Local news and updates from Wayne County, Indiana reportersRichmond

Richmond has returned to the top 10 of most affordable U.S. urban areas that participate in a quarterly survey, according to the third quarter Cost of Living Index. Richmond finished ninth after previously ranking 13th in the quarterly Council for Community and Economic Research analysis. Richmond consistently ranks in the top 15 least expensive micropolitans. […]

Richmond’s First Presbyterian Church received capital and planning grants as part of Sacred Places Indiana’s support of historic houses of worship. A total of $2.5 million was dispersed to 16 congregations. The church at 100 N. 10th St. was awarded $84,000 and $10,000, respectively, to support a full roof replacement. This work safeguards the 1886 […]

The cost of new fire engines has increased rapidly, making each purchase at least a million-dollar endeavor. With a couple of years before another new engine is needed, Richmond Fire Department Chief Jeff Kinder approached Richmond Common Council with an ordinance that would create a nonreverting fund where RFD could save money for future engine […]

Richmond Power & Light will begin in earnest brightening Richmond streets and neighborhoods next year, the utility’s 125th anniversary. The 2027 budget General Manager Tony Foster presented to the RP&L board during a special Nov. 4 meeting includes $500,000 to convert streetlights to LED. The money switches to the streetlights now that RP&L nears completion […]

Residents have several opportunities to give or receive Thanksgiving meals or food for local pantries. Food drive The “Pack the Pantry” food drive is taking place 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Walmart, 3601 E. Main St., Richmond. Volunteers from Richmond’s Community Food Pantry and Brewer Broadcasting radio stations will be outside the entrance, […]

After more than a year’s delay, Richmond Common Council members will decide Nov. 16 whether residents see four years of sewer and storm water rate increases. Council tabled on Sept. 2, 2025, the ordinance proposing the hikes to fund sewer expansion for the Midwest Industrial Park; however, Pat Smoker, director of Richmond Sanitary District, brought […]

Richmond will accept bids for two city-owned parcels in the south-side Irish Hills subdivision. During its Oct. 29 meeting, the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety authorized a Dec. 4 deadline to receive bids to purchase both parcels together or each individually. Both properties are vacant. According to county property records, the value of […]

Richmond continues trying to convince a federal judge the city is immune from liability claims following an April 2023 plastics fire. The city’s attorneys requested Judge Tanya Walton Pratt rule it immune after a jury found the city 40% liable during a five-day September trial in the U.S. District Court for Southern Indiana. Pratt, however, […]