Richmond firefighters aggressively attacked burning plastic when they arrived shortly after 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 at a facility known as a fire hazard. Overcoming limited access to the burning pile of the 358 N.W. F St. complex, the firefighters tried to quickly gain control, but strong winds helped the fire jump to another plastics […]
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Common Council applauds fire response
Richmond Fire Department continues to monitor the scene of last week’s plastics fire at a North West F Street complex. Chief Tim Brown said Monday night that two people watch for smoke around the clock more than six days after the April 11 fire ignited at 358 N.W. F St., consuming 13.8 acres across the […]
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Amid growing concerns, environmental, health impacts of fire remain unclear
As soon as word spread that the massive plume of black smoke billowing over Richmond on Tuesday, April 11, was from burning plastics, many began to wonder about the health impacts on the community’s air, water and soil. Top of mind might have been the February train derailment just 300 miles away in East Palestine, […]
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Fire fatigue: Evacuation order remains as officials work to assess health impact
At an afternoon press conference on Thursday, state and city officials said that while progress is being made, they are not ready to allow evacuated residents back into homes surrounding the site of Tuesday’s fire. An order to shelter in place remains active as shifting wind directions and smoke patterns mean that even more of […]
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Richmond fire response continues as officials blame ‘negligent’ property owner
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 […]
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WWN receives journalism awards
Western Wayne News reporting and photography was recognized at the Best in Indiana Journalism awards ceremony on Friday, April 26. WWN photographer Joshua Smith received a first-place award for his collection of photos taken at the July 18, 2023, Hagerstown Fly-In. The award was for a multiple picture group in publications with a circulation below […]
Chris Hardie
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When Chris Hardie first came to Wayne County in 1995, he wasn’t necessarily intending on staying. What he discovered over time was a beautiful place, big enough to provide a constant stream of new experiences and connections, and small enough that he could make a real difference. In this episode, Chris sits down with Kate […]
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Richmond extends animal agreement
Richmond has extended its contract with the Henry County Humane Society for care of stray dogs and cats. Terms of the contract approved Feb. 15 by the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety match those of 2023. The city will pay $41,200 for up to 400 animals housed at the New Castle facility. The […]
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Thankful mayor lives his dream
A young Dave Snow dreamed about two things: being on the radio and serving as Richmond’s mayor, two jobs that connect with his hometown community. Mayors spoke to students, and Snow would hang on every word, fascinated with their work. Later, while a broadcaster, Snow knew Mayor Sally Hutton, who eventually encouraged him to try […]
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Providing disaster assistance requires county preparation
Would Richmond be ready? That’s the question Dana Mollenkopf asked himself while assisting with relief efforts after tornadoes decimated Mayfield, Kentucky, during December 2021. His answer was: Probably not. That’s when he began pushing to form a Wayne County Community Organizations Active in Disaster group, abbreviated as COAD. There wasn’t much momentum until the April […]