An 8-1 vote on Monday put Richmond one step closer to enacting a new food and beverage tax. Richmond Common Council passed a resolution Nov. 17 supporting a city food and beverage tax. If adopted the tax would provide a new funding source for city parks, trails and Whitewater Gorge activation. Council will likely consider […]
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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Wood carving revealed Nov. 4 in Old Richmond
It’s rare to see a grand piano or historic staircase carved into a tree, but a nationally recognized master woodcarver has done just that. Dayle Lewis’ new public art was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the corner of South Third and B streets near downtown Richmond. Leaders of the 4th Street Foundation say the Richmond […]
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Mayor Oler: ‘We’re working the comprehensive plan’ goals
Richmond Mayor Ron Oler thinks some cities put their comprehensive plans on a shelf after developing them, and doesn’t intend to let that happen here. “We’re working the comprehensive plan; that’s the best part,” Oler said Oct. 29 after the Richmond Advisory Plan Commission voted 7-0 to recommend Richmond Common Council approve the update of […]
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Students add flair to the snow fleet
Some Richmond and Wayne County snow plows will look different when you see them plowing roads this winter. You might see one telling you to “Think Spring,” with a vibrant sun. Or, one with a viper. Or, one with snowmen. A project allowed schoolchildren from Richmond Community Schools, Centerville-Abington schools and Western Wayne schools to […]
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School receives state’s Blue Ribbon
Richmond Community Schools’ Charles Elementary School has been selected as a 2025 Indiana Blue Ribbon School. According to an RCS news release, the designation celebrates schools that demonstrate exemplary academic performance and employ innovative approaches to meet all learners’ diverse needs. Charles earned this recognition for fostering an environment where excellence is both expected and […]
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Finalists chosen for full-tuition scholarship
Six seniors from Lincoln, Hagerstown and Richmond high schools were selected as Wayne County’s finalists for two full-tuition Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. And, another Hagerstown student is competing for Henry County’s Lilly scholarship. Wayne County’s finalists are: The finalists were chosen from 62 applicants. Wayne County Foundation’s selection committee independently scored the applications in a […]
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Library searches for best path forward
Annelise DeLucio thinks a safer, reimagined Morrisson-Reeves Library is worth paying additional property taxes. She told more than 75 people attending an Oct. 28 informational meeting in the Reid Center that she doesn’t mind paying taxes when the money is used appropriately, such as for MRL’s estimated $23,815,000 project that led the library to request […]
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City cuts 21 employees to make budget work
A 2026 city budget Richmond Mayor Ron Oler called “realistic” and “workable” before it was passed by Common Council will cost the city 21 employees. The impacted employees — a 5% reduction in workforce — were notified Friday, Oct. 31, Oler said during a news conference, and will remain with the city through Dec. 31. […]
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Richmond requests state roads funding
Richmond will apply for more than a half-million dollars from the state’s Community Crossings program to pave 12 road segments next year. Richmond Common Council approved 8-0 during its Oct. 20 meeting an ordinance permitting submission to the Indiana Department of Transportation of a grant application for $584,446.50. The city would need to match those […]
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RHS grad leading Civic Hall arts center
Already serving as Richmond High School’s Devilettes director, Civic Hall Performing Arts Center’s new manager is settling into her added responsibilities. In a news release, Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Curtis Wright said 2003 RHS graduate Kimberly “Kim” Shipley is an ideal fit for the role she began in late September. He noted Shipley’s passion for […]