For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating the end of February by sharing their favorite things that have happened this month.
Click HERE as Marcy, Josiah, Xander, and Eric share some fun memories from this past month.
Mount Vernon is moving from a busy winter into what Mayor Matt Starr calls a season of momentum and transition.
During his February Spotlight interview with WNZR’s Eric Brown, Mayor Starr reflected on the city’s response to a challenging winter. Crews handled 31 weather events so far in 2025, logging roughly 810 hours of overtime. The good news: salt supplies remain strong as the city shifts toward spring operations.
Click HERE to hear the full interview!
One of the biggest developments is the move from 40 Public Square to Mount Vernon’s new Municipal Center at 236 South Main Street. Administrative offices have already relocated, and council chambers are nearing completion, with final technology upgrades still underway. The city expects to be fully operational in the new building by the second quarter.
The move will also allow Municipal Court to return to Public Square—something long anticipated. Mayor Starr described the new facility as warm, welcoming, and energizing for both staff and residents.
City Council has formally adopted the updated Knox County Hazard Mitigation Plan, a required five-year update that keeps Mount Vernon eligible for disaster recovery grants. Flooding remains a top concern, and updated data ensures the city is prepared.
The city is also pursuing nearly $1 million in federal brownfield funding to demolish buildings north of City Hall and along South Sandusky Street. Cleanup near the former Kokosing Ironworks site will be required as part of corridor redevelopment efforts. If grant funds are approved, demolition could begin in the third quarter.
Progress continues on the State Route 13 (Sandusky Street) project, aimed at reducing truck traffic downtown and improving safety. Crash data from 2012 through early 2026 shows increased incidents on the north end, including one fatality. The intersection near Castle Road and Upper Fredericktown Road is now in the design phase, a process expected to take about a year, followed by construction pending funding in partnership with ODOT. Plans include sidewalks and expanded non-motorized transportation options, potentially connecting to the bike path.
The city has also applied for a Safe Routes to School grant for Martinsburg Road, seeking approximately $500,000 to improve sidewalks near the high school, Career Center, and the MVNU archway—an area that has experienced pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
Council has begun the approval process to finance a new $25 million police station on Secor Road. The city plans to initially use short-term bond anticipation notes before refinancing at a lower fixed rate. The new facility will replace the outdated North Gay Street location while maintaining strong financial reserves.
The fire department is currently hiring to fill vacancies amid rising service calls, especially in the northeast corridor where the senior population is growing. Long-term plans include a possible east-end fire station, supported in part by third-party billing revenue.
Council also approved restructuring the Clerk of Council role into a full-time City Clerk position to better manage public records requests and serve multiple boards and commissions.
As warmer weather arrives, Mount Vernon will begin its chip-and-seal program. Work will focus on New Gambier Road and several south-end residential streets near the university, addressing stormwater and embankment concerns in a cost-effective way that aligns with upcoming utility work.
Residents who need to report a pothole can contact the City Street Department directly at 740-393-9501.
Mayor Starr is preparing to deliver the 2026 Mount Vernon State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the 4-H Ramser Center, 700 Perimeter Drive. The event is hosted by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
The address will highlight major accomplishments from 2025 and outline goals for 2026. The city saw record income tax collections—not from raising taxes, but from job growth and higher wages. Those funds are being reinvested into parks, streets, public buildings, and city services.
Click HERE for more details about attending the State of the City event!
Mayor Starr also highlighted several March events, including the Washington Forum celebrating Ohio’s eight presidents and the Chamber of Commerce Awards. He emphasized continued redevelopment along South Sandusky Street, leasing activity at 49 Public Square, and upcoming bond discussions related to city facilities.
As the city settles into its new Municipal Center, Mayor Starr says the focus remains on steady progress, responsible financial management, and investing in Mount Vernon’s future.
Residents can stay connected through the city’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, with Instagram launching soon. The mayor’s podcast, “Chat with Mayor Matt,” is also expected to return after a brief pause during the transition.
Click HERE to find out more about the City of Mount Vernon!
National Carpe Diem Day is a reminder to “seize the day” — to live intentionally instead of drifting through our schedules on autopilot.
On The Morning Thing Thursday, we focused on practical exercises that help turn that phrase into action.
From stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking the first step on something you’ve been postponing, to prioritizing what truly matters and building your legacy one daily decision at a time, the emphasis was clear: today is a gift.
Seizing the day doesn’t require dramatic change — it begins with small, intentional choices.
Most importantly, we were reminded not to overlook joy. Gratitude, purpose, and presence transform an ordinary Thursday into a meaningful opportunity.
National Carpe Diem Day challenges us to stop waiting for the “right time” and start living faithfully and fully right now.
Click HERE for the full article for DaringtoLiveFully.com
Today on The Morning Thing, we talked about the different types of Self-Care. Check out this list. You can find some tips for your daily life and some ways to answer YES to that question.
Meet Anna Boynton, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Anna and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!
Anna grew up in Grove City, but five years ago her family made the move to Mount Vernon. Coming to Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) felt like a natural step—her family are alumni, and she strongly felt that God was leading her here. Now, as a true freshman majoring in Communication: Digital Media (with some CCP experience already under her belt), she’s diving right in.
Interestingly, Anna wasn’t always sure about joining the station. She was a little skeptical at first—but that quickly changed. What started as uncertainty has turned into a truly enjoyable experience. She’s currently an on-air DJ and is also exploring other ways to get involved around campus as she finds her footing.
One of her favorite memories so far? Serving as a runner during Food for the Hungry. She loved getting to meet generous donors on Drive Day and seeing firsthand how the community comes together to make a difference. Those moments left a big impression on her.
When it comes to music, Anna’s top pick is for King & Country. She’s even seen them live in concert! Two of her favorite songs are Priceless and God Only Knows—both meaningful tracks that she keeps on repeat.
Outside the studio, Anna loves ice cream (especially Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip), spending time with friends, and working on photography. She enjoys heading out into nature to capture beautiful moments through her lens. Above all, she says her favorite people in the world are her parents, whose love and support mean everything to her.
Having moved several times—including living in Missouri—Anna reflects on how those transitions, along with homeschooling and CCP classes during high school, have shaped her. She feels that God has been teaching her patience and what it means to let Him take control. Her favorite Bible verse, John 14:27, reminds her daily to rest in God’s peace:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
You can catch Anna on air every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon!
Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!
We often think of generosity as something that benefits other people—and it absolutely does—but what’s fascinating is what it does to us. Neuroscience shows that when we give, our brains release powerful “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters boost happiness, reduce stress, and deepen our sense of connection. Even more compelling, acts of generosity activate the brain’s reward center, the ventral striatum—the same area that lights up when we experience pleasure ourselves. In other words, we’re actually wired to give. It’s no accident that generosity feels good; it’s part of our design.
From a biblical perspective, this makes perfect sense. Scripture reminds us in Acts of the Apostles 20:35 that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and passages like 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasize giving from a cheerful heart. Generosity isn’t about obligation—it’s about partnership with God. When we give intentionally and joyfully, we align ourselves with His design, strengthening trust, community, and spiritual fulfillment. Generosity transforms not only the lives of those we bless, but also our own hearts and minds in the process.
On the Morning Thing Wednesday, Marcy gave some of the Top 15 ways you can bless others including:
Click HERE to read the full article from Dr. Michelle Bengston!
We have had a lot of fun sharing Olympic Updates with you on the show these past 2 weeks. So, to celebrate Team USA, our Friday Favorites today focused on the Olympics. The hosts shared their favorite moments from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Josiah, Xander and Eric or click on the picture below.
Recently, Joe Springer, Executive Director of The Winter Sanctuary, sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about something close to his heart — serving our homeless neighbors and inviting the community to get involved.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Joe has been the Executive Director for just over a year, but his connection with The Winter Sanctuary runs much deeper. He’s been serving there for a decade. The Sanctuary is a seasonal emergency homeless shelter and advocacy program — and notably, it’s the only homeless shelter within 25 minutes of Mount Vernon. During the coldest months of the year, it becomes a lifeline for individuals who would otherwise be facing the brutal Ohio winter alone.
One of the biggest ways the community can support this mission is through the Coldest Night of the Year event, happening February 28th. This meaningful 5K walk (you can run or walk!) begins and ends at Gay Street United Methodist Church, located at 18 North Gay Street. The event kicks off at 4:00 PM, with walkers stepping off at 5:00 PM — and yes, there will be food afterward!
The event isn’t just about logging miles. It’s about awareness. It’s about stepping outside — literally — to experience just a glimpse of what winter can feel like for someone without shelter. Joe shared how many people don’t realize what it’s like to live outside in the woods during freezing temperatures. The walk is meant to build empathy while raising the funds needed to keep the shelter open and fully staffed.
Participants form teams and raise funds — $150 per adult and $75 per child — to support the mission. If you’d like to donate or start a team, visit CONY.com. You can also learn more through their website, thewintersanctuary.com, which links directly to the event page.
Although the shelter operates seasonally and closes at the end of April, their advocacy program runs year-round, helping guests move toward independence and stability. And right now, they need volunteers — people willing to lend their time and hands to make a difference.
Joe even brought along one of the event’s signature knit hats that participants receive — a simple but powerful symbol of warmth and solidarity.
Beyond donations and participation, Joe has one more request: prayer. Pray for the fundraiser. Pray for the volunteers. Pray especially for those currently experiencing homelessness. And pray as The Winter Sanctuary works toward securing a permanent location to continue expanding its impact.
If you’re looking for a tangible way to make a difference this winter, this is it. Bundle up. Show up. Walk in solidarity.
Click HERE to find out more about The Winter Sanctuary!
Let’s be honest — we all want to live better, happier lives. But sometimes the very habits we cling to are the ones quietly making us miserable.
According to Ana Vakos from A Conscious Rethink, if you constantly feel unhappy, it’s easy to start believing happiness just isn’t meant for you. But here’s the good news: that’s simply not true.
The key isn’t waking up tomorrow as a completely different, sunshine-and-rainbows type of person. Real change doesn’t happen overnight.
Instead of chasing instant happiness, the first goal should be something much more realistic — just become less miserable. Find that neutral ground where you’re not thriving yet, but you’re no longer stuck in negativity either.
From there, you can build toward the life you actually want. One step at a time.
WNZR’s Eric Brown shared some of the list on Thursday during the Morning Thing including:
• Stop surrounding yourself with negative people.
• Stop being a people pleaser.
• Stop comparing yourself to others.
Click HERE to read the full article!
We celebrated National Random Acts of Kindness Day on The Morning Thing!
Marcy and Xander shared some of the best and most simple ways to spread kindness to those that you encounter. This not only helps others but it also helps you, and it makes God happy!
Some of our favorite ways to spread kindness:
You never know whos day you can make!
To learn more about National Random Acts of Kindness Day click HERE!
Click HERE for the full list of kind acts!
Rise and Shine 