A powerful winter storm strikes Knox County, crippling travel.

WATERFORD -- As the pale, watery sun of late winter begins to warm a few days above freezing, while the nights remain crisply cold, the sap begins to rise in sugar maple trees, bringing maple syrup season to life.

MOUNT VERNON -- Common Pleas Judge Otho Eyster presided over several cases on Friday.

MOUNT VERNON -- In honor of the 10th anniversary of the local Newspaper in Education program, and to celebrate Knox County's bicentennial, Michelle Hartman, NIE coordinator, has written a mystery story called “History Thief.� Each chapter of the story takes readers to different parts of the county as the fourth-grade detectives follow clues to find a stolen piece of art.

MOUNT VERNON -- Although the problem of clothing discoloration experienced by some city residents has not made news of late, the issue has not been forgotten by city officials.

Taking it to the streets

MOUNT VERNON -- Along with several dozen newspapers around the country, the Mount Vernon News will carry this year's BRACKETBUCKS Basketball Contest in conjunction with the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The grand prize of this year's contest is $25,000.

MOUNT VERNON -- Loudonville High School wrestling coach Steve Furlong was named as the 2008 Mount Vernon News Wrestling Coach of the Year.

MOUNT VERNON -- A lifetime of experience is what Jim Lindsey has. He will use his experience as both a track athlete and coach this season in his first year as head coach of the Mount Vernon High School boys track team.