School may be around the corner, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more adventure! No need to be anxious about your summer bucket list. There is still time to enjoy the sunshine! The Morning Thing shared their top 15 last-minute summer adventures for you to squeeze in. Take a peak!
Grab takeout, a blanket, and head to a local park or lake.
Visit a State Park You’ve Never Explored
Hike, take photos, or just enjoy God’s creation.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Take a Scenic Sunday Drive
Go Camping (Even in Your Backyard!)
Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and look at the stars.
Attend a County Fair
Visit a Nearby Small Town
Have an Ice Cream Adventure
Visit three different ice cream shops in one afternoon and rate them.
Take a Family Bike Ride
Watch an Outdoor Movie
Take a “No Phones” Day Trip
Visit a Zoo or Nature Center
Thanks for listening to The Morning Thing! We’ll see you next time!
WNZR was proud to broadcast live at the Knox County Fair Sale of Champions Did you miss WNZR’s broadcast of the 2026 Sale of Champions? Good News! You can find the full broadcast HERE or click on the link below. Listen in as WNZR’s Joe Rinehart talks with the Grand Champions and Reserve Champion winners from this year’s Knox County Fair. You can also hear Marcy Rinehart give results from each animal sold. Thanks to all the buyers that participated. You can find an album of pictures on our Facebook page and on the Scrapbook Page of our website wnzr.fm
The unofficial total from the Sale of Champions was over $89,500!
Market Beef
The Grand Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Kellen Algire of Fredericktown. Kellen is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.
Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $6,000.
The Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Kayleen Small of Fredericktown. She is part of the Boots and Banners 4H Club. Kayleen also won 3rd place Overall Carcass.
Small’s Asphalt Company bought the animal for a price of $9,000.
Dairy Market Feeders
The Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Ethan Swendal of Danville. Ethan is part of the Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan is also the Age 18 Skillathon Winner for Dairy Market Feeders.
Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $3,000
The Reserve Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Gage Robinson of Fredericktown. Gage is part of the Knox Cattle Kids 4H Club. Gage is also the Age 14 Skillathon Winner for Dairy Market Feeders.
Knox Community Hospital bought the animal for a price of $3,750.
Pen of 3 Market Lambs
The Grand Champion Penof 3 Market Lambs was shown by Berta Gomez-Sica of Danville. Berta is part of the Better Livestock 4H Club.
JDC Livestock LLC bought the animals for a price of $3,000.
The Reserve Champion Pen was shown by Joseph Ball from Danville with Better Livestock 4H Club.
Kari Ball Agency purchased the animals for a price of $5,000
Market Lambs
The Grand Champion Market Lamb was shown by Mason Reynolds of Mount Vernon with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Mason was also the Champion Senior Showman and the Age 16 Skillathon Winner for Market Lambs.
A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $5,000
They included: All Weather Systems Inc., Granville Milling Company, United Producers Inc. and Xtreme Asphalt and Sealcoating
The Reserve Champion Market Lamb was shown by Kinsley Prosser of Fredericktown with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Kinsley is also the Reserve Champion 1st Year Showman.
TK’s Ice Cream bought the animal for a price of $4,500
Turkeys
The Grand Champion Turkey was shown by Brynley Kirkpatrick from Butler with the Clear Fork FFA.
Adena Corporation bought the animal for a price of $2,750
The Reserve Champion Turkey was shown by Carl Dickerson from Fredericktown with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club.
Raine Aesthetics bought the animal for a price of $3,750
Market Dairy Steers
The Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Ethan Swendal of Danville with Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan is also the Age 18 Skillathon Winner for Market Dairy Steers.
Didinger Crop Services bought the animal for a price of $3,500
The Reserve Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown Ethan Swendal of Danville with the Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan was also 4th Place Overall Carcass.
A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $5,500
They included: Killbuck Savings Bank of Danville and Howard, The Magers Family and Swendal and Son Trucking.
Market Goats
The Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Nash Stull of Fredericktown. Nash is part of the Country Critters 4H Club. He is also the Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman.
Knox Community Hospital bought the animal for a price of $3,500
The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Taylor Meade of Warsaw. Taylor is part of the Danville FFA.
Nick Blanchard bought the animal for a price of $3,500
Broilers (Chicken)
The Grand Champion Broilers (pen of 3) were shown by Daisy Cline of Howard with the Contender’s 4H Club. Daisy was also the Reserve 1st Year Showman.
Park National Bank bought the animals for a price of $4,500
The Reserve Champion Broilers were shown by Abigail Untied of Walhonding with the Clinton Clovers 4H Club.
Trillium Farms bought the animals for a price of $3,500
Market Hogs
The Grand Champion Hog was shown by Carder McConachie of Mount Vernon with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Carder was also the Light Weight Division Champion.
TD Landscape purchased the hog for a price of $4,250
The Reserve Champion Hog was shown by Addison McGuire of Centerburg with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Addison was also the Heavy Weight Division Champion, Showmanship Winner for Age 14, and Master Showman.
A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $9,000
They included: Fredericktown Chevrolet, Fox Swim Solutions, Barb Family Farm, KN Excavation, Forman Realtors, and Forman Realtors-Jennifer Fielding
Market Rabbits
The Grand Champion Rabbits (Market Fryers) were shown by Macy Miller of Mount Vernon with the Down On The Farm 4H Club.
Smithhisler Meats bought the animals for a price of $3,750
The Reserve Champion Market Rabbits were shown by Annalia Wolf of Mount Vernon from the Down on the Farm 4H Club.
THR Creekside Home Inspections bought the animals for a price of $2,750
There was one 4H member with MULTIPLE ANIMALS in the Sale:
Ethan Swendal had the: 1. Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder – sold for $3,000 2. Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer – sold for $3,500 3. Reserve Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer – sold for $5,500 Ethan’s Sale Total: $12,000
Congratulations to these special award winners that were announced at the Sale of Champions:
The Junior Fair Sales Committee presented a Hall of Fame Award this year. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond normal efforts to benefit the sale, the Junior Fair and most importantly the Knox County Youth involved in 4H and FFA. The 2026 recipient is: Larry Hall, long-time 4H Educator with the OSU Extension Office of Knox County
David Greer Award from Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club: Presented in honor of David Greer and his legacy of serving the community. He has served as a trustee and Vice President of the Knox County Historical Society and secretary for the Knox County Ag Museum. His background is in teaching including 16 years at Danville High School. He served for many years as a volunteer with many 4H programs in Knox County. The scholarships were presented by Wendi Fowler, Mike Copley, and Crystal Snell-Tomes from Kiwanis. $500 scholarship – Lane Dugan $250 scholarship – Austin Frazier
2026 Knox County Fair Royalty:
2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolf
2026 Junior Fair King – Will Stokes
2026 Little Miss Knox County – Hallie Johnson
2026 Little Mr. Knox County – Karsten Tedrow
2026 Horse Queen – Luci Byler
2026 Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter
Knox County Junior Fair Outstanding Exhibitors:
Market Beef – Bailey Smith
Beef Feeder – Cade Strausbaugh
Dairy Market Feeder – Taylor Tyson
Market Dairy Steer – Ethan Swendal
Market Goat – Brock Mason
Rabbit – Blake Hegemier
Sheep – Sutton Reynolds
Swine – Addison Parker
Poultry – Bristol Hegemier
Turkey – Kennedy Black
Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors:
Junior Poultry – Teegan Riddle
Senior Poultry – Adysson Gerhart
Senior Rabbit – Sophie Wolf
Junior Goat – Isabel Lewis
Senior Goat – Meira Bryant
Junior Swine – Priscilla Smith and Matilda Sulzer
Senior Sheep – Isabella Byler
Senior Dairy – Sierra Shields
Senior Beef – Lane Dugan
Junior Beef – Zoey Shelley
Horse Queen – Luci Byler
Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter
Knox County Cattleman’s Awards: The Knox County Cattlemen’s Association presented a $500 scholarship to a student pursuing college or technical school education. The recipient is a current cattle exhibitor at the Knox County Fair pursuing their field of study in a post-secondary institution, preferably studying agriculture, specifically Animal Science. The applicant’s family will be current members of the Knox County Cattlemen’s Association. 2026 Scholarship Recipient: Lane Dugan from Fredericktown
Cattleman’s Awards:
Dairy Beef Herdsman: Austin Robinson
Beef Herdsman: Lane Dugan
Market Dairy Steer Grand Champion Carcass: Austin Robinson
Beef Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Malia Goodwin
Beef Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Cade Strausbaugh
Dairy Market Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson
Dairy Market Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised sed Reserve Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Market Beef – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Frazier
Market Beef – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Malachi Goodwin
Market Dairy Steer – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Market Dairy Steer – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson
Senior Fair Board Scholarships: The Senior Fair Board presented two $200 scholarships. These scholarships are for 2026 graduates and had an essay-driven application. 2026 Winners: Raegan Blanchard and Kenlee Fairall
Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award: This award is sponsored by JDC Livestock and is dedicated to Gage Moody’s memory. It aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:
Daily effort and commitment
Setting a positive example for others
Showing passion for their project despite being perceived as the underdog.
Kinsley Prosser and Haley Unger each were recognized with the Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award, and each received a $750 scholarship.
The Junior Fair Board also received a check for $500 from Farm Credit Mid-America. This check was given for their Stock the Trailer collection for a local food pantry. They are still collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations. You can drop off donations at the main Fair Board Office. Our Knox County Junior Fair Board is competing against other Junior Fair Boards across Ohio.
Love Like Linda Scholarship: The family of Linda Dowalter is pleased to announce the establishment of the “Love Like Linda Scholarship.” “Love Like Linda” is an inspiring concept encouraging individuals to embrace a life filled with compassion, kindness, and selflessness. It embodies the idea of living with an open heart, much like Linda – she was a mom, sister, aunt, and grandma, who was known for her unwavering love and generosity. Loving like Linda means actively listening to others, showing empathy, and offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s about positively impacting the lives of those around you, whether through small acts of kindness or significant gestures of support. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate deeper connections and create a more compassionate world, one interaction at a time. The Dowalter Family is honored and pleased to present this scholarship to someone who embodies the personality Linda exhibited every day of her life and encouraged others to exhibit as well.
This nonrenewable scholarship will be issued to one individual meeting the following criteria.
• 2026 High School Graduate OR • Exhibitor that 2026 is their last year of eligibility • Good Standing 4H or FFA Member • Will be or is currently attending a two- or four-year technical school or university/college
The applicant was required to write an essay answering the following prompt: “What the characteristic selflessness means to me”.
They were also required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from non-family members explaining how the applicant exhibits selflessness.
Taylor Thorne was recognized with the “Love Like Linda Scholarship” and received a $1,000 scholarship.
NEW FOR 2026 – POMONA GRANGE SCHOLARSHIP The Pomona Grange gave two $200 scholarships for qualified individuals who attend a technical school and have the intention of continuing their education and/or occupation in the agricultural industry.
2026 Scholarship Winners: Kenlee Fairall and Raegan Blanchard
Another NEW Scholarship was awarded based on this year’s theme for the Knox County Fair. The Building for a Stronger Tomorrow Award was presented to Will Stokes, this year’s Junior Fair King.
Thanks to our partners for helping us bring you live results from this year’s Sale of Champions.
One of the biggest and most anticipated days of the Knox County Fair is almost here! Junior Fair Sale Day returns Friday 7/31, bringing together hundreds of young exhibitors, local businesses, and community members to celebrate a year of hard work and dedication.
On The Morning Thing, WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with Jim Blanchard, President of the Knox County Junior Fair Sales Committee, to get an inside look at everything happening on Sale Day.
During the interview, Jim explains why the move to Friday has been a success for exhibitors, buyers, and volunteers alike. He shares how the schedule allows more people to participate while providing additional opportunities for students to showcase the livestock projects they’ve spent months preparing.
Listeners will also hear:
The complete schedule for Junior Fair Sale Day.
Details about the special awards presented to outstanding exhibitors.
How first-time buyers can register and participate in the sale.
How payment, processing, and buyback options work for livestock purchases.
A look back at the impressive results from the 2025 Junior Fair Sale and how it compared to previous years.
Jim’s hopes for another successful Sale Day in 2026 and the lasting impact these projects have on Knox County youth.
Throughout the conversation, Jim highlights that Junior Fair Sale Day is about much more than buying livestock. It’s an investment in the next generation. Students develop responsibility, leadership, communication skills, financial stewardship, and a strong work ethic through their animal projects—lessons that will benefit them long after the fair has ended.
Jim also expresses his gratitude to the countless volunteers, committee members, businesses, buyers, families, and community supporters who make Junior Fair Sale Day possible each year. Their generosity and commitment help create opportunities for nearly 1,500 Knox County youth to grow, learn, and succeed.
WNZR is honored to continue our tradition of bringing you complete coverage of the Knox County Fair, including Junior Fair Sale Day. We invite you to listen to this informative interview and learn how your support of the Junior Fair helps invest in the future of our community.
Tune in on Friday, 7/31 to hear our LIVE Broadcast from the Sale of Champions. We will start at 8am!
Thank you to Jim Blanchard for joining us and for his continued leadership in making the Knox County Junior Fair Sale a memorable experience for students and buyers alike.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation OR click on the picture below.
On Monday, Stella the Dachshund, held on to her title as the fastest Wiener Dog at the Knox County Fair. For the third year in a row, she has taken first place in the races here in Mount Vernon. Her brother Sterling placed 2nd in the race, followed by Oakley. WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with the proud owners of these amazing dogs. Click HERE to hear the conversations.
For many fairgoers, a trip to the Knox County Fair isn’t complete without stopping at the Little Red Barn for a Porkette sandwich. This year, the tradition reaches a major milestone.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently caught up with Lee Myers of the Knox County Pork Council to talk about the organization’s 50th anniversary and what’s new at the Porkette Barn during this year’s fair.
Myers says the Pork Council has been serving its famous Porkette sandwiches since 1976, when members first began selling them at the Fredericktown Tomato Show. Fifty years later, the Little Red Barn remains a favorite stop for fair visitors.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Pork Council is offering a new punch card promotion. For $20, visitors receive five sandwich-and-drink punches. Once the card is filled, guests can return it to be entered into a daily prize drawing held throughout the fair. Myers says the prizes are being kept a surprise.
Early risers can also enjoy a breakfast Porkette topped with egg and cheese, available each morning until 11 a.m.
Need help finding the Porkette Barn? Just follow the painted white hog hoofprints that begin near the livestock areas and lead visitors straight to the Little Red Barn.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!
We are around the halfway point of summer, so we wanted to check in and see how your summer bucket list is looking. The big blue crew shared what they checked off and what they are still itching to do. There are so many more opportunities to have fun this summer, so don’t worry if you still have a lot on your list.
Sometimes a to-do list can be daunting, so remember to rest this summer in the midst of all the fun. Here a few simple ideas to rest while still having fun this summer:
Watch a movie while cuddled up with some popcorn
Have a self-care night
Go for an evening walk and play I-Spy
Play a board game
Listen to music
Read your favorite book while watching the sunset
Click HERE to listen to the Big Blue Crew’s summer bucket list check-in
Do you dread and the Monday morning blues? We can all relate and we have some suggestions to help you have a better Monday. The Big Blue Crew shared their favorite Monday morning gratitudes on The Morning Thing! You can listen to them HERE!
Here are a few Monday Morning gratitudes to start your day off with. One simple way to kick the Monday blues is to finish this sentence:
Rise and Shine 