News Flash

Residents of Knox County should be aware of a scam currently circulating by text message that falsely claims to be a notice of an unpaid parking violation requiring immediate payment or providing a court date.

Officials from the Mount Vernon Municipal Court advise that these messages are fraudulent and were not issued by the Court or the Clerk of Court’s Office.

The scam messages appear to be legitimate and may include information such as:

• A reference to an alleged unpaid parking violation
• Instructions to make immediate payment, often through a link or QR code
• A listed court date with the courthouse address
• A judge’s name or an official-looking seal intended to make the notice appear authentic

However, these messages are not legitimate court communications.

John Thatcher, Judge of the Mount Vernon Municipal Court, and Lisa Mazza, Clerk of Court, want residents to know:

• The Court does not send text messages notifying individuals about unpaid tickets.
• Official court notices are sent through the U.S. mail or delivered through official court procedures.
• Individuals should not appear at the courthouse unless they have an officially scheduled court hearing.

Residents who receive one of these messages should not click on any links, scan QR codes, or submit payment.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message is encouraged to report the scam to their local law enforcement agency.

The Court encourages residents to remain vigilant and to contact the Clerk’s Office directly if they have questions about the legitimacy of a court notice.

The City of Mount Vernon is pleased to announce a new public civic engagement initiative for 2026 – The Washington Forum: A Year of Civic Leadership & Stewardship, presented in partnership with the Center for the Study of American Democracy at Kenyon College.

Beginning in January 2026, the Washington Forum will offer monthly public programs throughout the year, each focused on meaningful, timely topics related to civic life, governance, history, and the responsibilities of citizenship in the American Republic. The series is designed to foster thoughtful dialogue, cross-generational learning, and a deeper understanding of the institutions and principles that shape public life at the local, state and national levels.

All programming in the Washington Forum will be guided through the lens of character, prudence and public virtue – core qualities exemplified by the Father of our Country, George Washington. Washington’s vision of responsible self-government, principled leadership and civic responsibility will serve as the unifying framework for each session.

The City and Kenyon College view this series as an opportunity to engage residents in constructive, educational conversations that strengthen civic understanding and reinforce the importance of public service and community stewardship.

First Quarter 2026 Schedule

  An opening session reflecting on the enduring foundations of the American constitutional republic and the civic habits and institutions necessary to preserve ordered liberty.

  An exploration of Ohio’s outsized historic influence on national leadership, public policy, and practical problem-solving rooted in the Buckeyes in the White House.

  A clear and accessible overview of how local, state and federal governments function, emphasizing accountability and the importance of community-centered self-government.

Additional sessions will continue monthly until December 2026. Speakers, locations, dates and event details will be announced on a rolling basis, and the City’s website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

The City of Mount Vernon invites residents, students, educators and community leaders to follow the Washington Forum throughout the year and to participate in these engaging public discussions.

For updates and future announcements, please visit the City of Mount Vernon’s website and official social media channels.