Former MVNU baseball standout Lucas Daugherty will be inducted into the Cougar Wall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend. WNZR’s Xander DeVault talked with Daugherty about his time as a Cougar from 2012–2016, his baseball career, and the memories that made his experience special.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
During his time at MVNU, Daugherty earned several honors, including Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American recognition. However, he says some of his favorite memories came from road trips, spring trips to Florida, and the relationships he built with teammates. He also reflects on the influence of longtime coach Keith Veale and the importance of consistency, teamwork, and strong leadership.
Today, Daugherty teaches science and coaches baseball at Waynedale High School. He says MVNU helped shape his faith, career, and life beyond baseball. He is grateful for the opportunity to join the Cougar Wall of Fame and encourages future students and alumni to stay connected to the university.
Click HERE for more information on MVNU’s Homecoming events!
Congratulations to Lucas Daugherty for holding these MVNU Records: – Lowest Earned Run Average in a career at 2.11 – 4th in most career pitching victories with 32 – 4th in most career strikeouts with 286 – 2nd in most career shutouts with 9 – 3rd in most innings pitched with 294.1
In 2014 as a sophomore, he was named Crossroads League First Team, NCCAA East Region, and NCCAA All-American. In 2015 as a junior, he was Crossroads League First Team, started 13 games and posted a 10-2 record with 8 complete games. He also added 63 Strikeouts, an ERA of 3.39 in 82.1 IP, and tallied a fielding % of 0.955 with 6 putouts and 15 assists. In 2016, as a senior, he was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, and Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year Crossroads League First Team.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is preparing for its 2026 Homecoming Weekend, featuring class reunions, campus activities, athletic events, and special celebrations. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Mike Cheek, MVNU’s Executive Director of Alumni and Major Gifts, about the weekend’s schedule and opportunities to reconnect.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Highlights include the Golden Grad Luncheon, Homecoming Chapel, the Before the Bird 5K, the WNZR 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion, and Cougar basketball games. Saturday evening will also feature A Night with Nashville, a concert benefiting Cougar Baseball. Songwriters Brian White, Andy Chrisman, and Tony Wood will perform Christian music hits and share the stories behind the songs.
Click HERE for more information about MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with the two former Cougar baseball players, Mike Cheek and Brian White, about their time at MVNU, life after graduation, and the special events planned for Homecoming.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Cheek now works at MVNU and helps oversee alumni events, while White moved to Nashville after college to pursue songwriting and youth ministry. White shared how his Christian music journey began, including writing his first song, “Pardon By The King.” Both alumni reflected on how MVNU has changed over the years while emphasizing that students’ passion and fire for Christ remain the same.
One highlight of Homecoming Weekend will be A Night with Nashville – Benefitting Cougar Baseball with the Hits. Cheek and White shared how the event came together as an opportunity to bring alumni together through music while supporting Cougar Baseball. They also discussed why Homecoming is so meaningful, celebrating life change, friendships, and memories made at MVNU.
Click HERE for more information about MVNU’s Homecoming Weekend!
WNZR’s Xander DeVault talked with Jared Ronai, Head Coach of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Men’s Basketball team, about his 13 years leading the program, the impact of faith and family on his coaching journey, and what fans can expect from this year’s team.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
Ronai reflected on some of his favorite memories at MVNU, including seeing former players return to scrimmages and games to encourage and invest in current players. He also discussed how his coaching philosophy has developed over the years, shaped by significant moments and experiences in his life. While basketball remains an important part of his work, Ronai is grateful for the opportunity to use the game as a vehicle to develop young men and help them grow.
Ronai also shared how God has been working through his family following the tragic passing of his youngest daughter. Over the past year, his family has been able to organize events for children with Down syndrome and their families, creating opportunities for connection and encouragement. Those experiences have influenced his perspective and continue to shape the way he approaches coaching. As he looks ahead to the new season, Ronai discussed the makeup of this year’s team, including its personnel, playing style, and emerging leaders. He also described the team identity he hopes to build both on and off the court, emphasizing the importance of developing players beyond basketball.
Looking ahead to the home opener, Ronai shared some insight into his game-day routine, which includes setting aside quiet time for prayer and reflection. He also talked about what he hopes to see from his players as they take the court at Ariel Arena and how much the support of the home crowd means to the program. After 13 years at MVNU, Ronai says his passion for coaching remains strong because he continues to find joy in investing in the lives of young men. He hopes his current and former players leave the program with lessons that extend well beyond the basketball court. Ronai also shared ways listeners can pray for him, his family, and the team throughout the season.
Food For The Hungry officially kicked off its 45th anniversary campaign on November 6, bringing the Knox County community together to address food insecurity and care for neighbors in need. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Food For The Hungry staff members Tanner Cooper-Risser and Olivia Stern about this year’s campaign, its impact on local families, and the many opportunities for community involvement.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
Tanner Cooper-Risser, FFTH Annual Drive and Community Relations Director shared that his responsibilities include coordinating volunteers, recruiting community partners, and helping organizations and civic groups understand the ministry’s mission. As a longtime volunteer, he is excited to experience his first full campaign behind the scenes. Stern oversees communications, marketing, event promotion, and media coverage throughout the campaign season, helping keep the community informed about collections, fundraising milestones, and upcoming activities.
The generosity of Knox County residents continues to make Food For The Hungry possible. FFTH Digital Content and Marketing Director, Olivia Stern highlighted last year’s nearly $400,000 campaign total as an example of how the community comes together to support local families. Cooper-Risser added that he has been encouraged by the willingness of volunteers, churches, businesses, and community organizations to go above and beyond when asked to help.
Both guests emphasized that the need for assistance continues to grow as families face rising grocery prices and other living expenses. Stern shared that the Salvation Army served approximately 1,300 children in 2025 through its youth programs, providing thousands of meals and snacks. Local food pantries, including Interchurch Social Services, have also experienced significant increases in the number of people seeking assistance. These growing needs make community support more important than ever, especially for families, seniors, and caregivers working to make ends meet.
The 2026 campaign goal is $345,000 in recognition of Food For The Hungry’s 45th anniversary. Under the theme “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors,” the campaign supports food pantries, hot meal programs, and community ministries throughout Knox County. Food For The Hungry partners with organizations such as Interchurch Social Services and The Salvation Army while also providing grants to smaller food pantries, meal programs, and local ministries. Cooper-Risser explained that campaign funds stay in Knox County and directly benefit local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through partnerships with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, every donated dollar creates approximately $4.56 in food purchasing power. The organization also distributes grants throughout the year, helping local agencies address specific needs and provide food assistance to children, families, and individuals.
Community members can support the 45th anniversary campaign in many ways, including donating, volunteering, organizing food collections, and attending fundraising events. Several special events are planned throughout the campaign season, including the Knox County Jazz Orchestra concert, Patsy Cline tribute performances at the Woodward Opera House, the MVNU Turkey Trot, Fire & Ice, the Mount Vernon Holiday Parade, and the Snowflake Gala. Local high schools and middle schools will also participate in collection drives. Food For The Hungry encourages individuals, businesses, churches, and community groups to organize their own food drives and fundraising events. The organization is happy to help promote these community efforts and share stories about the difference they make. The official Drive Day will take place on December 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knox Memorial Theatre.
Cooper-Risser and Stern encourage everyone to find a way to participate, regardless of the size of their contribution. Whether someone gives financially, donates food, volunteers their time, or attends a fundraising event, every effort helps provide resources for neighbors in need. They also ask the community to pray for volunteers, donors, staff members, and the families receiving assistance throughout the campaign season. Stern said the theme, “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors,” is a reminder of the hope that comes from bringing people together. Cooper-Risser agreed, emphasizing that caring for one another and working together are important in every season. To learn more about the 45th anniversary campaign, upcoming events, collection locations, and ways to get involved, visit foodforthehungrycares.org. Community members can also email director@foodforthehungrycares.org or follow FFTHCares on Facebook and Instagram.
WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Candace Rowe from Fostering Family Ministries about how the organization partners with local churches to support foster families!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
With its main office in Ashland, Ohio, and offices throughout the state, Fostering Family Ministries works to provide practical help and encouragement to foster families in their communities.
With the need for foster families increasing in Knox County, Candace is looking to connect with more local churches. Community members can get involved by providing meals for foster families or encouraging their church to become a ministry partner. Candace also asks for prayer for foster families as they navigate the challenges of fostering and for more churches to connect with Fostering Family Ministries. To learn more, visit fosteringfamilyministries.org, where you can find updates and information about an upcoming mobile app designed to help people stay connected.
Click HERE to learn more about Fostering Family Ministries!
National Parenting Week is a special time set aside each October to celebrate and reflect on the art of raising children.
The week will shine a light on the critical role parenting plays in shaping children’s futures. This week reminds us of the significance of good parenting and its impact on a child’s personality, life perspectives, and overall development.
Click HERE to read more about the history of this special week and how to celebrate.
Focus on the Family is a great resource for Parents at any stage of life. You can hear their radio show every weekday at 9:30am and 6:30pm on WNZR.
They have an article that shares a biblical basis for the 7 Traits of Effecting Parenting. It is very insightful! Click HERE to see the full article.
The Morning Thing continues our highlights on Knox County Ministries. Today, we shared a conversation with Abby Almodovar, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator with Starting Point.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
She shared about the many services that Starting Point offers to the community. These services are available for both women and men. They are free and completely confidential. The ministry is located at 11 Woodlake Trail in Mount Vernon. Their website is www.friendsofksp.com
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.
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!
