Encouragement for Back to School Week

The Morning Thing is celebrating Back to School Week! This transition can be stressful for students and families.

Here is a list of Back-to-School messages of encouragement for you and your family. We have included a Bible verse with each message. Our prayer is that you will find strength and peace as you walk through this important time of the year. Thanks for allowing us to be a Lifeline to you and your family!

  1. Start this school year knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
    “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
  2. When school feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Trust God to guide you.
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
  3. A new school year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and discover the gifts God has given you.
    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
  4. You may not know everything this school year will bring, but you can know who goes with you.
    “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
  5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try something new, or make mistakes. Wisdom begins with being willing to learn.
    “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.” — James 1:5 (NIV)
  6. Your grades and accomplishments don’t determine your worth. You are already wonderfully made and deeply loved by God.
    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
  7. Be the student who brings kindness into the classroom, the hallway, the lunchroom, and everywhere you go.
    “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
  8. When you’re nervous about a test, presentation, new class, or new school, give that worry to God.
    “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
  9. You have the chance to make someone’s school year better simply by encouraging them.
    “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
  10. Let your attitude stand out this school year. Choose joy, kindness, patience, and grace even when the day gets difficult.
    “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” — Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
  11. Some days will be challenging, but difficult days don’t mean you should give up. Keep going.
    “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” — Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
  12. God can use you right where you are — in your classroom, on your team, in your club, and among your friends.
    “Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
  13. When you don’t know what comes next, take the next step in faith and trust God with the rest.
    “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
  14. Be confident in who God created you to be. You don’t have to become someone else just to fit in.
    “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” — Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
  15. Before the homework, practices, activities, and busy schedules take over, remember to make time for God.
    “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” — Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
  16. When something doesn’t go the way you planned, remember that one setback doesn’t define your future.
    “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
  17. Look for the student who feels left out. A simple hello, invitation, or seat at your table could mean more than you realize.
    “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31 (NIV)
  18. There will be plenty of voices telling you who you should be. Make sure God’s voice is the one you listen to most.
    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)
  19. Pray about your school year — your classes, teachers, friendships, decisions, challenges, and dreams. God cares about all of it.
    “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
  20. As you head back to school, remember this: You are never walking into that building alone. God is already there.
    “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:8 (NIV)

The Morning Thing is here every weekday morning from 6am – 9am. It is a great start for your day!

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Change Your Monday Mindset!

Today on The Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew shared how they are keeping their Monday Mindset positive and focused on Christ.

Listen to what they said HERE!

Starting Monday off with a Christ-centered mindset can be difficult a lot of the time, but it can make the biggest impact for your week. Today, the Big Blue Crew chose one word they want to represent their week. Here are some examples of words you can think of:

  • Peace
  • Joy
  • Patience
  • Courage
  • Trust
  • Hope

Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): “5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.“

Hear what words the Big Blue Crew chose for their Monday Mindset here:

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From Pies to Pages: Kiwanis Helps Put Books in Children’s Hands

An exciting live auction was held on Saturday 8/15 at the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival.
There were 15 pies up for bid in the 3rd Annual Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Pie Auction. All proceeds from the auction will be given to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the United Way of Knox County.

Childhood Literacy is one of the main initiatives for the Kiwanis Club.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book gifting program. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. Knox County children received 27,039 books in 2024!

The Pie Auction Total was $4,910!

Thanks to auctioneer David McDowell for his support.

Thanks to the pie donors, bakers, bidders and buyers.

• Pie #1 was a Cherry Pie donated by CES Credit Union. This Cherry Pie was sold along with wood cake display stand and charcuterie board.
Buyer – ACS Title and Closing Services, Cindy McDowell – $250

• Pie #2 was a Blueberry Pie donated by Park National Bank. This Blueberry Pie was sold with a pie plate.
Buyer – Ruckman Group Auctions & Appraisals – $300

• Pie #3 was a Triple Berry Pie donated by Crystal Snell-Tomes, Realtor e-Merge Real Estate Champions. This Pie was sold along with a beautiful serving tray and the Book of Pie Cookbook.
Buyer – Greg Galiete – $460

• Pie #4 was a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie donated by Kenyon College.
Buyer – Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue – $550

• Pie #5 was a Strawberry Pie donated by the Mount Vernon School District.
Buyer – Alice Hutzel and Knox Community Hospital – $200

• Pie #6 was a Gluten-Free Pecan Pie donated by Happy Bean Coffee Shop.
Buyer – Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue – $200

• Pie #7 was an Apple Cranberry Crisp Pie donated by Nancy Jo Todd, Kiwanis Member.
Buyer – Diane Henwood – $200

• Pie #8 was a Dutch Apple Caramel Pie donated by ACS Title Company. This pie was sold with a fruit stand and some fresh apples.
Buyer – Mike Copley and CES Credit Union – $450

• Pie #9 was a Black Raspberry Pie donated by Ohio Easter Star Home. The raspberries were home-grown and it was sold with a wall decoration.
Buyer – Cliff Ruggles and Cliff’s High Performance – $200

• Pie #10 was a Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie made by 92-year-old Britta Bridges representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Buyer – Wendi Fowler – $500

• Pie #11 was a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie made by Sandy Cable representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Buyer – Ruckman Group Auctions & Appraisals – $200

• Pie #12 was an Americana Apple Pie donated by COTC.
Buyer – Kathy White – $200

• Pie #13 was Crystal Browning’s Famous Pecan Pie donated by the Knox County Career Center.  
Buyer – Wendi Fowler – $500

• Pie #14 was a Peachy Peach Pie donation by the United Way of Knox County.
Buyer – Miller Electrical Solutions – $250

• #15 in the auction was two pies donated by CenterWell Home Health – a Strawberry Cream Pie and a Reese’s Cream Pie.
Buyer – David McDowell Auctioneer – $300

Then David resold the Strawberry Cream Pie for $150 to Buyer Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue

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2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival Flower Show Results

This year’s Theme was “Celebrating America’s 250 With Floral Designs”.

Congratulations to all winners! Click HERE to see a full photo album on the WNZR Website. We also shared some pictures below the results.

The Living Center Residents Results

Junior Horticulture and Artistic Results

Adult Artistic Results

Adult Horticulture Results

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The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon invites pie lovers to come to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

There are so many fun and unique events at this year’s Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. The 3rd annual Kiwanis Club Pie Auction is back for 2026!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Alice Hutzel, Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon about all the details for this year’s event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

You are invited to join in this Americana traditions and bid on your favorite pie. There are 15 pies up for bid including cherry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, dutch apple caramel, peachy peach and many more flavors!
All proceeds from the auction will support Children’s Literacy in Knox County.
The Auction is Saturday, 8/15 at 3:30pm on the Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon.
Thanks to Auctioneer David McDowell for his service.

Click HERE for more information about this event and the overall festival.

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The Flower Show returns to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with JoAnne Graham, Co-Chair of the Flower Show at this year’s Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival.

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

JoAnne shares the excitement of this year’s theme – “Celebrating America’s 250 through Artistic Designs”. She gives highlights of the different classes and what judges look for in a “Best of Show” entry. The Flower Show will be at The Living Center, 201 N Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon.

Stop by and see the displays:
Friday 8/14 – 6pm – 8pm
Saturday 8/15 – 10am – 8pm
Sunday 8/16 – Noon – 4pm

Click HERE for more information about the Flower Show and this year’s festival.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – our favorite events at the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

This week for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts celebrated the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. They each shared their favorite event on this year’s schedule. We hope to see you in downtown Mount Vernon this weekend!

Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Olivia, Eric, Ethan and Daniel.

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KidsFest Brings Hands-On Fun Back to the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

KidsFest is returning to the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival with a wide variety of activities designed to give children a place to create, move, learn and have fun.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with festival board member Noella Nzishura about this year’s KidsFest and what families can expect throughout the weekend.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Nzishura has been involved with the festival for three years. She began as a volunteer before joining the board and is now helping lead KidsFest after learning from the person who previously oversaw the area.

This year’s activities include fruit kebabs, cookie decorating, fitness activities, African drumming and opportunities for kids to dress up and take part in different experiences. Returning favorites include succulents, princesses and bounce houses.

Kids can also pick up a passport and work through different activities, with an opportunity to earn a T-shirt.

KidsFest will be located on Vine Street behind Park National Bank. Nzishura said the area will include tents and bounce houses while creating a welcoming environment for children and their families. Bouquet making will also be offered through one of the businesses on Vine Street.

KidsFest opens at 11 a.m. each day. Activities continue into the evening Friday and Saturday, while KidsFest wraps up at 2 p.m. Sunday.

There is no cost to participate and no advance registration is required.

Nzishura said one of the things she is most looking forward to is seeing children try activities they may not have experienced before and discover skills they did not know they had.

Volunteers are still needed to help with KidsFest. Anyone interested can visit MVMAF.org and complete the festival’s volunteer form.

Nzishura encouraged families to simply come downtown, take part in the activities and enjoy the experience together.

Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

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Debbie Ruggles Previews the Food, Vendors and Volunteer Needs for MVMAF

Food and local vendors are a big part of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival experience, and this year there will be plenty to explore throughout downtown.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with festival board member Debbie Ruggles about the food, vendor village and volunteer opportunities available during the weekend.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Ruggles said 28 vendors are scheduled to take part in the festival, offering everything from jewelry and paintings to food and other handmade items. The vendor village will stretch through downtown Mount Vernon, including Main Street and Vine Street, and will be open throughout the festival.

Food will also be easy to find. Ruggles said 17 food trucks are expected, with options located near both the South Stage and the Main Stage. Vendors will be ready to serve beginning Friday morning and will remain open through Sunday afternoon.

Ruggles said the festival itself stretches from the Public Square down toward Ohio Avenue, creating a large footprint through downtown and giving visitors plenty of opportunities to stop at local businesses along the way.

She also emphasized that the festival still needs volunteers. Even a couple of hours can help, with volunteers needed in several areas throughout the weekend. Groups or individuals looking for community service hours are also welcome to get involved.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email MTVFestivalVendor@gmail.com.

Ruggles said she is especially looking forward to the local entertainment and spending time downtown with friends and family. She also encouraged people not to let possible rain keep them away, noting that the festival will continue and ponchos will be available.

Reserved seating is also available at a relatively low cost for those who want a guaranteed spot for some of the performances.

Ruggles said many people have worked throughout the year to make the festival possible and hopes visitors will come downtown, enjoy the food and entertainment, and support the community.

Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

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Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival Adds a Living History Twist!

The Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival is bringing a mix of music, community support and a little television nostalgia to downtown Mount Vernon this weekend.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Festival Director Noell Walton and Board Chair Joe Rinehart about what visitors can expect.

Click HERE to hear both conversations!

Friday night opens with Phil Dirt and the Dozers from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by Forever Seger, a Bob Seger tribute band. Saturday shifts to country music, with Six One Five Collective opening for Fredericktown native Preston Cooper on the main stage at the Public Square.

One unique Saturday attraction is the return of MadCap Living History. Joe Rinehart said Jim and Amy Stoner started the group, which features local actors portraying well-known figures.

This year’s theme is “Stars of 70s Television,” with portrayals of Paul Lynde, Elizabeth Montgomery from Bewitched, Betty White and Doris Day. The living history characters will be found throughout South Main Street on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Walton said she is especially excited about Preston Cooper’s appearance and encouraged people to come downtown and enjoy the festival. She also reminded visitors that the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival is a nonprofit organization and can be supported through donations, volunteering or simply attending the event.

Rinehart also thanked the many sponsors and community partners that help make the festival possible. Ariel Corporation serves as the premier sponsor, while Park National Bank, Evergreen Waste and Susan Ramser and Ramser Arboretum are among the stage sponsors.

Other partners include the City of Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, the Woodward Opera House and the Knox County Foundation. Park National Bank is also providing use of its Vine Street parking lot, and donations will be accepted during festival events.

Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

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