MOUNT VERNON -- Through a voluntary program, area health providers are being proactive in gathering information on influenza activity throughout the area.

MOUNT VERNON -- In the hospital setting, data about flu-like symptoms is collected in the emergency room. The RODS project -- Real Time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance -- provides software that monitors clinical data and data about the sale of over-the-counter medications, as well as other data.

MOUNT VERNON -- The importance and continued relevance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were highlighted when the Mount Vernon Lions Club brought a Liberty Day program to eighth-graders at Mount Vernon Middle School.

MOUNT VERNON -- Before 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, the possibility of a large-scale disaster was not something many people considered, but preparedness for just such an event was already on the minds of the Ohio first responders who make up the Central Ohio Strike Team.

MOUNT VERNON -- Knox County Commissioners Tom McClarnan and Bob Wise met on Monday with Steve Wears, president of the Area Development Foundation, to discuss the latest marketing project to attract food-related companies to Knox County.

MOUNT VERNON -- The Mount Vernon Fire Department and Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office will start searching for the cause of the Tuesday fire that destroyed Rivers Edge Hunting and Fishing, and consumed antique cars and auto memorabilia.

MOUNT VERNON -- Two new businesses on Coshocton Avenue are rapidly approaching their opening.

MOUNT VERNON -- Point Man Ministries is organizing a local chapter for Knox and the surrounding counties of Morrow and Coshocton to help veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

MOUNT VERNON -- Knox County will be part of a research study that will help shape the future of specialized training for manufacturing, health care and information technology jobs.

MOUNT VERNON -- Pie bakers and pie lovers alike turned out for the annual pie baking contest at Country Club Retirement Campus on Saturday afternoon.

CENTERBURG -- A huge fourth quarter led the Loudonville High School boys basketball team to victory over Centerburg on Tuesday night. The Redbirds scored 31 in the final period to beat the host Trojans, 54-47.

UTICA -- It has been a whirlwind week for Utica senior Zack Walton. Last Friday, Walton crossed the 1,000-point mark for his career. Now, he and his teammates can call themselves repeat Mid-Buckeye Conference champions.