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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Starting Point 5K and Family Glow Night Returns October 3

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Jess Kirby, Development Director of Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center about the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

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

The evening will include a 5K, glow items, family-friendly activities, yard games, a bounce house, the Sweet Bubble & Bean Coffee Truck, and free ice cream tickets for children. Participants can also enjoy several prize opportunities, including a grand prize family night basket. Kirby encourages families and community members to register and join Starting Point for an evening of fun, fellowship, and support for the ministry. More information is available at FriendsofKSP.com.

Click HERE for more info on Starting Point’s ministry!

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Starting Point Expands Community Outreach with New Mobile Ministry and Upcoming Family Event

We talked with Jennifer Furay, Executive Director of Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center, about the organization’s ongoing work to support individuals and families throughout Knox County.

Click to listen to the conversation!

Jennifer explains that Starting Point serves people facing unexpected pregnancies as well as students, parents, grandparents, and families navigating difficult circumstances. She also discusses the organization’s new mobile ministry, which has already provided a private, air-conditioned space for nursing mothers at community events and is expected to expand its outreach in the coming months.

Jennifer introduces Erin Hayden, the new Mobile Operations Coordinator, and shares that Starting Point is looking for additional ultrasound-trained nurses and volunteers. She also highlights several new staff members, including Liz, Audrey, and Abby, along with Katie Adams, who has transitioned into the role of Client Services Director. Jennifer says these changes have brought together a talented team passionate about serving families in the community.

Jennifer also invites the community to Starting Point’s upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with local families, raise awareness about Starting Point, and support its programs and services. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, sponsors, volunteers, and donors while looking forward to an evening of fellowship, fundraising, and fun—including an appearance by the popular Dot.

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Sabina Anderson Brings Miss Hildegarde Hodge to Life in Bull in a China Shop

We talked with Sabina Anderson, who plays Miss Hildegarde Hodge in Orange Barrel Production Company’s Bull in a China Shop.

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Sabina describes Hildegarde as a practical, no-nonsense boarding house owner who also has a softer, more playful side when she encounters the show’s handsome detective. She shares how much she has enjoyed the challenge of portraying both sides of the character and says one of the show’s unique qualities is that, despite being a murder mystery, many of its characters are genuinely likable.

Sabina has been involved in theater for most of her life through school, church, and community productions, with previous roles in Pride and Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, and Little Shop of Horrors. She is also returning to Bull in a China Shop after previously performing in the production as a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She says the camaraderie and laughter among the cast have made rehearsals especially enjoyable.

Sabina also discusses the costume and makeup work that transforms her into Hildegarde, including age makeup, period clothing, and a 1950s-style wig. Although she considers herself an introvert, Sabina says theater has always given her a place to feel confident, connected, and free to express herself. She encourages others to get involved in theater, whether onstage or backstage, and invites the community to attend Bull in a China Shop for an affordable night of live entertainment while supporting local performers and the arts.

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Brook Abella Returns To The Sonfest Stage

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Brook Abella, senior at MVNU and her band, who are one of the artists performing at Sonfest 2026.

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

Brook Abella’s band is made up of Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, Robert Eggebrect, drummer, and Luke Tibbe, pianist.

Brook Abella grew up in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and found many opportunities to worship in different places in her town.

Luke Tibbe, pianist, is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been participating in music for about 6 years. Since then, he has really enjoyed being on worship teams and praising Jesus.

Robbert Eggebrect, drummer, is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and an engineer student from Cedarville University. Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, has been leading worship at his church for about a year and has been playing guitar for about 4 years.

Brook Abella’s music influence has come from sources like Christian radio and artists like TobyMac and Mandisa. She enjoys listening to the messages of inspiration and hope and putting that same message into the songs she makes. When writing and making music, her inspiration comes from God’s Word and the quiet, still moments she has with God.

Brook Abella is looking forward to seeing this year’s Sonfest headliner, Chris Renzema, at MVNU. She is a fan of his musicianship and his songwriting. In her band’s set, they normally perform a song written by Chris Renzema called “Adoni”.

Luke Tibbe, pianist, is also looking forward to seeing Chris Renzema at this year’s Sonfest. He really enjoys Renzema’s music and lyrics, which have played a big influence on Luke.

Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, is excited to worship at Sonfest this year. With all the preparation the band has done, he is excited to worship with everyone. Robbert Eggebrect, drummer, is excited to meet gio., who is another artist at Sonfest 2026.

Brook Abella hopes that while she and the band are onstage, the audience will experience the presence of God. She and the band invite the Holy Spirit into any atmosphere they are in and hope that people who may not know Jesus will begin to ask who He is and start to learn more about Him.

Luke Tibbe, pianist, wants the audience to know “how livable” The Gospel message is through worship.

Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, is looking forward for the band and audience to be unashamed in worship. Robbert Eggebrect, drummer, is hoping that the Sonfest artist arrives with an open mind and worship with no limits.

Click HERE for ticket information and more about Sonfest 2026!

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Antique Tractors Return to the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Richie Litzenberg, coordinator of the antique tractor activities at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival.

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

Richie shares that his family has been involved with the Old Time Farming Festival for most of his life, while he has personally served on the festival committee for the past three years. He helps organize the antique tractor display area, coordinate equipment needs and assist with the annual tractor pull.

This year’s featured tractors are Massey-Harris models, and Richie encourages anyone with antique tractors, farm equipment, pedal tractors, hit-and-miss engines, or vintage farm trucks to bring them to Memorial Park for display. He notes that exhibitors do not need to belong to a tractor club to participate. They only have a registration area by at the infield where equipment is at. Awards and plaques will be presented for outstanding displays during the weekend.

The community parade begins Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by the Antique Tractor Parade through the park at 4 p.m. The Antique Tractor Pull takes place Sunday, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and the competition starting at 11 a.m.

Styer talks with Richie Litzenberg, coordinator of the antique tractor activities at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival.

Richie says one of his favorite parts of the festival is reconnecting with fellow tractor enthusiasts and showcasing tractors that have often been restored and passed down through generations. His own family enjoys the hobby together, with his children already owning tractors of their own.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “America’s 250: Keep Plowing Forward,” Richie says it is especially meaningful as a fifth-generation farm family celebrating 160 years on their family farm. He believes the theme recognizes both America’s heritage and the importance of preserving farming traditions for future generations.

Click HERE for more information about the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival Keeps Tradition Alive Through Contests and Games

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Cora Baitz, coordinator of the Contest and Games Tent at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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

Cora shares about her lifelong involvement with the festival and highlights the variety of traditional contests visitors can enjoy, including sack races, bubble gum blowing, nail driving, speech contests, math competitions, arm wrestling, and the annual Cookie Contest.

Cora explains how these activities have remained a part of the festival for generations, helping preserve its old-time traditions and family-friendly atmosphere. She also discusses this year’s Cookie Contest, the cash prizes available, and the excitement surrounding a hot air balloon offering tethered rides Saturday. This year’s theme, “America’s 250: Keep Plowing Forward,” reflects the festival’s focus on honoring local farming heritage while looking toward the future.

Click HERE for more info on the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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