RICHMOND, Ind. – Now through December 1, IU East students and Wayne County high school seniors have the opportunity to showcase their writing talents in a regional contest.

The 2025 IU East Community-Engagement Writing Contest, hosted by Indiana University East, invites participants to submit original writing that celebrates the character of east central Indiana and west central Ohio. Students are encouraged to share perspectives on the region’s landscapes, architecture, businesses and community stories.

The contest is open to all IU East undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in at least one fall class, and to Wayne County seniors in the 2025-26 school year. Entries must include a title, citations, and supporting visuals if used.

“Whether you’re an IU East student living in our service area or a Wayne County high school student, you have a valuable viewpoint to share,” the university noted in its announcement. “Your writing can help others, whether they’re new residents or potential visitors, better understand and appreciate the richness of our region.”

Awards will be given in three topic areas that include Community Dynamics, Local Landscape and Personal Narrative. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in each category for each participant group.

Prizes will be awarded as scholarships deposited directly into the students' IU East bursar accounts. First place winners will receive $250, second place $150, and third place $100. Wayne County high school winners must apply their scholarships toward IU East tuition and fees.

Find out more information here.

Story submission and photo provided by Dave Snow.

Left to right: Joanna Hahn, Elizabeth Gamez, and Irene Cheung

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind – According to a release shared by Richmond Community Schools and Early Head Start, the organizations are partnering to collect baby formula donations.

This initiative aims to assist local families while SNAP funding is being reinstated.

Donation can be dropped off at Early Head Start in Richmond from Nov. 10-13 and Nov. 17-20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families in need can pick up formula on Nov. 14 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location

Proof of a SNAP EBT card and Wayne County residence will be required for pickup.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – A new community art project is adding color to Wayne County’s snowplows this winter, thanks to students from across the county.

Cathy Williams, a member of the Wayne County Council, was inspired to start the initiative after seeing a similar story on television.

“I had seen the article on an Indianapolis news station about four years ago,” Williams said. “I thought it looked like a great idea.”

The art project involved several working hands to put everything together.

Williams connected with local educators, including Charles School Principal Ashley Gerard and Richmond Community Schools’ Bridget Hazelbaker, who helped coordinate invitations and logistics.

Hazelbaker helped send invitations for this project to schools throughout the county, and 13 school buildings joined the project. The ages of participating students ranged from elementary to high school.

The project, called “Plow-erful,” was made possible through donations from local businesses and organizations. The Wayne County Highway Department and the City of Richmond Street Department provided the plow blades. Primex Plastics donated plastic foam boards to protect school property during painting, and Painters Supply & Equipment Co. in Cambridge City contributed most of the paint.

“We got the big V plows from them and then the smaller straight plows from the City of Richmond Street Department. Both departments were really happy to work with us,” Williams said.

Williams said she hoped this project would be a memorable experience for students and a cheerful sight once winter arrives. More than just an art project, "Plow-erful" is about inclusion and joy.

“We just want to do something that helps,” Williams said. “Not everybody’s into sports. Not everybody has the money to play a musical instrument, and so maybe art is something that is for that child.”

The painted plows feature a variety of designs, from winter and holiday themes to displays of school spirit.

While not currently planned as an annual event, Williams hopes “Plow-erful” will return in the future.

“I hope that at some point we would do them again, and some of the schools that didn’t get to participate this time will the next time,” she said.

The finished snowplows line up along North A Street near the city building, where they’ll remain on view for the next few weeks.

Williams encouraged residents with creative ideas for community projects to reach out. “Anything that we can do better, and we can do together, let us do that together.”