RICHMOND, Ind. (September 15, 2026)- The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County has announced the first recipients of its READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program. Nineteen applicants received a combined $2,990,803.50 in grant awards supporting redevelopment projects that, together with private investment, represent $17,292,608.04 in total project investment across Wayne County.

The program is supported by Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 through Lilly Endowment Inc. funding, along with Wayne County and Consolidated EDIT funds. The grants will help advance commercial redevelopment, façade and accessibility improvements, create 44 new upper-story housing units and other revitalization designed to strengthen downtowns, eliminate blight, and spur private investment.

Building on the first round, the EDC has also opened a second round of funding beginning September 14, creating additional opportunities for businesses, commercial property owners and eligible nonprofit organizations across eleven Wayne County communities and identified unincorporated areas.

Eligible areas include Cambridge City, Centerville, Dublin, East Germantown, Fountain City, Greens Fork, Hagerstown, Milton, Mount Auburn, Spring Grove and identified unincorporated areas.

Program guidelines, eligibility information, and second-round application materials are available through the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County’s website.
Learn more and apply for the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program
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About the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County
The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County (EDC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading business and community development efforts in Wayne County, Indiana, by attracting new investment, retaining and expanding existing businesses, and improving the county’s quality of place.

Learn more at whywaynecounty.co

A community auction supporting the restoration of Centerville Christian Church’s historic steeple.

CENTERVILLE, IN — August 3, 2026 — Centerville Christian Church announced today that it will host Bid for the Bell! Steeple Renovation Benefit Auction on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 AM in the church’s Family Center, located at 106 E Main Street, Centerville. The fundraiser supports the renovation of the church’s beloved historic steeple, made possible in part through a generous grant from Indiana Landmarks, Sacred Places.

The auction will feature hundreds of items, offering a wide variety for every age, interest, and budget. Attendees can also enjoy Mr. B’s Chicken Salad lunches, available for purchase throughout the event. A public preview of auction items will be held on August 11 from 4:00–6:00 PM, allowing community members to browse the selection ahead of time. Auctioneer Chris Thompson will take the bids.

“We’re thrilled to invite our neighbors and friends to join us in preserving a piece of Centerville’s history,” said Shari Markley, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the church. “This steeple has stood as a symbol of faith and community for generations. Every bid helps ensure it continues to stand tall for many years to come.”

The steeple renovation project reflects the church’s commitment to honoring its heritage while strengthening its role as a gathering place for Centerville families. Funds raised through the auction will directly support restoration work, helping maintain the building’s structural integrity and historic character.

About Centerville Christian Church
Centerville Christian Church is a welcoming congregation serving the Centerville community through worship, outreach, and local partnerships. The church is dedicated to preserving its historic campus while continuing to offer programs that support spiritual growth and community connection.
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Media Contact
[email protected]
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CDqFoqMu8/
www.centervillechurch.com

Western Wayne News - ​ Millie Martin Emery

A Richmond employer has received initial support for its $8 million expansion plans.

At its May 11 meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County’s board voted unanimously to give an Economic Development Income Tax grant of $85,000 to Primex Plastics Corp.

Primex is one of the largest sheet extrusion operations in the nation, and its plastic sheets are used in multiple industries.

Read the full article on Western Wayne News

​Richmond, IN – May 15, 2026 – Every Child Can Read (ECCR) is proud to announce the return of Wayne County Reads, a one-book, one-community initiative that brings families together through the shared experience of reading and conversation.

The program will run until July 31, 2026, encouraging families to read and discuss the selected book together.

This year’s featured book is Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, a New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal winner. The story follows Jackson, a boy facing housing instability as his family struggles to make ends meet. Along the way, Jackson reconnects with Crenshaw—an unlikely imaginary cat—who helps him navigate uncertainty, resilience, and what it means to ask for help. Through this shared reading experience, families can explore themes such as resilience, empathy, and the importance of support during difficult times. The selection aligns with ECCR’s mission to promote literacy while helping families navigate real-life topics through shared reading.

Free copies of Crenshaw – are available at multiple locations across Wayne County while supplies last, thanks to the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including:
· Bader Mechanical
· Ahaus
· Brewer Broadcasting
· Reid Health Community Engagement
· Quigg Fund
· Rob & Kelli Quigg Family
· Robin Henry
· Vonderhaar Farms

Pick up a free copy at:
· All Wayne County libraries (Richmond, Cambridge City, Hagerstown, Dublin, Centerville)
· Two Sisters Books & More (Richmond)
· Twice Read Books (Richmond)
· Northeastern Schools Administration Building (Fountain City)

Families are encouraged to pick up a copy early, read together throughout the summer, and follow ECCR on social media for weekly discussion prompts and updates.

“Wayne County Reads is about more than reading a book—it’s about creating space for meaningful conversations within families,” said Patti Peterson, Executive Director of ECCR. “We know when families read together, children build stronger literacy skills and confidence. With Crenshaw, we also have an opportunity to spark conversations about empathy and perseverance.”

Wayne County Reads is an annual event that continues to inspire and connect the community through literature. When the program was reintroduced in 2025, over 1,100 free books were distributed throughout Wayne County.

For more information about Wayne County Reads and Every Child Can Read, visit everychildcanread.org.

About Every Child Can Read (ECCR) Every Child Can Read is a Wayne County nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s literacy by increasing access to books and fostering a culture of reading across the community.

Richmond Flying Mummies Soar into Northwoods League Baseball with Logo, and Branding Reveal
The Mummies will begin play in May of 2026 at Historic Don McBride Stadium

Richmond, Ind. – October 6, 2025 – The Richmond Flying Mummies, the newest addition to the Northwoods League's summer collegiate baseball circuit, today unveiled their official name, logo, and branding ahead of their inaugural 2026 season at Historic McBride Stadium. Blending ancient mystique with high-flying excitement, the Flying Mummies are set to wrap up fans in a whirlwind of fun, family-friendly entertainment.

In a nod to Richmond's rich history of innovation and community spirit—coupled with the uniqeness of two mummies on display in Richmond, Indiana and the time spent in Richmond by the Wright Brothers—the team name "Flying Mummies" evokes images of timeless legends taking flight on the diamond. "We're not just building a team; we're resurrecting the thrill of summer nights under the lights," said team President/Managing Partner Matt Bomberg. "The Flying Mummies represent resilience, surprise, and that unbeatable rush of a comeback win. Richmond is ready to unwrap something truly special."

​The vibrant logo features a dynamic mummy character—flanked by the wings of a Wright Brothers inspired plane. Rendered in bold lines with a touch of whimsical glow, the design captures the essence of ancient lore meeting modern athleticism. Custom typography includes a sleek, script for "Flying Mummies" and a fun wrapped font of the word Mummies ensuring the marks pop on jerseys, caps, and scoreboards alike.

Richmond, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College Richmond is pleased to announce the creation of the Corsi Family Scholarship, designed to support students who face financial challenges as they pursue career-focused education.

The scholarship honors the Corsi family, Italian immigrants who made Richmond their home in the early 1900s and contributed to the community’s stability and prosperity. Today, the family is extending that impact by investing in educational opportunities that will help strengthen Wayne County’s workforce.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Corsi family,” said Brandi Jackson, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Development at Ivy Tech Richmond. “This gift not only honors their family’s legacy in Richmond but also ensures that future generations have the chance to build better lives through education. This is the kind of investment that transforms both students and our community.”

A representative of the Corsi family shared, “Our family has always believed in the value of hard work and opportunity. By creating this scholarship, we hope to give today’s students the same chance to build stability and success that earlier generations of our family found here in Richmond.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to Ivy Tech Richmond students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing programs that lead to high-demand, high-wage careers.

For more information about the Ivy Tech Foundation or to support scholarships, visit https://giving.ivytech.edu/.

Fountain City, Indiana – The community is preparing for the 58th Annual Levi Coffin Days Festival, a beloved hometown tradition set for September 20–21, 2025. This year’s festival promises an exciting mix of history, entertainment, and small-town charm with activities for all ages.

Festival Schedule
The festival will run 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The annual parade will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, traveling down US 27 with the theme “Where History Meets Heart.”

Parade – Saturday, September 20
With 25+ entries already registered, this year’s parade will include a special attraction sponsored by First Bank Richmond: a surprise circus troupe to fascinate children of all ages. The troupe will appear in the parade and continue roaming the festival grounds afterward, bringing family-friendly fun to the streets. Longtime radio voice Rick Duncan of G101.3 will serve as parade announcer and one of the judges.
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Honoring the Parade Marshal
This year’s Parade Marshal is John B. Martin II, a lifelong Fountain City resident who is 85 years young. A proud 1958 graduate of Fountain City High School and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Martin has spent his life farming and serving as a dedicated community member. His leadership, service, and example reflect the very heart of Fountain City.

Centerville, IN — Cope Environmental Center (CEC) invites the public to celebrate nature in style at The Great Outdoors Celebration on Friday, September 6 at 5:00 p.m. This signature fundraising event will be held outdoors on CEC’s beautiful grounds.

Guests can unwind with drinks and trail-inspired appetizers during the evening’s “Sip & Stroll,” followed by a short welcome program honoring this year’s community award recipients and launching the Needs-Based Auction. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. with scenic views and casual outdoor charm. Wagon rides, lawn games, and a relaxed setting make this a one-of-a-kind experience.

Tickets are $100 per person, with $75 tax-deductible. RSVP by August 20. Attire is casual outdoor wear.

Award winners will be announced at the event, including recipients of the Jim and Helen Cope Sustainability Leadership Award, Francis Parks Award, Business Sustainability Award, and Volunteer of the Year.

All proceeds support Cope’s environmental education programs and sustainability efforts. This event is made possible through the generous support of Advanced Duct Cleaning and Earlham College.

​For more details, to RSVP, or to make a donation, visit https://visitcope.org/events/the-great-outdoors-celebration

Ivy Tech Community College Richmond has officially renamed one of its most important student support spaces as the Paul & Pat Lingle Health Career Center, a move that honors the long-term community philanthropists for their dedication to local education and workforce development. The newly named center reflects Ivy Tech’s deepening commitment to preparing students for careers in healthcare while staying rooted in the local economy.

The Paul & Pat Lingle Health Career Center will act as a bridge between the classroom and meaningful employment or transfer opportunities. Designed to connect current Ivy Tech students with regional healthcare employers and four-year post-secondary partners, the center provides a range of resources, including career exploration tools, job placement support, resume and interview coaching, and information about advanced education pathways.

The renaming comes amid a transformative renovation of Ivy Tech Richmond’s healthcare wing. The investment includes the recent opening of the Debra Edelman Healthcare Education Center, a state-of-the-art simulation facility that gives students immersive, real-world clinical experience. In addition, newly developed lab spaces for the Pharmacy Technician and Paramedic Science programs expand the college’s ability to train students in high-demand fields.

Paul and Pat Lingle, longtime supporters of Ivy Tech and champions of education in Richmond, made a significant gift to support the development and naming of the center. Their generosity continues a legacy of giving that has touched nearly every corner of the campus and community.

“The Lingles’ generous investment helps ensure that our students aren’t just getting a high-quality education - they’re being connected to the career opportunities that will keep them in our region and keep our communities healthy,” said Brandi Jackson, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Development at Ivy Tech Richmond. “This center is about more than education - it’s about longterm career success.”

The Lingles have long understood the vital connection between education and a strong, sustainable local workforce. Their generous support has enabled Ivy Tech to strengthen student services, build deeper partnerships with local employers, and expand opportunities for individuals to pursue highdemand careers in healthcare and beyond across East Central Indiana.

“I want to thank Paul and Pat Lingle for their incredible support of Ivy Tech and the future of healthcare in our region,” said Chad Bolser, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Richmond. “Thanks to their generosity, Ivy Tech continues to serve as the workforce engine not just for our five-county service area, but across the state of Indiana.”

​With healthcare demand on the rise, the timing of these investments could not be more crucial. Ivy Tech Community College produces more associate-level nurses than any other college in the country, and these upgraded facilities and support centers will only strengthen that impact.