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.
Posted inNews

Richmond fire response continues as officials blame ‘negligent’ property owner

Avatar photoAvatar photoAvatar photo by Chris Hardie, Mike Emery and Millie Martin Emery

READ THE LATEST: Fire fatigue: Evacuation order remains as officials work to assess health impact 6:24 PM: Mayor announces press conference Mayor Dave Snow posted on Twitter that the fire is still active, that environmental hazard assessment is still happening, and that a press conference is planned for Thursday at 2 p.m. 5:40 PM: Red […]

Posted inNews

Richmond council considers changes for tax abatements

Avatar photo by Mike Emery

An ordinance presented to Richmond Common Council during its April 3 meeting would change requirements and the award process for companies requesting city tax abatements, which are intended to incentivize economic development activity. Two immediate changes are raising the minimum investment by new businesses or expanding businesses to $500,000 from $250,000 and limiting personal property […]

Posted inNews

City water bills could rise 32%

Avatar photo by Millie Martin Emery

Indiana American Water’s customers in Richmond could see their bills increase gradually to $14 more per month if a proposed rate increase is approved. IAW has filed a rate adjustment request with Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, noting $875 million in water and wastewater system investments to be made through 2025. If the proposed rates are […]

Posted inNews

Color images emerge from explosion witness

Avatar photo by Millie Martin Emery

Fifty-five years later, the painful images of Richmond’s downtown explosions are still vivid for survivors as well as those who lost loved ones on that deadly Saturday afternoon. Through extensive images, legendary Richmond photographer Ralph Pyle and local journalists documented the horrible day of April 6, 1968, and its aftermath. Nearly all those moments captured […]

Posted inNews

Bids due for county projects

Avatar photo by Mike Emery

Progress continues through a list of major Wayne County projects. Bids are due April 5 for a replacement generator at the Wayne County Administration Building, and bids for a new HVAC system at First Bank Expo Hall will be due May 3, said Steve Higinbotham, the county’s director of facilities and development, during a short […]

Posted inNews

Baby box, small theater among grant recipients

Avatar photo by WWN Staff

Twenty local organizations are receiving support for needs ranging from a Safe Haven Baby Box to scholarships for summer camp. Wayne County Foundation’s board has approved an allocation of $170,572 for projects through its Grant Cycle I and other first-quarter grant opportunities. Grants are made through gifts from individual donors who create funds to benefit […]

Posted inNews

City tags help return runaway pets home

Avatar photo by Mike Emery

City law requires registration, tags for dogs and cats A blue, star-shaped tag can help return an escaped dog or cat home to its loving family. It’s the first thing Richmond Police Department Animal Control Officer Desiree Durbin looks for when picking up a runaway pet. The city-issued tags, which are required by ordinance, help […]

Posted inNews

City increases planning, zoning focus

Avatar photo by Mike Emery

Mayor restructures positions, plans department of planning and zoning Richmond Mayor Dave Snow plans to restructure positions to intensify the city’s focus on planning and zoning. Ian Vanness, the director of infrastructure and development, left the city, and that position will be eliminated. The city planner position will become director of planning, and a new […]