The 57th Annual GMA Dove Award Nominees

The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards Broadcast will be shared by Trinity Broadcast Network on Tuesday, 10/6/26.

Click HERE to find more information about the 57th GMA Dove Awards.

Here is the full list of the nominees.

SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Can’t Steal My Joy: Josiah Queen ft. Brandon Lake – Written By: Josiah Queen, Brandon Lake, Hank Bentley, & Jacob Sooter

Come Jesus Come: CeCe Winans – Written By: Hank Bentley, Bryan Fowler, Stephen McWhirter, & Tara McWhirter

Dusty Bibles: Josiah Queen – Written By: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, & John Michael Howell

God I’m Just Grateful: Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore – Written By: Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr, & Joshua Coleman

Homesick For Heaven: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham and Jonathan Smith

I Know A Name: Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake – Written By: Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Jacob Sooter, & Hank Bentley

Left It In The River: Jamie MacDonald – Written By: Jamie MacDonald, Jonathan Gamble, & Colby Wedgeworth

Mighty Name Of Jesus: Hope Darst – Written By: Hope Darst, Jacob Sooter, & Lauren Sloat

No Fear: Jon Reddick – Written by: Jon Reddick, Matthew West, &Jeff Pardo

What An Awesome God: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, & Rich Mulli

ARTIST OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Brandon Lake

CeCe Winans

Josiah Queen

Lauren Daigle

Phil Wickham

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Nominees:

bodie

Emerson Day

Jamie MacDonald

Megan Woods

SEU Worship

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – ARTIST Nominees:

Brandon Lake

Chandler Moore

Chris Brown

Josiah Queen

Phil Wickham

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR – NON ARTIST Nominees:

Hank Bentley

Jacob Sooter

Jonathan Smith

Steven Furtick

Zac Lawson

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Austin Davis

Jacob Sooter

Jeff Pardo

Jonathan Smith

Kyle Lee

POP/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Dusty Bibles: Josiah Queen – Written By: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, & John Michael Howell

Homesick For Heaven: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham & Jonathan Smith

Left It In The River: Jamie MacDonald – Written By: Jamie MacDonald, Jonathan Gamble, & Colby Wedgeworth

Let It Be A Hallelujah: Lauren Daigle – Written By: Lauren Daigle, Jonas Myrin, & Busbee

WASHED: ELEVATION RHYTHM – Written By: Josh Holiday, Mitch Wong, Joe L Barnes, & Steven Furtick

WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

God I’m Just Grateful: Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore – Written By: Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, Abubakar Baker, Shariff-Farr, & Joshua Coleman

How Good It Is: Chris Tomlin – Written By: Chris Tomlin, Jess Cates, & Jordan Mohilowski

Mighty Name of Jesus: Hope Darst, Josh Baldwin – Written By: Hope Darst, Jacob Sooter, & Lauren Sloat

What An Awesome God: Phil Wickham – Written By: Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith, & Rich Mullins

Worthy Of It All (Worthy): CeCe Winans – Written By: David Brymer, Ryan Hall, Chris Brown, Mack Brock, & Steven Furtick

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

eyes on Him: Strings & Heart – Written By: Angelo Espinosa

idols Steven: Stanley Stephen – Written By: Stanley, Paul Duncan, & Zach Epps

No Survivors: Jeremy Camp – Written By: Jeremy Camp, Jordan Sapp, Paul Duncan, & Emily Weisband

SEVENS: Brandon Lake – Written By: Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Hank Bentley, Micah Nichols, & Jacob Sooter

The Love I Have For You: Colton Dixon – Written By: Colton Dixon, Josh Murty, & Jon Robert Hall

COUNTY/ROOTS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Black Sheep: Ben Fuller – Written By: Ben Fuller, Michael Farren, & Tony Wood

Broken Man Can: Scotty Inman – Written By: Scotty Inman, Jimmy Yeary, & Kenna Turner West

Speaking Terms: Ella Langley – Written By: Helene Cronin, & Joybeth Taylor

Still Do: Anne Wilson, Cole Swindell – Written By: Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo, & Trannie Anderson

The Jesus I Know Now: Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson – Written By: Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, & Luke Laird

GOSPEL WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Bless Your Name (Live): Maranda Curtis – Written By: Maranda Curtis, Chekira Daffin, David Cartwright Jr., & Laura Ann Johnson

More Than This [Radio Edit]: CeCe Winans (ft. Todd Dulaney) – Written By: CeCe Winans, Todd Dulaney, Kyle Lee

One Good God (Live): Jonathan McReynolds – Written By: Jonathan McReynolds, & Terrell Demetrius Wilson

Something’s About to Shift (Live): Red Worship, Jonathan Stamper – Written By: Jonathan Stamper

Yahweh Flow (Live In San Francisco): Tye Tribbett (ft. Jocelyn Bowman, D’nar Young, Jewell Jones, Jalisa Faye) – Written By: Tye Tribbett, Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin, Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Marty Sampson, Israel Houghton, Adesewa Ayoola, Alessandro Vilas Boas, Ed Cash, Kristian Stanfill, Kofi Dartey, & Ryan Ofei

RAP/HIPHOP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Bless You: Lecrae, Torey D’Shaun – Written By: Lecrae, Torey D’Shaun, Milan Szelcsanyi, Lihtz, KUR, Jeremiah Adkins, Amore Jones, & Eks

DAVE: Hulvey – Written By: Hulvey, xander., Zac Lawson, Micah Palace, & John Michael Howell

God Did II: RUA YOUNG, KB – Written By: RUA YOUNG, KB, Wes Writer, & Quinten Coblentz

ROB HELL: indie tribe, nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun (ft. Jon Keith) – Written By: nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun, & Jon Keith

Yes: Steven Malcolm, for KING & COUNTRY, KB – Written By: Steven Malcolm, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Demi Kolenbrander, Ben Glover, Brendon Coe, Jamie George, Tedd T., & Theron Feemster

POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Counting My Blessings: Seph Schlueter – Written By: Jonathan Smith, David Spencer, Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Tedd T., Sajan Nauriyal, Tyler Meadows, Kenzie Mccarter, Cristina Cardenas, & Emma Pettyjohn

Jamie MacDonald: Jamie MacDonald – Written By: Jamie MacDonald, Austin Davis, Derek Winkley, Aaron Robertson, Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Jonathan Gamble, Petey Martin, Andrew Bergthold, Justin Amundrud, & Josh Silverberg

King Of Hearts: Brandon Lake – Written By: Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols, Rodrick Simmons, & Pete Mol

Mt. Zion: Josiah Queen – Written By: Josiah Queen, John Michael Howell, Zac Lawson, Jared Marc, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley, & Ben Foster

Walk Through Fire: Ben Fuller – Written By: Sam Martinez, Jacob Sooter, Ethan Hulse, Colby Wedgeworth, Jeff Pardo, Michael Farren, & Nick Schwarz

WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

A Forgiving God: SEU Worship – Written By: Rob Ellmore, Cameron Giddens, Chelsea Plank, & Christopher Austin Shuffitt

Breathe On It: Tauren Wells – Written By: Aaron Robertson, Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Jay-J, Jonathan Smith, Chris Strawder, Chuck Butler, Luis Higuera, Demitri Wells, xander., & Luke Johns

SO BE IT (Live): Elevation Worship – Written By: Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Jonathan Smith, Chandler Moore, Jonathan Mix, Scott Gardner, Jacob Sooter, Josh Holiday, & Joshua Coleman

Song Of The Saints: Phil Wickham Jonathan Smith, Shane Becker, & Micah Nichols

We Must Respond (Deluxe) [Live]: Bethel Music – Written By: Brian Johnson, David Whitworth, Dominic Shahbon, Jason Ingram, Jonathan Lee, & Mathew Ogden

CHRISTMAS/SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Christmas: Natalie Grant – Written By: Bernie Herms, Sarah Reeves, & Tim Davis

Come Home For Christmas: Matthew West – Written By: AJ Pruis, Mark Evitts, Jeff Pardo, & Chris Lockwood

DAVID (Soundtrack from the Angel Original Film): Various Artists – Written By: Chad Carouthers, Joseph Trapanese, Jonathan Smith, & Bryan Lawson

I Can Only Imagine 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Various Artists – Written By: Tedd T., Jeremy Redmon, & Brent McCorkle

Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas): We Are Messengers – Written By: Dan Muckala

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Blameless: Jackie Hill Perry – Art Directors: Kevin Hackett & Jues Almanzar – Photographers: Matthew Warren & Quality Lenz

Honest Conversations: Katy Nichole – Art Director/ Graphic Artist/ Illustrator: Joshua Wurzelbacher – Photographer: Erick Frost

Mt. Zion: Josiah Queen – Art Director: Aaron Stearns – Graphic Artists: Aaron Stearns, Nathan Blaine, & Trent Nicholson – Photographer: Rashun Ludgood

Real: Blessing Offor – Art Directors: Nathan Blaine, & Aaron Stearns – Graphic Artist: Nathan Blaine – Photographer: Erick Frost

Reconstruction: Lecrae – Art Director: Kevin Hackett – Photographer: Quality Lenz

SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (CONCEPT) Nominees:

Heaven On My Mind: TobyMac – Director: Eric Welch – Producer: Scott McDaniel

I’ve Got A Fire: Pat Barrett – Director: Noah Taher – Producers: Hannah Hastings & Luke Hastings

Raised By Wolves: Franni Cash – Director: Sadie Kay – Producer: Lauren Forbes

SEVENS: Brandon Lake – Directors: Noah Taher & Sadie Kay – Producers: Noah Taher & Rachel Mulcahy

World On Fire: for KING & COUNTRY & Taylor Hill – Director: Kadin Tooley – Producers: Katie Babbage, Fadwa Ward, Patrick Tohill & Crashbang

SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (PERFORMANCE) Nominees:

CAMPAIGN: KB – Director/Producer: Juan Garcia

Far Country: Ellie Holcomb – Director: Bryant Bural – Producers: Bryant Bural & Noah Tidmore

Have Your Way: Katy Nichole – Directors: Greg Fromholz & Joey von Meding – Producer: Joshua Wurzelbacher

I Ain’t Worried: Jackie Hill Perry – Director: Devin Johnson

Worthy Of It All (Worthy): CeCe Winans – Director/Producer: Elliot Eicheldinger

LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Eterno Dios (Live): Gateway Worship Español – Director/Producer: Jakob Serban

Just That Good (Live from Passion 2026): Passion – Directors: Brian Zimmerman & Rusty Anderson – Producers: Passion, Louie Giglio, Shelley Giglio & Rachel Baldwin

Memorandum: Kristene DiMarco – Director: Luke Manwaring – Producer: Jonathan Lee

Sons of Sunday: Sons of Sunday – Director: Mait Hudson – Producers: Chris Dobson & Chris Brown

The Resurrection Of A King: Tommee Proffit – Director/Producer: Tommee Proffit

FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR Nominees:

A Great Awakening: Director: Joshua Enck – Producers: Steve Buckwalter & Troy Thorne

DAVID: Directors: Brent Dawes & Phil Cunningham – Producers: Jacqui Cunningham, Phil Cunningham, Tim Keller, Rita Mbanga, Steve Pegram, Timothy Hoffman, Nikky Kho, & Edelgard Slabbert

I Can Only Imagine 2: Directors: Brent McCorkle & Andrew Erwin – Producers: Andrew Erwin, Ashley Grifka, Bart Millard, Cindy Bond, Daryl C. Lefever, Josh Walsh, Katelyn Botsch & Kevin Downes

Sarah’s Oil: Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh – Producers: John Shepherd, Jon Erwin, Cyrus Nowrasteh, Kevin Downes, Daryl C. Lefever, Andrew Erwin, Derrick Williams & Zachary Levi

Soul on Fire: Director: Sean McNamara – Producers: Margaret French-Isaac, David Brookwell, J. Todd Harris, Sean McNamara, Toni Farina, & Amy Powers

TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR Nominees:

Duck Dynasty: The Revival: Director: Ted Butler – Producers: Tony Sam & Peter Chelkowski

House of David: Directors: Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn, Jeff T. Thomas, & Lynsey Miller – Producers: Katelyn Botsch, Andrew Erwin, Daryl C. Lefever, Panos Papahadzis, Tony Young, Todd Giroux, & Courtney Johnson

The Chosen: Director: Dallas Jenkins – Producers: Jamie Elliott, Adam Drake, & Kerri Navarro

The Promised Land: Director: Mitch Hudson – Producers: Jeremy Crouch, Adam Drake, Richie Johns, Bethany Johns, Bob Elder, & Justin Tolley

The Wingfeather Saga: Directors: Daniel Haycox, John Sanford, Keith Lango, Ron Smith & John Wall

Once again, congratulations for all the nominees. The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards Broadcast is on Tuesday October 6th. To find more information, click HERE.

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WNZR honors the 2026 4H Miscellaneous Project Winners

WNZR was honored to share Knox County Fair conversations throughout this week.
We talked with many 4H Miscellaneous Project winners.
We talked about their projects, their experiences with 4H and how they felt about representing Knox County at the Ohio State Fair.
We also talked about the other projects and shows they were involved with at this year’s Knox County Fair.
The 4H Winners shared about their lessons learned in 4H and the memories they have made.

Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture below.

We wish you all GOOD LUCK at the State Fair! We are proud of you!

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WNZR honors the 2026 Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors

WNZR was honored to talk to the 2026 Junior Fair Ambassadors. These young leaders talked about the process of becoming an ambassador and what this title means to them. They shared about their responsibilities during Knox County Fair week and how they plan to help younger exhibitors. We also talked about lessons learned and memories made during their time in 4H. Enjoy the stories of these outstanding students.
They are a living example of service for all of us!

Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture below.

Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors:

Junior Poultry – Teegan Riddle

Senior Poultry – Adysson Gerhart

Senior Rabbit – Sophie Wolf

Junior Goat – Isabel Lewis

Senior Goat – Meira Bryant

Junior Swine – Priscilla Smith and Matilda Sulzer

Senior Sheep – Isabella Byler

Senior Dairy – Sierra Shields

Senior Beef – Lane Dugan

Junior Beef – Zoey Shelley

Horse Queen – Luci Byler

Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – we LOVE the Knox County Fair!

We have had a busy week here at WNZR. We have truly enjoyed covering the 2026 Knox County Fair.

For our Friday Favorites this week, our Morning Thing hosts shared our favorite memories from this year’s Fair.

Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Eric, Ethan, Daniel and Olivia or click the picture below.

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2026 Knox County Junior Fair Sale of Champions Broadcast on WNZR – the tradition continues

WNZR was proud to broadcast live at the Knox County Fair Sale of Champions
Did you miss WNZR’s broadcast of the 2026 Sale of Champions? Good News!
You can find the full broadcast HERE or click on the link below.
Listen in as WNZR’s Joe Rinehart talks with the Grand Champions and Reserve Champion winners from this year’s Knox County Fair. You can also hear Marcy Rinehart give results from each animal sold. Thanks to all the buyers that participated.
You can find an album of pictures on our Facebook page and on the Scrapbook Page of our website wnzr.fm

The unofficial total from the Sale of Champions was over $89,500!

Market Beef

  • The Grand Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Kellen Algire of Fredericktown.  Kellen is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.
    • Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $6,000.
  • The Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Kayleen Small of Fredericktown. She is part of the Boots and Banners 4H Club.  Kayleen also won 3rd place Overall Carcass.
    • Small’s Asphalt Company bought the animal for a price of $9,000.

Dairy Market Feeders

  • The Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Ethan Swendal of Danville. Ethan is part of the Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan is also the Age 18 Skillathon Winner for Dairy Market Feeders.
    • Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $3,000
  • The Reserve Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Gage Robinson of Fredericktown.  Gage is part of the Knox Cattle Kids 4H Club.  Gage is also the Age 14 Skillathon Winner for Dairy Market Feeders.
    • Knox Community Hospital bought the animal for a price of $3,750.

Pen of 3 Market Lambs

  • The Grand Champion Pen of 3 Market Lambs was shown by Berta Gomez-Sica of Danville.  Berta is part of the Better Livestock 4H Club.
    • JDC Livestock LLC bought the animals for a price of $3,000.
  • The Reserve Champion Pen was shown by Joseph Ball from Danville with Better Livestock 4H Club.
    • Kari Ball Agency purchased the animals for a price of $5,000

Market Lambs

  • The Grand Champion Market Lamb was shown by Mason Reynolds of Mount Vernon with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Mason was also the Champion Senior Showman and the Age 16 Skillathon Winner for Market Lambs.
    • A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $5,000
      • They included: All Weather Systems Inc., Granville Milling Company, United Producers Inc. and Xtreme Asphalt and Sealcoating
  • The Reserve Champion Market Lamb was shown by Kinsley Prosser of Fredericktown with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Kinsley is also the Reserve Champion 1st Year Showman. 
    • TK’s Ice Cream bought the animal for a price of $4,500

Turkeys

  • The Grand Champion Turkey was shown by Brynley Kirkpatrick from Butler with the Clear Fork FFA.
    • Adena Corporation bought the animal for a price of $2,750
  • The Reserve Champion Turkey was shown by Carl Dickerson from Fredericktown with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club.
    • Raine Aesthetics bought the animal for a price of $3,750

Market Dairy Steers

  • The Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Ethan Swendal of Danville with Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan is also the Age 18 Skillathon Winner for Market Dairy Steers.
    • Didinger Crop Services bought the animal for a price of $3,500
  • The Reserve Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown Ethan Swendal of Danville with the Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan was also 4th Place Overall Carcass.
    • A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $5,500
      • They included: Killbuck Savings Bank of Danville and Howard, The Magers Family and Swendal and Son Trucking.

Market Goats

  • The Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Nash Stull of Fredericktown. Nash is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.  He is also the Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman. 
    • Knox Community Hospital bought the animal for a price of $3,500
  • The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Taylor Meade of Warsaw. Taylor is part of the Danville FFA.
    • Nick Blanchard bought the animal for a price of $3,500

Broilers (Chicken)

  • The Grand Champion Broilers (pen of 3) were shown by Daisy Cline of Howard with the Contender’s 4H Club. Daisy was also the Reserve 1st Year Showman.
    • Park National Bank bought the animals for a price of $4,500
  • The Reserve Champion Broilers were shown by Abigail Untied of Walhonding with the Clinton Clovers 4H Club.
    • Trillium Farms bought the animals for a price of $3,500

Market Hogs

  • The Grand Champion Hog was shown by Carder McConachie of Mount Vernon with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Carder was also the Light Weight Division Champion.
    • TD Landscape purchased the hog for a price of $4,250
  • The Reserve Champion Hog was shown by Addison McGuire of Centerburg with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Addison was also the Heavy Weight Division Champion, Showmanship Winner for Age 14, and Master Showman.
    • A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $9,000
      • They included: Fredericktown Chevrolet, Fox Swim Solutions, Barb Family Farm, KN Excavation, Forman Realtors, and Forman Realtors-Jennifer Fielding

Market Rabbits

  • The Grand Champion Rabbits (Market Fryers) were shown by Macy Miller of Mount Vernon with the Down On The Farm 4H Club.
    • Smithhisler Meats bought the animals for a price of $3,750
  • The Reserve Champion Market Rabbits were shown by Annalia Wolf of Mount Vernon from the Down on the Farm 4H Club.
    • THR Creekside Home Inspections bought the animals for a price of $2,750

There was one 4H member with MULTIPLE ANIMALS in the Sale:

Ethan Swendal had the:
1. Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder – sold for $3,000
2. Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer – sold for $3,500
3. Reserve Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer – sold for $5,500
Ethan’s Sale Total: $12,000

Congratulations to these special award winners that were announced at the Sale of Champions:

The Junior Fair Sales Committee presented a Hall of Fame Award this year.
This award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond normal efforts to benefit the sale, the Junior Fair and most importantly the Knox County Youth involved in 4H and FFA.
The 2026 recipient is: Larry Hall, long-time 4H Educator with the OSU Extension Office of Knox County

David Greer Award from Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club:
Presented in honor of David Greer and his legacy of serving the community. He has served as a trustee and Vice President of the Knox County Historical Society and secretary for the Knox County Ag Museum. His background is in teaching including 16 years at Danville High School. He served for many years as a volunteer with many 4H programs in Knox County.
The scholarships were presented by Wendi Fowler, Mike Copley, and Crystal Snell-Tomes from Kiwanis.
$500 scholarship – Lane Dugan
$250 scholarship – Austin Frazier

2026 Knox County Fair Royalty:

2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolf

2026 Junior Fair King – Will Stokes

2026 Little Miss Knox County – Hallie Johnson

2026 Little Mr. Knox County – Karsten Tedrow

2026 Horse Queen – Luci Byler

2026 Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter


Knox County Junior Fair Outstanding Exhibitors:

Market Beef – Bailey Smith

Beef Feeder – Cade Strausbaugh

Dairy Market Feeder – Taylor Tyson

Market Dairy Steer – Ethan Swendal

Market Goat – Brock Mason

Rabbit – Blake Hegemier

Sheep – Sutton Reynolds

Swine – Addison Parker

Poultry – Bristol Hegemier

Turkey – Kennedy Black


Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors:

Junior Poultry – Teegan Riddle

Senior Poultry – Adysson Gerhart

Senior Rabbit – Sophie Wolf

Junior Goat – Isabel Lewis

Senior Goat – Meira Bryant

Junior Swine – Priscilla Smith and Matilda Sulzer

Senior Sheep – Isabella Byler

Senior Dairy – Sierra Shields

Senior Beef – Lane Dugan

Junior Beef – Zoey Shelley

Horse Queen – Luci Byler

Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter

Knox County Cattleman’s Awards:
The Knox County Cattlemen’s Association presented a $500 scholarship to a student pursuing college or technical school education.  The recipient is a current cattle exhibitor at the Knox County Fair pursuing their field of study in a post-secondary institution, preferably studying agriculture, specifically Animal Science.  The applicant’s family will be current members of the Knox County Cattlemen’s Association.
2026 Scholarship Recipient: Lane Dugan from Fredericktown

Cattleman’s Awards:

Dairy Beef Herdsman: Austin Robinson

Beef Herdsman: Lane Dugan

Market Dairy Steer Grand Champion Carcass: Austin Robinson


Market Dairy Steer Reserve Champion Carcass: Kenzi Staats

Beef Grand Champion Carcass: James Stachler


Beef Reserve Champion Carcass: Bailee Smith

Beef Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Malia Goodwin


Beef Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Cade Strausbaugh

Dairy Market Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson


Dairy Market Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised sed Reserve Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson

Market Beef – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Frazier


Market Beef – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Malachi Goodwin

Market Dairy Steer – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson


Market Dairy Steer – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson


Senior Fair Board Scholarships:
The Senior Fair Board presented two $200 scholarships. These scholarships are for 2026 graduates and had an essay-driven application.
2026 Winners: Raegan Blanchard and Kenlee Fairall

Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award:
This award is sponsored by JDC Livestock and is dedicated to Gage Moody’s memory. It aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Daily effort and commitment
  • Setting a positive example for others
  • Showing passion for their project despite being perceived as the underdog.

Kinsley Prosser and Haley Unger each were recognized with the Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award, and each received a $750 scholarship.

The Junior Fair Board also received a check for $500 from Farm Credit Mid-America. This check was given for their Stock the Trailer collection for a local food pantry. They are still collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations. You can drop off donations at the main Fair Board Office. Our Knox County Junior Fair Board is competing against other Junior Fair Boards across Ohio.

Love Like Linda Scholarship:
The family of Linda Dowalter is pleased to announce the establishment of the “Love Like Linda Scholarship.”
“Love Like Linda” is an inspiring concept encouraging individuals to embrace a life filled with compassion, kindness, and selflessness. It embodies the idea of living with an open heart, much like Linda – she was a mom, sister, aunt, and grandma, who was known for her unwavering love and generosity. Loving like Linda means actively listening to others, showing empathy, and offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s about positively impacting the lives of those around you, whether through small acts of kindness or significant gestures of support. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate deeper connections and create a more compassionate world, one interaction at a time. The Dowalter Family is honored and pleased to present this scholarship to someone who embodies the personality Linda exhibited every day of her life and encouraged others to exhibit as well.

This nonrenewable scholarship will be issued to one individual meeting the following criteria.

• 2026 High School Graduate OR
• Exhibitor that 2026 is their last year of eligibility
• Good Standing 4H or FFA Member
• Will be or is currently attending a two- or four-year technical school or university/college

The applicant was required to write an essay answering the following prompt: “What the characteristic selflessness means to me”.

They were also required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from non-family members explaining how the applicant exhibits selflessness.  

Taylor Thorne was recognized with the “Love Like Linda Scholarship” and received a $1,000 scholarship.

NEW FOR 2026 – POMONA GRANGE SCHOLARSHIP
The Pomona Grange gave two $200 scholarships for qualified individuals who attend a technical school and have the intention of continuing their education and/or occupation in the agricultural industry.

2026 Scholarship Winners: Kenlee Fairall and Raegan Blanchard

Another NEW Scholarship was awarded based on this year’s theme for the Knox County Fair. The Building for a Stronger Tomorrow Award was presented to Will Stokes, this year’s Junior Fair King.

Thanks to our partners for helping us bring you live results from this year’s Sale of Champions.

Thanks to:
– CES Credit Union
– The Knox County Career Center
– Revere Roofing Company
– The Ruckman Group Auctions and Appraisals
– Valley ATV
– Wendys of Mount Vernon

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Stock the Trailer Brings the Knox County Fair Together to Fight Hunger!

The Knox County Junior Fair Board’s Stock the Trailer campaign is turning fair week into an opportunity to help families throughout the community.

WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Olivia Stern of Food For The Hungry, Captain Christine Moretz of The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon, and Knox County Fair Queen Sophie Wolf about the food drive, the need it addresses, and how fairgoers can take part.

Click HERE to hear the conversations!

Stern said Stock the Trailer has grown into a successful partnership between the Junior Fair Board and Food For The Hungry. Along with collecting food, the campaign helps raise awareness about hunger in Knox County and gives young people a direct way to serve their community.

That support is especially important as local food pantries continue to see more families asking for assistance. Stern said the need has increased significantly in recent years, making community food drives an important part of keeping pantry shelves stocked.

Captain Moretz said the donations arrive at an important time for The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon. Demand at its food pantry continues to grow, and the food collected through Stock the Trailer will help the organization serve local families.

The donations also support The Salvation Army’s summer day camp. Moretz said dozens of children receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks through the program each day.

Wolf explained that Stock the Trailer is also part of a competition sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st. Participating county fairs compete to collect the greatest amount of donated food by weight.

Collection sites are located throughout the Knox County Fairgrounds, giving visitors several opportunities to donate during fair week.

Wolf said the project reflects the fair’s commitment to community service. While the fair celebrates agriculture and the accomplishments of local young people, Stock the Trailer also reminds visitors of the importance of helping neighbors who are facing food insecurity.

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

Click HERE to see the story from WBNS-TV!

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Behind the Bid: Inside Knox County Fair Sale Day with Jim Blanchard

One of the biggest and most anticipated days of the Knox County Fair is almost here! Junior Fair Sale Day returns Friday 7/31, bringing together hundreds of young exhibitors, local businesses, and community members to celebrate a year of hard work and dedication.

On The Morning Thing, WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with Jim Blanchard, President of the Knox County Junior Fair Sales Committee, to get an inside look at everything happening on Sale Day.

During the interview, Jim explains why the move to Friday has been a success for exhibitors, buyers, and volunteers alike. He shares how the schedule allows more people to participate while providing additional opportunities for students to showcase the livestock projects they’ve spent months preparing.

Listeners will also hear:

  • The complete schedule for Junior Fair Sale Day.
  • Details about the special awards presented to outstanding exhibitors.
  • How first-time buyers can register and participate in the sale.
  • How payment, processing, and buyback options work for livestock purchases.
  • A look back at the impressive results from the 2025 Junior Fair Sale and how it compared to previous years.
  • Jim’s hopes for another successful Sale Day in 2026 and the lasting impact these projects have on Knox County youth.

Throughout the conversation, Jim highlights that Junior Fair Sale Day is about much more than buying livestock. It’s an investment in the next generation. Students develop responsibility, leadership, communication skills, financial stewardship, and a strong work ethic through their animal projects—lessons that will benefit them long after the fair has ended.

Jim also expresses his gratitude to the countless volunteers, committee members, businesses, buyers, families, and community supporters who make Junior Fair Sale Day possible each year. Their generosity and commitment help create opportunities for nearly 1,500 Knox County youth to grow, learn, and succeed.

WNZR is honored to continue our tradition of bringing you complete coverage of the Knox County Fair, including Junior Fair Sale Day. We invite you to listen to this informative interview and learn how your support of the Junior Fair helps invest in the future of our community.

Tune in on Friday, 7/31 to hear our LIVE Broadcast from the Sale of Champions. We will start at 8am!

Thank you to Jim Blanchard for joining us and for his continued leadership in making the Knox County Junior Fair Sale a memorable experience for students and buyers alike.

Click HERE to hear the entire conversation OR click on the picture below.

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Bristol Hegemier Finds Friendship and Responsibility Through 4-H!

The Knox County Fair is only one stop in a busy season for Bristol Hegemier. After fair week, she plans to attend several shows and conventions around the country before beginning classes at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Bristol about that schedule, her work as the 2026 Rabbit Liaison, and the animals she is bringing to this year’s fair.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Bristol is from Morrow County and is homeschooled at the 10th-grade level. She has been a member of the Red Brush 4-H Club for seven years and is serving her second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

Her responsibilities include helping announce and set up shows, caring for animals when needed, and making sure the barns remain clean. As Rabbit Liaison, she also serves as a connection between exhibitors and the Junior Fair Board when questions or concerns come up.

Bristol will show rabbits and several types of poultry this year. Getting them ready includes regular cleaning, feeding and grooming so they are healthy and prepared for judging.

She is especially looking forward to the rabbit and poultry shows, two areas that have become an important part of her 4-H experience.

Bristol said the work has taught her responsibility and shown her how much care animals require. Some of her favorite memories include making friends through the fair and winning Master Showman in the rabbit show.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Nason Bryant Balances Farm Work, Fair Duties and Future Goals!

Between caring for broilers, helping with barn checks, and pitching in wherever he is needed, Nason Bryant has plenty on his plate during fair week.

WNZR’s Sue McDonald talked with Nason about his second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, the responsibilities that come with the role, and what he is looking forward to at the Knox County Fair.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Nason is from Fredericktown and is homeschooled at the 12th-grade level. He has been a member of the Red Brush 4-H Club for six years.

As a Junior Fair Board member, Nason helps with a variety of tasks and works to be a dependable teammate. This year, the board is also assisting with barn checks following concerns involving exhibitors during last year’s fair.

Nason is showing two market broilers and said preparing them requires regular feeding, care, and attention to their health.

He is especially looking forward to the hog show and the track events.

Outside the fair, Nason has stayed busy helping on a farm and working in lawn care and landscaping. He also traveled to Florida in April and hopes to earn his driver’s license by the end of the year.

Nason said 4-H and the Junior Fair Board have helped him learn how to manage responsibilities, meet deadlines, and keep working when things become difficult.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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A Little Miss Knox County Memory Still Shapes Peyton Harris Today!

Taking goats into stores and letting them listen to the radio may not sound like typical fair preparation, but Peyton Harris says those experiences help her animals become comfortable around people.

WNZR’s Sue McDonald talked with Peyton about showing pack and dairy goats, serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, and the confidence she has gained through 4-H.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Peyton is from Frazeysburg and is a senior at East Knox High School. She also attends the Knox County Career Center, where she is studying health technology. Although her current program focuses on healthcare, she plans to attend law school after graduation.

She is a member of the Outsiders 4-H Club and East Knox FFA and is serving her second year on the Junior Fair Board.

As a liaison, Peyton helps make sure exhibitors are properly caring for their animals and steps in wherever assistance is needed. She is especially looking forward to the dairy market feeder show.

Peyton will show pack goats and dairy goats during the fair. Along with making sure they are equipped and ready for competition, she works to help them become comfortable around the public. That includes taking them into stores and playing the radio while they are nearby.

Once fair week ends, Peyton plans to travel to Jamaica.

She said her experiences through 4-H have helped her become more confident and taught her how to carry herself. One memory that stands out came when she participated in the Little Miss Knox County pageant. Peyton said the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone and encouraged her to improve.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair

(Peyton’s photo was not available)

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