WNZR’s Brock Hankins talked with Connie Jackson, Kids Ministry Director, and Jon Whisner, Senior Pastor of the Church at Chapel Hill, about the church’s upcoming Fall Fest 2026!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
he event will take place Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at 7530 Johnstown Road in Mount Vernon. The church began using an additional 11 acres of land purchased four years ago to serve the community and share the love of Jesus with local families. Connie also shares her personal story of attending the church’s Trunk or Treat and how that experience helped change the direction of her life.
Fall Fest will feature Trunk or Treat, a Touch a Truck experience with Mount Vernon first responders, a photo booth, hayrides to a pumpkin patch, 16 carnival games, and an inflatable obstacle course. More than 700 pumpkins and gourds will be given away, and food trucks will be available for visitors to enjoy. The event is made possible by more than 75 volunteers, local businesses, and community supporters who have contributed sponsorships, pumpkins, prizes, and other resources. Connie and Pastor Whisner hope families will enjoy the activities, connect with others, and experience the love and welcome of the church.
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Kandee Popham, Executive Director of Place 4 Grace, about the ministry’s mission to support pregnant women in need!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Place 4 Grace provides maternity housing and walks alongside women as they work toward finding safe housing. Located at 790 Fairgrounds Road, the ministry strives to help women find shelter and access the resources they need for everyday living.
Place 4 Grace is also preparing to move its thrift store to 156 North Norton Street, where the organization plans to expand and continue serving the community. The ministry is currently looking for employees and volunteers who share its heart for serving women in need. Community members are also encouraged to pray for Place 4 Grace as it seeks dedicated team members to support its mission.
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Dave Maggert from Afterglow Christian Mission House about the ministry’s mission to build friendships and lead people to Jesus!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Located at 114 East Gambier Street in Mount Vernon, Afterglow serves the community by providing meals seven days a week. Breakfast is served daily from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., offering practical support to those in need.
In addition to meals, Afterglow Christian Mission House provides emotional support and hopes to add Bible studies and support groups in the future. The ministry encourages community members to get involved and help support its mission. To learn more, visit afterglowmissionhouse.com or find Afterglow Christian Mission House on Facebook. Community members are also encouraged to pray that the ministry continues to serve others with God’s spirit of friendship and wisdom.
Click HERE to learn more about Afterglow Christian Mission House!
Domestic violence can affect anyone, and recognizing the warning signs can be an important step toward helping someone find support. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart spoke with Halle Fike, Director of Programs for New Directions of Knox County, about the organization’s work and an upcoming community event, “Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story.” Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
New Directions of Knox County serves as the area’s domestic violence, rape crisis, and human trafficking center. The organization provides emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, advocacy, hospital and court accompaniment, ongoing support for survivors, and prevention education throughout the county.
Fike also oversees the organization’s prevention team, which works with young people in nearly every school in Knox County. Through these programs, students learn about healthy relationships, personal boundaries, consent, and ways to recognize unhealthy behaviors.
Sharing Gabby Petito’s Story
“Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story” will take place Wednesday, October 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon.
The event will feature Nicole Schmidt, Gabby Petito’s mother, and Tara Petito, her stepmother. They will share more about Gabby’s life and reflect on warning signs they recognized in hindsight following her death, helping attendees better understand the complexities of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing concerning behaviors.
Although Gabby’s story received national attention, Fike explained that many victims and their families never receive the same level of recognition. The event emphasizes that every survivor has a story that matters and that domestic violence is not always obvious to those outside the relationship.
The program will also include a local community panel and the voice of a survivor, connecting Gabby’s story with the experiences, resources, and challenges within Knox County. The discussion will explore how the community can recognize warning signs, support survivors, and work together to prevent domestic violence.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Fike emphasized that domestic violence is often about patterns of power and control rather than isolated incidents. Warning signs may include extreme jealousy, monitoring a partner’s phone or location, controlling finances, limiting someone’s freedom, or isolating them from friends and family.
Friends, neighbors, and loved ones may notice these behaviors before a person experiencing abuse feels comfortable talking about them. Learning to recognize these patterns can help people respond with care and concern.
While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fike stressed that education and prevention must continue throughout the year. Conversations about healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and warning signs can help people recognize unhealthy dynamics and understand where to turn for help.
Supporting Survivors with Compassion
One of the most important messages Fike shared is the need to listen to survivors without judgment, believe them, and offer support without pressuring them to make decisions before they are ready.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be a particularly dangerous time. Instead of telling someone what they must do, friends and family can offer a listening ear, help them explore their options, and remind them that they do not have to face the situation alone.
Fike also encouraged anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out to New Directions, even if they are not ready to leave a relationship or make a police report. Advocates can listen, discuss available options, assist with safety planning, and connect individuals with community resources while respecting their decisions.
New Directions of Knox County’s 24-hour crisis line is 740-397-HELP (4357).
Every Voice Matters
Fike hopes attendees leave “Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story” with a greater understanding of how domestic violence affects individuals, families, workplaces, and entire communities. She also hopes they feel empowered to make a difference.
Changing the story does not always begin with a major action. It may start by speaking up when something is not right, learning to recognize warning signs, believing a survivor, or simply being present when someone needs a person who will listen.
Everyone has a role to play in building a safer, healthier community, and every person deserves to be heard and supported.
Community members are encouraged to attend “Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story” on Wednesday, October 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House. Registration information is available on the New Directions of Knox County website atnewdirectionsknox.org and through the organization’s social media pages. You can also register HERE.
To learn more about New Directions’ services or speak with an advocate, call 740-397-HELP (4357).
WNZR thanks Halle Fike and New Directions of Knox County for helping raise awareness, encourage important conversations, and support survivors throughout our community.
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Jane Fricke from Lifewise Academy about the ministry’s mission to provide students with Bible-based education during school hours.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the conversation!
Fricke has been involved with Lifewise for five years, helping with organization and teaching before recently taking on a leadership role. The program operates off school property, typically at local churches, and allows students to attend with parental permission. Lifewise Academy began classes on September 9 and currently serves students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, providing transportation so children can learn about God and explore a biblical perspective.
Fricke shares a powerful story about a young student who accepted Jesus on Good Friday after learning about Christ during an Easter lesson. She explains how important it is for children to discover the hope found in Jesus, especially when they might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear about Him. Lifewise Academy is active in 29 states, and Fricke discusses the efforts that helped make the ministry possible in Ohio. She also highlights the need for Tuesday drivers, classroom volunteers, and financial support as the program continues to grow. Fricke asks the community to pray for the ministry’s finances, workers, and its mission to reach more children with the love of Jesus.
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Casey and Melinda from Joy of Living Camp in Knox County about the camp’s mission to provide children with meaningful summer camp experiences, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the conversation!
Joy of Living Camp offers scholarships that allow children to attend camp for free, giving them opportunities to enjoy activities such as archery, horseback riding, tubing, and canoeing. Beyond the fun, the camp focuses on sharing love and support, building leadership skills, and teaching children about the Word of God. Casey and Melinda also discuss preparations for next summer and upcoming winter camps. They encourage community members to get involved by volunteering, providing support, and praying for the ministry as it continues reaching more children.
Today on The Morning Thing, we celebrated this year’s WINNERS of the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, featuring artists like Brandon Lake, Josiah Queen, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, and more!
Congratulations to this year’s Dove Award Winners! Check out some photos from this year’s artists at the bottom of our blog!
BIGGEST WINNERS
Josiah Queen
SONG OF THE YEAR – Dusty Bibles
POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – Dusty Bibles
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – Mt. Zion
Brandon Lake
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST)
COUNTRY/ROOTS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR –The Jesus I Know Now, with Lainey Wilson
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR–King Of Hearts
SONG OF THE YEAR Dusty Bibles Writers: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, John Michael Howell Publishers: Josiah Queen Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, John Michael Howell Publishing, ZVC SONGZ, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing LLC, Dylan Thomas Publishing Designee
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST) Brandon Lake
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (NON-ARTIST) Jacob Sooter
ARTIST OF THE YEAR Phil Wickham Record Label: Fair Trade Services
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jamie MacDonald Record Label: Capitol CMG Label Group
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Jonathan Smith
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR No Survivors Jeremy Camp (ft. Skillet) Writers: Jeremy Camp, Jordan Sapp, Paul Duncan, Emily Weisband
POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Dusty Bibles Josiah Queen Writers: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, John Michael Howell
INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR The Blessing Andrea Bocelli, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe Writers: Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick
SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR No Rock Jeff & Sheri Easter Writers: Sheri Easter, Jason Cox, Kenna Turner West
COUNTRY/ROOTS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR The Jesus I Know Now Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson Writers: Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, Luke Laird
BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Broken Angels The Grascals, Dolly Parton Writers: Dolly Parton, Jamie Johnson
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Still (Live) Jonathan McReynolds, Jamal Roberts Writers: Jonathan McReynolds, Terrell Demetrius Wilson, Orlando Joel Palmer, David Lamar Outing II, Britney Delagraentiss
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Church Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend Writers: Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kenneth Leonard Jr, Brunes Charles, Jonas Myrin, ANTHNY, Annatoria Chitapa
GOSPEL WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR More Than This [Radio Edit] CeCe Winans (ft. Todd Dulaney) Writers: CeCe Winans, Todd Dulaney, Kyle Lee
RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR ROB HELL indie tribe, nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun (ft. Jon Keith) Writers: nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun, Jon Keith
SPANISH LANGUAGE RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Tu Voz Sarai Rivera Writer: Sarai Rivera
SPANISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Solo Hay Uno Joel Rocco, Enoc Parra Writers: Andreu Pradas, Marcos Andrés Salice, Joel Rocco
WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR God I’m Just Grateful Elevation Worship, Chandler Moore Writers: Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr, Joshua Coleman
CHILDREN’S RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR Follow The Light Brandon Engman, Phil Wickham, Angel Writers: Brock Monroe Baker, Molly Kate Kestner
CHRISTMAS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR We Three Kings We Are Messengers Writer: Traditional
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR COULD BE TONIGHT Hulvey Producers: xander., Micah Palace, Zac Lawson, Michael Howell, Ace
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR Plastic Wine Strings & Heart Producers: Angelo Espinosa, Emmanuel Espinosa, Scott Mills
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR King Of Hearts Brandon Lake Producers: Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols, Rodrick Simmons, Pete Mol
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Good Answers Karen Peck & New River Producers: Wayne Haun, Kris Crunk, Cliff Duren, Johnathan Crumpton
BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY/ROOTS ALBUM OF THE YEAR American Morning: Side A – EP Chosen Road Producer: Dave Clark
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR TASHA Tasha Cobbs Leonard Producers: Kenneth Leonard Jr., Zaytoven, Juberlee, B.A.M., Adale Jackson, Alexandria Dollar
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Revival: Live in Dallas Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers Producers: Lisa Knowles-Smith, Frederick Perry Jr
GOSPEL WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Live at Redemption Church Red Worship Producers: Terrance White, Adale Jackson, Elijah Humphries
SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM OF THE YEAR Lamento en Baile Daddy Yankee Producers: Daddy Yankee, OMB, XOUND, La Companioni, Nando Pro, OBRINN, Subelo NEO, Sergio George, JBD JBD, Abel Xanders, Nekxum, Nayhlo, Orlan Navarro
WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Song Of The Saints Phil Wickham Producers: Jonathan Smith, Shane Becker, Micah Nichols
CHRISTMAS/SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR DAVID (Soundtrack from the Angel Original Film) Various Artists Producers: Chad Carouthers, Joseph Trapanese, Jonathan Smith, Bryan Lawson
MUSICAL/CHORAL COLLECTION OF THE YEAR We Shall Behold Him: A Tribute to Dottie Rambo Creators: Bradley Knight, Dusty Wells, Johnathan Crumpton Arranger/Orchestrator: Bradley Knight
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR Mt. Zion **Josiah Queen Art Director: Aaron Stearns Graphic Artists: Aaron Stearns, Nathan Blaine, Trent Nicholson Photographer: Rashun Ludgood
SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (CONCEPT) 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) Have Your Way Katy Nichole Directors: Greg Fromholz, Joey von Meding Producer: Joshua Wurzelbacher
LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR The Resurrection Of A King Tommee Profitt Director/Producer: Tommee Proffit
FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR DAVID Directors: Brent Dawes, Phil Cunningham Producers: Jacqui Cunningham, Phil Cunningham, Tim Keller, Rita Mbanga, Steve Pegram, Timothy Hoffman, Nikky Kho, Edelgard Slabbert
TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR The Chosen Director: Dallas Jenkins Producers: Jamie Elliott, Adam Drake, Kerri Navarro
Click HEREto learn how you can watch the first episode of The Chosen Season 6 EARLY at Mount Vernon Nazarene University!
Check out these photos from the Dove Awards Broadcast!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart got to talk with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon, about downtown events and upcoming community activities.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image at the bottom of the blog!
Lacey looks back on a successful 2026 First Friday season, which welcomed more than 15,000 visitors to downtown Mount Vernon. She highlights the expanded Kids Zone, popular passport program, live entertainment, and community participation. Lacey also shares how the events helped support downtown businesses while creating fun experiences for families throughout the summer. She talks about the 6th Annual Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival, taking place Sunday, October 11, at the Schnormeier Event Center in Ariel-Foundation Park from 3 to 5pm.
Lacey also mentions the activity zone for this year includes different exciting events at ariel foundation park for the Johnny Appleseed fall festival. They have more room for this event and she highlights events like hayrides, face painting, balloon animals, pumpkin painting, fishing, antique tractors, and a petting zoo featuring animals from Traveling Acres. Entertainment includes a Bluegrass band Blue Diggity will provide live music inside the event center, creating a festive autumn atmosphere.
Food options available at the Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival include different food trucks featuring local favorites, sweet treats, funnel cakes, drinks, and Mexican street food. You will be able to park at various lots around the Schnormeier event center and around ariel foundation park or walk from a local lot to the park. Lacey thanks the many sponsors and community partners who help make the festival possible each year and she goes into detail what each partner provides to this event.
Lacey shares details about the upcoming Winter in Downtown season, themed “Holiday Movie Magic,” and she’s excited to see what different people bring to events. She talks about Shop Small Saturday, the first event in the Winter in Downtown series. The lighting of Public Square kicks off soon on Monday November 30 from 5 to 6pm. The annual Christmas Parade is moving to Sunday December 6 which leans into the theme of Holiday Movie Magic. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus on that same day on December 6 and December 12. The Festival of Lights kicks off on December 12 till December 15. Lacey explains how the expanded schedule will provide holiday-themed activities throughout November and December while continuing to support downtown businesses and encouraging residents to shop locally.
Lacey explains Experience Mount Vernon’s mission of creating a vibrant downtown through events, beautification, business support, and community engagement. She discusses maintaining hanging baskets, holiday decorations, sidewalk maintenance, and promotional efforts for downtown merchants. Lacey discusses the organization’s purchase of a permanent home at 10 East Vine Street and shares plans to move into the new downtown location before the end of the year. You can stay connected through Experience Mount Vernon’s website experiencemv.org, monthly newsletter, and social media channels for updates on downtown events and activities.
The 57th Annual Dove Awards are airing on Friday, October 9th at 7:30pm on TBN! To celebrate, The Morning Thing co-hosts share their favorite Dove Award nominated song!
Click HERE to listen to the hosts Friday Favorites, or click the image below!
These were the hosts’ favorites songsfrom this year’s list!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently talked with Rachel Parkes, a Mount Vernon native and Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduate, about her journey into ministry and her work in Eswatini.
Growing up in Mount Vernon, Rachel was involved in local schools, community events, and sports before earning her nursing degree at MVNU. During a 2017 mission trip to Eswatini, she discovered God was calling her to overseas ministry and to serve vulnerable populations. After graduating from MVNU, Rachel earned a Master of Public Health degree from Cedarville University and made several trips to Uganda before eventually being led back to Eswatini.
Rachel helped co-found Palm Grove Health and Wellness Initiative, launching the ministry in April of last year alongside other healthcare professionals who shared a similar vision for ministry. As Director of Operations, she oversees fundraising, communications, administration, outreach, and team development. Palm Grove’s mission is to see Christ-centered initiatives bring thriving sustainability to communities, with a focus on helping entire communities grow together through challenges and hardships.
One of Palm Grove’s current areas of ministry is serving children with disabilities and their families. Rachel explains that cultural stigmas can sometimes cause these children and families to become isolated from their communities. Through home visits, the ministry provides encouragement, counseling, health education, wellness checks, and practical support while building relationships that communicate love and belonging. Although Rachel is no longer practicing bedside nursing, her nursing and public health training allows her to educate families, advocate for children, monitor medications, and connect people with healthcare resources.
Rachel says Palm Grove’s greatest needs include financial support, prayer, encouragement, and people who are willing to learn more about the ministry in Eswatini. She also shared about the country’s culture, food, festivals, landscapes, wildlife, and welcoming people. Community members can learn more about Palm Grove at an upcoming gathering at The Gathering Place on Monday, October 12. Rachel hopes the event will give people an opportunity to hear more about the ministry and learn about the lives and communities being served in another part of the world.
