MOUNT VERNON – Mayor Matt Starr and members of the Mount Vernon Police Department joined New Directions at Ariel-Foundation Park where the organization was holding its “Champions of Survivors.”
New Directions had invited the community to help in “knocking out” domestic violence with domestic violence survivor and Boxing Hall of Fame's Christy Martin as the group kicked off awareness month at the Schnormeier Event Center.
Martin shared her story to raise awareness about domestic violence. Her journey as an underdog was used as inspiration and to empower others to overcome difficult circumstances in their lives.
Her biographical documentary, “Untold: Deal with the Devil,” is streaming on Netflix.
Tree canopy approved
Mount Vernon City Council approved an application for a tree canopy grant to plant more than 60 native trees at Ariel-Foundation Park, Starr said.
“Trees will be strategically planted in hopes to out-compete invasive shrubs and provide additional bank stabilization along the Kokosing River,” he said.
Substantial removal of invasive autumn olive and honeysuckle also will be part of the project.
Curb and gutter improvements will shift to east Vine Street near Center Run in the next couple of weeks, he said.
Parking garage work nears completion
Another delivery of galvanized steel was delivered to Mount Vernon as the city’s contractor continues work to shore up the Municipal Parking Garage.
“The Career Center's Building Trades class of seniors toured the project this week to learn about the unique nature of the project and non-traditional work opportunities in the construction industry,” Starr told the Mount Vernon News.
He said hopefully visits like this can stimulate partnering with the educational system and develop students’ interest in careers that would help with the city’s infrastructure.
Crews are ready to put in the supports on the ground level, which holds up all three floors. The project is on schedule and he said it should be ready to reopen by the end of October.
Exam offered for entry-level water/wastewater job
The city is offering an open exam for an operations & maintenance tech 1, which is an entry-level Water/Wastewater plant operator position, Starr said.
The exam will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the Knox County Career Center Cafeteria, 306 Martinsburg Road. Questions may be directed to Tony De Iuliis, City of Mount Vernon CSC Merit administrator.
He said the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position include basic literacy and math, basic chemistry, safe practices, the operation of electrical-mechanical equipment, and the tools and materials used in building maintenance and repair work. Additionally, knowledge of plumbing, operation and care of standard chemical laboratory equipment, and the ability to distinguish colors and color changes are preferred.
Hydrant flushing complete
The Mount Vernon Fire Department reported that fire hydrant flushing has been completed for the year.
The department also reminded residents that with the return of cool weather, they should be mindful of their neighbors when having campfires. They also should remember to follow the Ohio EPA open burning laws and recommendations from the Fire Department on recreational fires, which can be found on the department’s website under the Fire Prevention tab.
Farmers continue to haul lime sludge
The city continues to work with area farmers who want lime delivered to their farm fields, Starr said. Two weeks ago, more than 1,000 tons were hauled. Last week, another 1,000 tons went to farmers who want to take advantage of the city’s beneficial use permit.
FULL CUTLINE PRINT ONLY:
From left: New Directions Board President Steve Oster, world champion boxer and author Christy Martin, New Directions Executive Director Lori Jones-Perkins, and Assistant Law Director for the City of Mount Vernon Brittany Whitney share Martin’s book, “Fighting for Survival,” at the Champions of Survivors.
