Local news and updates from Wayne County, Indiana reportersRichmond

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Driver in crash that killed her son faces Level 4, Level 5 felonies Christine Stinson was shattered June 17. Stinson’s son, Joseph “Evan” Dely, 31, died that day when his Jeep Wrangler was struck from behind while traveling Interstate 465 on Indianapolis’ southeast side toward the airport. He was catching a flight for a camping and hiking trip […]