WNZR’s April Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

During the April Spotlight on Mount Vernon, WNZR’s Eric Brown sat down with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr for a wide-ranging update—and it’s clear the city is moving full speed ahead into a busy spring season.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

One of the biggest updates comes from the aftermath of the March 13th storms. Mayor Starr says cleanup is now officially complete, after crews worked through every street in the city. What was expected to take about a week stretched into three and a half weeks, but the effort paid off. Starr credited teams from Public Works, Parks, and other departments for tackling the large amount of debris and getting things back in order. He also noted repairs at the Curtis family gravesite in Mount Vernon Cemetery and reminded residents to take part in spring cleanup efforts as the city prepares for Memorial Day.

Looking ahead, attention is turning to long-discussed demolition projects north of Public Square. Starr says bids are due May 7th for the removal of several condemned buildings. While those structures will soon come down, pieces of history are being preserved. Materials from the Curtis Building have been saved, and detailed 3D scans were completed to document the structure before demolition begins.

Environmental work is also a major focus. Starr discussed ongoing brownfield efforts—projects aimed at cleaning up former industrial sites before redevelopment. The city has applied for grant funding to address areas along South Sandusky Street and Long Phillips Drive, where past use left contamination behind. If approved, those funds would help prepare the land for future development while protecting the surrounding environment.

Safety improvements around schools are also underway. Through the Safe Routes to School program, work is happening near Saint Vincent de Paul School, including resurfacing, curb upgrades, and new safety features like bump-outs and flashing beacons. Additional projects are planned along Martinsburg Road, including bridge repairs, resurfacing, and future sidewalk installation—all part of a broader push to improve infrastructure in school zones.

And speaking of infrastructure, road construction season is officially in full swing. Crews are addressing erosion issues, repairing and resurfacing streets, and upgrading traffic signals along Coshocton Avenue with new radar technology. Work is also happening on brick streets, Blackberry Alley, and in neighborhoods across the city. Starr acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized that these improvements are designed to benefit the entire community long-term.

There’s also plenty happening in Mount Vernon’s parks and public spaces. New swings have been installed at Riverside Park, and the splash pad will reopen from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hiawatha Water Park is set to open June 2nd. Maintenance work—including painting and equipment repairs—is ongoing, while Public Square is being prepared with fountain and lighting updates. Starr also shared an ambitious goal of planting more than 400 trees this year and encouraged residents to attend an upcoming neighborhood meeting tied to a grant application for additional street and infrastructure improvements.

At the city government level, Starr says City Council has officially begun meeting in the new municipal center. Recent actions include approving road salt purchases, managing impounded vehicle disposal, and continuing traffic and infrastructure studies. Updates are also moving forward on the North Sandusky intersection project, South Sandusky improvements, and new curbside recycling requirements.

Public safety remains a priority as well. Starr says police and fire departments are staying busy, especially with warmer weather bringing increased activity. Training continues, including rescue simulations for the fire department. The city has also selected a new assistant fire chief, and a new medic unit is expected soon—with a traditional push-in ceremony planned to mark its arrival.

Beyond city operations, there are plenty of opportunities for community connection. Starr highlighted events like the Songwriters Circle at the Woodward Opera House and reflected on the recent Rwanda remembrance event hosted in partnership with MVNU, calling it both powerful and humbling. He also pointed to Celebrate Trails Day and National Bike to Work Day as ways residents can get involved and stay active.

Coming up soon, the citywide yard sale trail will take place May 2nd and 3rd, with free permits available for participants. City Cleanup Day is scheduled for May 9th at Ariel Foundation Park. Starr also invited residents to attend the Washington Forum on April 28th, focused on land and conservation, in partnership with MVNU and Kenyon College.

As the conversation wrapped up, Starr reflected on the often unseen work of public service. While much of it happens behind the scenes, he says it plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the community. He asked residents to keep city leaders in prayer for wisdom and stewardship and encouraged everyone to stay connected through the city’s website, social media, and direct communication with city offices.

Click HERE for the City of Mount Vernon’s website!

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New Leadership Search Underway as Food for the Hungry Continues Year-Round Impact

Food for the Hungry is stepping into a new season, and there are some important updates for the Knox County community.

During a recent conversation on WNZR, Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Vice President of the Board of Directors, about a leadership transition and what’s ahead for the organization.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

Executive Director Kathy Brechler is moving into full retirement. While she has served in the role for the past two years, her connection to Food for the Hungry goes back to 2011, when she helped launch the Snowflake Gala. She also created Pantry Partners Access Meetings, bringing local food pantries together to share resources and better serve the community.

As the organization looks ahead, the board is now searching for an Annual Drive and Community Relations Director. This role will oversee the December drive, manage community relationships, coordinate events, and help lead grant programs. The goal is to have someone in place by early summer, with a soft application deadline of April 24th.

At the same time, April is a busy month. The Summer Grant Program is open now through noon on April 30th. These grants support organizations providing meals during the summer, especially for students who no longer have access to school breakfasts and lunches.

It’s a reminder that Food for the Hungry serves Knox County all year long—not just during the holidays.

You can stay connected through their Facebook page or by visiting the website, where you’ll find pantry listings, volunteer opportunities, event information, and applications for both the open position and summer grants.

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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Simple Date Night Ideas to Help You Reconnect

Life gets busy—there’s no way around it. Between work, kids, schedules, and everything else pulling at our time, it’s really easy for relationships to fall into a routine. Before you know it, weeks go by and you realize you haven’t really spent intentional time together.

That’s why so many people say it’s important to keep dating your spouse—or being intentional in your relationship. But sometimes the hardest part isn’t finding the time… it’s figuring out what to do.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sometimes the best ideas are simple. You could go for a walk or a bike ride and enjoy the outdoors together. You could try something creative like making dinner together—maybe even something you wouldn’t normally order. Or just laugh a little—watch a comedy or find something lighthearted that helps you reconnect.

If you’re looking to mix things up, try something different like visiting a local bookstore, checking out live music, or even going to an open mic night. You could also plan something fun like a dessert night at home, a movie night in your pajamas, or even a little friendly competition in the kitchen.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe it’s time for a day trip, a local event, or something completely new like an escape room or a cooking class.

The point isn’t to plan the perfect night. It’s simply to be intentional.

Even small moments can make a big difference when you take the time to invest in your relationship. So take one of these ideas, put it on the calendar, and enjoy the time together.

Click HERE for more date night ideas!

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Get moving!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared great ways to get outside and enjoy the warm weather during Move More Month! There is an idea for everybody to enjoy being active. Even small efforts, like taking a walk or dancing to your favorite song, can make a big difference. 

Our favorite ways to get active:

  • Fur-kid Frolicking
  • Get rolling
  • Produce picking
  • Boating

Click HERE to see all 25 ways to move more!

Click HERE to learn more about Move More Month!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Odessa Wellman

One of 13 new voices joining the WNZR airwaves this year is Odessa Wellman.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A sophomore at MVNU majoring in Communications and Digital Media, Odessa is stepping into the world of radio with enthusiasm and a growing passion for connecting with listeners.

Originally from Bucyrus, Ohio, Odessa’s decision to attend MVNU felt like a natural fit. Having grown up in the Nazarene church, coming to a university within her district just made sense. Since arriving on campus, that sense of belonging has only deepened—especially through the friendships she’s formed while living in the residence halls. One of her favorite memories from this past year has simply been the joy of being surrounded by close friends and doing everyday life together.

Odessa first got involved in radio as part of her major, but it quickly became something more than just a class requirement. She’s found it to be a fun and meaningful way to express herself, build skills, and engage with the WNZR audience. That excitement carries into other areas of her campus life as well. She serves on the student class council and has already been selected as next year’s Junior Class President, where she’ll help plan events and create memorable experiences for her classmates.

When she’s not in the studio or focused on school, Odessa enjoys spending time with friends, taking trips off campus, and making the most of her weekends. She also loves basketball—especially the WNBA—and enjoys watching players like Caitlin Clark. While she admits she’s not the most athletic herself, her enthusiasm for the game is undeniable.

Music is another big part of Odessa’s life. She’s a fan of TobyMac, with Heaven On My Mind ranking as one of her favorite songs. And when it comes to comfort food, you can’t go wrong with her top choice: mac and cheese.

There are also a few fun facts that make Odessa stand out. Her name is inspired by Odysseus from The Odyssey, and she holds a close relationship with her mom, who she calls her built-in best friend. She also has a younger brother who keeps life interesting.

As Odessa continues to grow in her time at MVNU and WNZR, she’s already making an impact both on and off the air—and clearly enjoying every step of the journey.

You can catch Odessa on WNZR Wednesdays from 1–2pm and Thursdays from 11am–12pm.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Ben Fuller Talks Faith, Struggles, and The Black Sheep Tour

When Ben Fuller talks about his Black Sheep Tour, there’s one thing that stands out right away—he doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out.

In a recent conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger, Fuller described each night of the tour as something like “Christmas morning.” Not because of the lights or the music, but because he genuinely doesn’t know what God is going to do. And honestly, that’s what excites him most.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

“It’s like, okay God, have your way… this is your show,” Fuller said. “He pours His Spirit out differently in every city.”

That mindset shapes everything about The Black Sheep Tour. It’s not just another concert—it’s a night designed for people who feel like they don’t quite fit. The outsiders. The ones carrying heavy stories. The ones who might not even be sure they belong in a church setting.

That message is especially clear in his song “Black Sheep.” It’s raw. It’s honest. And by his own admission, it’s not the kind of song people expected to hear on Christian radio. But that’s exactly why it’s connecting.

People hear it and think, that’s my life. Struggles with addiction. Family pain. Questions about faith. Fuller doesn’t shy away from any of it—because that’s where he says God met him.

After years of battling drugs, alcohol, and hopelessness, Fuller describes encountering God in a way that changed everything. He compares it to the feeling of taking off heavy football pads after a long, exhausting game—suddenly, you can breathe again. There’s a lightness. A freedom.

And that’s the experience he hopes people find on this tour.

In fact, he had a simple challenge for listeners in Lancaster: if there’s someone in your life you’ve been thinking about inviting to church… this is the night to do it.

“This is going to be church, but not church,” he said. “God is going to meet that person in that place.”

Beyond the stage, Fuller also spoke about the role Christian radio played in his own journey. Long before he gave his life to Christ, songs were already reaching him—planting seeds he didn’t even realize were there at the time. Now, he sees it clearly: God was speaking, even then.

That same authenticity is something he believes is growing across Christian music today—artists being more real, more open, and more willing to tell the full story.

And that’s exactly what you can expect from The Black Sheep Tour.

Ben Fuller will be in Lancaster on Sunday, April 19th at Fairfield Christian Church. The night will also feature special guest Reeves, with music that’s honest, encouraging, and full of hope. Doors open at different times depending on your ticket, and the concert begins at 7pm.

Click HERE to find out more about the Black Sheep Tour!

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FirstNaz of Mount Vernon’s Executive Pastor Mark Owen on Trusting God and Letting Go of Fear

Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are the simplest ones—trust God, don’t be afraid, and let Him lead.

That’s what Executive Pastor Mark Owen of FirstNaz of Mount Vernon shared in a recent conversation with WNZR’s Zane Menzie.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mark talked about how God has been faithful in his life, reminding him that there’s no need to fear. Instead, he’s learned to leave everything in God’s hands and trust that He will follow through on His promises. For Mark, it comes down to something simple but powerful—God is true to His word, and all we need to do is ask.

Part of that journey took him away from Mount Vernon for a time, living in Cincinnati and serving as a part-time worship pastor. During that season, it became clear that God was calling him to pursue worship as a full-time path, and that became evident to him over time.

Now back in Mount Vernon, Mark sees how God has been at work in his story all along.

He also shared something else God has been teaching him—people aren’t drawn to faith by something we create. It’s not about what can be manufactured. Instead, it’s God who draws people to Himself.

Even in a world filled with misinformation and mistrust, Mark says he still sees a hunger for truth. And for him, that truth is found in the Bible. It’s a reminder that while everything else may change, God does not.

And through it all, Mark says God continues to prove faithful.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Through Loss and Faithfulness: The Heart Behind ‘God Did It’ and WNZR’s Theme for Lifeline 2026

There’s something special about a song that doesn’t just sound good—but means something deeply personal. For Micah Tyler, that’s exactly what this year’s Lifeline theme song, “God Did It,” represents.

Micah tells WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that the heart behind the song is simple, but powerful—God loves it when we remember. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His provision. Remember what He’s brought us through

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

And for Micah, that remembering has taken on a whole new depth this past year.

He shares openly about walking through the heartbreaking loss of his little brother, Daniel. In the middle of grief, questions, and pain, Micah says he has seen God remain steady and faithful. That’s not just a lyric—it’s his reality. “God Did It” became a way to mark those moments… to look back and say, even here, even now—God was working.

That’s why this year’s Lifeline theme verse hit him so hard.

Micah admits he was honestly taken aback when he first heard it. It wasn’t just a nice verse—it felt personal. Like a reminder placed directly in his path at just the right time. The kind of reminder that says, “You’re not alone in this story.”

And that leads right into one of the most meaningful lines in the song:
“New mercies each morning, re-writing my story.”

For Micah, those words are a daily reset.

They remind him that no matter the struggle—or even the mistakes we’ve made—God is still writing something good. The story isn’t over. There’s still purpose. There’s still a plan. And there’s still grace for today.

Looking ahead, Micah says his prayer is simple but focused. He wants to stay centered on the mission. Not the platform. Not the numbers. Not even the music itself.

It’s about lifting up the name of Jesus in everything he does.

That perspective didn’t just appear overnight. It was shaped over time—going all the way back to his days as a youth pastor. Micah remembers encouraging students to be intentional about what they listened to, filling their lives with music that pointed them toward God.

And then something unexpected happened—God opened doors.

What started with local Christian radio eventually led to more stations, more listeners, and ultimately a record deal in Nashville. It’s a journey that makes you think of the parable in Matthew Chapter 13—the farmer scattering seeds. Micah sees Christian radio, including stations like WNZR, as part of that process. Planting seeds. Not always seeing the immediate results, but trusting that God is working beneath the surface.

And sometimes… those seeds grow in ways we never expect.

Micah shared a story that puts everything into perspective. A woman, feeling completely alone and abandoned, found herself at a breaking point. But in that moment, she heard something on the radio. A song. A message. A reminder that she wasn’t forgotten.

That moment changed everything.

She chose life—for herself and her unborn baby.

Stories like that are why Micah does what he does. Sure, people may compliment the music or his voice—but that’s not what drives him. It’s moments like those. Lives changed. Hope restored.

Because at the end of the day, the message is bigger than the music.

And if you ask Micah, it all comes back to one simple truth:

God did it!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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MVNU President Shares Perspective on Lifeline 2026

When Dr. Carson Castleman, President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, talked with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger about Lifeline 2026, the conversation centered on a simple theme: giving God the credit.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman shared how the song “God Did It!” speaks to him. He said it’s a reminder that God is in and through all things, and that everything ultimately points back to Him. He connected that idea to Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” For Dr. Castleman, that message calls him to humility and to recognize God’s faithfulness.

He also talked about his own journey, saying that God is rewriting his story each day. He emphasized that he isn’t held to past failures, but instead sees each day as a renewed opportunity to continue forward.

That same perspective carries into his view of MVNU. Dr. Castleman said the campus is continuing to be shaped and that its mission—who MVNU is and why it exists—is becoming clearer. He noted that the university is growing and pointed to God as the reason for that growth.

Looking ahead, he said he would like to see God continue to have His hand on MVNU and that it would be evident. He also expressed a desire that gatherings on campus would reflect God’s presence.

Dr. Castleman also spoke about the impact of WNZR. He described the station as a gift in his life and said it has helped redirect his focus toward what’s important.

He added that Christian radio can be a quiet way to bring hope and truth into places people can’t physically go, and that God is present in those places as well.

For Dr. Castleman, that’s part of what Lifeline 2026 represents—continuing that work and pointing people back to God.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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