Category: Big Blue Crew

WNZR celebrates History Highlights from their 3rd decade in ministry – 2006 – 2015

WNZR is celebrating a 40th Anniversary on 10/1/26! Today, the spotlight shined on the 3rd decade in radio ministry – 2006 – 2015! Joe and Marcy Rinehart shared stories of some of those big moments:
– developing the positioning statement, “The More You Listen, The More You Hear”
– the station’s power increase to 1,300 watts
– and the debut of the station’s cell phone app

Former MVNU Faculty Member and WNZR Alum, Jayme McMillan talked about the debut of online video streaming for MVNU Sports, experiencing the power increase as a student and the purchase and broadcast debut for Big Blue! A lot of exciting things happened for WNZR in this decade!

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

History Highlights from 2006 – 2025 with WNZR.

February 2006 – WNZR hosted the annual Valentines Banquet and welcomed Dove nominated artists Bethany Dillon to Mount Vernon.  The event was an intimate dinner and acoustic concert in the MVNU dining commons.

February 2006 – Dove award nominated artist Todd Agnew visited WNZR studios.  He talked about his ministry and gave listeners a special treat.  He played the song “My Jesus” live for us on the air. This was a pre-release acoustic version.

June 2006 – WNZR debuts a new website address, www.wnzr.fm

July 2006 – Canadian Dove award winning artist Downhere visited WNZR studios.  They talked about their ministry and gave listeners a special treat.  They played three songs from their new album “Wide Eyed and Mystified” live for us on the air. This was a pre-release acoustic set live on the air.

August 2006 – WNZR and MVNU sponsored Gospel Day at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival.  We welcomed Dove award nominated artist Joy Williams to downtown Mount Vernon. 

June 2006 – WNZR debuts a new positioning statement, “the more you listen, the more you hear”

October 2007 – WNZR partnered with the Knox Network of Christian Ministries for the Greater Knox County Will Graham Celebration.   Over 5,000 people came to these special services held at Kenyon College and 268 people got saved!  Marcy Rinehart served as the Communication Chair.

Summer 2008 – The WNZR expansion becomes a reality.  The “old Spanish room” is divided into 3 parts:  a) WNZR conference room, b) WNZR work area and c) MVNU Video Lab

June 2008 – WNZR receives a construction permit from the FCC to complete the tower work for our power increase.  The construction permit is good through June, 2011.

September 2008 – WNZR partnered with Premiere Theaters to bring Fireproof to the Big Screen.  Fireproof focused on strengthening marriage.  It stayed in the theater for 6 weeks and over 4,000 people came to see the movie!

May 2009 – Big Blue – our station vehicle is purchased from Fredericktown Chevrolet.  It took the entire month to get the logo wrap finished and all equipment installed.  The debut of our (then white) Big Blue happened at the Utica Ice Cream Festival Parade. 

June 2009 – Big Blue has her first official broadcast at the Danville/Howard Turkey Festival.

October 2009 – The equipment for the WNZR Power Increase was ordered.  A 2nd floor was built at the tower site, and the electrical portion of the project was completed.

May 21, 2010 – WNZR’s power increase project was completed.  90.9FM was increased to 1,300 watts broadcasting to Knox, Richland, Licking and Morrow counties.

June 2010 – Joe, Marcy and Rachel Rinehart won a contest to visit the movie set of “Courageous” – the new movie from Sherwood Pictures (the makers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants).  Joe & Marcy were able to blog about their experience on the station’s website and in the Mount Vernon News.

October 2010 – WNZR debuts a new children’s program for Saturday mornings – Kid’s Playlist.  The show features host Rachel Rinehart and a special guest co-host each week.  The program showcases the guest’s top 5 favorite songs.

October 2010 – WNZR replaced 6 computers including 3 broadcast computers and the computer for Associated Press service.  Listener support covered this expense.  The computer upgrade greatly enhanced WNZR’s ministry.

November 2010 – WNZR debuts online video streaming of Cougar basketball.  Listeners now have the choice to view the live action of choice home basketball games.  MVNU video broadcasting students participate in the video production.

10/7/2011, Friday – October First Friday – WNZR’s 25th Anniversary Cake Contest, in downtown Mount Vernon. We hosted the event in the vacant Woodward Opera House storefront and decorated it for our big Anniversary. We hosted a big birthday party where listeners got to vote on their favorite cake. We showcased t-shirts and promotional products from 25 years at WNZR.

November 2011 – WNZR hosts our 25th Anniversary with a special concert. Dove Award‐winning band Building 429 and three‐time Grammy nominees Leeland joined forces this fall to co‐headline the 30‐city “Sounds of Hope” Tour, which will also feature emerging pop‐rock band Royal Tailor. The concert was part of MVNU’s Homecoming celebration and happened on
11-11-11.

May 10-11, 2012 – WNZR provided live broadcasts of the MVNU baseball team’s play in the 2012 NAIA National Tournament Opening Round in Marion, IN.  Joe Rinehart and MVNU Sports Information Director Dave Parsons called the action.

June 29- July 3, 2012 – a massive thunderstorm (derecho) results in the loss of electric power throughout Knox County and many parts of Ohio.  WNZR is able to stay on the air due to generator backup and provides updates throughout the entire power outage. The Mount Vernon News does a newspaper story about our coverage on July 14.

October 5, 2012: WNZR broadcasts from First Friday in downtown Mount Vernon and hosts “Dogtoberfest.”  This was a dog costume parade around the Public Square.

January 17-18, 2013 – WNZR partnered with Care Net Pregnancy Services of Knox County to host two showings of the film October Baby at MVNU’s R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium.

April 21, 2013 – WNZR and MVNU co-sponsor “Champions for Life” with the Escape Zone in Mount Vernon.  The event featured guest speakers Kim and Corwin Anthony speaking to teens and young adults about good life decisions.

June, 2013 – May 2014 – WNZR Radio hosted live remote broadcasts at approximately 30 off-campus community events.  WNZR also hosted three community VeggieTales video premieres on campus in July, November and March. 

Fall 2013 – Spring 2014 – Under a new partnership with the President’s Office, Athletics and Marketing, WNZR.TV and MVNU.TV provided live video/audio streaming of nearly 60 home athletic events over the course of this year, 23 chapel services, and two special events – the John Knight Theology Conference and the spring Boesger Business Ethics lecture, plus live audio of another 25 or so athletic events off-campus.

February 2015 – Six students were honored by the intercollegiate branch of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) for placing in the organization’s 2015 student production contests and challenges.  The awards were handed out February 25th at the NRB’s annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Wesley Boston (junior) won 1st place in the Radio Original Short Form Feature category

July 2015 – WNZR staff (Joe, Marcy and 2015 graduates Rachel Held and Andrew Yoder) drove Big Blue and attended the Nazarene Youth Conference in Louisville, KY during the first week of July. They provided marketing and recruiting support to the university’s enrollment events and admissions staff.

Here are pictures from May 21, 2010 – when WNZR’s power increase project was completed!

Here are pictures from our big 25th Celebration including the winning cake from our contest at October First Friday and our concert with Building 429 on 11/11/11!

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – a celebration of Music and WNZR’s 40th Anniversary

WNZR is preparing to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. In honor of this milestone, The Morning Thing hosts decided to focus on music for the Friday Favorites this week. The hosts shared their favorite songs from WNZR’s 40 years on air.

Click HERE to hear from the hosts.

Xander loves the song “Dare You To Move” from Switchfoot. Click HERE to see the video.

Josiah loves the song “The Prodigal” from Josiah Queen. Click HERE to see the video.

Ethan loves the song “Finally Home” from MercyMe. Click HERE to see the video.

Marcy loves the song “The Great Adventure” from Steven Curtis Chapman. Click HERE to see the video.

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Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival Keeps Tradition Alive Through Contests and Games

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Cora Baitz, coordinator of the Contest and Games Tent at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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

Cora shares about her lifelong involvement with the festival and highlights the variety of traditional contests visitors can enjoy, including sack races, bubble gum blowing, nail driving, speech contests, math competitions, arm wrestling, and the annual Cookie Contest.

Cora explains how these activities have remained a part of the festival for generations, helping preserve its old-time traditions and family-friendly atmosphere. She also discusses this year’s Cookie Contest, the cash prizes available, and the excitement surrounding a hot air balloon offering tethered rides Saturday. This year’s theme, “America’s 250: Keep Plowing Forward,” reflects the festival’s focus on honoring local farming heritage while looking toward the future.

Click HERE for more info on the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival Pie Auction Highlights

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Judy Litzenberg, coordinator of the annual Pie Auction at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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

Judy shares about her more than 20 years of involvement with the festival and explains how the Pie Auction has become one of the event’s important fundraisers, helping keep the festival free for the community. This year’s auction will feature approximately 25 homemade pies, with flavors ranging from apple and pecan to peach, along with special bonus items donated by many of the bakers.

The Pie Auction takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. on the main stage at Memorial Park, immediately following the Youth Cookie Auction at 5:30 p.m. Past auction packages have included handmade baskets, jams and jellies, quilts, Ohio State-themed gifts, and other creative surprises. Visitors interested in bidding can register for a bidding number at the Jagger Auctioneering truck before the auction begins.

Click HERE for more info on the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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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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Little Miss Tomato Takes Center Stage Tonight at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The Fredericktown Tomato Show gets underway with plenty of family fun, and tonight, all eyes will be on the Main Stage for the Little Miss Tomato Contest! WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board President Kim Fearn about this special tradition.

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

This year, 17 six-year-old contestants will compete for the title, with each girl wearing a red dress and taking part in a two-minute interview on stage. The contest begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Main and First Streets, with one winner and three runners-up selected by out-of-town judges. The interviews are often one of the most entertaining parts of the evening, making this a fun event for the whole family!

Kim also shared details about the official Tomato Show merchandise, including $15 T-shirts, $20 travel mugs, and $20 fleece blankets, available at the Hospitality Tent during the festival. This year’s theme, “Unity, Freedom, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of September 11. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing listeners the excitement, events, results, and community stories from the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and your chance to win great prizes!

Click HERE for more information.

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Rides, Food, Kids Parade & Family Fun at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show has something for everyone, including plenty of food, rides, entertainment, and fun for the kids! WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Director Cale Grubb, who has been involved with the show for 25 years.

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

Cale says he’s looking forward to seeing the community come together—and he’s making sure no one leaves hungry! Concessions will be available throughout the show, with a variety of returning favorites and new vendors. The rides will be located around the square, including a Ferris wheel, and will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday. Ride bands will also be available for a full day of fun.

Kids can join the fun with the Kids Parade on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., beginning near the Brickhouse Grind parking lot. Registration starts at 6 p.m., and children can dress up in different classes for a chance to win prizes. There will also be Disney princesses and entertainment on the main stage! Throughout the week, you’ll find plenty of live music and entertainment, including Michael Mage, Step Brothers, Zach Attack, and Red Ball Jets. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing you highlights, events, results, and the excitement of the festival. This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” is especially meaningful as the community celebrates America 250 and remembers the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and prize registration.

Click HERE for more information.

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Community, Hospitality & Giving at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The Fredericktown Tomato Show is all about community, and WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board Member Lindsey McGowan about one of the places where that community spirit comes to life—the Hospitality Tent.

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

Lindsey is in her fifth year with the Tomato Show and helps organize volunteers who welcome visitors, answer questions, and sell Tomato Show merchandise. The Hospitality Tent is located on Main Street next to Kokosing Water Park and will be open Wednesday through Friday from 4–10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2–10:30 p.m. Visitors can stop by for merchandise, enter drawings, and connect with volunteers throughout the festival.

One of Lindsey’s highlights of the week is the Plate Auction, featuring 10 unique plates with all proceeds benefiting the Chris Fearn Well Scholarship Fund. For Lindsey, the auction is another example of how the Tomato Show brings people together to support one another. WNZR will also be right in the middle of the action! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing you highlights, events, results, and the excitement of the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for prizes!

Click HERE for more information.

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Fredericktown Tomato Show Brings Community, Creativity and Garden Bounty Together

The Fredericktown Tomato Show is gearing up for another celebration of community, gardening and good food. WNZR got to talk with Bernie Douglas, who once again helping make it happen.

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

Now in his 19th year with the show, Douglas oversees the tomato products, tomato classes, baked goods and canned goods exhibits. From ketchup, salsa and tomato pie to more than 40 categories of baked goods, the show offers plenty of opportunities for area residents to showcase their talents and creativity. Vegetable growers can also enter exhibits featuring just about anything from their gardens—including a category for the “most unusual garden vegetable or plant.”

Douglas says one of his favorite parts of the Tomato Show is the opportunity to reconnect with people he doesn’t often see, describing the event as one big community reunion. He also shares his appreciation for the canned goods exhibit, which brings back memories of preserving food with his grandparents. Entries can be brought in Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m., with judging beginning after the opening ceremonies. Visitors can find the exhibits and Douglas at the vegetable tent near the corner of Main and College Streets by the splash pad, and he encourages everyone to come out, have fun and enjoy everything the Fredericktown Tomato Show has to offer.’

Click HERE for more info on the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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Ready, Set, Splash! The Fredericktown Bathtub Races Are Back!

Get ready for one of the most unique events at the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show—the Bathtub Races! WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Board Member Mike Smith, who has been involved with the event for more than 20 years.

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

Teams take cast-iron bathtubs, revamp them, add wheels, fill them with water and ice, and then race down the course with one person riding in the tub while another pushes. This year’s classes include a Church Challenge, First Responders, School Organizations, and Businesses, with teams competing for prizes and the rotating championship plaque.

The Bathtub Races take place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on the north end of Main Street, with registration beginning at 5 p.m. Participants will need to sign a waiver and present a driver’s license; those under 18 will need a parent’s signature. First place in each class wins $90, second place wins $60, and the fastest overall time earns an additional $60. Mike says the race is harder than it looks, but it’s all part of the fun—and for him, this year’s theme of community and fellowship is what makes the Tomato Show so special. Come cheer on the racers and enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship of the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

Be sure to stay connected with WNZR for complete coverage of the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the week, highlighting the exciting events, sharing results, and bringing you the fun from the festival. Visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for your chance to win great prizes!

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