When approving the 2026 budget, Richmond Common Council, the city’s fiscal body, implemented a policy giving itself additional oversight of city departments’ spending. That oversight became apparent during council’s Feb. 2 meeting, generating discussion among council members. An appropriation resolution requesting $329,343.65 for infrastructure and development, code enforcement, board of public works and safety, police, […]
Local news and updates from Wayne County, Indiana reportersRichmond
Richmond, Indiana is the county seat of Wayne County and sits in the eastern part of the county near the Ohio state line. Full of rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, the city offers a wide variety of experiences, neighborhoods, events and community opportunities to residents and visitors alike.
There’s always something new happening in Richmond, and the Western Wayne News team is there to cover it. Our reporters bring updates from local government meetings, school boards, sports teams, colleges and universities, small businesses, non-profit organizations, performing arts events and much more. Below you can find the latest news, information, scores and updates.
For a list of upcoming events in Richmond, Indiana, you can also visit our community calendar at WayneCounty.events. It has local arts events in Richmond, family events in Richmond, Indiana, and much more.
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Auditor’s charges dismissed after pretrial diversion
Special Judge Matthew Cox has dismissed two intimidation charges filed in January 2025 against Wayne County Auditor Mark Hoelscher. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office moved to dismiss the misdemeanor counts after Hoelscher successfully completed pretrial diversion. Hoelscher entered pretrial diversion in May. It required him to not commit a criminal offense for 180 days, to […]
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Court order sought to force mobile home park cleanup
The Indiana Department of Health has filed suit requesting a Wayne County judge force a Richmond mobile home park to comply with orders regarding cleanup and licensing. The lawsuit filed Jan. 16 and assigned to Superior Court 1 names Indianapolis-based Mobile Enterprises LLC and Rajpal Bhattal, the domestic limited liability company’s registered agent, as defendants. […]
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Plastics fire lawsuit moves to Henry County
A lawsuit involving more than 100 plaintiffs seeking damages because of the April 2023 plastics fire in Richmond will be heard in Henry County. The plaintiffs sued Cornerstone Trading Group, My-Way Trading, Seth Smith and the city of Richmond, claiming the April 11, 2023, fire on North West F Street caused economic damages, plus physical, […]
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Road closure approved for America’s 250th
Richmond’s Depot District Association received permission to close Elm Place for its America’s 250th Celebration on June 13. During its Jan. 29 meeting, the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved the closure from North Eighth Street to North 10th Street from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. The board also unanimously […]
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Habitat for Humanity renovates a home
Good News Habitat for Humanity has pivoted in recent years to renovate existing homes that need some tender loving care instead of building anew. The organization restored one Richmond home, 523 S. 11th St. in 2025, and a young family now lives there. That property happens to be near Habitat’s office at 1114 S. F […]
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Student explores political service
Nathan Hogg’s passion for public service has connected him with a variety of community building efforts in Wayne County. In 2026 it’s taking him beyond local borders to an internship with the Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. The IU East junior and Richmond native started his role on Jan. 5. An […]
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Projects prepare for funding possibilities
Wayne County stands ready when an opportunity to grow or improve quality of life presents itself after development of a 32-project Countywide Strategic Investment Plan. Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, Economy, East Germantown, Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton, Richmond and Wayne County proactively prepared their wants and needs for the next seven years to capitalize […]
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Fireworks will blast off during Meltdown event
Fireworks are ready to launch for the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival. During its Jan. 22 meeting, Richmond’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved the 13th annual festival’s request to shoot fireworks between 6:30 and 10 p.m. Jan. 31 during the Meltdown Throwdown ice carving competition. The fireworks will be shot from the parking lot […]
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Council grants Primex Plastics Corp. 3-year tax abatement
Primex Plastics Corp. received a three-year tax abatement during Richmond Common Council’s Jan. 20 meeting. Council unanimously approved the personal-property abatement for an $8 million investment in equipment for its Industrial Parkway production facility that will create six additional jobs. The abatements will be 100% the first year, 50% the second year and 30% the […]