On Jan. 1, the YMCA of Mount Vernon launched a free three-month program designed to curb obesity and encourage activity in Knox County children.

MOUNT VERNON -- "The wind was blowing hard and then seemed to intensify for a couple of minutes,"is the way Randall Hines described the storm which hit along Murray Road, south of Mount Vernon, early Wednesday morning. That high wind blew down three trees, including a large old maple tree, along the road in front of his property at 16714 Murray Road.

MOUNT VERNON -- "What'cha you doing?"was the question Don Yauger yelled when he surprised a man in his home at 105 N. Gay St. on Wednesday afternoon. Yauger told the News he had returned home from a late lunch with a friend, and found the back door to his apartment open.

MOUNT VERNON -- Investors who placed their faith in the world's most popular precious metal are striking gold. With gold prices at an all-time high, more and more investors view the precious metal as a safe investment in uncertain economic times.

MOUNT VERNON -- What's the secret to a long life ... 102 years long?

MOUNT VERNON -- According to political consultant Dr. Lee Peterson, most of the world's current troubles come from how well various leaders recognize reality.

MOUNT VERNON -- Two games with uncharacteristic results. That's what Mount Vernon High School basketball fans experienced over the last week. Both the boys and girls basketball teams scored 70 points in victories.

BELLVILLE -- The Clear Fork High School wrestling team is a small, but tight-knit group that is maturing physically and mentally.

BELLVILLE -- The Clear Fork Colts are counting on a former student to build a wrestling program that will allow them to compete in the Ohio Cardinal Conference. Now in his second year as Clear Fork High School's varsity wrestling coach, Brian Faust was also a wrestler for the Colts as a high-schooler.