The Western Wayne News is a locally owned, independent newspaper that has served Wayne County, Indiana, since 1991. It provides in-depth coverage of community events, local government, education, sports, business, and the arts. Publishing weekly print editions and daily online updates, the paper ensures residents stay informed.
Owned by Civic Spark Media LLC under Chris Hardie, the newspaper has earned multiple Hoosier State Press Association and Indiana Journalism awards for excellence in news coverage, sports reporting, and photography.
The Western Wayne News actively engages with the community by highlighting local achievements, covering town meetings, and recognizing outstanding citizens. Readers can subscribe to print or digital editions, browse historical archives, or advertise with the publication.
With its dedication to quality journalism and local storytelling, the Western Wayne News remains a trusted source of information for the communities of Cambridge City, Centerville, Richmond, and beyond.
Ownership and Management
On October 1, 2022, Jim and Brenda McLane sold the Western Wayne News to Chris Hardie, who now leads the publication under Civic Spark Media LLC.
Publication Schedule
The newspaper publishes online throughout the week and releases a print edition every Wednesday for 51 weeks of the year. The submission and advertising deadline is typically noon on the Thursday prior to the issue’s publication date.
Coverage Areas
The Western Wayne News covers various communities within Wayne County, including:
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Cambridge City: Updates on town council meetings, local events, and news from the Western Wayne School Corporation.
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Centerville: Reports on town council activities and Centerville-Abington Community Schools, including their sports teams.
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Richmond: News from local government meetings, school boards, sports teams, colleges, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and performing arts events.
Subscription Options
Subscriptions are available for both print and online editions. Subscribers gain access to local reporting by professional journalists on stories, updates, events, sports, and more. Most subscriptions are for 12 months, billed annually, with options for monthly online subscriptions.
Recent Recognitions and Awards
The Western Wayne News has been acknowledged for its excellence in journalism:
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September 2024:
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The newspaper secured three first-place awards from the Hoosier State Press Association in categories including Best News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure, Best Headline Writing, and Best Website. The coverage of the April 2023 toxic plastics fire in Richmond was notably recognized.
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April 2024:
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At the Best in Indiana Journalism awards, WWN photographer Joshua Smith received a first-place award for his photo collection from the July 18, 2023, Hagerstown Fly-In. Additionally, reporters Mike Emery, Millicent Martin Emery, and Chris Hardie earned a second-place award for their breaking news reporting on the April 11, 2023, plastics fire in Richmond.
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April 2023:
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The newspaper was honored for its sports reporting and photography by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Photographer Rachel Hilligoss Moore won first place in sports photography for her image capturing Hagerstown’s Preston Allred during the 2022 Little League World Series. Sports reporter Dan Harney received third place in sports reporting for his coverage of the Hagerstown Little League team’s journey to the World Series.
Community Engagement
The Western Wayne News actively participates in community events and recognizes local achievements. For instance, the newspaper highlighted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County’s annual awards dinner, where community members and organizations were honored for their support in 2024.
Historical Archives
For those interested in exploring past editions, the Western Wayne News has a historical archive available online, with scans dating back to 2005.
he Western Wayne News offers a rich collection of historical archives, allowing readers to explore past editions and revisit important local events. These archives serve as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and community members interested in Wayne County’s past.
Access to Archives
- Digital archives are available online, with scanned editions dating back to 2005.
- Physical copies of older newspapers may be available for viewing at the Western Wayne News office or local libraries.
Content in Archives
- Coverage of local government decisions, elections, and policies.
- Reports on major community events, celebrations, and historical milestones.
- Sports highlights from local schools and teams over the years.
- Business and economic developments in Wayne County.
Advertising Opportunities
The Western Wayne News offers various advertising options, including classified ads, business card ads, display ads, online ads, special packages, legal ads, obituaries, and design services. For more details or to place an ad, contact (765) 478-5448 or email contact@westernwaynenews.com.
Contact Information
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Email: contact@westernwaynenews.com
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Phone: (765) 478-5448
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Address: 26 West Church Street, Cambridge City, IN 47327
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Public Lobby Hours:
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
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Thursday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
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Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
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Conclusion
The Western Wayne News stands as a vital source of local journalism in Wayne County, Indiana, dedicated to delivering timely news, community updates, and in-depth coverage of local government, education, business, and sports. With a strong commitment to accurate reporting and community engagement, it has earned multiple awards for excellence in journalism. Under the leadership of Chris Hardie and Civic Spark Media LLC, the publication continues to grow while maintaining its independent and locally owned identity. Readers can stay informed through print and digital editions, access historical archives, and engage with the paper through advertising, community stories, and special reports.
For the latest updates, visit westernwaynenews.com.