The Hometown Headlines Podcast

Stay connected with stories that uplift and inspire. The Hometown Headlines Podcast is your daily dose of good. Celebrating the people, places, and positive news that make our communities shine.

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Safety Village Teaches Lifesaving Skills to Children

July 2nd, 2026 11:16am

Wayne County children are learning life-saving skills this summer at Safety Village’s annual Safety Kamp, now offered free of charge to families. The program, held at the former Richmond State Hospital grounds, gives kids entering kindergarten through second grade hands-on lessons in fire safety, bike and traffic safety, stranger danger, poison prevention, internet safety, and more. Cody says the hands-on approach helps children better understand how first responders help their community while building trust at an early age. The organization serves about 2,500 children each year through its programs, with a mission focused on preventing injuries and saving lives. Executive Director Rich Cody says the goal is to make safety education memorable through experience rather than instruction alone.

Matt Taylor's Journey to Colts Radio

July 2nd, 2026 10:00am

Long before he became the voice of the Indianapolis Colts, Matt Taylor was answering phones for a high school sports radio show on Friday and Saturday nights. Those early experiences—and a willingness to say "yes" to every opportunity—helped shape a career that led him to the NFL. In this conversation, Taylor reflects on his journey from Franklin College to the Colts radio booth, the unexpected moment he called his first NFL game, how he prepares for every broadcast, and why painting the picture for listeners is at the heart of great play-by-play. Whether you're an aspiring broadcaster, a Colts fan, or someone chasing a dream, Taylor shares the lessons he's learned along the way, and why treating every opportunity like it's the Super Bowl can make all the difference.

Racing legend Tom Bigelow honored with Winchester Speedway showdown

June 26th, 2026 12:00am

Racing legend Tom Bigelow joins Dave Paxton on 101.7 The Point ahead of the annual Tom Bigelow Showdown at Winchester Speedway. Bigelow reflects on the promise he made as a 12-year-old to one day race in the Indianapolis 500, his nine consecutive Indy 500 starts, more than 50 USAC sprint car victories, and the lessons he learned during a Hall of Fame career. Bigelow also shares memories of racing at Winchester Speedway, explains why the historic half-mile remains one of the best proving grounds for aspiring drivers, and offers advice for the next generation of racers. Winchester Speedway owner Dan Redmond also joins the conversation to discuss this year's Tom Bigelow Showdown, Community Day, and what fans can expect during the race weekend.

Preserving Nature, Planning for the Future

June 25th, 2026 08:00am

Hayes Arboretum is a longtime community nature space in Richmond, Indiana focused on education, recreation, and conservation. Open to the public since 1963, it offers free access to trails, a Nature Center, and outdoor learning areas used by schools, families, and community groups. The arboretum plays a key role as an educational resource, hosting programs and workshops that often reach capacity—leading to plans for expanded classroom space and improved facilities. It also serves as a popular recreation area with hiking, biking, and nature exploration across its east and west sides.

Richmond Plans for Changes to Transit System

June 25th, 2026 12:00am

The City of Richmond is evaluating potential changes to its Rose View Transit System as officials work to improve service while staying within existing funding limits.

Secret Garden Tour Returns to Richmond

June 24th, 2026 12:00am

In this episode, our friends at 101.7 The Point bring us a conversation with Richmond Art Museum Executive Director Sean Dingworth and Education Director Lance Crow. Hosted by Dave Paxton, the discussion focuses on the museum's upcoming Secret Garden Tour, a beloved annual fundraiser that gives visitors access to four private gardens while supporting free admission, exhibitions, and educational programming throughout the year. The interview also highlights the museum's growing lineup of events, including summer art camps, current and upcoming exhibitions, and community-centered programs that celebrate local and regional artists. From beautiful gardens and plein air painting to youth education and major exhibitions, this episode offers an inside look at how the Richmond Art Museum continues to enrich the community through art and culture.

From Club Member to Youth of the Year

May 13th, 2026 02:07pm

This episode features Warren Guess II, a sophomore in high school and a 2026 Youth of the Year recipient through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. In this conversation, he reflects on joining the club in 2017 and how that experience helped shape who he is today.

Celebrating 175 Years of the Wayne County 4-H Fair

May 11th, 2026 02:30pm

This week, we’re heading to the Wayne County 4-H Fair. The fair is celebrating 175 years of community, tradition, youth leadership, and memories that last a lifetime. It's also celebrating 50 years at the fairgrounds off of Salisbury Road in Richmond. Fair Committee Chairman Sandy House joins us to share the stories behind one of Wayne County’s longest-standing traditions, learning about the heart of the fair and the people who help to keep it going.

Helping People Move from Crisis to Stability

May 7th, 2026 01:00pm

Our guest, Sandra Roussel, is the founder of Fresh Start Housing, a long-term transitional housing program built not just around stability but transformation. Roussel differs from many programs in that she doesn’t start with paperwork or rules. She starts with people; how they think under pressure, how crisis reshapes decision-making, and how real change begins when someone is finally seen beyond their circumstances.

Richmond Museum Celebrates Model T Legacy

April 24th, 2026 12:00am

RICHMOND, Ind. – The Model T Museum is expanding as both a historical attraction and educational resource in Richmond’s Depot District. The museum in Richmond was established in 2007 after a group of enthusiasts launched the collection with just a handful of vehicles. Since then, the museum has expanded significantly. After receiving its current building in 2012 and acquiring an additional property in 2017, the collection now includes more than 40 Model Ts, along with tractors, an airplane and various exhibits. “It’s the little car that put the world on wheels,” said Carrie Sweigart, Operations Manager.

Initiative Connects Wayne County Students with Local Employers

April 6th, 2026 02:00pm

A new initiative in Wayne County is working to connect high school students with local employers through internships and work-based learning opportunities to build a stronger workforce. The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched the Student Future Success initiative, a program designed to streamline how students find and apply for hands-on career experiences.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Welcomes New CEO

March 12th, 2026 12:00am

Jon York sits down with Ella Chew in this episode. From being a young club member to working his way up to CEO, he’s dedicated decades to helping kids realize their full potential. We’ll explore the evolution of the Boys and Girls Clubs, the impact on generations of families, and how intentional programs can shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Union County Library Opens Following Renovations

March 10th, 2026 12:00am

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. In the process of renovation, 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.”

Richmond Dentist Takes Helm at West Main

February 16th, 2026 12:00am

West Main Family Dental has a new dentist leading the practice. Dr. Allison Mopps bought the practice in December 2025. Previously owned by Dr. Jill Burns, she decided it was time to take a step back after more than 20 years of serving the community.

Behind the Lens: Telling Women's Stories

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind.

February 11th, 2026 12:00am

In this episode, we sit down with Richmond photographer Susanna Tanner, owner of Susanna Tanner Photography, to talk about how her work goes far beyond the camera. With more than 20 years behind the lens, Tanner shares how photography has evolved for her, creating a transformative, deeply personal experience for her clients. This conversation explores the connection between art and authenticity, and how creating space for people to be seen can turn a photograph into something soulful. Image credit to Mark Brim.

Land Trust Focuses on Long-Term Revitalization

February 3rd, 2026 12:00am

The Wayne County Land Trust is purchasing properties as part of a long-term effort to revitalize historic downtown spaces, with the goal of keeping these buildings active for decades to come. In this interview, I’m joined by Rebecca Gilliam, Executive Director of the Wayne County Foundation, to talk about how the Wayne County Land Trust came together, why it was needed, and what’s next as more than 20 properties move into the design and development phase.

Richmond Airport Plans for New Terminal

January 26th, 2026 12:00am

Richmond’s airport is about to get a major upgrade. Airport Manager Rodney Mayse says the current terminal is over 80 years old and isn’t reflecting the growth of the community. The new terminal will improve accessibility, expand passenger areas, and offer after-hours access. This could make Richmond more attractive for business and investment. Rodney Mayse sits down to talk about the funding, timeline, and impact.

Casino Proposal Seen as Major Investment Opportunity for Wayne County

January 22nd, 2026 12:00am

Wayne County could be rolling the dice on a major economic shift. A state study ranks the county third in Indiana for a potential new casino. This could open the door to hundreds of millions in investment, new tourism, and tax revenue for the region. Supporters see opportunity. Others have concerns. And soon, voters may have the final say. In this episode, we sit down with Wayne County Chamber CEO Melissa Vance as she discusses what a casino could mean for economic development and local businesses

United Way of Whitewater Valley: “We’re Still Here”

December 19th, 2025 12:00am

Amid campaign season, United Way of Whitewater Valley leaders join Ella Chew to explore how the organization serves as a funder, thought leader, and convener. Together they discuss how United Way unites donors to meet community needs, with a deep dive into mental health initiatives, funding resources, and goals going into 2026.

Local Nonprofit Expands Recycling Access Across Wayne County

December 11th, 2025 12:00am

The first-of-its-kind recycling hub in Wayne County is aiming to educate residents on how to reduce their carbon footprint, especially during the holiday season. Penny Ausmus sits down with Ella Chew to discuss the opening of the East Central Indiana RE Hub in September 2024. The nonprofit offers recycling options beyond the city’s own program and is quickly becoming a resource for items that typically end up in the trash.

Richmond Updates Long-Term Plan to Reflect Community Growth

November 6th, 2025 12:00am

The city of Richmond is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, a long-term guide for community growth, development, and investment. The plan, Richmond Rising, was created by the city in 2019 after a yearlong study. Now, city leaders are refreshing the plan to reflect on how the community has changed over the last six years.