After leading applause for a group of high school students who stood and recited an original poem, a Broadway star spoke about how thoughts become dreams which, in turn, become things. Nine student members of Wayne County Writers recited a poem they had written as a group after reading and discussing the 1963 “I Have […]
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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2 school districts provide water damage updates
Rose Hamilton Elementary and Richmond High School are both recovering from water damage caused by burst pipes over winter break. Richmond Community Schools officials initially said RHS students would return to in-person instruction after a week of repairs, but additional moisture testing revealed that the school needed more time to dry out. Students will continue […]
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10th Meltdown ice festival begins Jan. 24
A warmhearted committee of volunteers started an event in 2014 to help crack Wayne County’s winter doldrums. That event, the Meltdown Winter Ice Festival, has continued to grow and offer new activities for all ages while keeping general admission free. It’s now time for the festival to return next week for its 10th year. Activities […]
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John’s Custom Framing closing after nearly 60 years
Retiring couple says “it’s been a good life downtown” John Gephart is finishing his final projects in the next few weeks after nearly 60 years of custom framing treasured items, and selling wall décor and arts and craft supplies. Gephart’s store in downtown Richmond, John’s Custom Framing, is closing no later than the end of […]
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Snarls before smiles: Construction inconveniences will lead to wider I-70
State’s Revive I-70 project to begin during late 2024 in Wayne County The Indiana Department of Transportation envisions six lanes of free-flowing Interstate 70 traffic between the Ohio state line and Indianapolis. That vision, called Revive I-70, is still years away, but Wayne County construction should begin in late 2024. Starting at the state line, […]
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Speaker: Good news can overcome prejudice
Pastor says Martin Luther King Jr. shared spirit of a disciple The Christian Bible’s story of the apostles Philip and Nathaneal is a lesson about overcoming prejudice born of ignorance, according to the speaker at a Sunday service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his remarks, the Rev. Martel Winburn Sr. said Dr. King […]
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Preservation Commission to decide fate of 4 old houses in Depot District
Demolition would clear way for 26,000-square-foot new building Bob Johnson will return to Richmond’s Historic Preservation Commission with updated drawings of a new, three-story mixed-use building. When he does, likely during the Feb. 13 meeting, commission members must choose between that new building and four vacant houses in varying states of neglect and disrepair. Johnson […]
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Challenges filed against 4 of 6 mayor hopefuls
2 announce plans to run as independent Six candidates have filed paperwork so far to become Richmond’s mayor, but four of those candidates are being challenged. Wayne County Republican Party Chair Gary Saunders has filed a challenge regarding the ability of David Carpenter, David Flannery, Kevin Fox and Shawn O’Conner to run for mayor as […]
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Group moves toward establishing warming centers
Goal is to have something for this year, then plan for future needs A new plan for warming shelters and a program for operating them may be in place by the end of January. Almost 50 people in a Jan. 3 meeting agreed to have a plan in place for warming centers for homeless people and others […]
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RHS flooding damage ‘quite massive’
Students watching live instruction online during repairs After “extensive” damage from flooding at Richmond High School during its winter recess, teachers are leading live classes online this week for the first time ever while repairs are completed. Richmond Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright said community members and district employees are collaborating well to serve […]