With themes ranging from the 1980s “Pac-Man” video game to dance trends and Greek mythology, Wayne County’s five public high schools rose to the challenge of Indiana State Fair Band Day. Richmond, Centerville and Hagerstown placed in the top 10, while directors for Northeastern and Lincoln also were proud of their students’ hard work on […]
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.
RCS board advances facility projects, policy updates
The Richmond Community Schools board of trustees reviewed proposed facility improvements, policy revisions, and community partnerships during its regular business meeting on Wednesday, July 23. The board authorized bond funding actions for over a dozen infrastructure investments across the district. Among the approved projects are track resurfacing, a tennis court rebuild, applied skills classroom renovations, […]
‘Solar for all’ funding could boost power resilience
A federal initiative to make sure low-income and disadvantaged communities can benefit from access to solar-powered electricity might include Richmond neighborhoods soon, if the government doesn’t reverse course and cancel the program. That’s according to a presentation from the Richmond Environmental Sustainability Commission at Richmond Common Council’s July 21 meeting. Commission member Alison Zajdel brought […]
Achieva Resources builds new softball diamond through generous donations
Wayne County Special Olympics has been blessed with a new softball diamond at Achieva Resources in Richmond, Indiana, as a result of generous donations. U.S. Aggregates generously donated 30 tons of sand to construct the diamond. Equipment operator Chris Johnson was permitted the use of Smarelli Contractors’ skid loader to remove the topsoil from the […]
Firefighter to receive half his OT request
A Richmond Fire Department firefighter will receive overtime payment for half of the hours he spends in a paramedicine course after his grievance was partially supported by the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety. The board voted 3-0 after an hour-and-a-half discussion July 17 to award Michael Stolzfus half of the estimated $15,840 of […]
18 more third graders pass IREAD
Richmond Community Schools has welcomed a new administrator and paused an automatic contract renewal for another, celebrated summer school results, and rejected an athletics facility bid during its July 9 meeting. Principal hire Trent Pipes has been selected as assistant principal at Test Intermediate. He was previously a special education teacher at Vaile Elementary. Summer […]
Schools confront language, math proficiency rates
For another year, state testing results show that students in most Wayne County school districts are struggling with academic performance in English and math, although there were some gains. While many performed close to Indiana’s statewide proficiency percentages, students in most local districts demonstrated well below 50% proficiency in both subjects. Only approximately 16.2% of […]
Garage demolition receives Historic Preservation OK
Renowned architect John Hasecoster designed the Free Classic-style home at 1907 E. Main St. in Richmond late in the 19th century, but the garage currently behind the historic home wasn’t built until after Hasecoster sold the property. Now, that deteriorated garage, which is about 95 years old, will be demolished. Property owner Jack Cruse received […]
Bands compete in Jay County, Muncie shows
Wayne County bands continued testing their skills in weekend competitions leading up to Indiana State Fair Band Day. The weekend contests are Central Indiana Track Show Association events. Portland Hagerstown and Lincoln competed in the Jay County Lions Band Contest in Portland on Friday, July 18. Centerville had planned to compete, but when wet conditions […]
Chanticleer adds Centerville concert venue
Just one year shy of a major milestone, Chanticleer String Quartet is continuing to offer free performances in new and traditional locations. It’s time for the Richmond-based ensemble’s 49th annual Summer Festival, which draws performers from around the country. The quartet and its guest artist, saxophonist Paul Klemperer, will play eight concerts in 12 days […]