Donnie Benedict

The Monticello City Council held a lengthy meeting Monday night. Wayne County Deputy, Valis Smedley and Monticello Police Chief, Josh Asburry were recognized for helping rescue a child in need. The council agreed to re-bid the 606 and AJ Loyd projects, due to the initial bids. The ABC report showed alcohol sales of $398,878 with regulatory fees collected at $19,452. …

Wayne County could save about $1.3 million during the next decade with Enterprise Fleet Management buying and selling the county’s vehicles instead of county officials doing it themselves. That’s the number Nate Berg, an Enterprise account manager, presented during the Wayne County Council and commissioners workshop May 20. Enterprise manages fleets for 50 Indiana governmental entities. Commissioner Aaron Roberts initiated …

Wayne County’s downtown property owners soon will be able to apply for up to $200,000 toward rehabilitating a retail or commercial building. During its May 11 meeting, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County board approved guidelines for the three-phase program that will begin June 8. Wayne County commissioners and council members also approved the program’s guidelines during their May 20 …

Hagerstown council approved plans to replace a city pull car at a special session on April 22. President Allan Bullock and council members Brian Longbons and Dillon Pitcher were present, and member Chris Blaase joined via teleconference. Member Donnie Benedict was absent. Pitcher and town manager Chris LaMar discussed repairs needed for the Ford Escape purchased in 2021. With estimates …

A land bank designed to help revitalize Wayne County neighborhoods has received Richmond’s buy-in and $180,000 commitment. During their April 6 meeting, Richmond Common Council members approved 8-1, with Lucinda Wright opposed, an interlocal agreement with Wayne County government that forms the land bank. The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety then also approved the interlocal agreement 3-0 during …

A “Ready, Set, School!” event organized by the Wayne County Early Childhood Council is coming up on Friday, May 8th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Kentucky National Guard Armory in Monticello, KY. The event offers help with preschool, Head Start, and kindergarten registration, along with free health screenings and resources for families. It also includes special perks …

Steve Higinbotham, the county administrator, has spent extra time working in planning and zoning since former Plan Administrator Laura Miller’s January retirement. He announced during Wayne County Council’s April 1 meeting that Angela Ebacher was promoted to fill the plan administrator’s role. That promotion and another employee leaving the building department leaves two closely connected positions open. Higinbotham, who detailed …

Bradley Wood of Greens Fork is running for Wayne County Council District 2 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 primary election. 2026 Election Guide The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the May 5 primary election the same questions. List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less). What are two specific reasons you …