Local News

While many families will end their Independence Day celebrations watching fireworks, astronomy enthusiasts can cap off the evening by exploring the night sky at the Warren Rupp Observatory. The Richland Astronomical Society will host a free public viewing on Saturday, July 4, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. EDT, weather permitting. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the night sky …

Knox County is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a full calendar of events throughout July, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to celebrate the nation’s history while enjoying local festivals, entertainment and family activities. The month begins with July First Friday: Party Like It’s 1776 on Friday, July 3, in downtown Mount Vernon. The patriotic-themed event will feature live music, …

Mansfield Speedway is inviting families from across north central Ohio to celebrate Independence Day during the Freedom 250 Festival on Saturday, July 4. The free event will run from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mansfield Speedway, located at 400 Crall Road East, and is designed to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a full day of entertainment, competition and family-friendly …

After seven years of planning, fundraising and construction, the Knox County Regional Airport officially opened the Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center on Saturday, celebrating what community leaders say will become a hub for aviation education and workforce development throughout central Ohio. Airport officials, elected leaders, educators, business representatives and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the completion …

The City of Mount Vernon will celebrate the dedication of a new public monument honoring military families with a special ceremony on Thursday, July 2. The “Let Freedom Ring Blue Star Family Bell Circle” will be dedicated during a public ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. at American Heritage Park, located behind the historic CA&C Depot. The event is free and …

The City of Mount Vernon and Kenyon College’s Center for the Study of American Democracy will continue their yearlong Washington Forum series next week with a discussion centered on one of Ohio’s most pressing issues: balancing growth with the protection of the state’s critical resources. The sixth installment of the Washington Forum, titled “Smart Growth: Protecting and Securing Ohio’s Resources,” …

A Knox County native who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War will be remembered for generations to come as the Civil Air Patrol squadron based at the Knox County Regional Airport receives a new name in his honor. The unit has officially been renamed the Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron, recognizing the Centerburg native and Air Force …

Leather jackets, poodle skirts and rock-and-roll are making their way to downtown Mount Vernon as MTVarts prepares to bring the iconic musical Grease to the historic Woodward Opera House. The production will run July 10 through July 19, featuring a cast of local performers, a live on-stage band, energetic choreography and the unforgettable music that has made Grease one of …

Independence Day celebrations are set to light up Knox County as communities prepare for a full schedule of fireworks, live entertainment and family activities celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Mount Vernon’s largest celebration will once again take place at Ariel-Foundation Park on Saturday, July 4. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center with live music from Backroad Divas …

Downtown Mount Vernon will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic twist as July First Friday: Party Like It’s 1776 returns on Friday, July 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Presented by Lanning’s Foods, the free community event will transform downtown into a family-friendly celebration featuring live music, historical reenactments, children’s activities, food trucks and more than 95 vendors and …