including science, fine arts, social studies, math and English during the conference meet. Area competitors were Centerville, Connersville, Lincoln, Northeastern, Randolph Southern, Richmond, Tri and Union (Modoc). […]
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Centerville chooses new fire chief
A third-generation firefighter has been chosen as Centerville’s new fire chief. At its March 12 meeting, Centerville Town Council unanimously approved Andy Aughe as Centerville Fire/Rescue’s next leader. Councilor Gary Holbert said those reviewing the applications had “an extraordinarily talented group of people with credentials that’s unbelievable” to consider. Aughe (pronounced “oy”), has been part […]
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Centerville completing required state testing
It’s a busy season of mandated statewide testing at Centerville-Abington Community Schools, administrators told the district’s school board at its March 6 meeting. Second and third graders completed IREAD-3 tests last week to check basic reading skills and comprehension. Statewide, nearly 82% of public and private school students passed IREAD-3 in 2023. Indiana lawmakers just […]
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Blood donors come together to remember Cambridge City baby
The 12th annual Cooper Newton Memorial Blood Drive continued a family tradition of honoring each “heavenly birthday” of their son. Cooper received multiple blood transfusions before dying at 7 months from a genetic disorder. His parents, Clint and Beth Newton of Cambridge City, sponsored the first drive in 2013 to cherish his memory and to […]