Local News

The Knox County Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships to 484 students for the 2026-2027 academic year, continuing its mission of supporting educational opportunities throughout Knox County and beyond. This year, the foundation distributed a total of $1,303,650 through its extensive scholarship program, benefiting students at every stage of their educational journey. Awards were provided to graduating …

Seven students from the Knox County Career Center Building Trades program have earned the prestigious designation of “Building Trades Elite,” recognizing their commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the job site. This year’s honorees include Mackenlee Fairall, Ethan Hull, Walter Greene, Johnny Bender, Gage Selby, Jason Butler, and Truman Chester. To earn the distinction, students must meet …

he Mount Vernon City Council moved quickly through Tuesday night’s meeting, with most legislation receiving first or second readings. One notable exception was Resolution 2026-62, which council approved immediately following a motion from Councilman Mel Severns. The resolution authorizes the city’s Safety Service Director to partner with the Knox County Land Bank on infrastructure improvements near North Norton Street. The …

Downtown Mount Vernon is preparing to kick off another season of First Friday celebrations with a throwback to the 1950s during “Shake, Rattle, & Roll Downtown” on Friday, June 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Public Square and throughout downtown. The free community event is presented by Edward Jones of Mount Vernon and organized by Experience Mount Vernon. This …

The Kokosing Valley Arts Alliance will welcome internationally acclaimed documentary photographer and filmmaker Louie Palu to the Woodward Opera House on Saturday, May 30th from 1 to 3 p.m. for the latest installment of the KVAA Arts Alliance Workshop series. Palu is internationally known for his decades of work documenting labor and mining communities, war zones, human rights issues, border …

The City of Mount Vernon has announced multiple promotions and new appointments within the Mount Vernon Fire Department and Mount Vernon Police Department as officials continue expanding public safety leadership and staffing throughout the city. Among the promotions, Nate Hines was elevated to Assistant Chief after nearly two decades with the fire department. Tom Calland was also promoted to EMS …

Food For The Hungry is awarding 12 Summer Grants totaling $30,500 to organizations across Knox County working to combat food insecurity during the summer months. The FFTH Summer Grant program was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown after increased awareness surrounding child hunger and food access. Officials say between 30 and 40 percent of Knox County students rely on …

The Mount Vernon Fire Department officially placed its newest medic unit into service Thursday during a traditional “push-in” ceremony held at the station alongside firefighters, family members, and community supporters. The long-standing fire service tradition dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment, when crews would physically push apparatus back into the station after returning from calls. Today, departments continue …

MOUNT VERNON — The Board of Directors for Food For The Hungry is pleased to announce the selection of Tanner Cooper-Risser as the new Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, a position the Board has restructured to better align with the responsibilities of the role. Austin Swallow, President of the FFTH Board, reports, “We believe the new title and revised …

Destination: Summer—Knox Community Jazz Orchestra performs on Sunday, May 24 at Ariel Foundation Park, signaling the unofficial start of summer The Knox Community Jazz Orchestra brings its swinging sound back to Ariel Foundation Park on Sunday, May 24, announcing the unofficial start of summer. The free concert begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center. Music lovers who have …