PAK United keeps building bridges with fall community events

The Mount Vernon Police Department’s PAK United has been busy this summer and will continue through fall.

MVPD Assistant Chief Andy Burns reported at a news conference Tuesday that the police program that engages kids and builds relationships between law enforcement and youth will have three more major events this year.

The first is the Fall Festival at Hidden Goat Ranch. The event will be Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2-4 p.m. and parking is available at the First Baptist Church on Edgewood Road.

The second will be axe throwing at Summit Axe on Nov. 13, from 5-7 p.m.; and the final one will be Mrs. Claus Workshop at the Woodward Opera House, Dec. 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The group will also be present at several Trunk or Treat events during the Halloween season.

Burns also reported that one officer and a citizen both received community awards at the Law Enforcement Training Symposium in Sandusky in September. Sgt. Nicholas Myra received the Blue Line Award from the Ohio Attorney General’s office, while Dena Hess received the Victoria Allen Citizenship Award.

“We’re really proud of them and proud they can represent our community the way they do,” said Andy Burns.

Call volume for September was about average, Burns said, as MVPD received 1,586 calls for the month.

Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Chad Christopher reminded residents that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources burn ban is back in effect for October and November. Residents living outside the municipality are forbidden to have an open burn between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. He recommended anyone wanting to burn leaves that have fallen either take them to the Thayer Road facility or compost them.

Christopher also reported Brian Krill received his state paramedic certificate, giving the department 43 full-time paramedics with credentials.

Hydrant flushing in Mount Vernon is complete for the year, but MVFD is now working on flushing the hydrants in Gambier.

City Inspector Scott Zimmerman reported his department has worked on 480 property management cases since taking over in April. He said citizens have been very positive about the enforcement of property maintenance, including high grass, weeds and junk vehicles.

Zimmerman also said his department has taken over handling FOG (fats, oils, greases), as well as backflow and solid waste issues in the city. He said they are reaching out to solid waste haulers, making sure they have the proper permits.

Mayor Matt Starr reminded residents of the Servitas event, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ariel-Foundation Park. The event, put on by the Knox County Career Center Jr. ROTC program, is a competitive, statewide event for high school ROTC groups where they will compete in a variety of physical events.