World Chocolate Day Gives Chocolate Lovers a Reason to Celebrate!

Today (Tuesday) is World Chocolate Day, making it the perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite chocolate treat.

On The Morning Thing, we heard from the Big Blue Crew as they shared some of their favorite chocolate desserts, and we had some fun imagining what belongs in the ultimate chocolate creation. Whether you prefer brownies, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, cake, or a classic candy bar, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.

Click HERE to hear the Big Blue Crew’s comments!

Here are a few sweet facts about chocolate:

  • Chocolate has been enjoyed for more than 3,000 years. The ancient Maya and Aztecs prized cacao, using it to make a bitter drink that was considered a valuable part of their culture.
  • Milk chocolate is America’s favorite. While dark and white chocolate have plenty of fans, milk chocolate continues to be the most popular choice in the United States.
  • Chocolate begins with cacao pods. The pods grow on cacao trees, and each one contains dozens of cacao beans that are fermented, dried, roasted, and processed to create the chocolate we enjoy today.

Whether you’re reaching for a candy bar, baking your favorite dessert, or sharing a sweet treat with friends, World Chocolate Day is a great reminder to enjoy one of the world’s favorite flavors. Happy World Chocolate Day!

Click HERE to learn more about World Chocolate Day!

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Your Favorite WNZR Artists Coming to Ohio!

Is your calendar looking a little empty for the next couple months? We’ve got you covered! We just updated our concert page, and you can fill some of those empty spots by worshipping along with your favorite WNZR artists!

You can check out more info on these concerts and more on our website HERE!

ALIVE Festival is Back!

Alive is a 3-day music festival with multiple stages, over 40 artists, beautiful camping plus RV sites, a 1,500-acre lake, tasty food and drinks, VIP experiences, late night comedy, and so much more!

Ticket information can be found HERE!

This Year’s ALIVE Artist Lineup:

Thursday, July 16th:

  • Colton Dixon
  • We Are Messengers
  • Skillet
  • Miles Minnick
  • Band Reeves
  • SO MUCH MORE

Friday, July 17th:

  • Josiah Queen
  • Hulvey
  • LO Worship
  • Strings & Heart
  • Luke Bower
  • SO MUCH MORE

Saturday, July 18th:

  • Lauren Daigle
  • Ben Fuller
  • Leanna Crawford
  • Passion
  • Disciple
  • SO MUCH MORE

Building 429 is Back on the Road, and Coming to Wadsworth, Ohio!

After a hiatus from releasing music and touring, Building 429 is hitting the road again with the Fear No More 2026 Tour. They’re coming to the Celestia Theatre in Wadsworth with their friend Cade Thompson!

Ticket information can be found HERE!

TobyMac, Third Day, and Chris Tomlin – All In One Night!

When TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, and Third Day tour together, it’s a night big enough to make people book flights, text friends, and clear the calendar!  
The set list is full of endless #1 hits and award-winning music to make this an unforgettable show.  

Ticket information can be found HERE!

Check out MORE concerts on our website! WNZR.FM

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The Big Blue Crew plays a Game of Lightning Round – 4th of July Edition

The WNZR Staff had some fun today playing a special July 4th Lightning Round Game! Take a listen and see if you agree with their choices. How will you be celebrating this special Independence Day? Happy 4th of July to you and your family!

Click HERE or on the link below to hear from our staff.

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July First Friday is TONIGHT in downtown Mount Vernon

Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – July First Friday.

She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Party Like it’s 1776!

Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight.

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

WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street.
Click HERE for more details about tonight’s event and our prize basket for tonight.

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Art, History, and Community Come Together for Knox County’s America 250 Celebration

Knox County is already looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, and the celebration is bringing together history, art, and community in some creative ways.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Olivia Toth, Executive Director of the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, about several projects designed to celebrate both the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Knox County’s rich history.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

One of the newest initiatives is the Common Thread project, which combines art and history while highlighting the unique character of Knox County and its communities. Toth says the project is inspired by traditional Americana quilts, using the idea of a common thread to connect the people, places, and stories that make the county special.

Each installation includes QR codes that allow visitors to learn more while also connecting directly to the Knox County events calendar. Toth says the goal is not only to encourage people to explore multiple communities throughout the county but also to inspire them to stay longer or plan another visit.

Another initiative is the Knox Voices Project, a collaboration between the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Knox County Public Library. The project is collecting personal stories from residents to help preserve the everyday history of Knox County as the community prepares to celebrate its 225th birthday.

Toth says history isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s found in the memories and experiences of the people who have lived, worked, and raised families here. Residents are encouraged to submit their own stories through the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website, creating a living collection of local history for future generations.

The America 250 celebration also includes new street banners appearing throughout Knox County communities. Toth says the banners help share local history, celebrate America’s freedom, and build excitement for the national celebration.

Looking ahead to the summer, Toth also highlighted the new Picnic in the Park events taking place throughout July. She says the gatherings give families and friends another reason to get outside, enjoy local parks, and spend time together while exploring different communities across Knox County.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau!

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Food for the Hungry talks about Community Support

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by Austin Swallow Chairman of the Board of Directors and Tanner Cooper Risser Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, both working for Food For the Hungry.\

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Austin shared about their annual drive and how there is always a need for community support when it comes to hunger. Tanner shared about the responsibilities of his new title and how excited he is to serve.

How to get Involved

Austin talks about how you can get involved with Food For the Hungry by going to their website, foodforthehungrycares.org or go to their facebook page and look there. There is also a form to allow food for the hungry to help promote an event and get you involved. Tanner talks about how you never know when you’ll be in need for food for the hungry. You can get in by emailing him at director@foodforthehungrycares.org or call at 330-521-8474.

Prayer

Tanner asks you pray for him as he adjusts into his new role, he asks you pray for them to get to know each other and have the community to hear about their ministry and get involved. Austin asks you pray for continued support and get involved as help with the food security issue in Knox county.

Click HERE for more information on Food for the Hungry!

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June 2026 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Dr. Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/26/26.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the city’s storm cleanup efforts following several major weather events this year
    • The Mayor explains how City Crews balanced debris removal with ongoing infrastructure projects
    • He discusses the financial impact of repeated storms, and says the city is absorbing the unexpected costs while continuing to maintain parks, utilities, and other essential services.
  • Mount Vernon has become the first community in Knox County to join MORPC’s Sustainable 2050 initiative.
    • Mayor Starr explains what the designation means, emphasizing that it’s about responsible planning, protecting natural resources, improving neighborhoods and infrastructure, preparing for future growth, and strengthening the city’s ability to compete for grant funding—all while investing wisely for future generations.
  • Mayor Starr discusses a proposed workforce housing development on the north side of the community.
    • While the project would be located in Clinton Township, he says it would benefit Mount Vernon by helping address the area’s housing shortage.
    • If awarded grant funding, the development would eventually connect to city utilities through a partnership between the city and township.
  • Construction season continues across Mount Vernon as crews work on utility upgrades, street improvements, brick road restoration, and infrastructure projects throughout the city.
    • Mayor Starr reviews several road closures and detours, saying the temporary inconveniences will lead to long-term improvements that enhance neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents.
  • Mayor Starr recaps recent action by Mount Vernon City Council, including efforts to improve utility governance with Clinton Township.
    • He explains how proposed changes could simplify operations, eliminate unnecessary fees for township residents, and strengthen cooperation between the city and township while continuing to provide reliable utility services.
  • Mayor Starr highlights several significant actions taken by City Council, including expanding opportunities for future development through the New Community Authority and designating portions of downtown as an Urban Renewal Area.
    • He says those steps will allow future redevelopment around City Hall to reflect the vision residents shared during public listening sessions, while giving the city more control over how key downtown properties are developed.
  • Mayor Starr also shares an update on the future Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • City officials are finalizing the building design to stay within the project’s budget while ensuring officers receive a modern facility that meets today’s public safety needs.
    • Although some features will be phased in later, Starr says the project remains one of the city’s highest priorities and represents a major long-term investment in public safety, giving officers the space, technology, and resources needed to better serve the community for decades to come.
  • Mayor Starr provides an update on Mount Vernon’s police and fire departments.
    • He discusses increased activity for both agencies, ongoing officer and firefighter training, community engagement efforts, and preparations for future issues such as e-bike regulations.
    • He also shares progress on plans for the new police station, saying the project continues moving toward final design while remaining within budget.
  • Mayor Starr previews several upcoming community events, including First Friday, Independence Day festivities, and the popular Front Porch Concert Series.
  • Mayor Starr discusses progress on the Municipal Center, courthouse renovations, and planning for future paving projects as the city continues investing in long-term improvements.
  • Mayor Starr closes the June Spotlight by asking listeners to pray for city employees, elected officials, and first responders as they make important decisions and continue serving the community. He also encourages residents to celebrate Mount Vernon’s many successes while staying informed through the city’s website and social media channels.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – our favorite NEW Songs for the Summer of 2026

For our Friday Favorites this week, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite NEW Songs for the Summer of 2026!

Click HERE to hear why our hosts love these songs.

Marcy’s favorite is TobyMac “Lord It Feels Good”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHfw5d_fJyE

Ethan’s favorite is Matt Maher “Gonna Be Alright”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66jeCK6lL0A

Olivia’s favorite is We Are Messengers “Faith Hope Love”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUKfhyW6uE8

Daniel’s favorite is Sidewalk Prophets “Father Let It Be”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIBYEXd66_c

Eric’s favorite is Jeremy Camp “Revival”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTFi9WgMwPA

Thanks for listening to WNZR!

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