Town and Country Garden Club Beautification Award

Town and Country Garden Club honored Gay Street United Methodist Church with its Beautification Award recently. The award, which is given to an organization or institution each year, was given for the congregation's effort to nurture and maintain the all-season landscape of the church. Pictured are, from left, Bruce Hoy, Marilyn Hoy, Town and Country Garden Club representative Susan Givens, Mary Kepple, Claudia Grove, Cathy Yarman and Lana Siekkinen.

Fred Main

Published September 3, 2025 - 1:19 p.m. Modified November 19, 2025 - 9:05 a.m.

Annonse

Annonse

MVNU to host OMEA District 10 Honor Bands

More than 200 middle and high school musicians will gather Dec. 6 for instruction and a free afternoon concert featuring guest clinicians from OSU and Capital University

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

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.

Danville star pitcher Addy Bocock signs with Cedarville University softball

Blue Devils ace and All-Ohio selection commits to play Division II softball, credits faith, hard work and Danville coaching for her growth.

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THE LATEST

Local

TR comes alive: John Vining’s Theodore Roosevelt electrifies Woodward Opera House

MadCap Living History’s dynamic performance blends scholarship, storytelling and audience interaction in a memorable portrait of America’s 26th president

Donate harvested deer to support local food pantries

ODNR Division of Wildlife hosts deer donation days Dec. 1–2 and Dec. 6–7, with processed venison distributed to Ohio foodbanks and community pantries

Winter Craft Market draws big crowds, big spirit at MVHS field house

Debut event features 90+ vendors, student volunteers, and Santa—with proceeds supporting MV athletics and the Giving Hope Foundation

MVNU celebrates Homecoming & Family Weekend with reunions, chapel rededication, and alumni honors

More than 40 events welcomed alumni and families for worship, recognition, athletics and community

Breakfast with Santa returns to Knox Memorial on Dec. 13

Chamber and Mortellaro McDonald’s to serve pancakes, crafts, movies and photos with Santa at family holiday event

Sports

MV girls’ wrestling aims high as young program gains experience

With 11 wrestlers returning — including a state champion — Mount Vernon continues building a strong foundation for long-term success

Experienced Mount Vernon wrestlers aim for big team, individual milestones

With a returning state champ and deep senior class, Jackets set sights on league title, podium finishes and a top-five state showing

Fredericktown wrestling teams look to grow with new talent, strong returners

Boys and girls squads rebuild with determination and depth as both programs aim for competitive seasons

Copeland, Heis earn All-Region honors for Kenyon women’s soccer

Sophomore forward and senior defender recognized after leading Owls’ offense and record-setting defense

OHSAA schools approve NIL measure, making Ohio 45th state to allow high school deals

New bylaw takes effect immediately, permitting student-athletes to earn compensation while maintaining eligibility under updated reporting and compliance rules.

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.

MVNU dedicates new Tim Belcher Clubhouse, honors MLB alum and launches Phase Two of baseball campaign

State-of-the-art facility and special Nashville benefit event boost On Deck Campaign for Cougar Baseball

East Knox FFA team places 19th in State Aquarium Management competition

Students demonstrate skills in fish identification, water testing and aquarium care at statewide event

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.

First Presbyterian’s Hot Meals Program celebrates 25 years of serving the community

Mount Vernon church continues its weekly tradition of food, fellowship, and faith — providing up to 100 meals each Monday night with help from local partners and grants.

Columns and Opinion

Civic Life

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.

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.

Mount Vernon advances two major CDBG projects, including Riverside Park upgrades and brick street rebuild

Council approves bidding for neighborhood improvements, brick street reconstruction and Memorial Park softball upgrades, with multiple infrastructure projects set to launch in early 2025.

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

Food For The Hungry awards $53,500 in winter grants to 22 Knox County organizations

Boost in reserve funding helps meet growing community need as annual drive targets $340,000 goal

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

Write-in candidate Tommy Groshong elected to Knox ESC board

Fredericktown parent with special-needs advocacy experience to be sworn in this January

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.

Robert E. Rodstrom

Robert E. Rodstrom, MD, FACP, crossed over to a new life peacefully among family on October 13, 2025.

Donald L. McFarland

Donald L. McFarland, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

Mary E. McDonald

In loving memory of Mary Ellen (McFadden) McDonald who passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Business

Dancing Bee Market & Studio hosts free holiday gift-making workshops

Mount Vernon shop invites families to create handmade gifts, enjoy festive activities and support local makers this season

Dean's Jewelry celebrates 60 years of sparkles

Local jewelers mark milestone anniversary with exclusive sales event

Kroger opens new state liquor store in Mount Vernon location

Ribbon-cutting celebrates expanded selection of spirits at Coshocton Avenue store

Knox County Chamber celebrates new downtown office with ribbon cutting

Move to Mulberry Street marks a new era of growth, accessibility, and collaboration for the 108-year-old business organization.

Ariel Corp. honors life and legacy of Chairman Karen Buchwald Wright

The former CEO and Mount Vernon philanthropist is remembered for her leadership, patriotism, and transformative community impact

Town and Country Garden Club Beautification Award

MVNU to host OMEA District 10 Honor Bands

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

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

Danville star pitcher Addy Bocock signs with Cedarville University softball

THE LATEST

MV girls’ wrestling aims high as young program gains experience

Patrol urges sober driving as holiday impaired-driving crashes spike

Experienced Mount Vernon wrestlers aim for big team, individual milestones

Fredericktown wrestling teams look to grow with new talent, strong returners

Copeland, Heis earn All-Region honors for Kenyon women’s soccer

OHSAA schools approve NIL measure, making Ohio 45th state to allow high school deals

MVNU to host OMEA District 10 Honor Bands

Occupational licensure review bill passes Ohio House

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

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

TR comes alive: John Vining’s Theodore Roosevelt electrifies Woodward Opera House

Donate harvested deer to support local food pantries

Winter Craft Market draws big crowds, big spirit at MVHS field house

MVNU celebrates Homecoming & Family Weekend with reunions, chapel rededication, and alumni honors

Breakfast with Santa returns to Knox Memorial on Dec. 13

MV girls’ wrestling aims high as young program gains experience

Experienced Mount Vernon wrestlers aim for big team, individual milestones

Fredericktown wrestling teams look to grow with new talent, strong returners

Copeland, Heis earn All-Region honors for Kenyon women’s soccer

OHSAA schools approve NIL measure, making Ohio 45th state to allow high school deals

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

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

MVNU dedicates new Tim Belcher Clubhouse, honors MLB alum and launches Phase Two of baseball campaign

East Knox FFA team places 19th in State Aquarium Management competition

Fredericktown FFA members attend National Convention; alum earns American Degree

First Presbyterian’s Hot Meals Program celebrates 25 years of serving the community

The Garden Gate

DeCastra's garden awarded

Your OSU Extension Edge

First snow, farm chores and a timely reminder: Mud costs cattle energy

Kitchen Table Nutrition

Holiday routines and diabetes: Stay steady, not perfect

What's Cooking

Traditional foods and cookies bring joy to the season

Better Business Bureau

Beware of this package delivery scam

Letter to the Editor

What was your favorite Christmas gift of all?

Library Highlights

Enjoy holiday festivities at the library

Good News

Living a life shaped by thankfulness

Weekly Blessing

Advent invites Christians to wait with hope between Christ’s first and second coming

Weekly Blessing

Let my rest in you be enough

Patrol urges sober driving as holiday impaired-driving crashes spike

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

Mount Vernon advances two major CDBG projects, including Riverside Park upgrades and brick street rebuild

Occupational licensure review bill passes Ohio House

Food For The Hungry awards $53,500 in winter grants to 22 Knox County organizations

City's leaf collection slowing down as winter approaches

Write-in candidate Tommy Groshong elected to Knox ESC board

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

John Richard Bross

Clarence Richard Lawson, Jr.

Penelope J. Daniels

Robert E. Rodstrom

Donald L. McFarland

Mary E. McDonald

Dancing Bee Market & Studio hosts free holiday gift-making workshops

Dean's Jewelry celebrates 60 years of sparkles

Kroger opens new state liquor store in Mount Vernon location

Knox County Chamber celebrates new downtown office with ribbon cutting

Ariel Corp. honors life and legacy of Chairman Karen Buchwald Wright