MOUNT VERNON -- Last week, Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher requested an investigation into the possible misuse of law enforcement trust funds maintained by Knox County Sheriff David Barber.

MOUNT VERNON -- Knox County Sheriff David Barber may have not only violated trust fund laws, he also may have violated campaign finance laws, according to Kevin Kidder, media relations coordinator for the Secretary of State's office.

Pre-fair judging began Wednesday at Mount Vernon High School with food and nutrition and clothing projects. 4-H participants were given the opportunity to exhibit their projects creatively to the judges.

MOUNT VERNON -- Parents, it's the 21st century. Do you know what your child can do with his or her cell phone?

MOUNT VERNON -- Local school administrators agree that cell phones can be a valuable way for parents to keep in touch with their children, and that in emergencies, cell phones can be even more important. However, cell phones can be used for more than communicating with parents.

MOUNT VERNON -- The Knox County Board of Health took action against AMVETS Post 95 when it met Wednesday evening, approving a motion recognizing that the organization had violated the statewide smoking ban for the fourth time. AMVETS now faces a $1,000 fine as a result of the board's action.

MOUNT VERNON -- She is a naval aviation brat, her father was a career Navy pilot for 35 years, and she was always interested in flying. But it was only four years ago she decided to learn to fly.

MOUNT VERNON -- A sextet of local celebrity chefs has agreed to give of their free time and will share their favorite recipes at The Foundation for Knox Community Hospital's 2008 International Dine and Donate for Digital Mammography.

MOUNT VERNON -- Chuck Whitney -- who will be 90 in August -- is a storyteller and an avid researcher of history. He lived through the Great Depression, but he doesn't have the photographs to prove it.

UTICA -- Utica High School pitcher Michael Sandman has been chosen as the 2008 Mount Vernon News Pitcher of the Year.

FREDERICKTOWN -- Fredericktown High School outfielder Ryan Hathaway has been named 2008 Mount Vernon News Baseball Player of the Year.