Local News

Health officials are urging residents in Knox and Licking counties to take extra precautions when handling fresh produce as cases of Cyclospora, a parasite that causes a foodborne illness known as cyclosporiasis, have been confirmed locally amid a growing nationwide outbreak. The Ohio Department of Health has reported a sharp increase in Cyclospora infections this summer, with more than 1,200 …

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is inviting members of the public to provide feedback as its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares for a national accreditation review later this year. The university announced the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) will conduct an on-site evaluation of the program Sept. 16-18, 2026, as part of the organization’s accreditation process. CCNE accreditation …

Kenyon College has appointed Dianna Shandy as its next provost, selecting the longtime higher education leader to serve as the College’s chief academic officer beginning Aug. 1. Shandy most recently served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where she oversaw academic programs, faculty affairs and student success initiatives. Kenyon President Julie …

Motorcycles, live music and community support will come together Thursday evening as the Salvation Army hosts its annual Bike Night fundraiser. The event will take place Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., and is presented by Flappers Bar & Grille. Bike Night will feature a gathering of motorcycles along with live entertainment, food, drinks, ice cream and a …

A former Butler mayor and several village officials are facing a federal civil lawsuit stemming from a 2025 incident in which a fleeing suspect was allegedly struck multiple times by the mayor’s vehicle during an attempted arrest. The lawsuit was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, on behalf of Anthony Ward …

Every month, volunteers at Covenant Christian Church transform fellowship into food assistance, helping more than 80 Knox County families put meals on the table. The ministry recently received a $2,500 summer grant from Food For The Hungry of Knox County, one of 12 grants awarded this year totaling $30,500 to local organizations working to combat hunger. For Pam Vanderpool, who …

A Mount Vernon man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation into the alleged trafficking of drugs and the conveyance of illegal substances into the Knox County Jail. According to Knox County court records, Trenton Flack has been charged with multiple felony offenses, including trafficking in drugs, illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse into a detention facility, tampering with …

Mount Vernon City Council approved a series of resolutions Monday evening that advance several major city projects, including downtown redevelopment, the future Justice Center and the new Mount Vernon Police Station. Among the actions approved was a lease agreement for 9 East High Street, authorizing the city to enter into a contract with Top Flight Real Estate, doing business as …

As another school year approaches, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to recognize the educators who help shape the future of the community. The Chamber will host its annual Educators’ Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in Foster Hall at Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Held each year before …

The commercial kitchen inside the historic Woodward Opera House will soon have a new operator after Yellowbird Foodshed announced it will no longer operate The Woodward Kitchen. In a statement released by the Woodward Opera House Board of Directors, officials thanked Yellowbird Foodshed for its investment in the commercial kitchen and its efforts to establish and operate the business. “We …