Mount Vernon Democrat

06/24/2020

A last-minute buyer for the Mount Vernon Democrat has backed out.
Previously, Landmark Community Newspapers announced its decision to discontinue the 150-year-old newspaper, citing ongoing economic issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the announcement, a buyer in Evansville expressed interest in purchasing the paper. While terms of the sale were generally agreed upon and negotiations ongoing, the buyer opted to forego purchasing the newspaper for personal reasons.
We had all hoped that the deal could be completed for the residents of Mount Vernon and Posey County.
Our offices are now closed. Additional information can be found in the final edition of the Mount Vernon Democrat.

06/23/2020

Thank you to Black Lodge Coffee Roasters, of New Harmony, who hosted Coffee with a Cop this morning! Had a great morning sitting and talking with folks. Such a great feeling to live and work in this great county!

06/21/2020

06/19/2020

The Mount Vernon City Council votes to move forward with demolition of the Tresslar Building. Vote involves putting a bid package together as well as looking at ways to finance the project.

06/17/2020

06/17/2020

Many of you have probably already seen the news going around, but I wanted to come on here and confirm any rumors about the Mount Vernon Democrat.

Unfortunately, our last publication will be Wednesday, June 24, 2020. After 153 years, the Mount Vernon Democrat will print its final edition.

The decision to close the Mount Vernon Democrat predominately was not an easy decision but one that was reluctantly made. On behalf of myself and the other two staff members, I want to thank each and every one of you for your phone calls and messages. You've reached out to us telling us stories about how someone in your family worked or had a positive relationship with the Mount Vernon Democrat.

Please feel free to share your stories in the comment section below, and I hope to use as many as I can in the final edition.

I only started working here in Aug. I heard the stories about how the paper didn't have the best reputation based on some past issues, but I was determined (along with the other staff members) to change that perception. I wanted to earn the community's respect and build this paperback to where it once ones, a paper recognized yearly as one of the best weekly newspapers in the state.

I may not have been able to achieve my ultimate goal, but I hope I was a small part of a paper that people enjoyed reading. Was I perfect? No. I made my share of mistakes, and I've always tried to own up to them. But there is one thing about me that is not a mistake, and that is my love and passion for community journalism. Regardless of what is happening to this paper, community journalism still works, but it takes just that, a community.

A void is left now with Mount Vernon officially having no newspaper of record. Maybe one day, that will change, especially with the ever-growing atmosphere of media.

If you are a current subscriber to the paper, rest assured, you will receive a pro-rated refund of the remaining subscription cost in the next few weeks.

On a personal note, I want to thank everyone for welcoming me with open arms to Mount Vernon and Posey County. I grew up in Southern Indiana, and the Hoosier hospitality is precisely the way I remember it.

I'm not sure what this will mean for my family or me, but whatever it is, I can't say enough good things about this job, community journalism, and the people that make it work.

Thanks again, and I hope to continue to see and hear from as many of you as possible.

Paul Wilcoxen
Editor, Mount Vernon Democrat

06/17/2020

Mt. Vernon River Days and Smoke on the Ohio Cancels 2020 Festival

(PRESS RELEASE) Thirteen years ago our group’s mission was to fill a void in our community providing a safe, fun, family-friendly festival for all ages while highlighting our riverfront and rich history. Today, our intent remains the same and that is why after several weeks of serious deliberation and consults with community leaders it is with much sadness but great resolve that the planning committee has voted to cancel this year’s Mt. Vernon River Days which includes the Smoke on the Ohio Bar-B-Q Competition. Many activities and portions of the festival that everyone had come to expect and love had either canceled or due to necessary restrictions, would have not been possible to include in this year’s event. This would have completely altered the essence of Mt. Vernon River Days. We realize that this will affect our faithful vendors and many in our community would have continued to welcome the event; however, due to the impact and concerns of COVID-19, we feel this is the best course of action for everyone concerned.

We truly do appreciate all our past and present donors, vendors and participants that support River Days year after year. It is certainly our hope that you will join us next year for our 13th festival where we will continue the mission that we set forth in 2008. Please mark your calendars for September 10-13, 2021! In the meantime, all paid donors, vendors & BBQ teams will be contacted to discuss refund options. If there are any questions, please email [email protected].

06/15/2020

One year ago, Hillary May got the job promotion of a lifetime! We’ve been so amazed by her drive and determination this past year and can not wait to see what’s next!

Her passion for her social impact initiative is unmatched and her work with organizations like American Foundation for Su***de Prevention, American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - Delaware Chapter, and NAMI Delaware is inspiring.

Happy anniversary Miss Delaware 💙💙💙

06/14/2020

Beginning Monday, June 15, we will be returning to our full hours - we can't wait to see you! A few things to observe while in the building, for everyone's health and safety:

✔A mask is required for entry

✔Please observe social distancing at all times

✔We encourage patrons to keep their visit brief

✔A limited number of computers will be available to maintain social distance (printing and faxing are both available)

✔Patrons are encouraged to visit individually, rather than as a family; children younger than 12 must remain with their caregiver at all times

✔Curbside continues to be available upon request

✔️Meeting and study rooms are currently unavailable

Our hours are 9am-8am, Monday through Thursday... 9am-5pm Friday and Saturday... and 1pm-5pm on Sunday. See you soon!

06/14/2020

Head on over to our website and vote in our latest poll.

Yes

06/13/2020

Posey County Health Department confirms a new case of COVID-19. This marks the 19th known case in the county with 16 of those completely recovered.