Joe Guy, a native of Sydney, Australia, made his way into Franklin County on Wednesday, March 10, as he continues west on his horseback journey that has taken him 2,200 miles across the United States so far.
Mr. Guy found himself caught in the thunderstorm that showered Mount Vernon Wednesday afternoon, was able to find shelter for the night, and left Mount Vernon Thursday morning to continue to the Stock Yards in Fort Worth, Texas.  See the March 18 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Members of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, community members, friends and family gathered to support Ronnie and Pamela Barnard as they cut the ribbon while their daughters, Abigail, Alyvia, and Amelya hold the ends.

Sharon Stroman of Mount Vernon won first place in both the Tall Tales and International Speech categories at the Toastmasters Area 13 Spring Speech Contest.

Kaylee Crabtree and Colton Keener were selected as Rotary Students of the Month for March at Mount Vernon High School.