Earlham College’s work to reduce personnel expenses will affect 109 roles, including 47 people who were notified this week that their positions have been eliminated or not renewed. Earlham President Paul Sniegowski shared the update in a message sent to the campus community on Friday, Dec. 19. “After months of meetings and broad consultation, the […]
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.
About 140 teens advancing to BPA state
At least 139 Wayne County students have qualified for Business Professionals of America’s State Leadership Conference next March. Students from Centerville, Lincoln, Northeastern and Richmond competed in the Region 9 Leadership Conference on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Indiana University East. Wayne County has had a strong BPA legacy for many years that includes multiple national […]
67-year-old pedals past expectations
Jim McKinney is living proof that it’s never too late to chase one’s passion. After a 22-year hiatus, the 67-year-old retired music teacher came back around to his: BMX racing. The Richmond rider recently competed in the Race of Champions during the 2025 USA BMX Grands at SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Among the 3,000 […]
AFSCME workers get 3% raises
Union workers in Richmond’s parks, sanitary and street departments will receive 3% non-compounding pay increases the next three years. The raises are part of the new three-year contract between the city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1791. The Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved the contract during […]
Red Devils drop NCC opener at Marion
The Richmond boys basketball team traveled to Marion on Friday, Dec. 12, to renew their decades-old rivalry with the Giants. It was the North Central Conference opener for both schools. The game was close early. It was tied at 9-9 late in the first quarter before the Giants took a 12-10 lead at the end […]
Food, beverage tax approved as parks funding solution
Every meal purchased at a Richmond restaurant soon will help the city’s park system. That’s after Richmond Common Council voted 8-1 during a Dec. 15 special meeting to enact a 1% food and beverage tax. State legislation passed this year permitted the city to enact up to a 1% tax on food and beverage sales […]
Dreams funded in full
Shocked and grateful were words that two Wayne County high school seniors used as they described their reactions to winning full-tuition scholarships. Wayne County Foundation staff surprised Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School’s Abby Lumpkin and Richmond High School’s Priya Hodges on Friday, Dec. 12. They were selected as Wayne County’s two Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, an […]
RHS graduates selected as 2025’s Lingle Scholars
Two Richmond High graduates have been selected as this year’s Paul and Pat Lingle Scholars at Indiana University East. Ramsey Cartee and Evelyn Goss received the scholarship award that will continue through their four-year programs. Recipients of the scholarship are incoming freshmen enrolled in the IU East Honors Programs. Participants must have a GPA of […]
Board OKs RP&L’s $98.6M budget
Richmond Power & Light budgeted expenses of more than $98.6 million for 2026. That’s a 0.4% increase over the 2025 budget. “When we looked at our department-by-department expenses, we tried to do our very best to have a status quo expense budget this year,” said Tony Foster, general manager for RP&L during the Dec. 1 […]
MRL Express revives library’s mobile services
Morrisson-Reeves Library will take its services on tour next year. The Richmond library has acquired the MRL Express, a mobile outreach vehicle. The venture is a return to outreach services to residents within Richmond and 11 Wayne County townships. The MRL Express is a modified Ford F350 with a custom cargo box designed to operate […]
