MOUNT VERNON – The Ohio Office of Community Development awarded Mount Vernon $1.25 million in two grants for infrastructure projects that bring federal tax dollars back into the community, Mayor Matt Starr told the Mount Vernon News.

“Mount Vernon was awarded $750,000 for its Neighborhood Revitalization project and $500,000 for the Critical Infrastructure project,” he said. “This is really good news for us.”

Amy Schocken, the city’s grant writer, was invaluable in the city’s efforts to get the grant awards, he said.

Survey crews examine stormwater system

The Engineering Department has begun a stormwater infrastructure survey with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its stormwater permit.

The survey will be completed on the north side of Coshocton Avenue between Vernon View Drive and Upper Gilchrist Road, Starr said.

“We’re going to be looking at curbs and gutters, we’re going to be looking at all of the existing water structures, retention ponds, detention ponds, catch basins, everything that is along that area, he said.

That survey is an important part of the city MS4 permit for its municipal separate storm sewer system. It was scheduled to start on Monday, weather permitting. A survey crew will be on site on behalf of the city.

After the survey, the city will better understand the existing stormwater infrastructure, which will help it comply with stormwater permit requirements.

Children join families at Fire Department open house

The Mount Vernon Fire Department had a successful open house, Starr said. Children joined with other family members in fire safety training led by the department’s Fire Prevention officer, Terry Davis. The emphasis last week was on kitchen safety.

Twin Oak students’ posters chosen for state contest

Local elementary school students picked as finalists in the 2022 Fire Safety Poster Contest by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office had their posters sent to the state level of the contest. Second-grader Jace Edwards and fourth-grader Stephen Guilliams were the local finalists. Both students attend Twin Oak Elementary School.

Fire crews surprised the local winners at their school and showed them a city fire truck and fire gear.

Individuals pass Civil Service exams

Civil Service Administrator Tony DeIuliis reported that two lieutenants passed the Civil Service exam for the captain’s position in the Fire Department, Starr said. They move on to the assessment center on Nov. 12 at City Hall.

“This was, again, created by the retirement of Captain Joe Jurkowitz,” Starr said.

An examination also was held on Oct. 18 to establish a hiring list for an entry-level position in the city’s water and wastewater treatment plant. Six individuals took the exam, and four passed. Those four will be certified for possible interviews as of Oct. 30.

“Right now, there’s no opening at present. But due to some recent resignations in the utility division, we decided let’s just create a current hiring list so we don’t have to necessarily jump through a bunch of hoops later on,” he said.

Chamber hosts talk on homelessness

The Knox County Chamber of Commerce held an event titled “Let’s Talk About Homelessness” on Oct. 18 at the Woodward Opera House that Starr said was well-attended.

Julie Miller, the executive director for the Winter Sanctuary and former Knox Health Commissioner, was the speaker for the event.

“We’re sharing ideas in terms of what the community needs to do to address or just understand some of the myths and the facts about homelessness issues and what we can do,” he said.

Some good things are going on, but not enough and there aren’t enough resources, he said.

Jace Williams and Steven Guilliams of Twin Oak Elementary School were local winners in the 2022 Fire Safety Poster Contest by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Fire Prevention Officer Terry Davis shows how to use a fire extinguisher during the Mount Vernon Fire Department's open house.