Hometown Headlines, launched October 25, 2025, serves as a free online local news outlet that focuses on sharing positive stories in Wayne and surrounding Indiana and Ohio counties. Instead of controversy or crime, Hometown Headlines highlights uplifting developments, accomplishments, and community events to generate local pride and support economic development.

Free content consists of articles by Content Manager Ella Chew, the editorial team and the community at large on quality of life, economic development, health, and education. We invite you to contribute with press releases and story ideas with photos here.

Brewer Broadcasting believes that by focusing on positive, community-oriented content, the Hometown Headlines provides several benefits to the region:

• Aids economic development.  By concentrating on positive business, education, and development news, the publication helps support local economic growth.
  • The crucial role of small businesses in community revitalization.
  • Initiatives to attract workers to our region.
  • Investments in new housing and revitalization projects.
• Promotes civic engagement.  The site will spotlight events and efforts from various organizations like the area Chambers of Commerce, museums, the arts, civic clubs like Kiwanis Clubs and Rotary Club, the YMCA, and youth organizations, encouraging residents to get involved.
• Builds community morale.  By focusing on positive and inspiring local stories, the Hometown Headlines helps instill a sense of pride among residents. It highlights the good work of volunteers, non-profits, and businesses, reinforcing a positive self-image for the community.
• Enhances quality of life.  The publication will cover news that directly improves the quality of life for residents, such as community grants, improvements to public spaces, and initiatives by local organizations. 

Brewer Broadcasting looks forward to collaborating to highlight the positive stories shaping our community and to helping build a stronger, more connected region.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Damar Services Inc., a nonprofit organization based out of Indianapolis, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to mark its official welcome to the Richmond community. Local leaders, including the mayor and members of the Chamber of Commerce, gathered to celebrate the occasion at Damar’s newly acquired campus on the east side of town.

“We received so much support today,” said Jim Dalton, President and CEO of Damar Services Inc. “It was really about welcoming Damar to the great Richmond community and an introduction to some of the services we may provide here.”

Damar is focused on behavioral and developmental support for children and adults.

The property that is now home to Damar, was formerly known as the Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center. After acquiring the property in February of this year, the buildings have all been repurposed for Damar’s vision.

Damar expects to begin programming on the campus in early to mid-2026. Services will initially include residential psychiatric care for youth with autism, but the organization also aims to create broader partnerships with local and statewide agencies to address more complex behavioral and developmental health needs.

The campus includes eight main buildings and lots of green space. While not all facilities will be fully operational by 2026, Damar anticipates employing more than 100 staff by that time. Plans include independent living apartments for youth transitioning out of foster care, specialized group homes, educational facilities, and clinical offices.

“The state has a lot of challenging issues with kids that have high acuity needs and they’ve been looking for ways to solve some of these problems. One of our ideas is that we’re going to bring in a lot of experts on this campus and help the state solve some of those problems,” Dalton said. “We’re really looking at community partnerships in addition to the expansion of our core mission.”

Initial hiring announcements began this week, with full-scale recruitment expected later this year and into January. Open positions range from clinical professionals to direct care staff, groundskeeping, food service, and administrative roles.

Dalton emphasized a commitment to transparency and accessibility as a core part of its campus culture, contrasting with the previous perception of the site as closed off.

“We want to be an open and transparent organization. Things like visiting hours, we don’t have visiting hours. If your child or family is here, you can come anytime. You don’t have to call ahead, you can show up,” Dalton said. “We have nothing to hide; we’re doing our best.”

RICHMOND, Ind. - Chick-fil-A is set to open on October 30, bringing its popular chicken sandwiches and signature waffle fries to Richmond for the first time. Located at 5901 National Road E, the new restaurant marks the first local Chick-fil-A in the area, a long-awaited addition for many residents.

The location is expected to create jobs for the community and could serve hundreds of customers each day once its fully operational.