Local News

Food For The Hungry is awarding 12 Summer Grants totaling $30,500 to organizations across Knox County working to combat food insecurity during the summer months. The FFTH Summer Grant program was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown after increased awareness surrounding child hunger and food access. Officials say between 30 and 40 percent of Knox County students rely on …

The Mount Vernon Fire Department officially placed its newest medic unit into service Thursday during a traditional “push-in” ceremony held at the station alongside firefighters, family members, and community supporters. The long-standing fire service tradition dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment, when crews would physically push apparatus back into the station after returning from calls. Today, departments continue …

MOUNT VERNON — The Board of Directors for Food For The Hungry is pleased to announce the selection of Tanner Cooper-Risser as the new Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, a position the Board has restructured to better align with the responsibilities of the role. Austin Swallow, President of the FFTH Board, reports, “We believe the new title and revised …

Destination: Summer—Knox Community Jazz Orchestra performs on Sunday, May 24 at Ariel Foundation Park, signaling the unofficial start of summer The Knox Community Jazz Orchestra brings its swinging sound back to Ariel Foundation Park on Sunday, May 24, announcing the unofficial start of summer. The free concert begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center. Music lovers who have …

Photo Credits: Mount Vernon Farmers Market “Lynnea Clevenger of Tangled Up Farms, a 2026 Mount Vernon Farmers Market vendor, offers locally raised meat, eggs, and fresh produce.” The Mount Vernon Farmers Market will return to Public Square on Saturday, May 2, marking the start of its 23rd season. The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through October, …

Photo Credits: John Wareham “Council President Bruce Hawkins (center) and Councilman Taylor Jacklin (left)” New business, new location. When the Mount Vernon City Council met on Monday night, it was the introduction to an entirely new home. The council, mayor, various city employees and many more guests than usual – including a small group of Kenyon students – all met for …

The Knox County Board of Commissioners moved through a brief agenda during its April 7 meeting, approving several routine assessments and key administrative items. Commissioners signed off on annual levy maintenance assessments for the Little Jelloway water and sewer districts. This year’s costs include a fourteen‑dollar assessment for water facilities and a five‑dollar assessment for sewer facilities, based on current …

The Knox County Board of Commissioners received an update this week on ongoing challenges within the county’s transit system, as rising demand continues to strain limited staffing and funding. Transit Director Bethany Celmar reported that Knox County Transit completed more than 6,000 trips in March, a strong month despite several drivers being out on extended medical leave. Celmar has been …

Mount Vernon City Schools is asking residents to learn more about a proposed 1% earned income tax levy appearing on the May 5 ballot, a measure district leaders say would support long‑term investments in school facilities. The proposal is part of a year‑long review of building conditions, safety needs, enrollment trends, and the instructional demands facing today’s classrooms. Many of …

Photo Credit: Knox County Career Center Knox County Career Center students in Landscape Design and Management earned multiple top‑25 finishes at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, held March 18–21 at Michigan State University. KCCC was one of only two high schools competing among more than 50 colleges and universities and over 700 students. Seven students represented the program across 11 …