Local News

Competitive runners from across Ohio and beyond will make their way through northern Knox County this fall as a new Boston Marathon qualifying race debuts in central Ohio. The inaugural Sunbury Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, featuring a certified marathon course that travels through portions of Centerburg before returning to Sunbury. Organizers say the event is expected to …

The City of Mount Vernon is taking another step toward construction of its long-awaited Justice Center by beginning the search for a construction manager to oversee the project. City Council recently authorized Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers to solicit qualifications from firms interested in serving as the project’s construction manager at risk, a delivery method designed to bring a contractor into …

Mount Vernon residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback about one of the city’s most closely watched development proposals during a special “Coffee with Council” event this weekend. The Mount Vernon City Council will host the informal discussion Saturday, Aug. 1, at 9 a.m. in the Mount Vernon Municipal Center, 236 S. Main St. The event …

Knox County commissioners tackled a wide range of county business during their most recent meeting, including updates on child support services, emergency medical funding and several infrastructure projects that could affect residents across the county. One of the largest updates came from the Knox County Department of Job and Family Services, which reported on its transition to a standalone child …

Knox County property owners who believe their homes have been incorrectly valued have a limited opportunity this week to request an informal review before new assessments are finalized. The Knox County Auditor’s Office is holding informal property value hearings July 29 through July 31, giving residents the chance to meet with appraisal staff, review their tentative valuations and provide documentation …

A packed Mount Vernon City Council meeting Monday night ended without a vote on two controversial housing incentive proposals after residents questioned whether taxpayers have been given enough information about the projects. The legislation would allow the proposed Arista Villas development to join the city’s New Community Authority while also creating Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts for both Arista Villas …

With Licking County experiencing unprecedented residential and commercial growth, county officials are asking residents to help shape what the future of one of Ohio’s fastest-growing counties will look like. The county has launched LC Forward, a countywide planning initiative designed to create Licking County’s first comprehensive growth strategy in more than 25 years. Through an online survey and a series …

Public concern over Mount Vernon’s Flock automated license plate reader system drew a standing-room-only crowd Monday night, with residents asking city leaders to adopt written policies, increase transparency and provide greater public oversight of the technology. More than a dozen people signed up to speak during the City Council meeting, the majority focusing their comments on the city’s network of …

Knox Community Hospital has announced plans to join Kettering Health, marking what hospital leaders say is a significant step toward strengthening healthcare services in Knox County and the surrounding region. The hospital announced Tuesday that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to become part of the nonprofit health system headquartered in Kettering, Ohio. While the agreement does not …

As development continues across western Licking County, county commissioners are moving forward with infrastructure improvements designed to keep pace with rapid population and business growth. During a recent meeting, commissioners approved funding for several road and utility projects intended to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety and prepare for future residential and commercial development. Officials say the investments are part …