Rock City Worship Returns To The SonFest Stage!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Nathan Montgomery, worship leader for Rock City Worship, one of the headlining artists of Sonfest 2026.

Listen to the entire conversation HERE or click the image below!

Nathan serves as the Central Worship Pastor at Rock City and oversees the worship teams across all of the church’s campuses. He is married, has two children, with another one on the way!

Rock City Church was founded in 2011 by Lead Pastor Chad Fisher and his wife. The church’s primary broadcast location is in Polaris, with additional campuses in Hilliard, Columbus’ Short North district, and Saint Mary’s, Ohio.

While Rock City Worship does not frequently tour outside of the church, the group enjoys taking opportunities to serve its mission of “making Heaven full.” Touring is part of that mission, but their primary focus is equipping and serving their local church. When writing and recording music, the group is intentional about considering what the Lord wants to communicate to their congregation. Their songs are designed to teach people about God through lyrics rooted in Scripture and help listeners develop a deeper understanding of who He is.

Rock City Worship is excited to lead worship at Sonfest this year. The group began writing and recording music with the goal of equipping their congregation with a greater understanding of God through His Word. Their desire is to help people see God more clearly so they can worship Him more completely.

Rock City Worship recently completed recording their new live album, “Rehearsing For Heaven”. The project is inspired by Romans 12:1, which calls believers to offer themselves as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”. The album reflects the idea that, as children of God, believers are already living in eternity and we can live with that perspective every moment of our lives—not just on Sundays.

Many of the songs on the new album are centered on what the group describes as “straight vertical” worship, focusing entirely on giving God undivided praise. Songs include themes of declaring God’s holiness, such as singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” The first single from the project is scheduled to be released January 8, with the full album expected to arrive around March.

Nathan and Rock City Worship are looking forward to returning to the Sonfest stage this year. They enjoyed being part of last year’s event, which Nathan described as a time when people could encounter the tangible presence of God. He remembers the Sonfest audience being ready and prepared to worship the Lord and is excited to return, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new friends.

This year, Nathan hopes the group’s time at Sonfest will help people see God more clearly and, as a result, worship Him more completely. He hopes that each person who sings along with the songs will walk away having learned something new or gain a deeper understanding of who God is.

Nathan also encourages listeners not to miss this year’s Sonfest. Last year marked his first experience at the festival, and he was amazed by the way he saw the Lord move throughout the event. He also appreciated the wide variety of musical genres represented by the many artists who participated.

If Nathan had to choose his favorite Rock City Worship song, he would select “Renew My Mind,” which will be featured on the new live album. The song focuses on the daily decision to choose praise over worry and to intentionally renew our minds each day. Rock City Worship will bring “Renew My Mind” with them to the Sonfest stage this year.

You can purchase tickets to SonFest 2026 HERE and find more information about this year’s schedule and lineup!

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Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival Returns September 19 & 20

The Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival returns to Memorial Park September 19 and 20, bringing a weekend of family-friendly activities, demonstrations, exhibits, food, crafts, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently talked with Donna Strosnider, Board Secretary for the festival, about what visitors can expect this year.

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

The festival is completely free to attend and begins Saturday morning with a parade through downtown Centerburg. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy pony rides, historical exhibits, agricultural demonstrations, craft booths, food vendors, church services, and the popular horticultural exhibit. This year’s theme, “America’s 250: Keep Plowing Forward,” celebrates America’s 250th birthday while recognizing the history and progress of farming and rural communities.

Several longtime traditions will return, including the annual pie auction on Saturday evening, which serves as the festival’s primary fundraiser. The auction features creative pie and specialty packages from local bakers, artisans, and community members, with proceeds helping sustain the festival.

The horticultural exhibit will feature 40 categories, special ribbons for record-setting entries, new competitions, and the “Little Sprouts” category designed for young children. Visitors can also learn about history from Valerie Hamel, the “Civil War Herb Lady,” and see the return of the tractor parade at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Volunteers are an important part of keeping this free community festival running, and help is especially needed with setup, cleanup, and selling commemorative T-shirts, including a special edition shirt celebrating America’s 250th birthday. For the complete schedule, volunteer information, and festival details, visit oldtimefarmingfestival.com or find the Old Time Farming Festival on Facebook.

WNZR will be in the parade at 10am on Saturday and then at the Park for a live broadcast on Sunday from Noon to 4pm.

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One Shoebox, A Life Changed Forever

WNZR talks with Jennifer Paxtle, whose life was changed by an Operation Christmas Child shoebox she received as a 10-year-old growing up in a small village in Hidalgo, Mexico.

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

Jennifer remembers the excitement of opening her first Christmas gift and discovering special items, including a baby doll, school supplies, a Dora playset and a T-shirt that said “Kentucky.” But the shoebox contained something even more meaningful—the Gospel message and an introduction to the story of Jesus Christ.

Jennifer’s journey eventually brought her and her family to Kentucky, where she gave her life to Christ and was baptized alongside her mother. With the encouragement of people she met through church, Jennifer went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees and now teaches high school Spanish in Richmond, Kentucky. Today, as a spokesperson for Operation Christmas Child, she shares her story to encourage others to pack shoeboxes, reminding them that even the smallest gift can create lasting memories and, more importantly, provide an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. Jennifer’s own story is a powerful example of how one simple shoebox can make a lasting and eternal difference.

Click HERE for more info on Operation Christmas Child!

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Two Scarecrows Bring Double the Fun to MTVarts’ The Wizard of Oz

Will Pletcher and Carter Skillman are sharing the role of the Scarecrow in MTVarts’ production of The Wizard of Oz.

Click HERE to hear our full conversation with the two actors or click on the picture link below.

Will is a 16-year-old junior at Fredericktown High School, while Carter is a 14-year-old freshman at Centerburg High School. Both actors have enjoyed the opportunity to put their own spin on the beloved character, especially the Scarecrow’s physical comedy, awkward movements and signature poses. They say being double cast has been a rewarding experience, allowing them to support each other and learn from one another. When they aren’t playing the Scarecrow, they remain part of the production as members of the ensemble.

Both Will and Carter have plenty of theatre experience, with Will appearing in productions including Frozen Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Matilda Jr., SpongeBob Jr., Grease and A Christmas Story, while The Wizard of Oz marks approximately Carter’s 16th production. They say one of the best parts of this show has been building friendships, making memories and watching fellow cast members grow. Both encourage young people to give theatre a try. Will says theatre has become one of the most enjoyable experiences of his life, while Carter reminds aspiring performers that success isn’t everything—being yourself, giving your best effort and enjoying the experience are what matter most.

Click HERE for more information about the show and to purchase tickets.

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Meet the Wizard: Devyn Hall Takes the Stage in MTVarts’ The Wizard of Oz

Sixteen-year-old Devyn Hall is taking on the role of the Wizard in MTVarts’ production of The Wizard of Oz. WNZR had a chance to chat with him about this experience.

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

A junior at the Knox County Career Center, Devyn was surprised to get the role after originally auditioning for the Cowardly Lion. He prepared by watching the classic Judy Garland film and talking with a previous Wizard. Devyn describes his character as fun and entertaining, and audiences will see his unique take on the Wizard, complete with green-themed costume and elderly-style makeup. He also says he loves the message of hope in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

This is Devyn’s 12th MTVarts production, following roles in Beauty and the Beast, Matilda, and The Little Mermaid. He says theatre has helped him build confidence and communication skills, and he hopes to pursue acting in the future. Devyn especially enjoys watching the younger cast members grow and helping encourage them along the way. He encourages others to give theatre a try—you never know when you might discover a passion you didn’t know you had!

For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

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Follow the Yellow Brick Road to MTVarts’ The Wizard of Oz

MTVarts is bringing the beloved story of The Wizard of Oz to life at the Knox Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, and WNZR recently caught up with 14-year-old Jules Garrett, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West.

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

A freshman at Big Walnut High School, Jules says she was thrilled when she received the email letting her know she had been cast—and immediately ran to tell her dad. Taking on the role of a villain has been a new challenge for Jules, who says she typically plays characters more like Dorothy. She has also had to tackle the Wicked Witch’s long speeches, along with several flying scenes. While singing is her favorite part of performing, Jules says one of her favorite moments is the song “The Jitterbug”. She describes her costume as a glamorous take on the classic Wicked Witch look, complete with bright green makeup!

This is Jules’ first MTVarts production, and she says one of the highlights has been making new friends and getting to know the cast during rehearsals. Her journey to the Wicked Witch role also comes with an encouraging message: Jules was cut from her first MTVarts audition for Beauty and the Beast Jr., but she came back, kept trying and eventually earned this role. She encourages other young performers to take a chance, get involved and not let a setback stop them.

The Wizard of Oz runs September 11–20 at the Knox Memorial Theater, with performances Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m.; Friday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, September 20 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available through www.MTVarts.com

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Our Favorite Way To Consume Tomatoes!

For this week’s Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show! The hosts share their favorite ways to enjoy the tomato.

Listen to The Morning Thing hosts’ Friday Favorites HERE, or click the image below!

More information about the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show can be found HERE!

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Finding Home in Oz: Braelyn Jones Takes on the Role of Aunt Em

We talked with Braelyn Jones, who portrays Aunt Em in MTVArts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

The 16-year-old Mount Vernon High School junior shares how she prepared for the role and describes Aunt Em as an important influence in Dorothy’s life. She also discusses the experience of working with the production’s double-cast Dorothys and the talented 40-member cast.

Braelyn also takes on the role of an Emerald City Guard and shares some of her favorite musical numbers, including “The Merry Old Land of Oz” and “Jitterbug.” She talks about the contrast between the simple Kansas farm setting and the colorful world of Oz, as well as the fun of working with Toto, who is portrayed by a real dog.

With previous MTVArts performances in The SpongeBob Musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr., Braelyn hopes to continue acting and singing in the future. She encourages young people to give theater a try, offering advice to be confident, make bold choices, and step outside their comfort zone.

Click HERE to find out more about the show!

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There’s No Place Like Home: Allie and Lanah Share the Role of Dorothy in MTVArts’ The Wizard of Oz

We talked with Allie Vance and Lanah Andrews, who share the iconic role of Dorothy in MTVArts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Allie, a sophomore at Danville High School, and Lanah, a junior at the Knox County Career Center, discuss the unique experience of being double cast and working together to develop the character. Both say the experience has brought them closer as friends while teaching them the importance of flexibility and collaboration.

The actresses also share some of their favorite parts of playing Dorothy, from wearing the iconic blue dress and ruby slippers to performing songs like “Jitterbug” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” They also talk about working with Toto, who is being portrayed by a real dog, and the excitement of flying during the production. While some of those experiences were initially intimidating, rehearsals have helped them build confidence and embrace the theatrical magic of the show.

With a 40-member cast bringing the world of Oz to life, Allie and Lanah say building friendships has been one of their favorite parts of the experience. Through Dorothy’s journey, they’ve also learned lessons about appreciating home, relationships and the people who support them while having the courage to embrace new experiences.

Click HERE to find more info about the show!

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Music, Memories and Tradition Take Center Stage at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show board member and stage manager Kyle Lepley about this year’s entertainment lineup and some of the traditions that make the festival special!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

Kyle, who has been involved with the Tomato Show for 27 years, helps oversee the stage, sound, and hospitality needs for performers throughout the week. This year’s entertainment includes the Royal Princesses, Michael Mage, The Stepbrothers, Zach Attack, and Saturday night’s featured act, the Red Ball Jets.

Kyle also shares details about the annual Plate Auction, taking place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before the Red Ball Jets perform. The auction features ten hand-painted commemorative plates, with this year’s design honoring the longtime Porkette sandwich tradition and the Knox County Pork Council’s 50th anniversary. The first plate sold will benefit the Chris Wells Scholarship Fund, while proceeds from the auction help support the Fredericktown Tomato Show.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and coincides with the 25th anniversary remembrance of September 11. Kyle says the festival is a special opportunity for families and friends to come together, celebrate their community, and reflect on the freedoms and values that unite us.

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