Author Doug Sanders was the special guest at Hagerstown’s Aug. 3 council meeting. Sanders’ new book, “Ralph R. Teetor: The Man Who Knows How Fast You Drive,” retells Hagerstown’s industrious history through Teetor’s lens, the blind innovator who invented vehicle cruise control. The book chronicles Teetor’s life and career, including his work with Perfect Circle/Dana […]
Local news and updates from Wayne County, Indiana reportersHagerstown
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Hagerstown library requests $230K bond
A new roof covers the Hagerstown Public Library, but the library’s budget can’t cover loan payments incurred for the roof and other projects. Jennifer Taylor, the library’s current director, appeared Aug. 5 before Wayne County Council to request that council approve a bond to pay off the library’s debt. Taylor said that the previous director […]
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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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Wayne County U17 AAU team wins Grand Slam World Series
Venom Elite, a 17-and-under AAU baseball team based in Richmond and coached by Josh Fern, recently traveled to Panama City, Florida, to participate in the Silver Division of the Grand Slam World Series. The team battled through seven games, compiling a 5-2 record, and went on to claim the title on Saturday, July 25. Aiden […]
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Nettle Creek pantry receives donation
A new grantee was included in United Way of Whitewater Valley’s 2026-27 grant cycle. Nettle Creek Community Coalition received $15,000 for a new community van. The vehicle purchase will assist the organization in its efforts to combat food insecurity in nearby communities of rural western Wayne County. Located at 47 E. Main St., Hagerstown, the […]
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Band Day blends cartoon, classical tunes
Students from Wayne County’s five public high schools are preparing a wide range of music and intricate steps for Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday, Aug. 7. Information about how to watch or listen to Band Day performances can be found on Page 25. Western Wayne News will publish contest coverage in its Aug. […]
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A mummified Tiger
Hagerstown High School 2025 graduate Kaagen Kendall, currently a left-handed pitcher at Vincennes University, made his debut with the Flying Mummies with a 2.2 inning relief appearance in an 8-4 road win over the Rockford Rivets on Thursday, July 2. Kendall pitched two innings in relief in a 9-5 home win over the Madison Mallards […]
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Cool intent: Nettle Creek Players moves indoors for musical revue
Nettle Creek Players will offer its first professional show in more than two years in Hagerstown, and audiences will be treated to air conditioning and indoor seating along with Broadway hits. NCP will offer what organizers call a charming musical revue with familiar tunes by the late Stephen Sondheim that a narrator will tie together. […]
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Fireworks and Sondheim slated for Jubilee Days
Hagerstown enters the last month of summer with its annual Jubilee Days. The two-day celebration brings a variety of activities for all ages, including a tractor-filled parade, highlighting its 75th year. New festive additions are performances by the Nettle Creek Players and an evening of fireworks, sponsored by the American Legion Post 333. Friday, July […]