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Funding supports 14 local history organizations across 12 Indiana counties through Project and Impact Grants INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Nov. 19, 2025) — The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) has announced the recipients of its latest round of Heritage Support Grants, awarding $50,642.97 to 14 local history organizations representing 12 Indiana counties.
The Heritage Support Grants program, provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc., offers critical funding to local, county and regional historical societies, museums and sites. These grants support projects that address high-priority needs in collections stewardship, capacity building, sustainability and planning.
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 Richmond, Indiana – September 5, 2025 – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the third installment of its 2025 Legislative Series this afternoon, welcoming U.S. Representative Jefferson Shreve for an in-depth conversation on legislative priorities in Washington and their impact on businesses, families, and communities in Wayne County and across Indiana.
The discussion was moderated by Melissa Vance, Chamber President & CEO, along with Tony Foster, Chair of the Board of Directors, and touched on issues central to both national policy and local business needs. Topics included tax policy, tariffs, energy costs, artificial intelligence, inflation, infrastructure, and rural healthcare, all areas where decisions in Washington have direct implications for Wayne County’s economy and quality of life. Shreve represents Indiana’s 6th Congressional District. Prior to his election to the 119th Congress, he built his career in business. Today, his legislative priorities draw on that experience, focusing on policies that encourage economic development at both the district and national levels. He has emphasized his commitment to reining in federal spending to address the nation’s debt crisis, while also working to advance border security and safeguard conservative Hoosier values.  Sept. 4, 2025 -- Ben Wells is the new President/CEO of Reid Health.
Wells had served as Reid's Acting President/CEO since February after Craig Kinyon, the organization's President/CEO for nearly 17 years, requested an indefinite leave of absence. "It's an honor to be given the opportunity to continue to serve the Reid Health team, our patients, their families, and our communities in this role," Wells said. "Our staff works incredibly hard each day to be our best, providing you with the compassionate, high-quality care you expect and deserve from us. It's a privilege to serve those who entrust us with their health and the health of their loved ones." The Reid Health Governing Board chose Wells to be the next President/CEO after an extensive process to find the health system's new leader. "Ben was the ideal candidate," said Mark Harrington, Chair of the Reid Health Governing Board. "He's done an outstanding job over these past six months, and we're confident his leadership will take us where we need to go into the future." Wells said during his time at Reid Health, he's been impressed by the engagement from providers, the quality of Reid's staff, and the health system's potential to impact the communities served by Reid. "As an independent rural health system, we play an extremely important role in elevating the communities we serve. In playing that role, we understand we're part of the community and people and relationships matter. We will continue to work hard to earn your trust."  Richmond, IN – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Alyssa Zdobinski as its new Director of Membership and Education, a role essential to advancing the Chamber’s mission of growth, connection, and community leadership.
Alyssa is a recent graduate of Indiana University East, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with minors in Political Science and Marketing. During her time at IUE, she worked in several departments—including Campus Life, External Affairs, and Admissions—and served as Student Government Association President for the 2024–2025 academic year. Originally from Eaton, Ohio, she was also heavily involved in the Preble County community before making the move to Indiana. Her diverse background in leadership, education, and community outreach, makes her an excellent fit for this position. Alyssa brings not only professional skills but also a strong passion for serving Wayne County’s business community and fostering meaningful connections. “I’m excited to begin this new chapter with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Zdobinski. “I look forward to fulfilling my passion for collaborating with educators, legislators, and business leaders to help create a better Wayne County!" Join Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park for the national premiere of AVTT's new Global War on Terrorism Traveling Memorial Tribute. This special traveling exhibit will be unveiled for the first time ever and stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and service, accompanied by ceremonies, community events, and veteran resources. The Indiana Fallen Heroes tribute will also be on display during this event.
Come be a part of honoring all who served in the Global War on Terror. This free exhibit will be open rain or shine September 11–14, 2025 at Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park in Richmond, IN. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Global War on Terrorism Traveling Memorial Tribute Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park – Richmond, Indiana September 11–14, 2025 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟭𝟬 Join the escort and line the streets as the GWOT Memorial Tribute travels from Shelton Fireworks (6401 National Rd E, Richmond, IN) along US 40 to Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park. 🏁 5:00 PM – Line Up at Shelton Fireworks 🚓 6:00 PM – Escort to Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park 🌙 8:00 PM – Quiet Time, Night Guard on Duty 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟭𝟭 🛣️ 7:00 AM – Patriots Day Road March to Vets Park 🇺🇸 8:00 AM – Tribute Unveiling Ceremony 🕣 8:30–10:00 AM – 9/11 Fallen First Responder Ceremony 🥞 10:30 AM – Community Brunch Sponsored by Golden Corral 🌙 8:00 PM – Quiet Time, Night Guard on Duty 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟭𝟮 🕗 8:00 AM – GWOT & Indiana Fallen Tributes Open 💉 2:00–4:00 PM – Veterans Memorial Blood Drive 🍽️ 4:30 PM – Community Dinner 🎶 5:00–8:00 PM – Live Band: Kyle LeMaster Band 🌙 8:00 PM – Quiet Time, Night Guard on Duty 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟭𝟯 🕗 8:00 AM – GWOT & Indiana Fallen Tributes Open ☢️ 8:00AM-5:00PM - Toxic Exposure Screening & Resource Event 🚙 9:00 AM – Wolf Pack Tribe 4x4 Jeep Show 🦅 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Indiana Fallen Ceremony 🍔 12:00 PM – Community Lunch 🌙 8:00 PM – Quiet Time, Night Guard on Duty 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟭𝟰 TBD – Pack up the GWOT Traveling Memorial Tribute This is a rare and moving tribute. Come stand with us to remember, reflect, and honor. Hagerstown, Ind. — The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce proudly honored local businesses and organizations at the 2025 Community Improvement Awards, recognizing the incredible investments being made to improve the appearance, functionality, and spirit of Wayne County.
This year’s ceremony celebrated not just construction and renovation, but also vision, community pride, and transformational impact. Awards were presented in three key categories, alongside recognition of several standout nominees. Exemplary Award – Downtown Deli and Catering Company Presented annually to a nominee who goes above and beyond in completing a beautification project, this year’s Exemplary Award was awarded to Downtown Deli and Catering Company. With $167,000 invested in improvements across two historic downtown buildings, the team restored the original charm of the structures through tuck pointing, new windows, fresh paint, and modern signage. Their dedication to both preservation and revitalization serves as a shining example of what it means to invest in the heart of the community. Community Impact Award – Uranus Fudge Factory Given to a nominee whose presence has a profound impact on the local community, the Community Impact Award went to Uranus Fudge Factory. With an estimated $1.25 million invested, this playful and highly visible project turned a once-overlooked structure into a must-see roadside destination. From the giant dinosaur to the bold barn-style design and future plans for attractions, the project brings jobs, tourism, and a unique personality to Richmond. Community Spirit Award – Richmond Urban Enterprise Association (RUEA) The Spirit Award recognizes projects that spark transformational change and uplift the spirit of Wayne County. This year, the award was presented to the Richmond Urban Enterprise Association for their ongoing work in building community, creating opportunities, and driving revitalization in underutilized urban spaces. Their commitment to equity, access, and local pride has made a lasting mark on the community and continues to shape a stronger, more connected Richmond. Additional 2025 Nominees The Chamber also recognized the outstanding efforts of additional nominees whose projects made a significant difference in Wayne County: • Anchor Transload • Blue Buffalo – Project Alma & Site Rebranding • Burger King – Eastside & Westside Renovations • Eight To The Bar • Root 13 Beauty Suites • 3Rivers Federal Credit Union “Being nominated for the Community Improvement Awards was incredibly timely. Anyone who has undertaken a project with significant changes knows the sleepless nights, selfdoubt, and concerns about making the right decisions,” said Root 13 Owner, Debbie Dalbey. “Knowing that others recognize the value in our efforts at our new location means the world to me. Thank you so much for acknowledging not just our hard work but all the others who are nominated.” From large-scale industrial investments to historic restorations and creative renovations, each nominee played a role in moving Wayne County forward building a stronger, more beautiful, and more vibrant place to live, work, and grow Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Shawntel Baker as Director of Employer Engagement7/2/2025  With Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements set to take effect for the graduating class of 2029, communities across the state are reimagining how to best prepare students for life beyond the classroom. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with all six school districts in Wayne County to create a new, countywide position: Director of Employer Engagement.
The Chamber is proud to announce that Shawntel Baker has been selected to serve as the inaugural Director of Employer Engagement. This new role was intentionally designed to strengthen the local talent pipeline by expanding and aligning work-based learning opportunities for students in grades 9–12. By building strong connections between area businesses and schools, Baker will help ensure that students graduate with real-world experience, setting them up for long-term success in college, careers, and beyond. Participating school districts include: • Centerville-Abington Community Schools • Nettle Creek Schools • Northeastern Wayne Schools • Richmond Community Schools • Seton Catholic Schools • Western Wayne Schools With Indiana’s new diploma requirements set to take effect for the graduating class of 2029, communities across the state are working to prepare students for a future that includes both academic achievement and real-world readiness. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with all six school districts in the county to establish a new position: Director of Employer Engagement.
This new role is designed to strengthen the talent pipeline across Wayne County by expanding and aligning work-based learning opportunities for students in grades 9–12. By building bridges between local businesses and schools, the Director of Employer Engagement will help ensure that students graduate with both the knowledge and the hands-on experience needed for future success. “When the state announced the changes for the high school diploma, I knew it was going to take a community to achieve the results we needed,” said Centerville-Abington Superintendent Mike McCoy. “When I asked for the first meeting, I had no idea where it would take us. Working in collaboration with so many individuals and seeing true collaboration between the schools, I knew we had something special. It will be challenging to place students throughout Wayne County in positions that meet the state requirements, but it will be just as rewarding to see our communities come together to meet the needs of these amazing kids. Although I know there will be areas we will need to figure out, I truly feel we are in a good place to get the program started and prepare for a better future for our students.” Wayne County, Ind. (June 16, 2025) – Shoulder strengthening continues on I-70 this week, and crews are installing more temporary barrier wall. Drivers can expect the following traffic impacts:
Monday, June 16 through Tuesday, June 17
Crews are placing new asphalt to strengthen the pavement to accommodate traffic during construction. The newly remodeled restaurant makes it easy for Guests to “Have It Their Way” with its state-of-the-art design, digital ordering kiosks, optimized drive-thru and more. RICHMOND, INDIANA (June 13, 2025) - Burger King® recently opened the doors to a freshly remodeled restaurant in RICHMOND, INDIANA, featuring the brand’s new “Sizzle” design, which was first announced in Oct. 2023. The new restaurant is designed to enhance all aspects of the Guest experience, including digital improvements, updated drive-thru and pick-up experiences, and signature design elements to better serve the community.
Here’s what our BK Guests in Richmond can expect to experience: ●Digital Ordering Kiosks that allow Guests to more conveniently place an order for dine-in or carry out. ●Enhanced Drive-Thru featuring a new canopied design with an automated drive-thru voice system and double lanes. ●A Designated Pick-Up Area to make delivery and pick-up orders placed through digital channels more seamless. ●Signature Interior Design Elements, including the new “King Booth,” a distinguished space perfect for families and large groups, a “Crown Wall” for a must-have photo moment inspired by the iconic Burger King crown, and a unique Whopper art installation. ●Modern Eye-Catching Exterior with a large Burger King bun logo and “Home of the Whopper” wall. |
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