Local News

Mount Vernon City Council approved a series of measures Monday night aimed at encouraging economic development, expanding housing opportunities and addressing city operations. One of the meeting’s most significant actions was the approval of legislation advancing the proposed Arista Villas residential development on the city’s east side. Council approved a resolution establishing an overlay for the proposed incentive districts and …

Federal authorities have announced two additional arrests in the alleged plot to carry out a mass-casualty attack during the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House earlier this month, bringing the total number of defendants to seven. According to newly unsealed federal court documents, William Lee Spartacus Falkner of Belfair, Washington, and Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of Missouri, …

Plans for a large data center in Delaware County continue moving through the local review process as officials evaluate one of the area’s largest proposed commercial developments. The project, proposed near Sunbury, would bring a large-scale technology campus designed to house computer servers that power cloud computing, artificial intelligence and internet services. Supporters say the development would generate construction jobs, …

Barbecue, blues music and community spirit will take over downtown Mount Vernon as the annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival returns on Saturday, June 27. The free festival runs from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will feature a barbecue competition, food trucks, local vendors and live music throughout the day. This year’s entertainment lineup includes performances by The Shaun …

ASHLAND — One of north central Ohio’s signature summer events is set to fill the skies once again as the annual Ashland BalloonFest returns to Freer Field this weekend. The three-day festival features nearly 30 hot air balloons, with scheduled morning launches and evening balloon glows, weather permitting. Organizers expect thousands of visitors from across Ohio to attend the event. …

As the first official weekend of summer arrives, the Heart of Ohio Trail is once again becoming one of Knox County’s busiest outdoor destinations. The paved multi-use trail stretches for more than 20 miles through Knox County, connecting Mount Vernon, Centerburg, Fredericktown and several rural communities. Throughout the summer, the trail welcomes cyclists, runners, walkers and families looking to enjoy …

One of the largest residential developments proposed in Mount Vernon in recent years is taking another major step forward this week as City Council considers legislation designed to help move the project toward construction. Known as Arista Villas, the proposed subdivision would bring approximately 100 new single-family homes to nearly 40 acres along Vernonview Drive (State Route 768) on the …

Families are invited to celebrate Father’s Day weekend outdoors during a free community fishing event at Ariel-Foundation Park. The Knox County Fatherhood Commission will host “Fishing With Dad” on Sunday, June 21, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Ariel-Foundation Park, located at 10 Pittsburgh Avenue in Mount Vernon. The free event welcomes fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and all father figures …

Mount Vernon City Council has a full agenda for its Monday, June 22 meeting, with several major development and infrastructure proposals scheduled for discussion before the legislative session begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Committee meetings begin at 6:20 p.m. and will focus on housing incentives, economic development, police staffing and urban renewal initiatives. Among the largest items before …

Mansfield City Schools officials say the district lost approximately $54,000 after falling victim to a fraudulent vendor payment scam, prompting the district to strengthen its financial safeguards. District officials recently disclosed that the fraud occurred in 2025 when an individual posing as a legitimate vendor convinced the district to redirect a payment to a fraudulent bank account. The payment was …