The month of June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month!
Zoos and aquariums are not only an experience, but wildlife preservatives for endangered animals, and serve as a great educational opportunity for the entire family!
She discusses her job and what she does. They provide a wide range of support people and families dealing with disabilities; they want to make them all feel included in the community. They want to focus on how connection can’t be done in isolation.
Brittany highlights their award lunch-in with different panelists who focused on what they discussed and how they brought out all that their department wants to do. She talks about the spotlight award and how it recognizes people building independence in their own lives and in the community. She discusses the community partner award and she highlight the winner and how they decide the winner.
She talks about the employer of the year award and how they help those with disabilities. She talks about the heart of support award. Lastly, she talks about the lasting legacy award.
Journaling is a simple yet powerful way to record what God is doing in your life and reflect on your spiritual growth.
That is one of the reasons we selected journals as Lifeline 2026 gift (which are starting to be delivered).
The good news is there are no rules—write daily, weekly, or only when inspiration strikes.
According to Croswalk.com, whether you prefer a handwritten notebook, a computer document, or notes on your phone, journaling creates space to capture prayers, lessons, and moments of God’s faithfulness.
It can remain a personal record or become something you share with others. With so much flexibility and so many benefits, journaling is a meaningful practice that can help deepen your relationship with God and preserve the story of your faith journey.
Here are some of the topics Marcy and Eric discussed Wednesday:
Journaling teaches you how to converse with God.
Journaling helps you maintain focus during your Bible reading.
Journaling teaches you to be a person of gratitude.
Journaling makes you more aware of answered prayer.
Click HERE to read the full article from Crosswalk!
Tuesday on The Morning Thing, we spent some time encouraging married couples. Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, but if you’ve been married for any length of time, you know it also takes work, commitment, grace, and a whole lot of prayer.
Throughout the morning, thanks to Crosswalk.com, we shared Scripture verses you can pray over your marriage.
Two of the most powerful tools God has given us are His Word and prayer, and we looked at how both can help strengthen our relationships and draw us closer to Him and to one another.
Here are a few of the scriptures Marcy and Eric Shared:
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Prayer: Lord, make us STRONG for YOU.
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Prayer: Lord, may our delight be in YOU, may we meditate on Your law day and night. When we do so, our marriage and our family will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields FRUIT in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Click HERE for the entire article from Crosswalk.com
Mount Vernon continues to see growth across nearly every corner of the city, and Mayor Matt Starr says that momentum is showing no signs of slowing down.
During the May Spotlight on Mount Vernon with WNZR’s Eric Brown, Starr shared updates on several housing, infrastructure, beautification, and public safety projects currently underway throughout the city.
One of the biggest topics remains housing development. Starr says projects like Liberty Crossing along State Route 13 and continued expansion at The Retreat on the east side are already attracting new residents from across the country. Many of those families are relocating for jobs with major local employers including Kenyon College, Kokosing Construction, MVNU, and Knox Community Hospital.
The city is also looking ahead to future development opportunities with projects like Founders Grove and Arista Villas. At the same time, Starr says smaller housing investments are happening throughout Mount Vernon thanks to zoning updates aimed at encouraging infill development and additional housing options.
Road and infrastructure improvements are also a major focus this year. Starr highlighted ongoing work on North Main Street, Mulberry Street, and Sandusky Street, along with improvements near the former middle school site along West Burgess and West Hamtramck streets.
In the coming months, demolition work is expected to begin along South Sandusky Street as part of the future State Route 13 corridor project. Several streets are also being considered for resurfacing this year, including Mansfield Avenue, Nash Street, West Vine Street, Upper Gilchrist Road, Yager Road, and Eastwood Drive.
Beautification efforts continue across the city as well. Starr says Mount Vernon’s Shade Tree and Beautification Commission plans to plant 400 trees this year. Code enforcement crews also remain active addressing mowing violations, unsafe structures, and property maintenance concerns.
According to Starr, many of those situations are resolved with a simple phone call or letter. He also praised volunteers and church groups who continue helping elderly residents maintain their properties.
The mayor also discussed a new partnership involving Knox County’s electric and natural gas aggregation program. Mount Vernon is now working alongside the Knox County Commissioners and neighboring communities to negotiate better utility rates for residents. Starr says bringing more customers into the program creates stronger negotiating power and could ultimately help families save money on monthly bills.
Several recent actions by Mount Vernon City Council were also highlighted during the interview. Council approved applying for a Small Cities Grant that could help expand the city’s street resurfacing program. Officials are also partnering with the Knox County Land Bank on improvements near Heartland Commerce Park along North Norton Street.
Starr additionally shared details on O’Reilly Auto Parts’ planned expansion along Coshocton Avenue, which will include additional entrances and expanded inventory space.
One of the largest projects discussed during the spotlight was the city’s new police headquarters.
Starr says Mount Vernon has officially completed financing paperwork for the new police station project, marking a major milestone for one of the largest public safety investments in city history. He noted the current station has long outgrown its space and no longer meets the needs of a modern police department.
The new police HQ will include updated technology, improved security systems, expanded evidence storage, modern training areas, and additional workspace for officers and staff. Starr says the facility is designed not only to meet current needs, but also to support Mount Vernon well into the future as the city continues to grow.
Groundbreaking could begin later this summer, with construction expected to continue into 2028. Starr says city leaders, architects, and department officials have spent years carefully planning the project to ensure it remains functional while also being financially responsible for taxpayers.
The mayor also shared updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department, including the promotion of Nate Hines to assistant fire chief and the arrival of a new medic unit after a nearly three-year wait.
Looking ahead to summer, Starr previewed several upcoming events and projects, including renovations at the future municipal center on South Main Street and continued planning work at 40 Public Square.
He also encouraged residents to participate in community events like First Fridays, Movies in the Park at Ariel-Foundation Park, and the return of the Front Porch Concert Series on East High Street. City officials will also host a booth during First Fridays where residents can ask questions about road construction, development projects, and the new police headquarters.
As construction season ramps up across Mount Vernon, Starr asked residents for patience and continued prayers for city leaders, workers, and the community.
He says the city remains committed to communication, transparency, and serving residents well during this period of significant growth and investment.
Click HERE to find out more about the City of Mount Vernon!
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Olivia Toth, executive director of the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, about the growing opportunities for tourism across Ohio and right here in Knox County.
Toth highlighted the Ohio Golf Trail, which showcases public golf courses across the state and encourages travelers to experience the diverse landscapes Ohio has to offer. She explained that many people picture Ohio as nothing more than flat farmland, but the state offers much more — including rolling hills, forests, scenic countryside, and unique small-town experiences.
She also discussed how different communities throughout Knox County offer completely different tourism experiences. Areas like Centerburg and Howard provide distinct settings for golf outings, weekend trips, and outdoor recreation, making Knox County an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway.
Toth emphasized that tourism does not always mean traveling far from home. She encouraged local residents to become “tourists in their own town” by exploring attractions, restaurants, trails, and experiences they may not have considered before. She said affordability and accessibility make local tourism especially appealing for families and residents looking for something new close to home.
Another featured attraction was the Knox County Coffee Trail, which includes eight coffee stops throughout the county. Many of the locations are accessible from the Heart of Ohio Trail, creating an opportunity for visitors to bike between destinations while experiencing local coffee shops and small businesses along the way.
Toth also highlighted several summer events coming to Knox County, encouraging both residents and visitors to take advantage of the many outdoor activities, festivals, and attractions happening throughout the season.
As food costs continue to rise, a new partnership in Knox County is working to provide extra support for local seniors.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Carolyn Fergus about a new food assistance opportunity available through Interchurch Social Services of Knox County.
Interchurch is partnering with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to offer the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides monthly food boxes to income-qualified adults age 60 and older.
According to Carolyn, the program is designed to help seniors stretch their food budgets while still receiving nutritious food items each month. Seniors who qualify will receive boxes filled with a variety of staple foods, including cereal, oats, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein sources. The contents of the boxes will vary from month to month, but the goal remains the same: helping supplement a senior’s diet with reliable food assistance.
Carolyn explained that participants will need to provide identification and proof of residency during the sign-up process, while income is self-reported on the application. She encouraged seniors who may qualify to begin signing up now ahead of the first shipment, which is expected to arrive in early June.
While the first delivery is expected to include around 90 food boxes, Carolyn says there is room for growth if community demand increases. She emphasized that the program is meant to serve as an additional resource for seniors and does not replace Interchurch’s regular pantry services.
In fact, she encouraged eligible seniors to continue utilizing the Interchurch food pantry, which offers fresh foods, frozen meats, and other grocery items throughout the month. The organization hopes the new program will provide even more stability for seniors facing rising grocery costs and financial pressures.
Food distribution will be available not only at the Mount Vernon office, but also through Interchurch locations in Centerburg, Fredericktown, and Danville, making the program more accessible to seniors across Knox County.
Carolyn also asked the community to continue praying for Interchurch, its staff, volunteers, and the families they serve as food assistance needs continue to grow throughout the county. She noted that volunteers are always needed to help distribute food and support daily operations.
For more information about the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or other Interchurch services, residents can call 740-397-4825 or click HERE!
Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen service members, prisoners of war, those missing in action, and veterans who have passed away. Kevin Henthorn, Executive Director of Knox County Veterans Services joined The Morning Thing to talk about the importance of this special holiday. Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link/picture below.
He also highlighted the services that his office provides to veterans and their families in Knox County.
Kevin shared the plans for Mount Vernon’s Memorial Day Parade and the special Service of Remembrance happening after the parade at the Knox Memorial Building.
You can reach the Knox County Veterans Services Office at 740-393-6742 or visit them at 105 East Chestnut Street in Mount Vernon. Their website is http://www.ksvo.com
For our Friday Favorites this week, we are celebrating the 50th Annual Utica Ice Cream Festival. The hosts shared their favorite ways to enjoy ice cream.
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Eric, Olivia, Daniel and Ethan OR click on the link below.
Rise and Shine 