Pop-up food distribution planned Nov. 1 in Mount Vernon

Community partners unite to provide free food boxes for Knox County families in need at Habitat for Humanity.

Metro Newspaper Service

Published October 31, 2025 - 9:59 a.m. Modified November 6, 2025 - 12:09 p.m.

Annonse

Food For The Hungry, Knox County Foundation, Interchurch Social Services, and Knox County community partners are organizing a “pop-up” food distribution to support our neighbors facing food insecurity.

All Knox County families who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are invited to receive a box of food on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at Habitat for Humanity (405 W. Chestnut Street, Mount Vernon).

For questions on eligibility, please contact Carolyn Fergus of Interchurch Social Services at (740-397-4825).

If you or your organization would like to volunteer to help organize and distribute food on Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., please email Knox County Foundation’s Lisa Loyd at lisa@knoxcf.org with your availability. Whether you can give a full morning or just an hour, your help makes a real difference.

Annonse

Mount Vernon to raise water and wastewater rates starting April 2026

City Council approves multiyear increases to fund EPA-mandated upgrades as MVPD secures taser purchase and other legislation moves forward

East Knox names four champions for upcoming Knox County Spelling Bee

Students from grades 5-8 advance to the Jan. 14 county competition at Mount Vernon High School

Four Centerburg students qualify for Knox County Spelling Bee

Grade-level champions will compete Jan. 14 against peers from districts across the county

Fredericktown Christmas Walk fills village with music, lights and community spirit

Annual event features tree lighting, performances, crafts and visits with Santa while supporting local charities

Find us on Facebook

Knox Weekly News

THE LATEST

Local

Old-school airwaves, modern mission: Amateur radio thrives in Knox County

MVARC blends decades of emergency service, technical learning and community connection as interest in ham radio continues to grow.

Knox Voices project invites residents to share stories for America 250

CVB and Public Library partner to create a living archive of personal histories that capture the spirit and character of Knox County

Pop-up food pantries bring Knox County together in the midst of need

Emergency distributions organized by Interchurch Social Services, Food For The Hungry and Knox County Foundation served hundreds as SNAP delays and rising demand strained local families.

A storybook stroll: Candy, characters, and a Grinch in custody

Mount Vernon’s 'Once Upon a Holiday' parade brings festive floats, classic characters and a comic Grinch takedown before the Public Square lighting

Food For The Hungry awards $10,000 grant to support Salvation Army’s Choice Pantry

Funding will provide new refrigeration units as the Mount Vernon pantry expands services and meets rising community needs

Sports

15 Knox County football players earn All-Ohio honors, including six first-team selections

Mount Vernon’s Mark Weber named Div. II Coach of the Year as standout athletes from Mount Vernon, Fredericktown, Centerburg and Danville receive statewide recognition

Three MVNU standouts earn AVCA All-Region honors

Brown named Regional Freshman of the Year as Maloney and Nuss join her on the First Team after dominant seasons for the Lady Cougars

Mount Vernon girls secure four podium finishes at Lady Scot Invitational

Parker, Laverick, Zimmerman and Ndow lead MV as Centerburg and Fredericktown wrestlers also earn wins and placements

Mount Vernon crowns two champions, takes third at John Brown Memorial

Taylor and freshman Jones earn titles as Jackets show early-season promise with multiple podium finishes

Experienced Mount Vernon bowlers set sights on league title and postseason run

Boys’ and girls’ teams return strong cores as deeper lineups, tougher schedule and improved spare shooting fuel high expectations

Life and Learning

Holiday Open House to showcase Pine Hill Independent Senior Living in Mount Vernon

Guests can tour the new nonprofit senior living community Dec. 4, enjoy festive treats and music, and learn about a limited-time $3,000 downsizing incentive.

MVNU to present 57th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah Nov. 23

140-voice Choral Union, alumni soloists and chamber orchestra will join for the beloved oratorio in R.R. Hodges Chapel; tickets $10, kids free.

Kenyon College hires Jason Imperati as new director of athletics

Lawrence University AD to begin June 1, 2026, bringing student-centered leadership, facility growth experience and a vision for strengthening Kenyon’s 23 varsity programs

MVNU honors Taiylor Romine with 2025 Board of Trustees Hospitality Award

Online enrollment specialist recognized for servant-hearted leadership, campus impact and commitment to student success

Fredericktown FFA members attend National Convention; alum earns American Degree

Eight students traveled to Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention, visited ag sites and supported alum Kacie Rook as she received the organization’s highest honor.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to offer Blue Christmas and Solstice services

December services aim to provide comfort, reflection and hope for community members during the holiday season

Columns and Opinion

Civic Life

Thorne Library earns grant to expand children’s and teen literature collection

MVNU adds 60 award-winning titles to support teacher education students and provide new resources for local families

Knox Public Health honors National Rural Health Day and the “Power of Rural”

Agency highlights local outreach, community partnerships and the vital role of rural healthcare providers across Knox County.

Occupational licensure review bill passes Ohio House

H.B. 59 aims to modernize licensing by lowering fees, streamlining requirements and reducing barriers to workforce entry as the measure heads to the Senate

MVHS Key Club leads urgent food drive to support classmates in need

After SNAP benefits halted during the federal shutdown, students mobilized to collect thousands of items and discreetly assist peers facing food insecurity.

Knox County Engineer’s Office does much more than fix roads — it keeps the county moving

From bridge replacements and winter plowing to trail projects, grants and development planning, Engineer Cameron Keaton’s team works year-round to support safety, growth and daily life in Knox County.

Patrol urges sober driving as holiday impaired-driving crashes spike

OSHP increases enforcement in December, stressing planning, awareness and responsibility to keep Ohio roads safe.

City's leaf collection slowing down as winter approaches

Mount Vernon crews finish four passes and shift equipment to winter operations as residents are urged to place remaining leaves at the curb

Need help with food? Call 211 for fast, local assistance

The free 24/7 service connects residents to food pantries, meal programs and essential community resources with one call or text.

Obituaries

John Richard Bross

John Richard Bross passed away at the age of 93 on November 24, 2025.

Clarence Richard Lawson, Jr.

Mount Vernon- Clarence Richard Lawson, Jr., formerly of Walhonding, passed away peacefully at the Knox Community Hospital on November 15, 2025, at the age of 96.

Penelope J. Daniels

Penelope “Penny” Joy Daniels passed away Friday morning, November 7, 2025, at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in Columbus with her daughter, Cassidy Daniels, and husband Scott Daniels at her side.