MOUNT VERNON -- On Thursday, Mount Vernon superintendent Steve Short showed school board members Ian Watson and Margie Bennett -- and the Mount Vernon News -- some of the energy-efficient upgrades being completed at the middle school.

Black history month is a time to reflect on our nation's, as well as our community's diverse history.

MOUNT VERNON -- The final evening of the 2008 Ohio's Junior Miss scholarship program unfolded for the 35th time at the Memorial Theater on Saturday night, before a crowd of enthusiastic and vocal supporters. This is the 50th year for America's Junior Miss.

DANVILLE -- Danville dentists Thomas Glibert and Lisa Moster opened their practice on Friday to those without dental insurance during their 18th annual Free Day of Dentistry.

MOUNT VERNON -- For the 35th year, the Ohio's Junior Miss scholarship program kicked off at the Memorial Theater on Friday evening, emceed by Dana Ullom-Vucelich.

The historic bowstring truss bridge on Mill Road near Bladensburg will be getting a new home this year. The bridge was purchased by Mount Vernon and will be dismantled, moved to Foundation Park in Mount Vernon and rehabilitated with the help of volunteers. Work is expected to begin late February, weather permitting.

Margaret Ann Ruhl and Tom Whiston, both candidates for state representative for the 90th district, squared off on Monday during a debate hosted by Country Club Retirement Campus.

MOUNT VERNON -- Heather and Jeff Delawder of Cardington, and their sons Griffin, 5, and Parker, 2, drove to Mount Vernon on Saturday after they learned the Knox County Humane Society was hosting an open house. They were in search of a kitten to adopt, and learned about the KCHS event on the Internet.

MOUNT VERNON -- It all started as a joke. Hundreds of shows and a number of jumpsuits later, Mike Mazza's portrayal of the late, great American entertainer Elvis Presley has become a major, time-consuming hobby and part-time second career.

Duane Hurlbert, 53, of Apple Valley has struggled with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. Medications also caused him to gain weight that further complicated his condition. Working with a personal trainer has helped him keep his focus, lose weight and work toward making his condition bearable.

MOUNT VERNON -- For two decades Mount Vernon High School has fielded "In The Know" teams, giving students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge of a variety of subjects -- from history and music to sports and games to math, science and entertainment.

LORAIN -- While most Knox Countians were on their way to work Thursday morning, Operation Overkill was being executed by the Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife some 98 miles away. While it may not sound of much interest to area residents, Knox County has just gotten safer.

Bodi-N-Balance offers a program aimed at children that combines education and exercise. Working with a personal trainer, these youth learn the right and wrong way to eat and work out.

The home of Matt and Carol Skinner, and their three children, was destroyed by fire this morning. The Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District immediately called for mutual aid upon arriving at the blaze at 22000 Ireland Road.

DANVILLE -- Over 800 people crammed into the St. Luke Community Center on Monday for a chance to do two rare things -- eat raccoon and meet Craig Krenzel. The dinner, a fundraiser for the Danville Lions Club, draws attention all across the country.