WNZR Celebrates 40 Years: Remembering our first 10 years on the air!

This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Monday, we revisited highlights from 1986-1995 in WNZR’s history! WNZR’s first 10 years on the air produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped establish the station in its early years.

Here are the milestones that we took a look at:

  • Mount Vernon Nazarene College applied to the FCC for an educational, non-commercial broadcast license in 1982.
  • On January 21, 1986 – MVNC received the construction permit from the FCC.  The 300 foot tower was erected and the transmitter installed in April.  WNZR started to broadcast on 90.9FM in the Fall semester of 1986.
  • October 1, 1986 – is WNZR’s official birthday as stated in the FCC radio license. Today, 10/1/2025 – WNZR is celebrating 39 years in ministry
  • November 1993 – WNZR was presented with the Marconi award for format programming achievement from the Loyola Radio Conference. WNZR won the award by best reaching their target audience with the chosen format.
  • 1995 – WNZR became “The Lifeline”. The station held a campus-wide contest to find a logo that would bring this slogan to life. The early version of today’s logo was designed by an MVNU art student.

We also hear from former WNZR employees and students who share memories and stories from their time at the station. Our guests today included Bill Bridges, Alan Reed, and Jim and Jayme McMillian! Their conversations give us a glimpse into WNZR’s early days and the impact the station had on the the people who helped build it. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversations!

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Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy Through the Imagination Library

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with NEW United Way Executive Director, Brit Eaton about a special opportunity to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the United Way of Knox County.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

On September 25, the community is being invited to celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy by making a donation to Knox County’s Imagination Library through a special website: 9to5knox.com. The September 25 event includes a fun connection to Dolly’s famous movie and song, 9 to 5, along with special photo opportunities around downtown featuring a life-size Dolly Parton cutout.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children with a free book every month from birth until they turn five. The program was inspired in part by Dolly’s own father, who was unable to read, and her desire to help children develop strong literacy skills. The Imagination Library began in Knox County in 2009, and today nearly 3,000 local children are currently receiving books, with approximately 12,500 children having been served through the program over the years. Knox County has invested more than $250,000 in the program to help bring books and the joy of reading to local children. This special opportunity allows the community to continue that legacy by supporting literacy right here in Knox County. To learn more or make a donation, visit 9to5knox.com.

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Spotlight on Mount Vernon: Mayor Matt Starr Shares City Updates

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr about what’s happening around the city, including several ongoing construction and infrastructure projects.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

Demolition along South Sandusky Street is complete, while work continues on Burgess and Hamtramck Streets with new brickwork, curbs, gutters, and storm water systems.
The city is also moving forward with projects including a new salt storage facility, pickleball courts at Riverside Park, and preparations for improvements throughout the community.

Mayor Starr also provides an update on the new Mount Vernon Police Station, the future use of 40 Public Square for Municipal Court operations, and the continued planning for the city’s wastewater and water treatment facilities.

The monthly update also covers city services, public safety, community events, and planning for Mount Vernon’s future. Starr discusses water meter replacements, fall cleanup at Mound View Cemetery, maintenance along the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, leaf collection, and preparations for winter weather.

He also addresses City Council’s ongoing review of automated license plate reader technology, recent council actions, recognition for members of the police department, and the annual fire hydrant flushing program.

Looking ahead, Starr highlights several October events, including Biketoberfest, the Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and Trick-or-Treat on October 31.

He also shares thoughts on the city’s budget planning, growth, and the importance of community cooperation, closing with encouragement from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – a celebration of Music and WNZR’s 40th Anniversary

WNZR is preparing to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. In honor of this milestone, The Morning Thing hosts decided to focus on music for the Friday Favorites this week. The hosts shared their favorite songs from WNZR’s 40 years on air.

Click HERE to hear from the hosts.

Xander loves the song “Dare You To Move” from Switchfoot. Click HERE to see the video.

Josiah loves the song “The Prodigal” from Josiah Queen. Click HERE to see the video.

Ethan loves the song “Finally Home” from MercyMe. Click HERE to see the video.

Marcy loves the song “The Great Adventure” from Steven Curtis Chapman. Click HERE to see the video.

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Abby Almodovar Highlights Starting Point’s Community Outreach

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Abby discusses Starting Point’s growing relationship with Mount Vernon Nazarene University, including connections with student organizations, campus events, athletics, and several recent MVNU graduates who now serve on the Starting Point staff. She also shares how social media is being used to provide educational content, updates, and information about the free resources available to individuals and families throughout Knox County.

Abby also highlights Starting Point’s participation in community events through its mobile unit and opportunities to connect with local families. She discusses the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, which will include family activities and help raise funds to support Starting Point’s free services. Abby encourages community members to learn more about Starting Point, stay connected through social media, and discover the many resources available through the organization.

Click HERE to learn more about Starting Point!

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Josh Foley Brings a Bold Detective to Life in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Josh Foley, who plays Kramer in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Josh describes Kramer as a bold and sarcastic character who isn’t afraid to say exactly what he sees, and he prepared for the role by watching classic television characters, including Columbo and Kramer from Seinfeld. He also shares how much he enjoys performing alongside the talented cast of women who bring the show’s older characters to life.

Josh has been involved in theater since elementary school and brings years of stage experience to the production. He discusses his unique costume, which combines elements of Seinfeld’s Kramer and the classic detective Columbo, as well as his opportunity to serve as an assistant director for the show. Josh encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved and invites the community to see Bull in a China Shop, describing it as a fast-paced, hilarious production filled with memorable characters and plenty of laughs.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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Lily Haws Talks Community, Comedy and Her Role in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Lily Haws, who plays Bertie Spinster in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Lily describes Bertie as the oldest resident of a boarding house who values proper manners and etiquette, but as the play unfolds, her character becomes involved in a dark and unexpected plot to commit murder. Lily says the role has been a natural fit and has enjoyed the humorous contrast between Bertie’s proper personality and the darker elements of the story.

Lily also shares about her long history with Orange Barrel Productions and the special experience of performing alongside longtime friends, family members, and familiar faces. She discusses the production’s mid-1950s setting, her character’s costume, and the many ways people can get involved in community theater beyond acting. Lily encourages the community to support local arts organizations, emphasizing the role they play in bringing people together and keeping the arts thriving for future generations.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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Katie Adams Shares About Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Katie Adams, Client Services Director for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image below!

Katie explains that one of Starting Point’s primary ministries is the Start Here Program, which provides pregnancy and parenting education for pregnant women, couples, and families. Participants earn points through educational appointments that can be used to shop in the ministry’s boutique for items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby essentials.

She says Starting Point’s services are available to anyone in the community without income restrictions or insurance requirements. The ministry serves single parents, families, grandparents, and individuals seeking resources related to unexpected pregnancies, parenting, relationships, and family life. Starting Point strives to meet practical needs while also providing support for all.

Katie shares her personal journey with Starting Point, beginning as a field experience intern through MVNU Online. Shortly after arriving, she learned of an opening for the Client Care Coordinator position, volunteered with the ministry, and eventually joined the staff. After serving as Client Care Coordinator for a year and a half, she recently stepped into the role of Client Services Director.

She also discusses opportunities for community members to become involved with the ministry. Starting Point is currently seeking volunteers in several areas, including nurses, ultrasound technicians, boutique workers, and client advocates. The ministry also welcomes men to serve through its men’s mentoring and support programs. They need volunteers, contact Starting Point directly at 740-393-0370 to learn more about available opportunities. She concludes by expressing excitement for the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night.

Click HERE for more information about Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

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Carrie Haver Talks About Bull In A China Shop!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Carrie Haver, who plays Nettie Norton in Bull in a China Shop.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click on the image below!

Carrie describes Nettie as one of six older women living together in the show. She says the character is humorous, often says the wrong thing, and brings plenty of laughs to the production.

She shares that the cast has been rehearsing since the summer, spending time reading through the script and developing the relationships between the characters. Carrie says memorizing lines comes through repetition and listening to recordings of rehearsals.

Carrie says one of her favorite things about playing Nettie is that the character is very different from roles she has played in the past. She enjoys portraying an older woman and bringing the character’s unique personality to life.

A theater veteran, Carrie has appeared in numerous productions with both Orange Barrel Productions and MTVarts. She recalls playing Glinda in The Wizard of Oz as one of her favorite theater experiences. Carrie also says the humor in Bull in a China Shop is what makes the show especially enjoyable and believes audiences will find many opportunities to laugh.

Carrie says one of the highlights of the production has been the strong chemistry and camaraderie among the cast. Many of the actors have worked together before, creating a comfortable and enjoyable rehearsal environment.

She also discusses the show’s costumes and makeup, explaining that the cast uses special makeup and costumes to portray older women living in the 1950s. Carrie encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved, noting there are opportunities for people of all ages both on stage and behind the scenes. She hopes the community will come see Bull in a China Shop, enjoy a good laugh, and support local theater.

Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

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Catherine Haws Talks Bull In A China Shop!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Catherine Haws, who plays Jane the News Reporter in Orange Barrel Productions’ “Bull In A China Shop”!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Catherine shares how she has prepared for the role and what she enjoys about playing Jane, including her outspoken personality and the humor she brings to the production.

This show marks Catherine’s 31st theater production, and she is especially excited to share the stage with her mom for the first time since 2008. She also discusses the show’s late-1940s/early-1950s setting, her costumes, and why she believes live theater continues to bring people together in a unique way.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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