As development continues across western Licking County, county commissioners are moving forward with infrastructure improvements designed to keep pace with rapid population and business growth. During a recent meeting, commissioners approved funding for several road and utility projects intended to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety and prepare for future residential and commercial development. Officials say the investments are part …

A longtime Knox County equipment dealer is expanding its business and broadening the services it offers customers throughout central Ohio. Advantage Ag & Equipment announced it has joined the Bobcat Company dealer network, allowing the Mount Vernon business to sell and service a full line of Bobcat construction, landscaping and property maintenance equipment. The expansion also includes a new rental …

The 177th Knox County Fair is in full swing this week, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, volunteers and visitors for one of the county’s largest and longest-running traditions. While many visitors come for the rides, food vendors and grandstand entertainment, the heart of the fair remains its Junior Fair program, where local 4-H and FFA members spend months preparing livestock …

A new partnership between Mid-Ohio Adult Education and The Ohio State University at Mansfield aims to strengthen the pipeline of future educators serving school districts throughout north-central Ohio. Education leaders say the collaboration will provide aspiring teachers and classroom professionals with additional pathways into the education field by combining workforce training with opportunities to continue their college education. The initiative …

A Newark man is facing felony charges after a Licking County grand jury indicted him in connection with a fatal traffic crash that investigators say involved impaired driving. According to court records, the defendant has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence stemming from a crash that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man. …

Mount Vernon City Council members are expected to tackle several high-profile issues Monday evening, with discussions ranging from public safety technology and economic development to cemetery operations and surplus city property. Committee meetings begin at 6:15 p.m. ahead of the regular legislative session, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. The evening begins with the Police, Fire and Civil …

A Mount Vernon Nazarene University faculty member and undergraduate researcher have earned national recognition with the publication of a second peer-reviewed journal article produced through the university’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research, known as SPUR. The study, “Small-Scale Habitat Relationships of Corydalus cornutus Hellgrammites in Central Ohio Riffles,” was authored by Dr. Jon P. Bossley, professor in MVNU’s Division of …

Development incentives, public safety technology and cemetery operations are among the topics on the agenda when the Mount Vernon City Council meets Monday evening. Committee meetings begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by the regular legislative session at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Among the first items of discussion is the city’s use of Flock automated license plate readers, which will …

A Mount Vernon man is in custody as police investigate the death of a woman found inside a residence early Thursday morning. According to the Mount Vernon Police Department, officers responded to a reported disturbance at approximately 1:43 a.m. at a single-family home in the 700 block of Upper Fredericktown Road. When officers entered the residence, they discovered a 49-year-old …

One of Ohio’s premier gravel cycling events is celebrating a major milestone this year. The Black Fork Gravel Grinder marks its 10th anniversary this fall, continuing a tradition that has grown into one of the region’s signature cycling events. The annual ride attracts cyclists from across Ohio and neighboring states, offering participants the opportunity to explore the scenic back roads …