Local news and updates from Wayne County, Indiana reportersRichmond

Commissioners also review requests for opioid settlement funding Wayne County Fairgrounds rentals are beginning to rebound after slipping sharply because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That trend must continue for the fairground’s finances to become self-sustaining, which is the ultimate goal. The fairgrounds drew $136,000 in rental income during 2017; however, it brought in just $89,000 […]

Count volunteers have a good day, finding many of the largely unseen among us Among the people without homes who came into a Richmond church for lunch last Wednesday is one who says he needs an official identification card to get a job. But to get an ID, he needs a birth certificate from his […]

About 75 attend public meeting to provide input, hear plans Nothing distinguishes Richmond’s U.S. 40 exit from others found on Interstate 70. Motorists pass under the blue arch and sweep through a right-hand curve, then there’s two plain exit ramps. One leads back into Ohio, and the other funnels traffic to National Road East businesses […]

Board OKs new courses; Test planning 100th anniversary Richmond High School reopened Monday, Jan. 30 for instruction after a 90,000-gallon water leak during winter break led to extensive repairs. Glen Slifer, who oversees the district’s facilities, told the school board at its Jan. 25 meeting that the restoration was going well. He noted new flooring […]

Discussion covered ‘furries,’ gender, economic, health issues Residents brought their questions and concerns to Friday’s legislative forum with Wayne County’s state lawmakers. Topics during the event at Indiana University East included “furries,” student safety, economic development tactics, historic preservation and the environment. State Rep. Brad Barrett and State Sen. Jeff Raatz briefly described some challenges […]

Annual dinner celebrates all pieces working together Drawing on a story from an old photo and events of the past year, the new Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce board chair said the county is “at its best when all the pieces are connected, working in relationship with one another, and focused on a common […]

Director hopes for monthly RV visits in 4 county towns The Wayne County Health Department is a half-hour or longer drive away for some county residents, creating challenges for those wanting to use services the department provides. Christine Stinson, the department’s executive director, would like to take services to those residents. Stinson outlined five departmental […]

10th annual event keeps evolving The 10th Meltdown Winter Ice Festival has exceeded local expectations, and even landed on a national list of the best winter festivals. Volunteers initially understood that their commitment in 2014 — providing the community a reason to get out of their homes in January — would be short-lived. However, enthusiasm […]