Category: Spotlight on Mount Vernon

August Spotlight on Mount Vernon — Our conversation with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr!

Eric got to have a fruitful conversation with Mount Vernon Mayor, Matt Starr! They talk about a plethora of topics regarding our great city. They accentuate some of the events that have happened in our community, as well as ones that are coming soon!

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June 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/27/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • The announcement about a move for the city of Mount Vernon offices.
    • Mayor Starr talks about the COTC facilities (COTC) and how they are moving City Hall and Courthouse down to 236 South Main Street.
    • Transition of the current city hall into the Justice Center
    • The savings this move brings to the City.
  • Construction Updates
    • Fairgrounds Road
    • Old Mansfield Roads
    • Dan Emmett Elementary School Area
    • Taylor Road
    • City Salt Barn
    • State Route 13
  • Special events for the upcoming holiday
    • July First Friday
    • Independence Day Festival at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Mayor Starr talks about testifying in front of state lawmakers.
    • Discussion on House Bill 92 and Senate Bill 118
    • House Bill 113
    • Senate Bill 104
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
    • Mayor Starr has signed a contract for the design of the new police station.
    • The plan is to break ground in 2026.
    • Stats for the month of May and the success of their community advocates. 
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • $4000 grant from the local Elks Club to be used to purchase new equipment.
    • Recent stats showing over 500 calls this month.
    • Update on Morris B Township fire services contract with the City.
  • Goals for July 2025
  • Events happening in July 2025

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt
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March 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Tuesday, March 25th.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mayor Starr gave a preview of his state of the City Address on Wednesday (3/26).

Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities and he overall reaction from the public, the happenings of Liberty Crossing, the major development on Newark Road, and other projects .

Mayor Starr also shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council, the City’s Safety Forces, gives his goals for April and some important events coming up in the next month.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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February 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 2/28/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about the February 24th meeting with Mount Vernon City Council in which two positions were on. The Mayor speaks on the steps moving forward after the Communication Director position was voted down 4-3.
  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city.
  • Mayor Starr gives updates on the Asphalt Resurfacing Program.

  • Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments.

  • Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities.

  • Mayor Starr talks about change and shifting departments and the challenges we are facing. He also reports that the city is in excellent financial shape, and he is excited for the future.

  • Mayor Starr shares his perspective on the development of the old Mount Vernon News building in downtown Mount Vernon and the plans for opening Founder Food Hall.

  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • Details about a Citizen’s Police Academy.

  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department

  • Mayor Starr speaks on the city’s ability to oversee potholes and cracks int eh roads on the properties of other businesses.
  • Immediate goals for March
    • Selecting a design team for the new Police Station
    • Wrapping up the public comment period for the City Hall Annex

  • Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for March.
  • Discussion on Intel and their internal issues and how those issues could affect the city.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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November 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/29/24.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
  • Northend culverts on Old Mansfield Rd, storm water problems as well.
  • East Vine St sidewalk project
  • Catherine St. project
  • New Court House Design

  • Mayor Starr gives updates from City Departments:
    • Engineering – entered into a contract with the county for the Knox Cattle Company dam
    • Streets and Parks – preparing for winter, leaf pickup, snowplow names and installation of new LED bulbs for streetlights
    • Public Buildings and Lands – construction update, water hydrants, and replacing sidewalks on the public square
    • Revamping of the Auditor’s office
    • Sidewalks on public square – 1260 square feet have been replaced so that it is safer for people to walk
    • Public Utilities – update on the Water and Wastewater Plant (concerning Ohio EPA-mandated phosphorus reduction in the outflow).  
    • Parks Department – park bathrooms are being *winterized*. Getting downtown ready for CHRISTMAS!! Update on the Splash Pad project
  • Mayor Starr shares his thoughts about the election results over the two referendums that failed. He shares the plan for those areas. We also talk about voter turnout.
  • Mayor Starr talks about the city’s electric aggregation program. There was some recent concern after residents received a letter from AEP. Energy Harbor sold to Dynegy (new company).
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Wastewater Treatment Plant update
    • Latest news on the new police station and municipal courthouse. The City Council has authorized the design phase. Legislation is approved that is allowing requests for qualifications. Courthouse RFQ’s have come in.
    • Reserve balance account. Rainy day fund.
    • Camping in parks for educational community events.
    • Columbus Delano fields. Pollinator gardens.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • New tasers
    • Welcome to new Officer Brookhunter.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Update on Training
    • Grant from Homeland Security for hazmat equipment
  • Jeff Gottke, Area Development Director went on a trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon. Their goal was to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”. Mayor Starr shares some important findings that Jeff brought back to him and his administration. A full report is coming next week. Growth can happen to us or with us.
  • Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the December Calendar including the new budgeting process for 2025.
  • Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for December and how we can pray for him and his team.


To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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September 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 9/27/24.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
    • Mansfield Road
    • North End Bike Path
    • Update on the $500,000 critical infrastructure grant that is being used for a street improvement project for West Burgess Street and West Hamtramck Street
  • Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
    • Update from the Engineering Department on the Water Meter and Flood Plain Inventory Study.
    • Mayor Starr shares information about another grant for the City – a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant.
    • Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of an interim auditor. Samantha Ramsier has been appointed to take over for Terry Scott who has retired.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Tax Levy Rates
    • Permission to dispose of some police vehicles and other various equipment
    • One Time Community Improvement Funds through the Ohio General Assembly (surplus from the State Budget) – $2 million dollars for design and construction of the new Mount Vernon Police Station
    • Created a new TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District
    • Change of traffic direction on West Hamtramck and West Burgess Streets

  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • Calls for service
    • Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Calls for service
    • Fire Hydrant flushing
    • Swearing in 3 new full-time officers and promoting 3 officers
  • Mayor Starr talks about two referendums on the November ballot for voters. Both referendums are citizen-driven referendums based on opposition to City Council approvals earlier this year. He discusses the Edgewood Road proposed project and the rezoning project on Vernonview Drive. He shares the administration’s perspective on both issues and what has made them so controversial.
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in October.
    10/7 – Early Voting begins, and absentee ballots will be mailed out
    10/10 – Open House at the Mount Vernon Fire Department in honor of Fire Prevention Week
    10/12 – Servitas – Event hosted by the Knox County Career Center Junior ROTC Challenge. All members of the military will be represented. 29 teams will be competing in different physical challenges.
    10/29 – Comprehensive Plan Update
    10/31 – Trick or Treating for Mount Vernon, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • He shares goals for October and shares how we can pray for him and his team.
    – Splash Pad at Riverside Park
    – New year-round restroom at Harmony Park Playground
    – C A & C Depot work on the Liberty Plaza and American Heritage Park
    – Projects in West Foundation Park and on North Catherine Street
    – West End Flood Plain Elevation Study

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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July 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 7/26/24.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
    • North end construction – complete reconstruction of Nuce and Marma Drive
    • 586 concrete and grading work for sidewalks and crosswalks
    • CA & C Depot concrete parking lot
    • Splash Pad and Pavilion construction
    • North Catherine Street
    • West End water meter inspections and replacements and flood plane inventory
  • Mayor Starr gives an update from City Departments:
    • Recreation Department evaluation on Civic Recreation Features software
    • City Snowplows will be painted at August First Friday
    • Street Department fixing traffic lights and traffic signal flow
    • Brick Street Repair
    • Open positions for the City – Civil Service Exam for a Public Works Technician and Traffic Light Technician
    • Utilities Department update
    • Human Resources Integrated System to modernize the payroll system
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from the City’s updated Zoning Code. The City Council recently approved the rewrite 5-2.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Update on the postponement of the recreational marijuana ordinance
    • Development of a compensation review commission
    • Ballot language for the Edgewood Road improvement project
    • Explanation for the use of the emergency clause for resolutions
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • New portable radios
    • Positions that have been filled
    • State Grant of $2 million dollars from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • A new Captain has been hired – Lt. Ben Harrod
    • New Hire Exam is completed
  • Mayor Starr talks about the Knox County Fair and shares a message with the 1,300 youth participating with projects this year.
  • Mayor Starr talks about the Together Knox Team that is rewriting the Knox County comprehensive plan.
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in August.
    • August First Friday
    • Volunteers of the Year recognition (at August First Friday) – Janis Stone and Kevin Mishey
    • Opening of Catherine Street
    • Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival
  • He shares goals for August and shares how we can pray for him and his team.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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June 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/28/24.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
  • Catherine Street Community Development Block Grant
  • Center Street
  • North End Project near Dan Emmett Elementary School
  • The City has 9 active projects going on now. They are close to closing out 3 of those projects. 
  • Mayor Starr gives a reminder to have patience during the summer cycle for current construction and maintenance projects.
  • He also talks about his philosophy of working in residential areas around the city.
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from the Mount Vernon Street Department. He shares updates on these projects:
    • Brick Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
    • Catch Basin Repairs on the south end of town
    • Street Sweeping
    • Spraying for Weeds
    • Bee City USA Program for Mount Vernon
    • Tree Trimming
    • Pothole Patching – You can call 740-393-9501 to report a pothole
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from other City Departments. He shares updates on these projects:
    • The Mount Vernon Public Buildings and Lands Department
    • Maintenance and cleaning of the fountain on the Public Square
    • Flags on the graves of veterans
    • Work on City Offices – HVAC system, deep cleaning of floors and carpeting and putting up blood-borne pathogen kits.
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from other City Departments. He shares updates on these projects:
    • The Mount Vernon Utilities/Water and Wastewater Department
    • They are working with a new Communications System that helps control the city’s water and wastewater capabilities. It is a computer based that monitors all devices and greatly assists the gathering of information.
    • The Water Plant Clarifier Tank is now up and running.
    • Lime Treatment System
    • Having redundancy systems in place in case of a water emergency
    • Utilities Technician Test is being offered in July
    • Working with Ohio Means Jobs for a fire hydrant painting program
    • Hauling Lime
  • Mayor Starr shares an update on the upgrades that are being made to the public parks, including the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool. He also addresses the problem of vandalism at the parks and how the city is managing this issue.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission.
    • Earlier this month, they voted unanimously to recommend that Mount Vernon City Council adopt the updated zoning code as presented.
    • Mayor Starr shares the background on the need to update our current zoning code and the process of the update.
    • He also shares the timeline of future readings with City Council and the upcoming hearing for public comment.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • City Council gave approval to proceed with a grant application for USEPA funding. The Mayor tells us more about this process and how these funds will help the community.
    • City Council’s decision on recreational marijuana
    • City Council’s adoption of legislation to construct a new salt barn. The Mayor shares more details on this project and how it will help the City face winter weather.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • State Senator Andrew Brenner’s announcement that funding will be coming to our city. The Police Department will receive $2 million dollars from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
    • PAK (Police and Kids) United is having some fun events this summer
    • Assistant Chief Andy Burns will be sworn in soon.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • A new Assistant Fire Chief has been sworn in – Josh Lester.
    • Contract negotiations for the next 3 years.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update and details about the 4th of July Celebration at Ariel Foundation Park. He talks about parking, times of the celebration, when streets will close, location of restrooms, food trucks and the best exit plan for families. The Mayor promises that the fireworks will start at 10pm this year!
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in July.
    • July First Friday
    • Sundays on the Public Square
    • Farmers Markets
    • Blues, Brews and BBQ Event
  • He will put a lot of his efforts into the budgeting process. It will start in July this year. They will be looking at 2025, 2026 and 2027.
  • Goals for July:
    • Close out some active projects
    • Finalize the grant for the inflation reduction act
    • Get the new neo-gov software in place to help with the city’s human resources and payroll systems
    • Writing the ballot language for the Edgewood Road improvement project
  • He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.

    To stay in touch with the City, go to:
  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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October 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/27/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
    • Paving the Industrial Park
    • Stump and Northview residents need to fill out income qualifications with the City
    • Buckeye Addition in Clinton Township
    • Plaza Drive
    • There are about 70 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares information about the plan to create a new courthouse and police headquarters.
    • He talks about the 3 phases of this project: planning, design, and construction.
    • He is asking the public to share their thoughts and comments on the City’s website. Go to the documents page, and scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – New Courthouse, Police Station. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
    • Mayor Starr shares the plan for the businesses that are being displaced during the construction of the new courthouse. 
  • Mayor Starr shares the updates for the State Route 13 project within the city.
    • He encourages residents to see the plans and share their comments on the City’s website.
    • Go to the documents page, scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – SR13D Sandusky ST Realignment. You can click on the Exhibit files to see the plans. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Committee Reports
    • Omni-Fiber Project is interested in broadband investment for fiber in the city
    • Legislation to continue TIF – Tax Incremental Financing
    • discussion on food truck operations within the city
    • purchase of playground equipment
    • contract with a local barber/beautician business
    • designation of a school zone in the Parrot Street area
    • ordinance to reclassify zoning along Upper Gilchrist Road
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • Shares an update on filling the vacant spot of Police Captain
    • St. Vincent DePaul school collection of teddy bears for officers
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • Controlled burn at Ariel Foundation Park
    • thermal imaging camera donation
    • Fire Prevention Week
    • update on filling some open positions 
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in November
    • Leaf Pickup starts on October 30. The schedule is on the City’s website.
    • Arts and Entertainment options
  • Immediate goals for November
    • Budget Planning
    • Finish the comment portion of the plans for the new Courthouse, the Police Department, and the State Route 13 Project
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of November. He mentions that Proverbs 11:14 is giving him encouragement.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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July 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 7/28/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction projects for the city
  • Update and timeline for the installation of traffic signals on Mansfield Ave.
  • Recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Retreat at Mount Vernon on Upper Gilchrist Road.
  • Recent discussions with West End residents about the homeless camp off Harcourt Road and Ohio 229.
  • State Grants given to MTVarts and the Woodward Opera House
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council including the adoption of NCA – New Community Authority
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
  • Upcoming events in August for Mount Vernon
  • Goals for the month of August
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of August.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new Linked In page, City of Mount Vernon, Ohio. You can find routine updates, job postings, and more.
    Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio `
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