MOUNT VERNON — Getting dog tags and kennel permits just got more convenient for Knox Countians.
Dog Warden Brian Biggerstaff said dog owners can now get dog tags, either annual or permanent, at the shelter. The shelter is located at 285 Columbus Road.
Dog kennel operators can also renew their licenses there. Additionally, notarizing is no longer required.
“Now everything can be done at one location,” he told the county commissioners. “Hopefully we can start pushing business out that way. It will be easier for parking.”
As of Nov. 16, the shelter housed 29 dogs. Thirty-nine entered the shelter over the past month; 35 left the shelter.
Nine of the dogs on the adoption floor have been at the shelter for over 60 days.
Knox County EMA
Planning for the 2024 solar eclipse is ongoing. The Fredericktown library is planning an event; most county schools will close.
EMA Deputy Director Amy Robinson told the commissioners the biggest issue expected in Knox County is traffic. She noted local hotels will start filling up the first of the year.
Emergency Management Performance Grants for 2023 were reduced 17.3% from 2022. However, Director J.T. DeChant said the department had saved some American Rescue Plan Act money.
Robinson said an outreach event with the Amish community was successful. Morrow and Knox county health department officials attended. CPR, address signs, and health-related issues were discussed.
KCSO
The county is experiencing some problems with ATVs on roads, especially in Pike Township. Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer said part of the confusion stems from inconsistent language as to what is “street legal.”
Ohio sheriffs hope that legislation pending in the state legislature will provide more consistency.
A third-party company took over medical care for the Knox County Jail early in November. The contract covers a doctor and nursing.
Shaffer said the company identified some improvements, which he anticipates will yield some financial savings. Additionally, he believes there will be a “healthy liability reduction.”
The new jail cell configuration is working well. New cruisers are on hold because of the UAW strike.
Knox Area Transit
Transit Director Bethany Celmar said KAT’s driver supervisor is now certified to teach, so training can now be done in-house.
“As long as someone has their CDL, we can now get them certified for passenger endorsement,” she told the commissioners.
The certification only covers training KAT drivers. However, with expanded certification, training could cover drivers for other entities such as Kenyon College, Knox Community Hospital, and other organizations that utilize passenger vehicles.
Celmar said she is looking to get WiFi on the buses, which will help with radio communications and camera security. The set-up cost is $400 per bus.
On the issue of school bus behavior, Celmar said KAT has issued warnings, denied rides to a couple of students, and barred one student from riding without an adult present.
