As Richmond Fire Department chief, Jerry Purcell knew the danger boarded windows on vacant houses posed for firefighters. He began working on a shuttering ordinance to remedy the situation. Now, as a Richmond Common Council member, Purcell has presented an ordinance that amends the city’s unsafe building code for council consideration. On Feb. 10, council […]
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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Biomanufacturing plant finds finishing funds
A company building a plant in Richmond to make proteins for food, chemicals and industrial products announced it has raised the capital needed to complete construction. Liberation Labs closed a convertible note with $31.5 million in new capital, which, combined with $19 million of insider bridge notes raised during 2024, brings the total raised in its […]
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Valentine fundraisers benefit animals, more
At least four organizations are offering Valentine-related fundraisers or promotions in February. Nonprofits can send information about their programs and events to contact@westernwaynenews.com for publication consideration.
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Despite hurricane, RP&L reliability exceeds 99.9%
Squirrels posed a problem for Richmond Power & Light during 2024. So did trees. Those are normal issues causing outages each year, but Hurricane Helene was an anomaly that impacted RP&L’s service the most last year. General Manager Tony Foster reported to the RP&L board, which is comprised of Richmond Common Council members, the utility’s […]
Posted inSports
Lady Red Devils avenge and advance
A lot can change from November to February. On Nov. 16, the Richmond Lady Red Devil basketball team hosted Mount Vernon (Fortville) and lost 46-33. Three days later, the Lady Red Devils hosted Greenfield-Central and lost 49-25. In the opening round game of the Mount Vernon sectional, played on Tuesday, Feb. 4, Richmond turned the […]
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Lady Marauders end Lady Red Devils’ season
After avenging a regular season loss in their sectional opener on Tuesday against Greenfield-Central, Richmond saw their season come to an end at the hands of a young Mount Vernon team in their semifinal round sectional game played on Friday, Feb. 7 on the Lady Marauders’ home court. The game was close early. Mount Vernon […]
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Earlham trustees decline teachers’ union
After months of deliberations, Earlham College won’t voluntarily recognize a teaching faculty union. Tom Thornburg, the trustees’ board chair, announced the decision Feb. 3. An ad hoc committee of trustees had explored the request for the union and made a recommendation to the board. The board made its decision with its financial oversight role firmly […]
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Council considers bonds for 6Main build
With demolition of the former Elder-Beerman complete, construction nears for the luxury apartment development planned for the corner of South Sixth and East Main streets. The estimated $37 million 6Main development promises 150 apartments and 3,200 square feet of retail space, according to a presentation from Deron Kintner of developer Flaherty & Collins Properties during […]
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Shoppers find Richmond 3rd cheapest U.S. urban area
Richmond ranks third out of 254 urban areas nationwide when six categories were compared in a year-end Cost of Living Index review. Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County discussed the latest ranking at their Feb. 3 board meeting. EDC staff gather and submit prices for 61 different items related to housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, health […]
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Most local grad rates between 90-100%
Nearly all Wayne County high schools neared or exceeded a 90% graduation rate for the Class of 2024. Three local schools surpassed Indiana’s average of 90.23%, which is the highest graduation rate since state officials began publishing data. Indiana’s rate was 88.98% in 2023. Centerville Senior High School Principal Brian Bellew said rates can vary widely […]