MOUNT VERNON — A coalition of property owners is appealing the Ohio Power Siting Board’s approval of the Frasier Solar project in Miller and Clinton townships. Preserve Knox County Ohio LLC (PKCO), along with 17 property owners in Miller, Clinton, and Morgan townships, filed an appeal on July 25. The OPSB approved Open Road Renewables’ […]
Cheryl Splain
A Christian ultrarunner who likes coffee and quilting
Posted inNews
What would it take to bridge the child care gap?
MOUNT VERNON — Payton Fletcher knows first-hand how a lack of child care can negatively affect a family’s income. After moving back from Washington state, the Mansfield mom earned nearly $100,000 her first year selling cars at a Mansfield dealership. When Fletcher looked for child care for her 4-month-old son, she found excessive waitlists. One […]
Posted inEducation
Clear Fork grad Ross places 2nd at SkillsUSA national conference
BELLVILLE — SkillsUSA had its annual National Leadership & Skills Conference June 23 to 27 in Atlanta, Georgia. Albert Ross, a recent graduate of Clear Fork High School and Knox County Career Center’s precision machining program, finished in second place in CNC Turning. Ross qualified for SkillsUSA Nationals by winning the CNC Turning event at […]
Posted inNews
Gary Thomas Keesee Jr.’s rape trial rescheduled for November
MOUNT VERNON — The rape trial of a former chief media officer at Faith Life Church accused of multiple counts of sexual abuse has been rescheduled to Nov. 18. The original trial date was July 1. Defense Attorney Samuel Shamansky filed a motion on June 26 to delay the trial for Gary Thomas Keesee Jr. […]
Posted inLocal Guides
Here’s your 2025 guide to July 4th fireworks and activities
Fireworks will light up the sky as we celebrate America’s Independence Day on July 4. Communities in Richland, Ashland and Knox counties offer a variety of events, featuring live music, children’s activities, and food trucks. Here’s everything you need to know to rock your 4th of July! Richland County Mansfield Due to construction, the fireworks […]
Posted inGraduations
Clear Fork High School celebrates Class of 2025 with Sunday commencement
BELLVILLE —Clear Fork High School graduates turned their tassels at the 2025 commencement ceremony on Sunday. The skies were overcast, but the 122 graduates were all smiles. Class President Lillian Weikle gave the commencement address. She thanked the teachers and staff, who she said excelled in educating the graduates academically and imparted valuable life lessons. […]
Posted inNews
Knox County judge rules Yoder incompetent to stand trial for aggravated murder
MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel has ruled that Patrick Yoder is incompetent at this time to stand trial for aggravated murder. Yoder has been in the Knox County Jail since he was arrested on March 8 for aggravated murder with a firearms specification. Wetzel ordered the 36-year-old Yoder to remain […]
Posted inNews
Knox County commissioner’s home searched amid son’s sex abuse charges
MOUNT VERNON — Licking County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant May 15 at the home of Knox County Commissioner Drenda Keesee. Commissioner Keesee and her husband, Gary Keesee Sr., live at 6040 Sharp Road. According to the warrant, the search was limited to photographs and/or videotaped images of the property for evidentiary purposes in […]
Posted inNews
4th victim alleges sexual misconduct against former Faith Life Church official
Editor’s Note: An arraignment is scheduled for June 3 at 1:30 p.m. MOUNT VERNON — A fourth victim has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against former Faith Life Church media officer Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr. Keesee was previously indicted on 27 sexual-abuse counts, including 11 counts of first-degree rape. A Knox County grand […]
Posted inNews
Knox County judge sets $2 million cash bond for former Faith Life Church official
MOUNT VERNON — Bond was set at $2 million Wednesday for a former Faith Life Church official charged with 27 sexual abuse counts, including 11 rape allegations. Knox County Common Pleas Judge Richard Wetzel set the cash bond for Gary Thomas “Tom” Keesee Jr. during an arraignment in front of a packed courtroom, an audience […]