Local News

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 …

A longtime Knox County equipment dealer is expanding its business and broadening the services it offers customers throughout central Ohio. Advantage Ag & Equipment announced it has joined the Bobcat Company dealer network, allowing the Mount Vernon business to sell and service a full line of Bobcat construction, landscaping and property maintenance equipment. The expansion also includes a new rental …

The 177th Knox County Fair is in full swing this week, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, volunteers and visitors for one of the county’s largest and longest-running traditions. While many visitors come for the rides, food vendors and grandstand entertainment, the heart of the fair remains its Junior Fair program, where local 4-H and FFA members spend months preparing livestock …

A new partnership between Mid-Ohio Adult Education and The Ohio State University at Mansfield aims to strengthen the pipeline of future educators serving school districts throughout north-central Ohio. Education leaders say the collaboration will provide aspiring teachers and classroom professionals with additional pathways into the education field by combining workforce training with opportunities to continue their college education. The initiative …

A Newark man is facing felony charges after a Licking County grand jury indicted him in connection with a fatal traffic crash that investigators say involved impaired driving. According to court records, the defendant has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence stemming from a crash that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man. …

Mount Vernon City Council members are expected to tackle several high-profile issues Monday evening, with discussions ranging from public safety technology and economic development to cemetery operations and surplus city property. Committee meetings begin at 6:15 p.m. ahead of the regular legislative session, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. The evening begins with the Police, Fire and Civil …

Development incentives, public safety technology and cemetery operations are among the topics on the agenda when the Mount Vernon City Council meets Monday evening. Committee meetings begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by the regular legislative session at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Among the first items of discussion is the city’s use of Flock automated license plate readers, which will …