Purcell remains with RFD until May retirement Jerry Purcell worked Wednesday to help move Richmond Fire Department forward, but for the first time in nine years, he was not the fire chief as he did so. Mayor Dave Snow announced Tuesday night that Purcell was no longer RFD’s chief. “The City of Richmond would like […]
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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Retiring trustee brought ‘conscientious, caring’ approach
Joe, Mindy Smith built social services of Jefferson Township office Joe P. Smith is stepping down as Jefferson Township Trustee on Dec. 31, having served 20 years. Those who’ve worked with him in helping residents of the Hagerstown area say that he’s fulfilled far more than what the role requires. Indiana’s 92 counties are subdivided into 1,005 […]
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New kiosk offers free legal help
User-friendly tool now in county courthouse Wayne County is among the state’s first areas to receive a kiosk offering free legal help. That’s likely because Richmond’s ZIP code is one of the top 10 in the state for evictions, according to Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Superior Court 3 Judge Darrin Dolehanty said when local […]
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RP&L completing steps to contain coal waste
Decades of ‘coal combustion residuals’ leached into groundwater Richmond Power & Light is continuing to clean up and monitor waste from the years when it generated electricity by burning coal, according to a new progress report. Complete containment is expected within this decade. Substances found in the waste have leached into groundwater at the site […]
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Youth Coalition working to reduce substance use
Drug Free Wayne County Partnership (DFWCP) created a high school-based Youth Coalition to prevent drug and alcohol abuse within Wayne County’s youth. So far, three high schools have started their own groups. In 2018, DFWCP was awarded the Drug Free Communities Grant by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The grants support communities to […]
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RPD: Crime down in many categories
Deadly drug fentanyl more common than heroin Although most criminal activity in Richmond seems to be in decline this year compared to 2021, Richmond Police Department is finding some causes for concern. Richmond Police Chief Michael Britt gave a 10-month statistical update to the Common Council on Nov. 21. “There are not a lot of […]
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Tree sale becomes wise fundraiser
Richmond Family YMCA tradition celebrates 75th year Richmond Family YMCA’s Christmas tree lot has continued 75 years, through wars, economic challenges and other circumstances. But there’s a first time for something new to go wrong. Before opening last Friday, unexpected challenges had to be overcome. The first issue: The expected Nov. 19 arrival of 360 […]
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Restored McGuire Hall ready to host more local events
$625,000 work on iconic RHS tower next Known as a concert and drama venue for Richmond High School students in previous decades, the newly renovated McGuire Hall now welcomes more community events. The renovation has been a more than $1 million partnership between Richmond Community Schools and the City of Richmond Redevelopment Commission. A majority of […]
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RP&L measure passes by 37 votes; Zaleski, Mopps, Claypoole win contested school board seats
Wayne County voters returned many familiar faces to government offices, but a few new faces will be in leadership positions for Richmond and Northeastern schools. And, by a 37-vote margin, Richmond Power & Light will opt out of what the utility’s officials called expensive state rate studies. School boards Richmond pharmacist Peter Zaleski and former […]
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IU East researcher, panel to discuss battling misinformation online
As a part of its Media Literacy Week programming, Indiana University East will host a panel discussion on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. in the library at Hayes Hall in Richmond. Dr. Andrea Quenette, Dr. E. Scott Lee and KT Lowe will discuss battling misinformation online, how information and misinformation affect elections, and how the […]