Local News

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) has approved investing $319.3 million into 14 major transportation projects in 14 counties. The project list includes $295.2 million for construction and development funding on 8 projects, $9.1 million for new project development funding on 3 projects, and $15.0 million for additional project development funding on 3 projects. The funding is allocated …

In Knox County Common Pleas Court Wednesday Afternoon bond was set at 2 million dollars for Gary Thomas Keesee Junior who is facing 27 charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of three minor girls. Keesee Jr was led into the courtroom sporting an orange jumpsuit and shackles. His attorney Sam Shamansky pled not guilty to all the charges on …

Both Drenda and Gary Keesee were present at the regular Knox County Commissioners meeting Tuesday and Commissioner Bill Pursel read a prepared statement regarding Drenda Keesee. The statement read “The Board of Commissioners has been asked to comment on the pending proceedings against Commissioner Keesee’s son. The situation is personal to her and the board will refrain from making any …

10:00 AM Call to Order10:00 AM CDBG Public Hearing #1 for PY2025 Programs10:30 AM Public Meeting for Knox County Comprehensive Plan “Together Knox”Resolutions to be Presented Approve Change Order #2 from KN Excavation for the CDBG Village of MartinsburgWater System Improvement Project – Phase II, in the amount of $3,553.50 (pricing toupsize water service to 1 1/2 “). Authorizing Participation …

KNOX COUNTY, OH — Gary “Tom” Keesee Jr., the son of prominent New Albany church leaders, has been indicted on nearly 30 charges related to sexual assault allegations spanning over two decades. A Knox County grand jury returned a multi-count indictment Monday against the 36-year-old, who is the son of Faith Life Church senior pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee. The …

Being mayor of a rural Ohio community comes with a mix of challenges and victories. Often, the winsfeel fleeting, overshadowed by the constant need to fix long-neglected infrastructure. Water and sewerlines, bridges, utility plants, buildings, flood control systems, and transportation infrastructure—all vitalto our residents’ quality of life—demand time, money, and talent to repair or replace. That’s where truesupport from our …

Faith Life Church has issued a statement following the arrest of 36-year-old Gary Thomas Keesee, the son of the church’s pastor and Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee. He faces two counts of rape stemming from allegations of incidents that occurred nearly two decades ago. Court documents state that three victims have come forward, with two of the alleged assaults taking …

GAMBIER, Ohio — The Gund at Kenyon College is proud to announce that it has been awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to museums in the United States. This milestone affirms The Gund’s commitment to excellence in stewardship, education, civic engagement and the advancement of curatorial practice. Accreditation signifies that The Gund meets the …

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Eligible Ohioans age 60 and older will once again have access to $50 in fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs, and unprocessed honey in 2025 through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) announced today. Applications for the 2025 season of the SFMNP are now available online at this link on the website …

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Schnormeier Gallery is proud to present Synergy — Senior Graphic Design Exhibit. This exhibit will be on display in the gallery through April 30. A reception for the seniors will take place at the Schnormeier Gallery on Friday, April 25, from 5:30-8 p.m. Synergy showcases the work of nine exceptional graphic designers — Cora Andrews, Marhin …