The bench trial of Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr. concluded Tuesday in Knox County Common Pleas Court following closing arguments, with Judge Richard Wetzel expected to announce his verdict next month. Keesee originally faced 32 felony charges involving allegations of sexual abuse against four women when they were children. Five of those counts were dismissed during the trial after one …

The Mount Vernon Fire Department will open its doors to the public Thursday as part of National Fire Prevention Week. The department’s annual Fire Prevention Open House is scheduled for October 8 and will give area residents an opportunity to learn more about fire safety while meeting local firefighters. This year’s event comes as fire departments across Ohio focus on …

The Mansfield City Council will meet Tuesday evening for its regularly scheduled caucus and council meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. October 6 in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of Mansfield City Hall. The city says the public is invited to attend, with access to the building through the first-floor entrance. The meeting comes as …

The City of Mount Vernon will join communities across Ohio in commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary with an America 250 Tree Dedication Ceremony this Friday, October 9. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. and will feature students from Columbia Elementary School taking an active role in the event. According to the city, 47 fifth-grade students will serve as the …

A rail line serving Richland County is getting a significant infrastructure upgrade through new funding approved by the Ohio Rail Development Commission. The Ashland Railway has received a $744,000 state grant to assist with rehabilitation of four miles of its Willard Line in Richland County. The project is the second phase of a larger three-phase effort to improve approximately 12 …

Knox County organizations will have another opportunity to apply for funding through the county’s OneOhio Grant Program, with a second round of applications now open. The program uses money from Ohio’s opioid settlement funds to support efforts focused on preventing and treating addiction and promoting recovery. The county says the second round will place particular emphasis on children and families …

The Mount Vernon Fire Department is joining fire departments across Ohio in highlighting Fire Prevention Week, with a focus this year on the safe charging of lithium-ion batteries. The 2026 campaign, running October 4 through 10, is titled “Charge Into Fire Safety.” Fire officials are warning residents that improper charging of everyday devices, including cell phones, laptops, e-bikes and power …

Granville Township trustees have unanimously approved an 8-million-dollar renovation project at Denison Golf Club, clearing the way for preliminary work to begin as early as October. The decision came after trustees twice delayed a vote so Denison University officials could answer questions from neighboring residents about the project. The historic course was designed by renowned golf architect Donald Ross in …

The city’s Utilities Commission is scheduled to meet Thursday morning as local officials continue work on the city’s water and wastewater systems. The meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, October 1. The Knox County Board of Commissioners is also scheduled to meet later Thursday at 10 a.m. The Utilities Commission oversees matters involving Mount Vernon’s municipal utility operations, making …

Licking County commissioners are considering purchasing the former Newark Advocate building in downtown Newark for 2.3 million dollars. The proposed purchase covers the approximately 72-thousand-square-foot building at 22 North First Street, along with adjacent parking lots. The property includes former newspaper offices, a pressroom and a large warehouse on just under two acres. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the …