Local News

Photo caption: Ann Marie Wiley, assistant director (left), and Joe Springer, executive director of The Winter Sanctuary, represent one of two organizations awarded $300,000 in competitive grants from the Knox County Foundation during its February grant cycle. (Photo courtesy of The Winter Sanctuary) Historic awards include two $300,000 grants and the launch of a new summer youth enrichment initiative MOUNT …

Eight Knox County Career Center students are advancing to the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, after strong performances at the state competition held Feb. 23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The national event will take place May 6–10. Students from CollegeU‑Business, Computer Network Technology, Digital Media & Software Development, and Pre‑Professional Mentorship programs competed …

Knox Public Health’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is encouraging residents to take part in National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign focused on helping people make informed food choices and build healthy eating and physical activity habits. The observance began in 1973 as National Nutrition Week and expanded to a month‑long initiative in 1980. It is sponsored by the …

A Mount Gilead man and his 10‑year‑old daughter were killed Sunday evening in a two‑vehicle crash on Morrow County Road 25 near Ohio 61, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash happened at 6:56 p.m. when a 2003 Jeep Liberty driven eastbound by 27‑year‑old Skylar Beveridge traveled left of center and …

A new Sustainability Advisory Group is taking shape in Mount Vernon, created by Mayor Matt Starr to help guide the city toward stronger environmental practices and long‑term community well‑being. The initiative is designed to support both current needs and the quality of life future generations will inherit. Assistant City Engineer Quentin Platt will lead the group. His background in sustainability …

The Knox County Veterans Services Office is seeing a steady increase in veterans seeking assistance, with nearly four scheduled appointments per day for VA benefit filings. That figure does not include walk‑ins or individuals stopping in for help with questions or paperwork. Executive Director Kevin Henthorne told county commissioners last week that activity has climbed back to, and in some …

A 24‑year‑old Mount Vernon man was killed Saturday night after crashing a dirt bike on Walnut Alley, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Troopers said Dylan Severns was riding northbound just before 11 p.m. when he left the roadway near the intersection of Sunset Street and struck a utility‑pole guy wire. A guy wire …

A routine building cleanup at CH Tool & Die took an unexpected turn on Feb. 13 when workers discovered four military transport canisters containing 40‑millimeter high‑explosive anti‑aircraft rounds. The company contacted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, which secured the scene and brought in specialized assistance. After reviewing photos of the canisters, the Columbus Bomb Squad and the Wright‑Patterson Air Force …

City officials have entered a three‑year partnership with Alabama‑based Retail Strategies LLC to help attract new retail and restaurant development to Mount Vernon. The contract, signed Jan. 19, costs $45,000 per year and marks a more proactive approach to filling long‑standing gaps in the city’s retail mix. Safety‑Service Director Tanner Salyers said the move responds to residents’ concerns about limited …

The City of Mount Vernon is pursuing several funding avenues as work continues on infrastructure and development projects across town. During Monday’s meeting, City Council approved advertising for bids on two projects and heard updates on potential funding for two others. Council authorized going out for bids on a street chip‑and‑seal project focused on the south side, as well as …