By CHUCK MARTIN
News Staff Writer

MOUNT VERNON — Knox County deputies are still looking for leads in the burglary of a Mount Vernon police officer’s home a week ago.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office Capt. David Shaffer said the officer’s home was entered Aug. 17. Items taken included his badge, utility belt and equipment (including his duty weapon) and several imported Turkish-made shotguns..

“The shotguns are double-barreled, with distinctive engraving and inlays,” Shaffer said..

The officer, whose home is in northern Knox County, was not identified..

Capt. George Hartz of the Mount Vernon Police Department told the News obviously the department is concerned with the items being stolen but had nothing additional to offer..

Anyone with information about the burglary or the stolen equipment and guns, should call the sheriff’s office at (740) 393-6800..

MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Board of Health approved a resolution to condemn the property at 12423 Cotton St., Howard, when members met in regular session Wednesday evening at the Knox County Health Department.

MOUNT VERNON — Parents of Mount Vernon High School students weren't the only parents taking their children to school on Wednesday.

FREDERICKTOWN — Given that Wednesday was the first day of school and no village students were bused to school, Fredericktown Police Chief Jerry Day said things went smoothly that morning.

HOWARD — Meeting in special session Wednesday, the East Knox Board of Education voted to freeze teacher salaries for the 2011-12 school year.

MOUNT VERNON — Derek Fisher, former director and counselor at the Knox County Alternative Center, is the new disciplinarian for the Knox County Career Center.

MOUNT VERNON — It took about 15 minutes for the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets girls soccer team to click. Then, like a sleeping giant, the Jackets awoke and began their rout.

FREDERICKTOWN — There's nothing like a major challenge to start the season. And for the Fredericktown and Highland football teams, they'd like it no other way.

With eight starters back on offense, including three of its top receivers, the Centerburg football team (3-7, 2-5) should be well prepared to get over the loss of Drew Osborne, last year's starting signal caller.

MOUNT VERNON — Since mandatory practice began on Aug. 1, the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets have been trying to create their own identity under their new head coach, Anthony Naples.

MOUNT VERNON — Threatening clouds, rumbles of thunder and intermittent heavy showers greeted Mount Vernon High School students as they arrived for the start of a new school year.

MOUNT VERNON — Dozens of individuals descended upon Columbia Elementary School on Tuesday to select new clothing, books and school supplies — all for free.

MOUNT VERNON — Numerous reports from local residents stating they experienced what felt like an earthquake were received around the area early Tuesday afternoon.

MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets boys soccer team wasn’t really tested on Tuesday.

HOWARD — The East Knox Bulldogs soccer team pounded away through most of the game, finally breaking through in the second half against the Licking Valley Panthers to win its season opener, 4-3, on a Cory Rettig goal at 33 minutes of the second half.

MOUNT VERNON — Morale is high at the Mount Vernon Fire Department but firefighters are frustrated at the length of time it is taking city administration to make a ruling on Chief Shawn Christy’s future with the department.

MOUNT VERNON — A joint law enforcement effort Monday led to the seizure of thousands of dollars worth of marijuana plants.