School leaders say additional targeted efforts to help Wayne County kids learn to read by third grade are paying off, as about 90% passed a state test checking their progress. Four of the county’s five public districts and two of its private schools surpassed the state average of 87.3% on the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation […]
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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RCS approves 35 administrator contracts
Richmond Community Schools’ board approved current administrators’ contracts, heard from Richmond Art Museum supporters, and tabled some policy updates at its Aug. 13 meeting. Administration Board members initially tabled but then approved administrators’ contracts near the meeting’s end after getting questions answered. The approvals typically occur after July 1 each year. At a recent meeting, […]
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Industrial park growth fuels proposed sewer rate hikes
In 2029, Richmond Sanitary District’s residential customers could pay sewer rates nearly 23% higher than today’s, costing a 4,000-gallon-a-month user about $150 extra for the year. Pat Smoker, the sanitary district’s supervisor, presented Richmond Common Council during its Aug. 4 meeting with an ordinance that would raise sewer rates and the storm water rate. Council […]
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Safety training ‘crucial’ for RP&L
Richmond Power & Light’s workforce is younger and less experienced following recent retirements, making safety training “crucial,” according to General Manager Tony Foster. Foster highlighted the utility’s safety training efforts during the RP&L board’s Aug. 4 meeting. RP&L has adopted the American Public Power Association’s safety manual as its safety guide, and as a member […]
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City accepts dismissal of RPD major’s lawsuit
The city of Richmond is not pursuing further legal action after a special judge dismissed Richmond Police Department Major Adam Blanton’s lawsuit against Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman. Mayor Ron Oler issued a news release Aug. 7 standing behind the lawsuit Blanton filed, which the city then joined, after Shipman placed Blanton on the county’s […]
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Library might need to leave downtown
Citing failing essential systems, Morrisson-Reeves Library officials say they could be forced to find another permanent location if Wayne County officials don’t allow the library to pursue more than $18 million in bonds for a renovation. MRL Director Dena Little and board members issued an Aug. 7 letter to the community noting a “pivotal moment” […]
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RHS shows great improvement, places 2nd
Richmond head coach Kyle Ingram said after the Richmond Invitational on Monday, that he was looking for steady improvement. He found what he was looking for the next day. The Richmond golf team traveled to the Liberty Country Club on Tuesday, Aug. 5, to join the field in the Union County Invitational. The Lady Red […]
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Red Devils win invite to open season
Six golf teams traveled to Richmond on Monday, Aug. 4, to kick off the fall sports season by participating in the Richmond Golf Invitational played at the Elks Country Club. East Central junior Rowan Pies, who finished in a tie for seventh place in last year’s state finals, fired a three-under-par 67 to capture medalist […]
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Teen takes 3rd in state civics bee
Wayne County’s three civics bee finalists all finished in the state competition’s top six. Those three students, Taytem Rivera, Hadley Nutty and Bella Mitchell, were among the 11 finalists from across Indiana competing to represent Hoosiers in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee. The state finals took place Wednesday, July 30, at […]
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$257K helps airport terminal updates take off
The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $257,165 grant to support updates to the Richmond Municipal Airport’s terminal. The funding will cover architectural and engineering design, site preparation, and environmental assessments. City officials said in a statement that the work will lay the foundation for a modernized facility aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and passenger […]