As soon as word spread that the massive plume of black smoke billowing over Richmond on Tuesday, April 11, was from burning plastics, many began to wonder about the health impacts on the community’s air, water and soil. Top of mind might have been the February train derailment just 300 miles away in East Palestine, […]
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.
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Momentum builds for rail operator project
A company interested in building a new rail-served transloading, processing and warehousing facility is receiving logistical help from Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County. A $1 million community rail incentive had been offered in 2016 as part of Blue Buffalo’s plans to build a pet food manufacturing facility at Midwest Industrial Park. However, momentum slowed […]
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Fire fatigue: Evacuation order remains as officials work to assess health impact
At an afternoon press conference on Thursday, state and city officials said that while progress is being made, they are not ready to allow evacuated residents back into homes surrounding the site of Tuesday’s fire. An order to shelter in place remains active as shifting wind directions and smoke patterns mean that even more of […]
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City employees’ credit union merges into Ohio institution
After about 3 ½ months of uncertainty, Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union’s members learned they’ll be served by a much larger peer in southwestern Ohio, and will be connected with thousands of similar institutions. RCEFCU’s merger with Kemba Credit Union took effect April 1. Kemba stands for Kroger Employees Mutual Benefit Association. The RCEFCU […]
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Black horsemen will be remembered at dance
A nearly forgotten part of Richmond sports history will be remembered at an event on Saturday, April 22. A benefit for the Townsend Community Center Inc., the Black and White Ball will recognize three men who were part of a group that owned racehorses from the 1960s until about 1980. “It was difficult for a […]
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RP&L approves minor rate relief
Richmond Power & Light residential customers will benefit from a dip in an electric rate this quarter. The savings are estimated to be about five cents for customers consuming 1,000 kilowatt hours during a month. RP&L’s board April 3 unanimously approved a decrease in the utility’s Energy Cost Adjustment rate. The ECA is in addition […]
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Richmond fire response continues as officials blame ‘negligent’ property owner
READ THE LATEST: Fire fatigue: Evacuation order remains as officials work to assess health impact 6:24 PM: Mayor announces press conference Mayor Dave Snow posted on Twitter that the fire is still active, that environmental hazard assessment is still happening, and that a press conference is planned for Thursday at 2 p.m. 5:40 PM: Red […]
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Richmond fire contained, water issues ‘frustrating’
READ THE LATEST: Fire fatigue: Evacuation order remains as officials work to assess health impact For Wednesday April 12 updates, read continuing coverage: Richmond fire response continues as officials blame ‘negligent’ property owner 9:00 PM: Mayor Snow says the evacuation order is expected to stay in place through tonight as the city waits for results […]
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Richmond council considers changes for tax abatements
An ordinance presented to Richmond Common Council during its April 3 meeting would change requirements and the award process for companies requesting city tax abatements, which are intended to incentivize economic development activity. Two immediate changes are raising the minimum investment by new businesses or expanding businesses to $500,000 from $250,000 and limiting personal property […]
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City water bills could rise 32%
Indiana American Water’s customers in Richmond could see their bills increase gradually to $14 more per month if a proposed rate increase is approved. IAW has filed a rate adjustment request with Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, noting $875 million in water and wastewater system investments to be made through 2025. If the proposed rates are […]