Local News

The Delaware Public Health District is using new community health data to identify the issues it says will shape public-health priorities across Delaware County over the next several years. The health district released its 2026 Community Health Assessment this week, providing a look at the health conditions, behaviors and challenges reported by residents. The assessment found that while Delaware County …

A former utility clerk for the Village of Ashley will spend 180 days in jail after being convicted of stealing more than $70,000 in utility payments. Allison McClain was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Common Pleas Court following her guilty pleas to felony counts of theft in office and telecommunications fraud. In addition to the jail sentence, McClain was ordered …

Richland County has secured 3,500 tons of road salt for the upcoming winter, but county officials say the supply situation remains a concern after two previous attempts to obtain salt failed. County Engineer Adam Gove said Tuesday that the state sought bids for road salt for a third time after a dozen Ohio counties, including Richland County, received no offers …

A local Civil Air Patrol squadron is training for the possibility of being called upon to help find a missing person, locate a downed aircraft or respond to another emergency in Knox County and beyond. Members of the Capt. Peter Chapman II Composite Squadron recently conducted emergency-services training using a simulated missing-aircraft scenario. The exercise imagined a small Cessna departing …

Knox Public Health is notifying residents of a confirmed case of measles in a person currently residing in Knox County. According to a news release issued August 11, the laboratory-confirmed case was identified on August 3, 2026. The individual has since completed the required isolation period. Knox Public Health is working with the Ohio Department of Health and the individual’s …

Mount Vernon City Council has approved several pieces of legislation affecting city finances, public works equipment and a proposed residential development on Upper Gilchrist Road. The largest item involves a Tax Increment Financing agreement for the proposed Residences at Founders Grove development at 12050 Upper Gilchrist Road. According to Ordinance 2026-23, Residences at Founders Grove, LLC, acquired the property and …

Mansfield drivers should prepare for temporary road closures and traffic delays Saturday morning as thousands of runners and spectators descend on the Ohio State Reformatory for the 12th annual Shawshank Hustle. The race is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, beginning and ending at the historic Ohio State Reformatory at 100 Reformatory Road. The Mansfield Division of Police has released a …

The Richland County Foundation is putting more than $367,000 toward education, workforce development and community programs following action by its Board of Trustees. The foundation approved $367,505 in grants during its August meeting, with a significant portion of the funding directed toward education. Among the largest categories was $83,000 in education grants for K-12 teachers in Richland County public and …

A yearlong legal dispute between Liberty Township and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is moving toward a resolution after township trustees approved a settlement agreement that could provide the township with up to $875,000 over the next five years. The dispute centered on a proposed admission charge the township intended to use to help offset the cost of providing fire …

Downtown Mount Vernon was filled with community activity during August First Friday, with residents and visitors coming out to enjoy an evening of local businesses, entertainment and special activities. One of the evening’s highlights was the 2026 WNZR Costumed Paws on Parade, held in partnership with Experience Mount Vernon. The competition brought local pet owners downtown with their creatively dressed …