A red, white, and blue safe buried beneath concrete for 50 years. A plaque counting down to July 4, 2026. On July 4, 2026, Richmond's Bicentennial time capsule was finally opened, revealing a remarkable collection of everyday history that had been waiting half a century to be seen again.

On Episode 31 of Inside Richmond, we welcome Richmond Mayor Ron Oler and Sue King, archivist at the Morrisson-Reeves Library, to share the incredible story behind Richmond's 1976 Bicentennial time capsule. From locating the capsule and breaking through concrete to discovering the original combination had been lost, they take us behind the scenes of what it really took to bring this piece of history back into the light. What could have been a simple ceremony became a fascinating lesson in preservation, planning, and why documenting history matters just as much as preserving it.

Once the safe was opened, the real adventure began. Inside were letters written to the people of 2026, newspapers from July 4, 1976, a preserved Rose City rose, a TV Guide, a GTE telephone book, and dozens of other items that captured everyday life during America's Bicentennial. We also explore Richmond's even older time capsules, including an 1886 cornerstone discovery, a powerful Grand Army of the Republic letter connected to Civil War General and former Richmond Mayor Thomas W. Bennett, and a historic sword that is now on display.

If you enjoy local history, genealogy, fascinating stories from Richmond's past, or simply want to see how one community preserved a moment in time for the next generation, this episode offers a unique look at the people, artifacts, and stories that continue to shape Richmond's history.

A modern airport terminal is about far more than appearances. It impacts safety, accessibility, economic development, and the first impression visitors have when they arrive in Richmond. Host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Richmond Municipal Airport Manager Rodney Mayse and Board of Aviation President Jonathan Meade to discuss the long-awaited terminal replacement project, the funding behind it, and why this investment matters for the community.

Rodney and Jonathan explain what the new terminal will include, how Richmond secured a $1.4 million FAA grant after years of persistence, and why those federal dollars cannot legally be redirected to roads, libraries, or other city projects. They also discuss how airport revenue helps support the project, what construction will look like while the airport remains open, and how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created new opportunities for airports like Richmond's.

The conversation also looks beyond the building itself, exploring how a modern terminal can strengthen economic development, better serve pilots and corporate visitors, support future community events, and position Richmond for continued growth. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply interested in how public infrastructure projects come together, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Richmond's most significant investments in recent years.

Richmond has been quietly doing something most cities put off for years: counting and assessing its public trees one by one.

In this episode, Lindsay Darnell is joined by Thomas Hill, GIS Coordinator for the City of Richmond; Laura Karnes, ISA Certified Arborist at Richmond Parks & Recreation; and Schelby Schlager, IU ERI McKinney Climate Fellow working with the City through an Urban Green Governance grant, to discuss Richmond's new tree inventory and what it reveals about the city's urban forest.

The group explains how thousands of public trees are being evaluated, what the early data is showing, and how the inventory will help guide future planting, maintenance, and management decisions throughout Richmond. They discuss risk ratings, public safety, species diversity, and why trees should be viewed as critical infrastructure that impacts everything from neighborhood temperatures to quality of life.

The conversation also explores lessons learned from Emerald Ash Borer, the importance of species diversity, and the long-term vision for expanding Richmond's tree canopy. Carnes shares practical advice for homeowners on proper tree planting techniques, avoiding common mistakes, and giving young trees the best chance to thrive.

If you've ever wondered how trees affect your neighborhood, your parks, and the future of Richmond, this episode is for you.

Host Lindsay Darnell is joined by Jack Bales, a survivor of the April 6, 1968 Main Street explosions, and Richmond Mayor Ron Oler for a powerful and deeply personal look at one of the most devastating days in the city’s history. From inside the Marting Arms building, Jack recalls thinking the first blast was a sonic boom, until seconds later everything changed. He walks through the chaos moment by moment, from the second explosion fueled by stored ammunition and gunpowder to waking up on top of collapsed debris surrounded by fire, brick, and smoke.

The conversation follows Jack’s escape and the immediate aftermath, where strangers rushed to help, injuries were overwhelming, and local hospitals were flooded with victims. He shares the medical realities many never hear about, including severe trauma, missed injuries, and the long road to recovery that included months in traction. The emotional impact is just as real, with reflections on nightmares, claustrophobia, and the determination to keep moving forward with the support of family.

Mayor Ron Oler brings the conversation into the present, discussing how Richmond continues to remember and honor those affected. He shares plans for a new bronze memorial plaque at Sixth and Main that will list all 41 victims, along with details about the upcoming public ceremony and how the community can support the effort.

This episode is a reminder of resilience, loss, and the importance of preserving local history. Listen now, subscribe for more stories from around Richmond, and share this episode with someone who cares about our community. After you listen, leave a review and tell us how you think Richmond should honor April 6, 1968.

Richmond was named as a potential casino market, local leaders got behind it, developers showed interest, and then Wayne County was pulled from House Bill 1038 at the last minute. That shift left a lot of people asking what actually happened and what it means moving forward.

Host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Mayor Ron Oler to break down the full timeline and the real numbers behind the headlines. From the state’s gaming study by Spectrum Gaming Group to how Richmond ended up on the list of “proxy” locations, they walk through what changed as the bill moved through the legislature and why it ultimately didn’t stick.

The details matter here. They get into license fees, bidding requirements, and the reality of a $500 million resort-style development that may not align with Richmond’s projected revenue. There’s also a clear explanation of what a referendum would look like, why local voters would have the final say, and why 2028 is the most realistic timeline if this comes back around.

The conversation also looks at the bigger picture. What a modern resort-style development actually includes, what other Indiana communities have experienced, and how Richmond could prepare for the impact. Even without this project moving forward right now, the coordination between city, county, and business leaders put Richmond in a position to be considered for future large-scale opportunities.

If you’ve been trying to make sense of the proposal, HB 1038, and what comes next for Richmond, this is the conversation to hear.

Vacant lots don’t just sit there, they slow everything around them down. On Richmond’s south side, that’s starting to change in a real way.

Host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Sarah Mitchell from the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County along with Jeb Reece and Bennett Bensman from Intend Indiana to break down the Vaile Neighborhood Project, a plan bringing 22 new single-family homes to long-vacant parcels and turning them into real opportunities for homeownership.

This conversation gets into what actually makes a project like this possible. From closing the appraisal gap to leveraging HOME funds and offering up to $20,000 in down payment assistance, this is the behind-the-scenes work that helps monthly payments compete with rent. They also walk through what buyers can expect, including three-bedroom layouts, one- and two-story options, and a focus on quality construction that raises the standard for affordable housing.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to qualify, we lay out the full path. Income requirements, lender pre-approval, reserving a home during construction, and the Homeownership 101 program course hosted at Vaile Elementary that helps guide buyers through budgeting, mortgages, and life after closing.

Learn more about the Homeownership 101 program: https://intendindiana.org/homeownership-101/

Watch the Homeownership 101 overview video: https://youtu.be/EPxB1O2WoKI?si=UTQh26jdv4oezctf

Read more about the project: https://whywaynecounty.com/community-partners-break-ground-on-vaile-neighborhood-revitalization-project-bringing-22-new-affordable-homes-to-richmonds-southside/

Want to see Main Street buzzing after dark again? Host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Acacia St. John of Forward Wayne County and Rebecca Gilliam of the Wayne County Foundation to talk about how the new Wayne County Land Trust is working to keep historic buildings in local hands, open the door for mixed use housing, and create a downtown that truly serves residents and small businesses.

The conversation dives into the real challenges Richmond has faced, including absentee ownership and long vacant storefronts, and why a community land trust offers a practical path forward. You will hear how early philanthropic support helped secure key properties, how each building will remain on the tax rolls, and how tools like historic tax credits and private investment will help sustain the vision long term. With most acquisitions complete, the focus now shifts to planning, design, and due diligence, with phased construction expected over the next few years alongside projects like Six at Main and ongoing downtown activation efforts.

This is about building a downtown people can live in, walk through, and enjoy every day. From upper floor apartments to locally owned shops and safer, more inviting streets, the goal is to create spaces shaped by the community. The episode also explores governance through the Foundation, safeguards for transparency, and a strong commitment to local contractors and suppliers. Most importantly, there is an open invitation for residents to share what they want to see fill these spaces, from cafés and bookstores to studios, gathering spots, and thoughtful design touches that make downtown feel alive.

If you care about the future of Richmond, now is the time to lean in.
 To learn more, visit waynecountyfoundation.org and forwardwaynecounty.org.

In this episode of Inside Richmond: The City’s Pulse, host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Richmond Municipal Airport Manager Rodney Mayse and Board of Aviation President Jonathan Meade to discuss why Richmond’s nearly 80 year old airport terminal has reached the end of its usable life and what a modern, ADA compliant facility could mean for the future of the community.

Rodney and Jonathan explain the real challenges facing the current terminal, including chronic leaks, cramped and outdated spaces, and accessibility limitations. They outline how the proposed single story design prioritizes function and dignity with improved accessibility, runway facing glass, after hours access for pilots, and a dedicated conference room that better reflects the professionalism of the airport and the city it serves.

The conversation breaks down the funding in clear, practical terms. Richmond Municipal Airport operates as a self sustaining entity through farm leases, hangar rentals, and fuel sales. FAA funding supports runways and airside infrastructure but does not cover terminal buildings. A competitive 1.4 million dollar Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant could help close the gap on a roughly 2.3 million dollar project alongside airport reserves, existing FAA allocations, and a 200 thousand dollar private gift. Federal aviation funds are tightly regulated and must remain within aviation. Passing on available grants simply sends that funding to another city, which is why the airport is applying now while also preparing a backup plan that includes naming rights and donor recognition if needed.

Beyond the building itself, the episode explores who uses Richmond Municipal Airport and why it matters. Business jets, charter flights, flight schools training future airline pilots, and air ambulance services rely on the airport’s two intersecting long runways and consistent operations. A modern terminal encourages pilots to choose Richmond, spend locally, and return. For executives and site selectors, the terminal sends a clear message about how the community invests in critical infrastructure, often influencing where future growth and opportunity take root.

Subscribe to Inside Richmond, share this episode with others who care about local progress, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

This week on Inside Richmond: The City’s Pulse, host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Mayor Ron Oler to close out 2025 by taking a clear look at the momentum building across Richmond.

Big change feels different when you can see it from your car window and from a kayak on the river. Together, they pull back the curtain on a downtown comeback rooted in historic preservation, a housing strategy moving at full speed, and a parks system being rebuilt with focus, accountability, and long term vision. From the evolving skyline at Six Main to retailers eyeing new storefronts, the conversation walks through what is built, what is funded, and what comes next.

Lindsay and Mayor Oler break down the numbers and the neighborhoods driving progress. More than $100 million in investment is transforming five historic buildings into housing and retail. The Vale neighborhood is adding 22 new affordable homes on long empty lots. State leaders have taken notice of Richmond’s housing readiness, and Mayor Oler explains how first time buyers can use local support to turn keys in the year ahead. They also explain why the city rebalanced its park system, shifting resources from underused micro parks to high demand destinations like Middle Fork Reservoir to better serve families across the community.

The missing piece finally clicks into place with the approval of a dedicated 1 percent food and beverage tax for parks, trails, and Whitewater Gorge activation. They walk through the safeguards, the council vote, and the projects this funding unlocks, from replacing Glen Miller Park’s worn playground to building a connected river corridor designed for paddling, biking, and walking.

With listeners tuning in from places like Hong Kong to Dayton, the episode closes with a call for community voices. Where are you listening from, why does Richmond matter to you, and which park or project should rise to the top in 2026.

If this episode helps you better understand how Richmond grows, tap follow, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps shape what gets built next, both on the mic and on the ground.

A locked door, a soft bassinet, and a two minute response window. Sometimes that is the difference between a life saved and a tragedy. On this episode of Inside Richmond, host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Monica Kelsey, CEO and Founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, along with Richmond Fire Department Deputy Chief Nick Arbogast and Battalion Chief Chris Chappel, to talk about the Safe Haven Baby Box initiative and the one located right here in Richmond.

Monica shares the origin of the program and how her own story of abandonment led her to discover a baby safe in a Cape Town church. That moment sparked a simple sketch on a napkin that eventually became the first Safe Haven Baby Box in the United States, installed in Woodburn, Indiana in 2016. Today the program has expanded to more than twenty states. Communities that combine boxes with education, outreach, and a 24/7 hotline are seeing fewer unsafe abandonments and more parents choosing safe, compassionate surrender through trained responders.

Lindsay and the team break down how the system actually works. Alert tones. A locking and temperature controlled environment. A bassinet design shaped by real world use. Weekly drills and documented maintenance to keep readiness high. Support bags placed inside the box that offer resources for medical care and counseling for mothers in crisis. Deputy Chief Arbogast and Battalion Chief Chappel walk through Richmond’s journey to installing its Baby Box at Richmond Fire Department Station 1 at 101 S 5th St, Richmond, Indiana. The box is located in the rear of the building at the 6th Street entrance and parking lot. They talk about the role community fundraising played, why responder mental health is part of the conversation, and how short social videos and awareness campaigns continue to spread life saving information across the community.

If you care about infant safety, maternal dignity, and practical steps communities can take right now, this episode gives you a grounded look at what is working in Richmond and beyond.

If you or someone you know needs help today, share this link: https://www.shbb.org/. The primary hotline for Safe Haven Baby Boxes is 1-866-99BABY1 (1-866-992-2291). It is a confidential 24/7 service for parents in crisis who need support, information, or guidance. You can call or text to learn how Safe Haven laws work in your state, how to safely surrender a newborn, and how to connect with trained responders who protect the safety and dignity of both parent and baby.

Please share this episode to help raise awareness of the Safe Haven Baby Box program and the resources available. Be sure to share the location of the Baby Box in Richmond at Station 1, 101 S 5th St, in the rear of the building at the 6th Street entrance and parking lot. This information saves lives.