RICHMOND, Ind. – Girls Inc. of Wayne County is celebrating women in the community while recovering from storm damage that temporarily closed its building.

Melissa Soper, director of the organization, said the community support has been amazing since a storm damaged part of the roof and air-conditioning units.

“Everyone has been there for us,” Soper said. “We’ve had donations. We had offers to use buildings. It has just been an amazing outpouring of love and kindness to Girls Inc.”

Thanks to the Richmond Senior Recreation Center, programming was only paused for one week. Soper said she even had the chance to lead the teen group and play pickleball with the girls during that time. Donations are still being accepted at local partners including RPD and Phillips Drugs.

Girls Inc. is accepting nominations for its Athena Leadership Awards, which honor women in the community. There are two awards: the Athena Leadership Award and the Athena Young Leadership Award for professionals aged 22-35.

Nominations are open through April 22. Letters of recommendation and detailed information are encouraged. Nominations can be submitted through the Girls Inc. Facebook page or at girlsincwayne.org.

The 27^th annual RunWalk 5K will be held May 27 and will kick off the Wayne County Challenge. Registration is $25 through May 8 and $30 afterward. The first 200 registrants receive a T-shirt. Sponsors who register by April 15 will have their names printed on the back of the shirts.

Soper said the course is beginner-friendly and has historically had good weather on race day.

Summer program registration is open. While some activities may not take place in the building due to repairs, details will be available on the Girls Inc. Facebook page and Instagram.

“Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold,” Soper said. “It's all about empowering the young girls because they're going to be our future. ”

Girls Inc. also teaches digital media safety and addresses unrealistic social media standards in schools throughout Wayne, Fayette, and Union Counties.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Richmond is preparing for its new summer baseball team. The Richmond Flying Mummies, a Northwoods League team, will make their debut at McBride Stadium on Monday, May 25 at 6:35 p.m.

The Flying Mummies are the 26th team in the Northwoods League, which spans seven Midwestern states and one team in Canada. The league schedule of 72 games over roughly two and a half months mirrors minor league baseball, giving players a professional-style summer experience.

“We bring in Division One, Division Two, Division Three, and junior college guys,” said General Manager Trevor Amerson.

Players are coming in from across the country, with one local player on the roster. They are looking to gain exposure for Major League scouts, move from D2/D3 to higher-level programs, and get extra innings and at-bats to improve their skills during the summer.

“We have people coming in from Georgetown,” Amerson said. “We also have guys coming in from IU. We have some West Virginia guys coming in…they come in from all over.”

The Flying Mummies’ name came from a community contest. “We submitted a bunch of names from the community for what they wanted to name the team… and the top-voted name was the Flying Mummies,” Amerson said. He explained the inspiration behind the name.

“The ‘Flying’ comes from the Wright brothers, with Wilbur Wright’s birthplace right off the highway. And then obviously with two mummies in Richmond, one at the Wayne County Historical Museum and the other at Joseph Moore at Earlham. That’s kind of how the name came together.”

The team was officially named on October 7. The ownership group includes six members, including two from the league offices, as well as mayor of Uranus Fudge Factory Louie Keane, and actors John Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries.

One unique aspect of summer collegiate baseball is that players live with local host families. The Flying Mummies are currently seeking families in the area to house team members. Many players maintain long-term relationships with their host families, and even some local business owners have opened their homes to the team.

With over a month until opening day, management is busy upgrading the stadium. Plans include building a deck along the left-field line, adding a picnic area, and renovating the team store for easier public access.

The Flying Mummies are also creating opportunities for locals. The team plans to bring in 15 to 20 interns in areas like video production, marketing, operations, ticket sales, graphic design, and media relations. Part-time jobs will also be available.

Community engagement is a major focus. The team will host themed game nights and partner with local nonprofits through the Nonprofit of the Night program, raising funds via ticket sales and 50-50 raffles. Local youth teams will also receive special access, and children can earn game tickets by participating in a summer reading program.

Fans can also look forward to weekly themed nights, on-field games and promotions led by interns, and special giveaways throughout the season.

“Monday is going to be a hot dog happy hour, and you get a dollar hot dog the first hour before the game starts. Friday we’re doing fireworks,” Amerson said. “We’re going to be doing a whole bunch of stuff.”

Opening night will feature Tyler's Amazing Balancing Act, a performer who balances objects and interacts with fans. 

"If people leave not knowing the score, we did our job correctly," Amerson said.

Amerson said the team aims to create a summer spot for local residents, blending activities and baseball into one experience.

“I really think that once people come out here… that they're going to fall in love with it. it doesn't just have to be a baseball game,” he said. “You guys can come out and have fun, enjoy the weather, spend quality family time together, while also getting some good food and drinks in as well.”

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – St. Vincent de Paul is opening a new thrift store in Wayne County, with a mission to provide affordable goods while helping support efforts that guide families toward independence.

“It’s shopping with a purpose and that purpose is to help other people,” said Tony Talbert, president of St. Vincent de Paul. “All of it is geared towards helping people. And you might be sorting through clothes or putting price tags on clothes, but in the end, what you’re doing is going to help hundreds of people here have better lives.”

Located at 440 S 9th Street in Richmond, the store opened Saturday, March 21, with a “soft opening” to establish processes before operating regularly Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plans to expand hours as needed. “We’ll be open every Thursday through Saturday from ten to four. And then we’ll look and see how it goes. We’ll potentially expand days beyond that,” Talbert said.

The shop relies on donations of furniture, clothing, household items, and décor. Items are cleaned and prepared before being placed for sale.

“We have a room in the back. We do the cleaning. We get it ready to go out onto the floor,” Talbert said. Right now, furniture makes up a majority of the inventory.

Talbert said the store is designed to benefit the broader mission of the organization, with its success helping drive current and future programs focused on stability and self-sufficiency.

Those programs include life skills classes such as cooking, budgeting and GED support, striving for individuals to build a stronger foundation.

 “We really only have those three programs right now…life skills to help them that they haven’t been taught before…We do that, they start seeing and they start thinking differently,” he said.

The organization also works with individuals facing challenges like employment and access to healthcare, navigating barriers that can come with financial progress.

“Our goal is to help people in need, families in need to get out of their current situation, to put them on a new path, a path of independence. Instead of enabling them to stay in their current situation, we’re empowering them to see a new path that’s going to make their life better,” he said.

A key part of that approach is mentorship. Volunteers work directly with families, visiting homes, identifying challenges and connecting them with resources and community partners.

Rather than offering one-time assistance, Talbert said the focus is on long-term relationships and lasting change.

“It’s not a transaction. It’s an interaction,” he said.

By working alongside other local organizations, St. Vincent de Paul aims to maximize its impact without duplicating services.

Ultimately, Talbert said the mission is about helping people rediscover themselves after hardship.

“They get lost through drugs, through mental illness, through financial hardship,” he said. “We’re trying to help them find that person again.”

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Wayne County Foundation has named Becky Jewison the recipient of the 2025 Charles A. Rodefeld Award and Lee Ann Adams the recipient of the 2025 Ruth J. Wickemeyer Award, the organization’s highest honors.

The Rodefeld Award recognizes lifetime achievement in philanthropy, while the Wickemeyer Award honors excellence in nonprofit leadership and service.

Jewison has dedicated decades to volunteerism, board service, and charitable giving, supporting more than 15 local organizations. This includes Every Child Can Read, Reid Health and the Reid Foundation, Girl Scouts, Tri Kappa, A Better Way/Genesis, and Richmond Civic Theatre. She and her family also established the Jimmy Miller Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Wayne County Foundation, created in memory of her brother to promote inclusion and joy.

Jewison was nominated by Every Child Can Read.

Adams spent much of her career at Indiana University East’s School of Education, leaving an impact on thousands of students. She now volunteers nearly 20 hours a week at Richmond Friends School, supporting early literacy through reading and music at Trueblood Preschool. She also works with the Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana and the Wayne County Literacy Coalition to empower individuals with disabilities and teach adult literacy.

Adams was nominated by Richmond Friends School.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. - Girls Inc. is seeking community support after recent damage forced the closure of their building.

The community can help by donating the following items to these drop-off locations:

Needed Supplies:

Clorox wipes, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, paper, construction paper, coloring books, crayons, glue markers, colored pencils, band-aids, first aid kits.

Drop-off Locations:

All Phillips Drugs locations, Richmond Family YMCA, Richmond City Building Police Dept. Lobby, Wayne County Jail Lobby.

LIBERTY, Ind. – The Union County Public Library reopened to the community in January 2026 after a major renovation aimed at transforming the space into more than just a library.

Discussions about updating the library began in 2020, as staff researched the community’s needs and the library’s history.

“We started putting feelers out there, started reading a lot of data, a lot of research, a lot of surveys that had been done countywide,” said Library Director Julie Jolliff. “We really started to hone in on what do we think Union County needs?”

In the process, staff discovered historical documentation from the library’s 1915 cornerstone ceremony. Jolliff recalled, “In one of the speeches it said, ‘This library is a community center. It should house books for reading, for fun, for pleasure, for bettering one’s life, but it should also house education, recreation and entertainment.’ I mean, it was just so clear.”

This sentiment became the guiding mission of the renovation.

The planning phase involved architects, bond counsel, and county officials. Jolliff described the process, “It took a couple of years to get to that point, and then we had to present in front of our county council. We got a unanimous vote that everybody voted yes. So, after that, it was really game on.”

During construction, the library continued offering services from two temporary locations across the street, allowing staff to monitor the project while serving the public. “We moved out to two little locations across the street, which worked out beautifully because I could still monitor the construction and just walk across the street,” Jolliff said. Construction took about two years to complete.

The redesigned library centers on three pillars: learn, move, and connect.

“We want people to learn here,” she explained. “We want people to move here. We want there to be opportunities to move your body, make yourself feel better. And we want people to connect.”

To support these goals, the library now features an indoor walking track, gymnasium/event space, office space, and an updated kitchen, among other features. The gym floor can be used for sports, activities or community meetings. The kitchen is now accessible from an outside ramp, allowing the library to continue hosting weekly meals aimed at addressing food insecurity.

The renovations still honor the library’s history. “The history of the library was probably the paramount decision-making through the whole design process,” Jolliff said. “We wanted to make sure this building looks seamless from its historic beginnings through its renovation to where it is now… We went with all clay tiles. We took the four-pattern window that runs through the front of the library and carried it through the addition as well.”

The library aims to serve all residents, even those who might not have visited before. Jolliff emphasized this importance, “I want them to come in, even if they’ve never come in before... just to experiment with something. I just want them to come in and sit next to somebody and talk with them for a couple of hours,” she said. “We didn’t make this for us; we made it for them.”

Early responses have been overwhelmingly positive, with people actively coming in to utilize the space in ways that meets their needs. “We have a couple in their 90s that are walking here almost every day, and they were just so tickled to tell me about how they would walk a lap and rest, walk a lap and then rest… now they walk two laps and then rest,” Jolliff said. “That tells a bigger story than just the construction.”

Jolliff said reading has also been a personal outlet throughout the process of the library's transformation, particularly nonfiction that helps her think through leadership and long-term planning. She referenced a book titled Gradually, Then Suddenly, which explores how meaningful change often builds slowly before reaching a turning point. 

"Basically all things happen gradually... then suddenly," Jolliff said. "I kept saying that with the library. Gradually one brick at a time, one piece of drywall at a time, and then suddenly we have a library."

As the library settles into its new role, staff are lexpanding programs and services while continuing to build on its long tradition as a trusted community resource, dating back to its 1915 roots. “We just want our community to know we’re for them,” she said. “They’re the hero of the story.”

Although the library has reopened, Jolliff said staff plan to celebrate with an official grand opening in the spring as the final touches are completed. 

Find more information on the Union County Public Library Facebook page.

RICHMOND, Ind. - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County announced the recipients of its Impact Awards throughout the community.

Richmond High School sophomore Warren Guess II was named the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Youth of the Year. He received a $1,000 scholarship and will advance to the state competition.

Richmond High School senior Madison Benns received the Jack Reed Memorial Scholarship and will get $2,000 to pursue higher education.

The Club also awarded two $250 scholarships to Northeastern High School sophomore Brylei Hatfield and Richmond High School junior Courtney Curtis as Youth of the Year runners-up.

Being recognized as Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive.

During the celebration, the Club also recognized community members and organizations whose support over the past year has made a significant impact.

Award recipients included:

Earl & Kathryn Mayer Award: Logue’s TLC Pet Hospital

Rookie Board Members of the Year: Becky Dimick Eastman, Sarah French, & Emily Schaeffer

Board Member of the Year: Brad Barrett

Bob Rosa President’s Award: Cathryn Dickman

Debra Edelman Champion of Youth Award: Jera Schwer

Richard E. Jeffers Legacy Award: Eldon Harzman

Stacey Steele Service & Devotion Employee of the Year: Eli Howell

Volunteer of the Year: PJ’s College of Cosmetology

INDIANA - 3Rivers Credit Union Foundation has awarded $69,400 in grants to 22 nonprofit organizations across northeast and central Indiana and Ohio.

The funding will help expand programs serving individuals and families across the region.

Organizations receiving funding in this cycle include:

· Alternatives Incorporated

· Blue Jacket, Inc.

· Camp Red Cedar

· Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana

· Communities In Schools of Wayne County

· Covenant Concepts, Inc.

· Fort Wayne Dance Collective

· Good News Habitat for Humanity

· Healthier Moms and Babies

· History Center (Allen County – Fort Wayne Historical Society)

· Homebound Meals, Inc.

· House of Pins Adaptive Recreational Venue Company

· Judy A. Morrill Recreation Center

· Lutheran Social Services of Indiana

· McMillen Health

· Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana

· Science Central

· Servants at Work (SAWS)

· Teach Our Children Fund Inc. dba Fort Wayne Center for Learning

· Women's Fund of Greater Fort Wayne

· Wood Block Press

· Yorktown Community Schools Foundation

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Morrisson-Reeves Library is bringing back mobile service after a 17-year break.

The new MRL Express Book Truck will begin monthly stops in March at seven locations, including Abington, Boston, Fountain City and Greens Fork.

The purchase of the truck was made possible through a grant from the Wayne County Foundation. Beyond its practical purpose, the truck carries historic significance, marking the revival of a program that served the community for 43 years, from 1966 to 2009. Its return symbolizes the library’s ongoing commitment to its residents, as MRL Engagement Manager Josh Imhoff explained.

“It will ensure equitable access to library materials and resources for all the communities we serve,” said Imhoff. “We are establishing regular stops in communities outside Richmond for people who may otherwise have a difficult time visiting our building.

The MRL Express will also appear at festivals and community events. Imhoff noted the truck has already been welcomed at the Richmond Farmer’s Market, Depot Wine Walk, and various school events.

“Community members can expect a mobile library experience,” Imhoff said. This includes a curated selection of books for all ages that are available for browsing and checkout, assistance with applying for a library card, information on upcoming library programs and events, mobile wi-fi availability and story times. The library is also open to suggestions on additional services to offer.

Two staff members will accompany the MRL Express, providing a hands-on, mini-library experience to local communities. The truck's colorful wrap is designed to stand out. Unlike a traditional bookmobile, where patrons enter the vehicle to browse, the Express opens its sides, creating an inviting space for visitors right on the street.

“We couldn't be more excited to expand the library's reach to the entire community! Our goal is to serve communities and neighborhoods with a spirit of care and compassion, so the library's resources and support are accessible and tailored to meet you right where you are,” Imhoff said.

The current schedule for the MRL Express is listed below, with additional stops planned in the future. Visit MRL’s website for more information.

Image Source: Morrisson-Reeves Library 

RICHMOND, Ind. - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, with United Way of Whitewater Valley, received a matching grant of up to $200,000 for renovations at the Ronald L. McDaniel Boys & Girls Club in Richmond.

The upgrades include a new gym floor, fresh paint, HVAC improvements, and additional storage.

Renovations begin in June 2026, creating a high-quality space for sports, education, and teen programs.

WINCHESTER, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Randolph County (CFRC), a non-political private organization headquartered in Winchester, is now accepting grant applications for its Spring Grant Cycle.

The application is available at www.randolphcountyfoundation.org/grants.

Applications are due by March 31 at 4 p.m. and grant recipients will be announced May 7 during the Spring Grants Reception at Vision Corner Learning Center in Union City, IN.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – FFA students in Wayne County are celebrating National FFA Week by bringing generations of the agricultural community together for a shared meal and conversation.

The fifth annual Farmer’s Breakfast takes place at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. The event is hosted by FFA chapters from Northeastern, Western Wayne and Hagerstown and welcomes businesses, supporters, producers and school administrators from across the area.

“The goal is to provide an opportunity for our FFA members to meet and talk with the local ag community, to say thank you to that community with a free breakfast,” said Christy Herr, FFA Advisor with Nettle Creek School Corporation.

The breakfast includes a panel of FFA alumni sharing their experiences and knowledge.

“The speakers all bring something different to the panel,” Herr said.

Panel Members:

• Hagerstown High School Alumni
  • Dr. Andy Herr – Corn Breeder for Corteva
  • Jaron Baker – Welding Engineer for John Deere
  • Kori Craig – IU East Student
• Northeastern High School Alumni
  • Jackson Neagle – job title not confirmed
  • Liz Stubblefield – job title not confirmed
• Western Wayne Alumni
  • Alex Hokey – manages a drone spraying service in the area (company name not confirmed)
  • McKinnah Harvey – Conservation Program Analyst with the Wayne County Farm Service Agency

Roughly 100 students from all three schools are involved in the event, interacting with guests while serving drinks and meals.

Food options include biscuits and gravy, sausage, egg bites, donuts, and mixed fruit. Drink options include coffee, juice, milk and water. Aside from the donuts, everything is prepared by Thalia Messer. FFA chapters share the expense of the meal, with the help of Farm Credit, who provides cutlery, cups and plates.

Each school chapter creates an invitation list of people and businesses within the community that support FFA, along with any producers of livestock or grain that are known. Typically, 200-250 people attend, and this year the event is expecting around 215 attendees.

“It is a list that needs to keep growing,” Herr said.

While invitations are sent out, Herr encourages anyone interested to attend by reaching out to one of the advisors. Advisors include Herr, Jonathan Ferris, and Allison McCumons. All three FFA chapters are also looking for community members to help in preparing for contests, including judges for mock contests, preparing speeches or demonstrations, and helping with welding.

Herr added that the Farmer’s Breakfast provides fellowship between many different generations learning from and focusing on agriculture.

“One of my students, Ben Hokey, commented that he is more comfortable speaking with and in front of others because of this breakfast,” she said.

Herr said events like Farmer’s Breakfast reflect the broader mission of FFA programs in Wayne County.

“FFA builds leaders. It uses the foundation of agriculture to build future leaders,” Herr said, also including a response from some of her students. “FFA impacts students’ lives whether they have lived in agriculture their entire lives or if this is just a new beginning. FFA informs the community about agriculture while positively encouraging members and their community to do whatever they can to give back to agriculture.”

RICHMOND, Ind. – Jiffy Lube of Richmond is partnering with The Salvation Army to support local families in the area.

As part of the partnership, Jiffy Lube is donating $24,000 worth of oil change vouchers. According to The Salvation Army, the vouchers can be used for fundraising efforts or distributed directly to residents to help maintain their vehicles.

The program aims to provide reliable transportation for daily life, ensuring that individuals and families have access to essential vehicle maintenance.  

RICHMOND, IN — The Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at Indiana University East is once again calling for donations of idle ceramic coffee mugs to support a local business owner. What began several years ago as a focused initiative within the School of Business and Economics has officially evolved into a city-wide effort.

After successfully scaling from a departmental project to a campus-wide staple, the program is now inviting all Richmond residents to participate alongside IU East students, faculty, and staff. This initiative gives used kitchenware a "second life" while providing a sustainable resource for the local economy.

How to Participate

If you have ceramic mugs in good shape that you no longer use, please bring them to the following campus location by Monday, April 6, 2026:

· Location: IU East School of Business and Economics, second floor of Hayes Hall (HY 255).

Important for Richmond Residents

While a collection box is available on-site, Richmond residents interested in donating are expected to contact Karla Stevenson to make specific arrangements for their drop-off.

Contact Information

For more information or to coordinate a donation, please contact:

· Karla Stevenson: (765) 973-8343 | karlstev@iu.edu

· Dr. Oi Lin (Irene) Cheung: (765) 973-8497 | ocheung@iu.edu

RICHMOND, Ind. – Special Olympics Indiana’s 2026 Polar Plunge season continues Saturday, Feb. 21, at Middlefork Reservoir in Richmond.

The event is inviting residents to “Be Bold and Get Cold” by participating for a great cause. In its 27^th year, the Polar Plunge is supporting more than 20,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities across Indiana.

Registration for the event starts at 10 a.m., followed by a costume contest and Opening Ceremony. The main plunge event begins at noon.

Participants must raise a minimum of $125 to plunge. Those who meet the minimum earn a commemorative Polar Plunge T-shirt, including additional incentive prizes at higher fundraising levels. The top fundraiser will be awarded.

The season also features the Super Plunger program. Individuals who raise $4,000 or more receive VIP treatment at the season-ending plunge at Eagle Creek in Indianapolis.

The Polar Plunge season runs through March 7.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner recognized individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact throughout the community.

The event, themed Wayne’s World, brought together community leaders for an evening of dinner, conversation, and celebration. Much of the discussion centered on the efforts of those working to create positive changes where they live and work.

2026 Chamber Award Recipients include:

• Educator of the Year: Peggy Muller, Nettle Creek School District

Recognized for 31 years of dedicated teaching and hands-on science learning that inspires students.

• Emergency Professional of the Year: Erin Campbell

Honored for 23 years of service to ensuring that Wayne County's emergency communications operate with precision, reliability, and compassion.

• Champion of Diversity Award: Belden – Women in Manufacturing Program

Honored for promoting diversity and supporting women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

• Bob Rosa Buy Local Award: Maria Haber, Paint the Towne

Celebrated for fostering community connections and supporting local businesses and artists.

• Achievement in Excellence – Nonprofit: Girls Inc. of Wayne County

Recognized for empowering girls through education, leadership, and community programs.

• Art Vivian Distinguished Community Leader Award: Pat Heiny

Honored for long-standing volunteer service and leadership across multiple Wayne County organizations.

• Achievement of Excellence – Small Business: Whisenhunt Construction

Celebrated for outstanding craftsmanship and community commitment since 1976.

• Higher Education Educator of the Year: Bonita Washington-Lacey, Earlham College

Recognized for 40 years of leadership supporting student success and community engagement.

• Achievement of Excellence – Large Business: Milestone Contractors

Honored for excellence in construction, safety, and community impact over 71 years.

• Young Professional of the Year: Mark Broeker, Neighborhood Health Center

Recognized for leadership, mentorship, and dedication to community improvement.

• Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award: Centerville Farmers Market

Celebrated for providing access to fresh, local produce and strengthening community connections.

• Volunteer of the Year: Rinda Litton, Wayne County Area Chamber

Honored for mentoring students and supporting workforce development programs across the county.

• Achievement of Excellence – Corporation of the Year:
  Ahaus Tool & Engineering (Kevin Ahaus & Jeff Sheridan)

Recognized for innovative leadership and strong commitment to local economic growth.

RICHMOND, Ind. - Reid Health welcomed its first baby five hours into the New Year.

Cade Lane was born on Jan. 1, 2026 at 5:18 a.m.

His parents, Cody and Amanda, checked in at 2 a.m. to Reid Health's Family Birthing Center.

The parents planned to go home Friday.

Image source: Reid Health

Cade Lane is pictured with parents, Cody and Amanda Lane, of Richmond, Indiana.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Richmond’s Emergency Warming Center is closed through Friday, but other locations are available for those needing a safe place to stay.

Those in need are encouraged to stay at the warming center at New Deliverance Temple, located at 1403 S. 9^th Street. Transportation is available from the library at 5:30 p.m. nightly.

Hope House, located at 121 N. 10^th Street, is open to men seeking overnight shelter. Women in need of a place to stay can go to Refuge of Hope at 1031 E. Main Street.

Additional resources include the STRIDE Center at 816 Dillon Drive and Bridges for Life at 100 N. 10^th Street, both offering support during the closure.

Local agencies encourage anyone in need to use these options and stay safe during the cold weather.

CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Cope Environmental Center is accepting used Christmas trees for recycling through Jan. 16.

The program is offered in partnership with Richmond Power & Light. RP&L mulches the trees, and the material is reused for trail maintenance and land stewardship projects throughout Cope’s property.

“The mulch helps protect trail edges, reduce erosion, define natural pathways, and improve muddy or high-traffic areas. Using the trees in this way allows Cope to maintain safe, sustainable trails while reusing natural materials already available within our community,” said Becca Vance, Administrative & Marketing Coordinator.

Vance said recycling live Christmas trees keeps them out of landfills, where they would take up space and release methane as they decompose.

“Repurposing trees allows valuable organic material to return to the land, providing habitat for wildlife, soil enrichment, and erosion reduction,” she said.

Cope has offered Christmas tree recycling for several years, with community participation continuing to grow. Each season, the center receives hundreds of trees, all of which are used in conservation efforts.

Vance said this program supports Cope’s mission of promoting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and conservation education.

“It provides an easy, eco-friendly option for residents while creating valuable resources for wildlife and enhancing natural areas that the community enjoys year-round,” she said.

Residents should remove all decorations before drop-off, including lights, ornaments, tinsel and tree stands.

Trees can be dropped off at 4910 Shoemaker Road. The designated drop-off area is located on the southwest side of the parking lot as drivers exit. Cope is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Image source: Cope Environmental Center Facebook Page

INDIANA – Centerstone is one of Indiana’s largest behavioral health providers and has continued to expand its reach in Richmond.

Centerstone is a nonprofit behavioral health care provider. The organization employs about 1,100 team members statewide and provides care to more than 35,000 patients each year.

Founded in 1955, Centerstone holds federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status in 15 Indiana counties.

A partnership between Centerstone and United Way Whitewater Valley led to the creation of the STRIDE Center in Richmond, a 24/7 crisis diversion center that opened in February 2025.

The center offers safe and immediate help for those facing mental health or substance use crises. Instead of being taken to jail or the hospital, people can receive care from trained specialists, peer support staff, and mobile crisis teams who focus on de-escalation and connecting individuals to resources such as housing, food assistance, and ongoing mental health services.

“By offering timely, compassionate mental health and substance use support, STRIDE helps reduce strain on hospitals and first responders while providing care that is more appropriate and person-centered. For the community, this means faster access to help, fewer crises escalating into emergencies and better outcomes for individuals and families,” said Kelly Benedict, Director of Crisis Services for Indiana.

The center offers mobile crisis teams to further their help into the community.

“Through our mobile crisis teams, we also extend services to rural counties, helping people in areas with limited resources to access support, treatment and connections to care they might not otherwise receive,” Benedict said.

Across the state, Centerstone provides substance use disorder treatment, outpatient psychiatric care and counseling, primary health care, community-based services and foster cares services. While the organization accepts Medicaid, Benedict emphasized that financial barriers should never prevent someone from receiving care.

“Our mission is to eliminate barriers that would prevent our patients from accessing quality mental health care,” said Benedict.

The collaboration between Centerstone, United Way, and city officials aims to fill longstanding gaps in mental health and social services. Partnerships with law enforcement allow officers to bring individuals directly to STRIDE instead of jail.

Community members, volunteers, and local businesses also play a key role in the center’s success. “Before opening the Richmond center, we collaborated with law enforcement agents, the fire department, the health department and United Way to get their support for bringing these essential services to the area,” Benedict said.

Teams meet regularly to review progress and work to address any challenges or barriers. Centerstone tracks data, including the number of people served, the types of services provided to patients, and outcomes related to safety, stabilization and connection to care.

Looking ahead, Benedict said the long-term vision for STRIDE is to continue strengthening partnerships and expanding outreach.

“We want to expand education and outreach to increase awareness about mental health care and reduce stigma,” said Benedict.

Image source: https://centerstone.org/

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ind. – The annual Winterfest returns to Connersville this weekend, continuing a decadeslong holiday tradition that organizers say grows each year.
“We began to reimagine our approach about five years ago,” said Brayton Johns, volunteer organizer for Winterfest.

This year’s festival runs Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 through 6. Friday hours are 3:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday hours are 12:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Winterfest features holiday activities for families, live entertainment, local shopping and seasonal food. Each day includes different themed programming. Returning attractions include the holiday market, “Reindeer Games” for children, live performances and pony rides. Santa and Mrs. Claus also plan to make an appearance.

Johns said these events are all designed to bring residents together throughout the weekend.

Most of the activities are set to take place in downtown Connersville, with Market Street Plaza serving as the primary hub. “Additional events are held at nearby partner locations…” Johns said, “to encourage visitors to explore the full downtown corridor.” This includes downtown churches and other nearby buildings.

The festival will feature more than 20 craft vendors and food trucks. This year’s food lineup includes Pitmasters Privilege BBQ, Outlaw’s Deep-Fried Chicken and Tomasino’s Bakery, among others. Several small businesses downtown will also extend their hours.

Winterfest is fully community-driven, supported by 15 local organizations, businesses and volunteers. The event aims to promote downtown revitalization efforts and highlight local entrepreneurs. Johns said supporters can visit the event’s page for donor highlights or looks for signage on-site honoring contributors.

“It supports local entrepreneurs, draws visitors to downtown, and creates a festive environment that showcases Connersville’s spirit and hospitality,” Johns said.

Visitors can park in designated downtown lots and along Central Avenue.

“We recommend arriving a little early for the most convenient spots. Additional signage and volunteers will help direct guests,” Johns said. He also recommends dressing for the weather, as many activities involve walking between different parts of downtown.

For Johns, Winterfest represents the best of Connersville and its growth.

“There's no time like Christmas in Connersville. It’s a privilege to help bring an event to life that makes our community feel connected and celebrated.”

Image provided by Brayton Johns.

NEW CASTLE, Ind. – New Castle is preparing to welcome the community to its annual Christmas Walk on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Christmas Walk plans to feature 115 vendors along Broad and Main streets, including both local shops and visiting sellers.

“That is a combination of local brick and mortar and incoming vendors,” said Shonda Kane, Executive Director of Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

Children can enjoy games and activities, including bounce houses. The Chamber encourages attendees to watch for small Frosty figures hidden throughout the Christmas Walk. Those who find one can redeem it for gift card prizes later in the evening. Horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, and appearances by Santa, Buddy the Elf and the Grinch are also planned.

“Shops love the surge in shoppers and new people in their stores,” Kane said. “Downtown New Castle has seen many changes in the past few years, and this is a great avenue to show off their progress.”

The Christmas Walk has been a Chamber tradition for more than 15 years, growing from a handful of vendors to over 100. “Each year it grows a bit,” Kane noted.

The Chamber is coordinating with city officials, police, fire, and EMS to ensure safety measures are taken throughout the evening. State Road 38 and several downtown side streets will be closed. A map of closures is available on the Chamber’s website.

“Volunteers man the barricades while vendors are setting up,” Kane said.

Parking downtown is expected to fill quickly. New Castle Transit will provide a shuttle from the Ace hardware parking lot to Broad and Main streets to help with traffic flow.

 “The Chamber and the Christmas Walk planning committee are excited to welcome so many people to our community,” Kane said.

Image provided by Shonda Kane.

FOUNTAIN CITY, Ind. – Fountain City’s second annual Hometown Holiday celebration will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, bringing festive lights, music, and community cheer to the heart of town.

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with the town’s first-ever Lighted Christmas Parade, featuring the Northeastern Band and a variety of illuminated floats. The parade will travel from the Lions Club, down Main Street to U.S. 27, and end at Fountain City Park.

Once the parade concludes, the park will host the main festivities, including live music, a tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, and a variety of vendors offering hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Community partners for this year’s celebration include Roasted – Coffee Station, Martin’s Country Mart, Brighter Path, Quaker Trace Carriage, and Fountain City Forward merchandise table.

The celebration is organized and hosted by Fountain City Forward, with support from partners including the Wayne County Foundation Grant. Elizabeth Williams Bond, member of Fountain City Forward, said seeing the park filled with families and smiles reminds their team why they host this event.

“Everything Fountain City Forward does is aimed at bringing people together,” Bond said. “Helping neighbors reconnect, building community pride, and creating shared experiences.”

Guests may park at The Eatery, inside the park, and along nearby side streets.

Families are encouraged to bring their own ornament to hang on the Community Tree. For those who don’t have one, a simple ornament station will be on-site, allowing guests to personalize an ornament.

Santa will make a festive entrance on a lighted tractor to officially open the evening. A Lighted Santa’s Mailbox will also be set up for children to drop off their letters. “Last year, many of us were moved to tears watching children light up as they saw Santa and counted down the tree lighting,” Bond said.

Live holiday music will be performed throughout the evening by featured musician, Rafe Addison.

Bond noted that this year’s event will carry added meaning with planned dedications. Both the Community Tree and the recently added Wind Phone will be formally recognized.

Nearly 15 volunteers are contributing their time to make the celebration possible.

“We don’t host this event to make money. We host it to give families something joyful, magical, and meaningful to experience together,” Bond said, adding that everyone is welcome, even those who live outside Fountain City.

Photo features board members with Santa, 2024 Hometown Holiday.

Image submission by Elizabeth Williams Bond.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – December 2, 2025, marks Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity that encourages people to support nonprofits, volunteer, and spread kindness.

This began in 2012 as a way to balance the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s now grown into a worldwide movement, raising billions of dollars for charitable causes each year.

Across the nation, organizations are calling on donors to step up and give, no matter how big or small. From food banks to scholarship funds, nonprofits are using Giving Tuesday to inspire hope and highlight the impact of contributions.

Here in east-central Indiana and surrounding counties, dozens of groups accept donations.

DARKE COUNTY:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County

Cancer Association of Darke County

Community Unity

Darke County Foundation

Darke County Friends of the Shelter

Darke County United Way

Fish Choice Pantry

Grace Resurrection Community Center
DELAWARE COUNTY:

Suzanne Gresham Center with Meridian Health Services

HENRY COUNTY:

A Friend’s House, Inc.

Henry County Community Foundation

Grace Network of Martinsville & Henry County

One TRUe LOVe

Southside SPCA

The Salvation Army of Henry County

FAYETTE COUNTY:

Fayette County Food Council

East End United Community Center

Fayette Community Foundation

Fayette Resources, Inc.

Cops for Kids, Inc.

PREBLE COUNTY:

H.I.T Foundation

Miami Valley Community Action Partnership

The Common Good of Preble County

Preble County Council on Aging

Preble County Youth Foundation

Preble County Habitat for Humanity

Preble County Food Bank

Preble County Veterans Services

RANDOLPH COUNTY:

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Jay-Randolph Developmental Services

The Journey Home

Winchester Area Churches and Community Food Pantry

UNION COUNTY:

Community Help Center & Thrift

CCCC Food & Clothing Pantry

Union County Foundation

The Arc of Union County

WAYNE COUNTY:

American Red Cross

Amigos Richmond Latino Center

Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County

Circle U Help Center

Cope Environmental Center

Communities in Schools of Wayne County

Gateway Hunger Relief Center

Girls Inc. Wayne County

Richmond Neighborhood Restoration

The Children’s center

The Salvation Army

Wayne County Foundation

United Way of Whitewater Valley

2^nd Chance Animal Rescue