During a recent mock drill, Rusty Barker and Andy Emery, members of the North Franklin VFD practice removing a victim, Johnathon Barker, from a building.

Bob McFarland was the  first place winner with his photo entry in the 2008 Mount Vernon Optic-Herald Photo Contest. Mr. McFarland’s entry was submitted in the people category of the contest and was a picture of two young children with fishing poles.

Linda Edmundson and her husband, veteran Bert Edmundson, register as guests at the annual Veteran’s Day program at Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The program included patriotic music and speeches. After the program, cake and punch was served.

Hunter Rose, was the first place winner with his photo entries in the 2008 Mount Vernon Optic-Herald Photo Contest. Mr. Rose’s entry was submitted in the places and things category and showed two green frogs on a yellow flower.

More than 950 ghosts, goblins, super heroes, and insects visited the downtown square as a part of the 18th annual Trick-or-Treat Around the Square sponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Oct. 31. At times throughout the event, a line traipsed down Hwy. 67 for children to receive candy.