Local News

As the first official weekend of summer arrives, the Heart of Ohio Trail is once again becoming one of Knox County’s busiest outdoor destinations. The paved multi-use trail stretches for more than 20 miles through Knox County, connecting Mount Vernon, Centerburg, Fredericktown and several rural communities. Throughout the summer, the trail welcomes cyclists, runners, walkers and families looking to enjoy …

One of the largest residential developments proposed in Mount Vernon in recent years is taking another major step forward this week as City Council considers legislation designed to help move the project toward construction. Known as Arista Villas, the proposed subdivision would bring approximately 100 new single-family homes to nearly 40 acres along Vernonview Drive (State Route 768) on the …

Families are invited to celebrate Father’s Day weekend outdoors during a free community fishing event at Ariel-Foundation Park. The Knox County Fatherhood Commission will host “Fishing With Dad” on Sunday, June 21, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Ariel-Foundation Park, located at 10 Pittsburgh Avenue in Mount Vernon. The free event welcomes fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and all father figures …

Mount Vernon City Council has a full agenda for its Monday, June 22 meeting, with several major development and infrastructure proposals scheduled for discussion before the legislative session begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Committee meetings begin at 6:20 p.m. and will focus on housing incentives, economic development, police staffing and urban renewal initiatives. Among the largest items before …

Mansfield City Schools officials say the district lost approximately $54,000 after falling victim to a fraudulent vendor payment scam, prompting the district to strengthen its financial safeguards. District officials recently disclosed that the fraud occurred in 2025 when an individual posing as a legitimate vendor convinced the district to redirect a payment to a fraudulent bank account. The payment was …

MOUNT VERNON — The City of Mount Vernon has become the first municipality in Knox County to earn recognition through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Sustainable2050 initiative. The city recently received Silver-level designation after adopting a formal resolution of participation and earning 71 points across five sustainability goals. The voluntary program recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, …

One of the most accomplished high school football coaches in north central Ohio is joining the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets. Mount Vernon High School has announced that longtime coach Ed Honabarger has joined the Yellow Jackets football coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season. Honabarger most recently retired as assistant principal and head football coach at Loudonville High School and …

Delaware City Council has approved the annexation of land that will pave the way for construction of a fifth high school in the rapidly growing Olentangy Local School District. The annexation is a key step in the district’s long-term plan to accommodate continued enrollment growth in southern Delaware County, one of the fastest-growing regions in Ohio. District officials say the …

A growing online petition opposing the proposed Buc-ee’s Travel Center near the Interstate 71 and State Route 39 interchange has attracted more than 1,800 verified signatures as residents continue voicing concerns about the project. The petition, titled “Stop the I-71/SR 39 Buc-ee’s: Protect Our Water, Land, and Community,” was launched in March and urges Mansfield city officials and state leaders …

Knox County has a new leader overseeing emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts. Amy Seward was officially sworn in as the new Director of the Knox County Emergency Management Agency during a ceremony held this week, with Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Wetzel administering the oath of office. Seward takes over the agency after serving for several years …