Author: themorningthing

July First Friday is tonight! Join WNZR and kick-off a great Independence Holiday weekend!

The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.

Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.

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What are you making for the 4th of July?

Tomorrow is Independence Day! Are you looking for something to take to your picnic? Or family reunion?

The Morning Thing crew found 6 easy and festive recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July. These are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of summer flavor! Check them out!

If you try one of these recipes, let us know what your family thinks and share their reviews. Email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu Also, send us a picture! 🙂

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers

Ingredients:

  • Strawberries (halved)
  • Blueberries
  • Marshmallows (or banana slices)
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.

🌭 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar

Ingredients:

  • Hot dogs & buns
  • Assorted toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, chili

Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!

🥔 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby red potatoes (boiled & quartered)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.

🍔 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients:

  • Slider buns
  • Ground beef patties (small)
  • Cheese slices
  • Pickles, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.

🍉 5. Watermelon Feta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.

🍰 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 box graham crackers
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

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Are you ready for some Family Fun this 4th of July?

The Morning Thing is here to help!

Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!

🎆 Outdoor Activities

  1. Watch a Fireworks Show – Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
  2. Backyard BBQ or Picnic – Grill out classic American favorites.
  3. Decorate Bikes for a Parade – Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
  4. Play Lawn Games – Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
  5. Go to a Local Festival – Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
  6. Camp Out in the Backyard – Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores.
  7. Host a Water Day – Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.

🎨 Creative Fun

  1. DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye – Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
  2. Patriotic Face Painting – Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
  3. Make 4th of July Crafts – Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
  4. Decorate the Yard or House – Let the kids help with flags and streamers.

🍓 Food-Focused Fun

  1. Bake Patriotic Treats – Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
  2. Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar – Let everyone build their own.
  3. Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones – Perfect for hot weather.

🧠 Quiet or Indoor Options

  1. Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie – Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Liberty’s Kids for younger viewers.
  2. Read Books About America – Great for young kids to learn about history.
  3. Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along – Teach classic American songs.

🏃‍♂️ Get Moving

  1. Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride – Explore a park or trail.
  2. Join a Fun Run or Parade – Many towns host family-friendly events.
  3. Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme – Use household or nature items.

Want to know WHERE and WHEN to see fireworks this year?
Thanks to Knox Pages for this very informative list of Fireworks Displays and events happening around the Knox County Area! Click HERE to see their list of events for the 4th of July Weekend.

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Welcome to the Second Second Half of the Year!

Today marks the 182nd day of the year—a unique midpoint milestone that’s come to be known as Second Half of the Year Day.

Whether it’s reassessing your budget, committing to healthier habits, revisiting your career aspirations, or simply deciding to be more present and intentional—today is the perfect day to reset.

Click HERE for more background and tips to get your second half of the year to a great start!

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Happy Social Media Day!

Today, 6/30/25, is Social Media Day.
We want to celebrate by sharing some positive messages found on social media sites.
We hope that these words encourage you on this Monday.

🌟 10 Encouraging Messages 🌟
Found on Social Media – Shared to Inspire Your Day

  1. You’re doing better than you think.
    Keep going—one step at a time.
  2. God’s timing is always perfect.
    Trust the process and stay faithful.
  3. You are not alone.
    You are loved, valued, and created with a purpose.
  4. Progress is still progress.
    No matter how small. Don’t give up!
  5. You’ve made it through tough days before.
    You’ll make it through this one too.
  6. Speak life. Be kind. Shine bright.
    The world needs your light today.
  7. Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
    Keep believing!
  8. Take a deep breath.
    God is still in control.
  9. You were made for more.
    Don’t settle. Don’t stop dreaming.
  10. It’s okay to rest.
    You don’t have to carry everything on your own.

You can follow WNZR on these social media sites:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WNZR.FM
X – https://x.com/WNZR_FM
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wnzr_90.9fm/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WNZR90.9FM
Website – https://www.wnzr.fm/
The Morning Thing Blog – https://themorningthing.com/
The Afternoon Drive Blog – https://wnzrdrive.com/

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The Knox County Career Center and Ellis Brothers celebrate an exciting partnership

Friday, 6/27/25, was a special day at the Knox County Career Center. Ellis Brothers made a special presentation of a partnership with KCCC and the Building Trades Program. (See the pictures below)

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to talk with Jordan and John Ellis about this valuable partnership in training, financial support and hiring employees to serve the community.
Marcy also talked with several KCCC graduates – Catherine Colopy, Class of 2022. She talks about her great experience with Ellis Brothers and how this partnership helped pave her career path.
We also talked with 2025 graduates: Blake Green and Aiden Kennedy about their experience in the program. They are both now working for Ellis Brothers.
Kathy Greenich, Knox County Career Center Superintendent shared her thoughts and excitement about this special partnership.

Click HERE to hear the conversations.

The KCCC logo is part of a special design featured on an Ellis Brothers cement truck. The design reflects the company’s investment to the future and their pride in partnerships in the community.
The company also made a $2,000 donation to the Building Trades Student Activity Account. This donation will contribute to program needs, including drug free programming and job related needs for students, including boots, tools, and more.
Ellis Brothers will also donate 50 cents per yard for every concrete job done by this special truck. These donations will help purchase tools for the Building Trades Program.

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June 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/27/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • The announcement about a move for the city of Mount Vernon offices.
    • Mayor Starr talks about the COTC facilities (COTC) and how they are moving City Hall and Courthouse down to 236 South Main Street.
    • Transition of the current city hall into the Justice Center
    • The savings this move brings to the City.
  • Construction Updates
    • Fairgrounds Road
    • Old Mansfield Roads
    • Dan Emmett Elementary School Area
    • Taylor Road
    • City Salt Barn
    • State Route 13
  • Special events for the upcoming holiday
    • July First Friday
    • Independence Day Festival at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Mayor Starr talks about testifying in front of state lawmakers.
    • Discussion on House Bill 92 and Senate Bill 118
    • House Bill 113
    • Senate Bill 104
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
    • Mayor Starr has signed a contract for the design of the new police station.
    • The plan is to break ground in 2026.
    • Stats for the month of May and the success of their community advocates. 
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • $4000 grant from the local Elks Club to be used to purchase new equipment.
    • Recent stats showing over 500 calls this month.
    • Update on Morris B Township fire services contract with the City.
  • Goals for July 2025
  • Events happening in July 2025

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt
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You are loved by God!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some great bible verses to show you that God loves you! The God who created the universe, the most powerful being ever, loves you personally. Try to wrap your mind around that. He loves you — not just people in general, but you as a person.

The Bible is a compilation of the words God gave so that people could know more about Him. These verses from the Bible are reminders of God’s wonderful, extravagant, amazing, unstoppable and unconditional love.

The verses we shared today:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

  • Can you imagine being loved like this? It would change your life. The truth is this is an accurate description of God’s love for you.
  • Though this passage is often read at weddings, humans cannot love perfectly as God does. But it makes sense that people strive to have their love for one another reflect these qualities.
  • Everyone needs that type of love, but if you expect it from another person, you will be let down. God is the only one who can love you perfectly. And when you have a relationship with God and experience His love, it empowers you to love others the way God loves you.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. (1 John 4:18)

  • When you understand that God loves you no matter what, you no longer need to be afraid of your failings causing Him to love you less. If you could only truly know the depth of God’s love, you would have nothing to fear.
  • God already knows about the wrong things you’ve done as well as any you will do. He still chose to love you.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:18-19)

  • God’s love is so great that we, as mere humans, cannot fully understand it. Humans’ love for one another often depends at least partly on the behavior of the person being loved. God’s love for us does not.
  • Do you long to be known and loved for who you are? God is the only one who can truly do that.

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O LORD; You surround them with Your shield of love. (Psalm 5:11-12)

  • God’s love is so much more than the warm fuzzy feeling often associated with the word love. His love is a powerful force, protecting and comforting us. Being in God’s love is a position of not just joy but also safety.
  • When you run to God for protection, He surrounds you with His shield of love. Think about that image for a while. Experience the security you have because God’s love surrounds you. Let His love flood your mind with a sense of peace and comfort.

We will be sharing more of these over the next couple weeks.

To see more verses about God’s love, click HERE!

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Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Candy McCracken Interview!

We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!

To learn more about the event, click HERE!

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