Updated Aug. 12, 2026, at 12:25 a.m. Historic flooding has inundated parts of Wayne County on Aug. 12 after up to 10 inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, prompting widespread water rescues, evacuations, road closures, school cancellations and a local disaster emergency declaration. Officials have prohibited non-emergency travel under a Level III […]
Tag: Featured
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PHOTOS: Starr students start the new school year
Starr Elementary School had its first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Richmond. Students enjoyed breakfast, learned where to hang their backpacks, colored pictures, organized school supplies and got accustomed to their new classrooms. Joshua Smith captured these photos for the Western Wayne News.
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Bands tout their growth at state fair competition
Four Wayne County schools made up a quarter of Indiana State Fair Band Day’s Sweet 16 finalists. All four of those schools — Centerville, Hagerstown, Northeastern and Richmond — placed in the top 12 of 34 entrants. Richmond’s James Bond-themed show, “From Richmond With Love,” led the county with seventh place. Dan Merkamp, who retired […]
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State Fair Band Day: Bands tout growth
Four Wayne County schools made up one fourth of Indiana State Fair Band Day’s Sweet 16 finalists. All four of those schools — Centerville, Hagerstown, Northeastern and Richmond — placed in the top 12 of 34 entrants. Richmond’s James Bond-themed show, “From Richmond With Love,” led the county with seventh place. The Marching Red Devils […]
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PHOTOS: Wet weather doesn’t dampen enthusiasm
Despite rainy weekend weather, Hagerstown celebrated its annual Jubilee Days on July 31 and Aug. 1. Celebrations included a parade, Friday night fish fry, craft and food vendors, live music and more. Sherry Stuart captured these photos for the Western Wayne News.
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PHOTOS: Ready for a new school year
Community members attended a free Back to School event Tuesday, July 28, at the Reverend James M. Townsend Memorial Building in Richmond. Participants were treated to popcorn and snow cones as well as backpacks, school supplies and other items. Vaccines were also offered at the event. Sponsors included the Richmond Housing Authority, Neighborhood Health Center, […]
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Band Day blends cartoon, classical tunes
Students from Wayne County’s five public high schools are preparing a wide range of music and intricate steps for Indiana State Fair Band Day on Friday, Aug. 7. Information about how to watch or listen to Band Day performances can be found on Page 25. Western Wayne News will publish contest coverage in its Aug. […]
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Making a winning move for youth
Richmond’s Logan Priest started a chess club to find competitors. Today, he leads the way in creating future ones. The Impact Chess Club meets Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at 717 S. Fifth St. in Richmond, to nurture young chess players. Priest, an Indiana University informatics student, learned chess from his grandfather at an early age. By […]
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PHOTOS: Women power up to build and bond
A Women’s Workshop on Thursday, July 23, in Richmond, taught attendees how to build a step stool. Women’s Workshop Richmond is a non-profit with the goal of empowering women through power tools, and conducts creative workshops led by a certified carpenter. Learn more at womensworkshoprichmond.blogspot.com. Joshua Smith captured these photos for the Western Wayne News.
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PHOTOS: StoryCon at MRL
StoryCon gathered those interested in storytelling, puzzles, gaming, cosplay, crafting and more for a day of fun and learning. The event was held by Morrison-Reeves Library in Richmond on July 25. Attendees had the chance to interact with members of Star Wars Indiana, visit different organizations, try out new board games, attend panels and more. […]