Local News

A Knox County family is being recognized statewide for proving that good farming and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Jeff and Mary Jo Cutlip, along with their daughters, LeighAnn and Laura, have been named recipients of the 2026 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Environmental Stewardship Award, one of the organization’s highest honors recognizing cattle producers who demonstrate exceptional care for the …

Motorists traveling through central Ohio this week should plan ahead as the Ohio Department of Transportation begins a series of overnight lane and ramp closures tied to several major construction projects. Among the biggest impacts will be work at the Interstate 270 and Interstate 71 interchange on Columbus’ north side, where multiple overnight closures are scheduled beginning Monday, July 6. …

Local artists will take center stage this summer as the Kokosing Valley Arts Alliance (KVAA) and the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau launch Art at the Park, a new community art competition and exhibition celebrating the creative talent found throughout Knox County and the surrounding area. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Friday, July 10, from 4 …

As Ohio enters the height of summer, state health officials are encouraging residents to take extra precautions against ticks and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases that pose serious health risks. The Ohio Department of Health says tick activity remains high across much of the state, with Lyme disease continuing to be the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in Ohio. Officials …

The City of Mount Vernon officially dedicated the new “Let Freedom Ring Blue Star Family Bell Circle” Wednesday morning, celebrating military families whose sacrifices help preserve the nation’s freedoms. The ceremony, held at American Heritage Park, brought together city leaders, state officials, veterans, military families and community members as the city unveiled the interactive public art installation just days before …

Richland County Children Services is asking the community to consider opening their homes to children in need through a new foster parent recruitment campaign. The initiative, titled “This Seat Is Waiting,” highlights the ongoing need for licensed foster families as more children enter the county’s child welfare system. Agency officials say the number of children requiring temporary placement continues to …

Mansfield City Schools has taken the first formal step toward what could become the district’s first new elementary school in years. The Board of Education recently approved a resolution to conditionally participate in the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission’s Expedited Local Partnership Program, allowing the district to begin planning for a potential new elementary school project. District officials say the approval …

Knox Technical Center recognized the achievements of its newest graduates during its summer commencement ceremony held Tuesday, June 30, at the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Chapel. The ceremony brought together graduates, families, instructors and community members to celebrate students who completed career and technical education programs designed to prepare them for today’s workforce. The graduation marked another milestone for Knox …

As central Ohio continues to experience dangerously hot temperatures, local community organizations are coming together to provide a safe place for residents to cool off. Hard Knox Mutual Aid, in collaboration with the People’s Solidarity Coalition and other community partners, has opened a pop-up cooling center at the SCRAPS Community Studio, located at 300 Tilden Ave., Suite 6, Mount Vernon. …

Downtown Mount Vernon welcomed a new destination for dining, business and community collaboration as Founders Food Hall officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, development partners and local residents. The celebration marked the completion of the transformation of a historic downtown building into a vibrant mixed-use space that combines local food vendors, office space …