Larry Parker thinks the Smith Hill housing project’s developers misled Richmond Common Council, and he’s not inclined to provide them with more than $7.5 million in infrastructure funding. An ordinance authorizing a $7,560,000 forgivable loan was presented to council during its Aug. 17 meeting, and Parker renewed his objections that the project includes rental units. […]
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.
For a list of upcoming events in Richmond, Indiana, you can also visit our community calendar at WayneCounty.events. It has local arts events in Richmond, family events in Richmond, Indiana, and much more.
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RP&L rates go up Oct 1
Beginning Oct. 1, Richmond Power & Light customers will pay more per kilowatt-hour for their electric usage. Richmond Common Council approved during its Aug. 17 meeting a new RP&L rate schedule that will increase residential rates 11.0% through 2029. Council members had previously approved the schedule when voting as the RP&L board. The Oct. 1 […]
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Y’s plan: Explore old hospital site
Imagine driving down Chester Boulevard and seeing children playing football, soccer, softball and baseball in the abandoned lot where Reid Hospital once stood. Nearly two decades after the hospital left its 1401 Chester Blvd. location, that vision could replace the sight of overgrown weeds and environmental mitigation work. Richmond Family YMCA has expressed interest in […]
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RHS games for top prize in T-Mobile competition
The Red Devils have etched a victory before the football season begins. The Richmond High School football team coveted a $5,000 prize through T-Mobile’s Friday Nights 5G Lights contest. The weekly competition scored them the cash, a feature on T-Mobile’s $5K Fridays Facebook page and an on-field check presentation at an upcoming home game. “Our […]
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County honors departing 4-H members
Wayne County 4-H is saying goodbye this summer to more than three dozen 10-year or last-year members heading to work or advanced education for careers including agriculture, health, welding and cosmetology. Memorable moments for the students included late nights working on projects and seeing their progress, winning ribbons, qualifying for Indiana State Fair, serving as […]
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Smith Hill proposes 265 units by 2044
The Smith Hill planned unit development will include 167 single-family homes and 98 townhomes, with the completed development expected about in 2044, according to a detailed development plan submitted to Richmond’s planning department. Smith Hill submitted a drainage plan and traffic study for one of two upcoming steps necessary for the development to proceed. The […]
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RPD to provide RCS 3 school resource officers
Richmond Police Department will provide Richmond Community Schools one fewer school resource officer this school year. During its Aug. 6 meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved a memorandum of understanding for the 2026-27 school year. Major Austin Lipps highlighted that the MOU provides three officers for $300,000 rather than the four […]
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Sun helps customers meet needs
Sunny days help 24 Richmond Power & Light customers generate their own electricity. Seventeen customers operate solar systems that generate less than 10 kilowatts, while seven more operate larger systems. RP&L General Manager Tony Foster provided the utility’s board, which is composed of Richmond Common Council members, with a solar update during an Aug. 3 […]
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PHOTOS: Starr students start the new school year
Starr Elementary School had its first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Richmond. Students enjoyed breakfast, learned where to hang their backpacks, colored pictures, organized school supplies and got accustomed to their new classrooms. Joshua Smith captured these photos for the Western Wayne News.
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Mayor to decide between police, fire study
Mayor Ron Oler will decide whether the city’s police or fire department undergoes an efficiency study this year. After debating which department should be scrutinized first, Richmond Common Council had delayed action on an ordinance appropriating $62,000 from the local income tax fund to pay consultant Baker Tilly for the efficiency study. The other department’s […]