Art, History, and Community Come Together for Knox County’s America 250 Celebration

Knox County is already looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, and the celebration is bringing together history, art, and community in some creative ways.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Olivia Toth, Executive Director of the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, about several projects designed to celebrate both the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Knox County’s rich history.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

One of the newest initiatives is the Common Thread project, which combines art and history while highlighting the unique character of Knox County and its communities. Toth says the project is inspired by traditional Americana quilts, using the idea of a common thread to connect the people, places, and stories that make the county special.

Each installation includes QR codes that allow visitors to learn more while also connecting directly to the Knox County events calendar. Toth says the goal is not only to encourage people to explore multiple communities throughout the county but also to inspire them to stay longer or plan another visit.

Another initiative is the Knox Voices Project, a collaboration between the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Knox County Public Library. The project is collecting personal stories from residents to help preserve the everyday history of Knox County as the community prepares to celebrate its 225th birthday.

Toth says history isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s found in the memories and experiences of the people who have lived, worked, and raised families here. Residents are encouraged to submit their own stories through the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website, creating a living collection of local history for future generations.

The America 250 celebration also includes new street banners appearing throughout Knox County communities. Toth says the banners help share local history, celebrate America’s freedom, and build excitement for the national celebration.

Looking ahead to the summer, Toth also highlighted the new Picnic in the Park events taking place throughout July. She says the gatherings give families and friends another reason to get outside, enjoy local parks, and spend time together while exploring different communities across Knox County.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau!

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Food for the Hungry talks about Community Support

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by Austin Swallow Chairman of the Board of Directors and Tanner Cooper Risser Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, both working for Food For the Hungry.\

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Austin shared about their annual drive and how there is always a need for community support when it comes to hunger. Tanner shared about the responsibilities of his new title and how excited he is to serve.

How to get Involved

Austin talks about how you can get involved with Food For the Hungry by going to their website, foodforthehungrycares.org or go to their facebook page and look there. There is also a form to allow food for the hungry to help promote an event and get you involved. Tanner talks about how you never know when you’ll be in need for food for the hungry. You can get in by emailing him at director@foodforthehungrycares.org or call at 330-521-8474.

Prayer

Tanner asks you pray for him as he adjusts into his new role, he asks you pray for them to get to know each other and have the community to hear about their ministry and get involved. Austin asks you pray for continued support and get involved as help with the food security issue in Knox county.

Click HERE for more information on Food for the Hungry!

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June 2026 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Dr. Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/26/26.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the city’s storm cleanup efforts following several major weather events this year
    • The Mayor explains how City Crews balanced debris removal with ongoing infrastructure projects
    • He discusses the financial impact of repeated storms, and says the city is absorbing the unexpected costs while continuing to maintain parks, utilities, and other essential services.
  • Mount Vernon has become the first community in Knox County to join MORPC’s Sustainable 2050 initiative.
    • Mayor Starr explains what the designation means, emphasizing that it’s about responsible planning, protecting natural resources, improving neighborhoods and infrastructure, preparing for future growth, and strengthening the city’s ability to compete for grant funding—all while investing wisely for future generations.
  • Mayor Starr discusses a proposed workforce housing development on the north side of the community.
    • While the project would be located in Clinton Township, he says it would benefit Mount Vernon by helping address the area’s housing shortage.
    • If awarded grant funding, the development would eventually connect to city utilities through a partnership between the city and township.
  • Construction season continues across Mount Vernon as crews work on utility upgrades, street improvements, brick road restoration, and infrastructure projects throughout the city.
    • Mayor Starr reviews several road closures and detours, saying the temporary inconveniences will lead to long-term improvements that enhance neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents.
  • Mayor Starr recaps recent action by Mount Vernon City Council, including efforts to improve utility governance with Clinton Township.
    • He explains how proposed changes could simplify operations, eliminate unnecessary fees for township residents, and strengthen cooperation between the city and township while continuing to provide reliable utility services.
  • Mayor Starr highlights several significant actions taken by City Council, including expanding opportunities for future development through the New Community Authority and designating portions of downtown as an Urban Renewal Area.
    • He says those steps will allow future redevelopment around City Hall to reflect the vision residents shared during public listening sessions, while giving the city more control over how key downtown properties are developed.
  • Mayor Starr also shares an update on the future Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • City officials are finalizing the building design to stay within the project’s budget while ensuring officers receive a modern facility that meets today’s public safety needs.
    • Although some features will be phased in later, Starr says the project remains one of the city’s highest priorities and represents a major long-term investment in public safety, giving officers the space, technology, and resources needed to better serve the community for decades to come.
  • Mayor Starr provides an update on Mount Vernon’s police and fire departments.
    • He discusses increased activity for both agencies, ongoing officer and firefighter training, community engagement efforts, and preparations for future issues such as e-bike regulations.
    • He also shares progress on plans for the new police station, saying the project continues moving toward final design while remaining within budget.
  • Mayor Starr previews several upcoming community events, including First Friday, Independence Day festivities, and the popular Front Porch Concert Series.
  • Mayor Starr discusses progress on the Municipal Center, courthouse renovations, and planning for future paving projects as the city continues investing in long-term improvements.
  • Mayor Starr closes the June Spotlight by asking listeners to pray for city employees, elected officials, and first responders as they make important decisions and continue serving the community. He also encourages residents to celebrate Mount Vernon’s many successes while staying informed through the city’s website and social media channels.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – our favorite NEW Songs for the Summer of 2026

For our Friday Favorites this week, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite NEW Songs for the Summer of 2026!

Click HERE to hear why our hosts love these songs.

Marcy’s favorite is TobyMac “Lord It Feels Good”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHfw5d_fJyE

Ethan’s favorite is Matt Maher “Gonna Be Alright”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66jeCK6lL0A

Olivia’s favorite is We Are Messengers “Faith Hope Love”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUKfhyW6uE8

Daniel’s favorite is Sidewalk Prophets “Father Let It Be”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIBYEXd66_c

Eric’s favorite is Jeremy Camp “Revival”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTFi9WgMwPA

Thanks for listening to WNZR!

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New Aviation Education Center Opens Doors to the Community at Knox County Regional Airport

The Knox County Regional Airport is opening its doors to the community in a new way with the dedication of the Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center Saturday, June 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Mark Fritz of the Knox County Airport Authority about the new 10,000-square-foot facility and the opportunities it will create for both aviation and the community.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

While the building will serve as an aircraft hangar on a day-to-day basis, Fritz says the larger vision extends far beyond aviation. The facility includes four classrooms and meeting spaces designed to support educational programs, leadership development, and community use.

Fritz says the Aviation Education Center will be available for organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, local schools, Boy Scouts, and other community groups. The goal is to create a welcoming space where people can learn, connect, and explore opportunities in aviation and beyond.

The project reflects the continued growth of the airport, which Fritz says is currently operating at full capacity. He notes that the airport plays an important role in Knox County’s transportation network by supporting medical flights, business travel, and providing access for companies and investors considering opportunities in the area.

To celebrate the new facility, the airport is hosting a grand opening event featuring aircraft displays, flight simulators, Touch-a-Truck activities, educational exhibits, and opportunities to explore the airport firsthand.

Fritz says the strong support from local businesses, organizations, and residents demonstrates how important the airport has become to the county’s future. He hopes the new Aviation Education Center will help introduce even more people to the opportunities available through aviation while serving as a valuable resource for the community.

He encourages residents to visit the airport, learn more about its role in Knox County, and experience the new facility for themselves.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Regional Airport!

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If Guilt Wasn’t a Factor, What Would You Finally Let Go Of?

What would you let go of if guilt wasn’t part of the equation?

That was the question we discussed on the Morning Thing on Tuesday, and it led to some honest reflection. Many of us hold onto things long after they have stopped serving a purpose in our lives. Sometimes we keep carrying them because we feel responsible. Sometimes it’s because we’re afraid of what others might think. And sometimes it’s simply because letting go feels harder than hanging on.

The reality is that we all carry burdens. Some are necessary. Others may be burdens that God never intended for us to carry in the first place.

We often take on other people’s expectations. We try to fix problems that aren’t ours to solve. We feel guilty for saying no. We carry regrets from the past or put pressure on ourselves to meet standards that may be impossible to achieve.

Jesus offers a different perspective in Matthew 11:28-30 when He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Notice what He doesn’t say. He doesn’t tell us to carry more. He doesn’t tell us to work harder. He invites us to come to Him.

As we talked about Tuesday, there is a difference between responsibility and burden. Scripture encourages us to care for one another and help carry each other’s burdens. At the same time, we can easily cross the line into carrying things that belong to someone else, or worrying about situations that are beyond our control.

Another challenge is learning the difference between conviction and guilt. Conviction helps us grow and points us toward God. Guilt often keeps us stuck, replaying failures and convincing us that we can never move forward.

The good news is that God’s grace was never based on our performance. Ephesians 2 reminds us that we are saved by grace, not by what we accomplish. We don’t earn God’s love by staying busy, fixing every problem, or carrying every burden.

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 illustrates this perfectly. Martha was overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done, while Mary focused on what mattered most. Sometimes we can become so consumed by what we’re carrying that we miss the peace God is offering.

So here’s a question worth revisiting: If guilt wasn’t a factor, what would you finally let go of?

Whatever comes to mind, perhaps it’s worth asking whether God is asking you to keep carrying it—or whether He’s inviting you to place it in His hands.

Sometimes the most freeing thing we can do is let go of what was never ours to carry in the first place.

Click HERE for prayers to help you let go from Crosswalk.com

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Sunshine in the Shadows Event Aims to Help People Navigate Grief and Loss

Loss comes in many forms, and Ruth-Ann Thompson wants people to know that hope can still be found even in life’s darkest moments.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Thompson, who will be a featured speaker at the Sunshine in the Shadows event on Sunday, June 28th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon SDA Hill Church, located at 535 Wooster Road in Mount Vernon.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Thompson says her passion for grief ministry was born out of personal experience. She was widowed at age 24 after her husband was killed in a car accident. Thirteen years ago, she also experienced the loss of a son. Through those difficult experiences, she says God showed her that it is possible to find “sunshine in the shadows.”

She says many people struggle after a loss because they feel displaced and unsure of where they belong. Her goal is to help people rediscover hope and purpose while navigating grief.

The Sunshine in the Shadows event was inspired by Psalm 23:4 and the idea of walking through the valley of the shadow of death while still looking for God’s light. Thompson emphasizes that the event is not limited to those grieving the death of a loved one. She says grief can come from the loss of a job, income, friendships, a home, retirement, or any major life change.

The event is open to anyone experiencing loss, as well as those who want to better understand how to support someone who is grieving. Thompson hopes attendees leave with encouragement, hope, and the belief that there is something better ahead than what they may be experiencing today.

During the interview, Thompson also discussed the importance of faith during difficult times. She encourages people to continue moving forward while grieving, finding strength through prayer, God’s Word, and the support of others.

She also shared the story behind one of her books, which focuses on sibling loss. Thompson says siblings are often overlooked when a family experiences the death of a loved one, prompting her to create a resource that gives them space to process their grief. The book includes journaling sections and was influenced by her own family’s experiences following the loss of her son.

Thompson says one of the most important lessons she has learned is to pay attention to siblings, cousins, and others who may not be the primary focus of support after a loss but are hurting just the same.

She encourages anyone facing grief or walking alongside someone who is grieving to attend the event and be reminded that hope can still be found in the midst of life’s shadows.

For more information, call 740-358-9687 or click HERE!

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Centerburg Celebrates America and Community During Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival

The Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival is returning to Centerburg for its 21st year, bringing two days of family-friendly entertainment, live music, food, rides, and fireworks to Memorial Park.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Olivia Skillings recently spoke with Candy McCracken, President of the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival, who has been involved with the event since its beginning.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

McCracken says one of her biggest motivations for helping organize the festival is making sure today’s children have the same opportunities she enjoyed growing up. She remembers attending community festivals and events throughout her childhood and wants future generations to create those same memories.

The festival begins Friday at 1 p.m. and continues until 9:30 p.m. Activities include rides, food vendors, crafters, Cowboy the Pony, face painting, and the return of the popular Reptile Adventure, where visitors can interact with snakes, lizards, frogs, and other animals while learning more about them.

Friday’s entertainment schedule includes the Waterloo 5 Band at 2 p.m., followed by the Baby Crawl and Toddler Race at 6:30 p.m. The Little Miss Liberty and Little Uncle Sam Pageant begins at 7 p.m., with live music from Katie and the Red Hots closing out the evening at 8 p.m.

Saturday starts with the festival parade at 10 a.m. featuring the Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps. Following the parade, the American flag will be raised and the National Anthem performed before activities officially begin at noon.

Saturday attractions include a Princess Party featuring Moana and Merida, Old-Time Wrestling at 2 p.m., a karaoke competition at 4 p.m. with youth and adult divisions and cash prizes, Nicks and Tricks at 6 p.m., and Crossthread at 8 p.m.

The festival concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m., sponsored by Peter Hayden Chapman Amvets Post 59 and Charles Andrews American Legion Post 460, which together funded the $10,000 display.

This year’s festival also celebrates the upcoming America 250 observance, with patriotic themes featured throughout the weekend, especially during Saturday’s parade.

McCracken reminds visitors that parking at Memorial Park is very limited due to the new playground and is reserved for vendors and handicap parking. Additional public parking is available in designated lots near downtown Centerburg, with walking access to the festival grounds.

She also expressed appreciation for the many volunteers and organizers who help make the event possible each year. Those interested in supporting the festival or volunteering can find more information through the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival Facebook page, at heartofohiousa.com, or by contacting festival organizers directly.

Click HERE to find out more about the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival!

(Photo courtesy of Heart of Ohio USA Days website)

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