Knox Weekly News

01/12/2025

01/11/2025

East Knox survived a furious fourth-quarter rally from Danville to pick up a 59-58 victory on Friday night. For more on the game, see the Saturday, Jan. 18 edition of Knox Weekly News.

01/11/2025

RECIPE OF THE WEEK ~ Breakfast Bread Pudding With Pecan Crumble

Rich and nutty comfort food for breakfast.

Lodging, Shopping, Food, Attractions, and Things to do in Amish Country. Ohio's Amish Country is the guide for travel in Holmes County, Ohio. Plan a trip, view our photos, and learn about the Amish way of life.

01/10/2025

The Mount Vernon wrestling team took on Clear Fork in a dual match Thursday at Energy Field House. The Colts were able to pull out a 40-29 victory. For a story on the match, see the Jan. 18 edition of Knox Weekly News.

01/10/2025

AARP OFFERS FREE TAX HELP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program volunteers will provide free tax preparation at the Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County from Feb. 11 to April 9.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, please call 740-392-2665 starting Monday, Jan. 13, and leave a message. Local Coordinator Donna Maloney said, "Because the number of slots is limited, taxpayers are urged to register for an appointment as soon as they can."

The service is open to anyone regardless of age or income, but focuses on senior citizens. AARP membership is not required or even asked about. Donations are not solicited or accepted.

Last year, Tax-Aide volunteers filed 375 federal and state tax returns in Knox County, saving each taxpayer an estimated $250 in tax preparation fees. Nearly 80 percent of those returns resulted in a tax refund that averaged more than $1,000.

The nearly 60-year-old AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program operates across the country and has had a presence in Mount Vernon for about 25 years. Volunteers, mostly retired professionals from the community, are trained in tax preparation and must pass an IRS test each year to ensure they understand the latest changes in tax law.

01/08/2025

MOHICAN WINTERFEST

Winter is upon Holmes and Wayne County in a big way as cold weather dominates the forecast, but in some ways that can be a good thing.

For instance, the upcoming Mohican Winterfest in Loudonville Jan. 11 will thrive in the cold weather, which actually enhances the viewing pleasure for fans of ice sculptures, of which there will be plenty again this year.

“Winterfest is truly a unique festival, there just isn’t anything like it around here,” said Valerie Spreng, executive director of Loudonville Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a lot of fun for the whole family and it’s absolutely free.”

The biggest drawing card for the weekend centers around Aaron Costic, an Olympic ice carver, and his team of professionals, who have perfected the art of ice carving, much to the joy of visitors.

“This event has much to offer in the way of free family entertainment,” Spreng said. “It’s so incredible to watch them in action and see the sculptures come to life. We invite everyone to bring the family down to check out all the ice sculptures that line the street and experience this beautiful form of art.”

There is more than just ice to this festival.

The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum will be open from noon to 4 p.m., along with Workman Cabin tours during that same time period.

There will also be a Paint on Pottery Workshop at Raby Hardware & Outdoors from noon to 4 p.m.

The annual Vintage and Newer Snowmobile Show will take place in Central Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the American Legion Riders sponsoring a poker walk that starts at the American Legion Hall and goes from 1-4 p.m.

Entertainer Tyler Chaffee will be performing at Ugly Bunny Winery from 6-9 p.m., and there will be a free showing of the movie “Moana 2” at The Ohio Star Theatre starting at 7 p.m. It will show again Sunday at 2 p.m.

There will be a comedy show at Landol’s Mohican Castle starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online and may be purchased at: www.eventbrite.com and searching for “Dinner & Comedy Night at the Castle.”

Saturday finishes with the popular Snowball Dance with Rockin’ Al at the American Legion.

01/08/2025

KNOX COUNTY OFFICALS SWORN IN

On Dec. 20, eight county officials were sworn in by Judge Richard Wetzel at the Knox County Court of Common Pleas in Mount Vernon. County Engineer Cameron Keaton, County Prosecutor Chip McConville, and Clerk of Courts Christy Stanton all took the oath after being re-elected to their current offices, while County Recorder Tara Stiltner was elected to her office after serving in an interim role since October of 2023. Commissioner Drenda Keesee, Commissioner Barry Lester, County Treasurer Connie Durbin, and Sheriff Daniel Weckesser all took the oath for the first time as each begins a first term of office in the new year. Pictured are, from left, Wetzel, swearing in McConville, Stanton, Durbin and Keaton.

01/07/2025

TIM HAWKINS TO PERFORM AT MVNU

Comedian Tim Hawkins, known for his sharp wit, catchy songs, and family-friendly humor, is coming to Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday, March 22, 2025, for two unforgettable performances at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. Both performances are sure to have the audience laughing from start to finish.

Over the past three decades, Hawkins has gone from open mic nights at regional comedy clubs to headlining 90-minute sets nationwide and performing 100 times per year in front of audiences numbering in the thousands. The Missouri native first began making a name for himself on YouTube where he posted anecdotes about homeschooling, marriage and real-life mishaps.

Hawkins has released eight full-length DVDs, as well as five albums, amassing fans thanks to countless song parodies like “Chick-fil-A,” where he proclaims his unadulterated love for the popular fast food chain; “Cletus, Take The Reel,” his ode to fishing loosely based on Carrie Underwood’s classic hit; and his most-streamed song, “Pretty Pink Tractor,” his original spin on a signature Jason Aldean track. His parodies have made him a YouTube sensation.

In addition to his stand-up show, Hawkins has recorded over a hundred episodes of his popular “Poddy Break” podcast and currently hosts “The Tim Hawkins” podcast, which also features his wife Heather, daughter Olivia and son-in-law Luke. A father of four and a grandfather of one, Hawkins’ main goal is to “make people laugh as hard as humanly possible.”

Tickets are on sale now and group rates are available. General Admission tickets are $40 per person or take advantage of our group rate of $35 each for groups of 10 or more. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Early entry tickets are also available for $65/$60 per ticket and allow for entry 15 minutes prior to General Admission.

For an even more exclusive experience, consider the VIP Experience, which includes: Early Entry: 11:15 a.m. (for 1 p.m. show) / 5:15 p.m. (for 7 p.m. show) Reserved Seats in VIP Section Meet & Greet and Photo Opportunity with Tim Hawkins

The VIP Experience is available for $85 each or $80 each when purchased in groups of 10 or more.

Tickets will be available online only until the date of the show or until the shows sell out.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing him perform live for the first time, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Visit mvnu.edu/tim-hawkins to secure your tickets and get a preview of Tim Hawkins’ hilarious skits that will have you laughing even before the show starts.

Comedian, Tim Hawkins, is coming to the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, March 22, for two shows! Get your tickets now!

01/06/2025

KNOX COUNTY ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Bruce Hawkins and Dr. Timm Mackley, superintendent of the Knox Educational Service Center (ESC), display the Ohio Best Practices clay sculpture awarded to Knox County in 1995 for its creation of the alternative school. Hawkins, who served as Knox ESC superintendent from 1987 to 1998, was instrumental in working with Judge James Ronk to establish the school. Hawkins now serves as president of Mount Vernon City Council.

Read the whole story in the January 4th edition of the KNOX WEEKLY NEWS, on racks throughout Knox County.

01/04/2025

In the first Devil-Dog matchup of the girls' basketball season on Jan. 3, East Knox knocked off host Danville, 51-41, thanks to a strong second half. For more on the game, see the Jan. 11 edition of Knox Weekly News.

01/04/2025

RECIPE OF THE WEEK ~ Chicken with Roasted Peppers & Mushrooms

Chicken Breasts with Roasted Red Peppers, Hedgehog Mushrooms and Truffled Cheese is a tasty take on chicken.

Lodging, Shopping, Food, Attractions, and Things to do in Amish Country. Ohio's Amish Country is the guide for travel in Holmes County, Ohio. Plan a trip, view our photos, and learn about the Amish way of life.

01/03/2025

Knox County Commissioner Teresa Bemiller is retiring from public office after serving 12 years as Knox County Clerk of Courts and the last 16 as commissioner. In her time as commissioner, she represented the county of the Area Development Board of Directors and 911 Advisory Council, among others.

Read the whole story in the January 4th edition of the KNOX WEEKLY NEWS... on racks throughout Knox County.

01/01/2025

Wishing all of our Facebook friends and their families a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12/31/2024

SHERIFF SHAFFER RETIRES

After nearly 40 years in law enforcement, David Shaffer is handing in his badge.

Shaffer will retire at the end of December after 31 years with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the last 12 as sheriff. The 1982 Fredericktown grad is looking forward to some time with his family, but especially excited about not getting those early morning calls when something bad has happened.

Read more to this story in this week's KNOX WEEKLY NEWS... on racks throughout Knox County.

12/30/2024

Food is an essential element for living and can come in many shapes and forms as unhealthy versions or as fresh, locally grown produce. The Mid-Ohio Growers meeting will be held at the Mt. Hope Event Center and focus on the latter of the two.

The Mid-Ohio Growers meeting will be held at the Mt. Hope Event Center.