Ava Page Prepares for Fair Week as an Exhibitor and Junior Fair Board Member

While many people see the Knox County Fair through the eyes of an exhibitor or spectator, Ava Page also gets to experience it behind the scenes.

Ava recently joined WNZR’s Sue McDonald to talk about serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board while preparing her own projects for this year’s fair.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

A Bladensburg native, Ava is a senior at East Knox High School and is enrolled in the College Credit Plus program through Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She is active in the Outsiders 4-H Club and East Knox FFA, has participated in 4-H for five years and FFA for three years, and is now serving her second year on the Junior Fair Board.

As a board member, Ava helps keep events organized throughout fair week. She said her responsibilities include making sure shows run smoothly, helping people get where they need to be, and assisting with the overall management of fair activities.

In the show ring, Ava will be exhibiting Dutch and Dwarf Pavilion breeding rabbits. She is also entering a woodworking project after building a stool. She said preparing her rabbits includes making sure they are well-fed and properly groomed before competition, while her woodworking project required many hours of hard work.

Although much of her summer has been spent preparing for the fair, Ava said her family was able to take a trip to Alaska before the busy season began.

She is especially looking forward to this year’s rabbit show and enjoys seeing the hard work of exhibitors come together during fair week.

Reflecting on her years in 4-H, Ava said the program has taught her responsibility. She also shared that one of her favorite memories has been spending time at the fair with her sister, who also serves on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

July 24, 2026 0

Kaci’s Camp Honors a Life That Continues to Inspire Hope and Inclusion

Kristin and Coach Jared Ronai recently joined WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about Kaci’s Camp, a free sports camp created in memory of their daughter, Kaci Ronai. The camp is designed for children with Down syndrome and reflects the Ronais’ desire to honor Kaci’s life while encouraging other families.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jared shared that more than a year ago, he and Kristin learned they were expecting their fourth child. Later in the pregnancy, they found out Kaci would be born with Down syndrome.

Kaci was born on November 29th, 2025, and spent her first month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Jared said the family was able to bring her home on New Year’s Eve, which became a very special day for their family. He also reflected on the memories they were able to make together during Kaci’s time at home.

Kaci became sick, and because of medical complications, she passed away on March 22nd, 2026.

Following her passing, the Ronais wanted to create something that would continue Kaci’s legacy. That vision became Kaci’s Camp.

The camp will be held on Saturday, August 8th, at Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It is open to children ages 6 through 18 with Down syndrome and will feature basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wiffle ball.

Kristin said their family was always focused on helping Kaci thrive, and they hope the camp will provide that same encouragement for other children. Jared said the goal is to give participants an opportunity to feel celebrated, build confidence around others like them, and enjoy a day where they can thrive through sports and activities.

The event is completely free for participating families. While donations are accepted, the Ronais said those gifts will help provide educational resources for parents of children with Down syndrome. They also shared that approximately one in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome, and they hope the camp helps raise awareness within the community.

Kaci’s Camp is designed as a full-day event. Registration will take place from 9:30 until 10 a.m., with activities running from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Campers will participate in two sports during the morning, followed by lunch and breaks before taking part in two additional sports during the afternoon.

Kristin said they want every child who attends to feel like they are part of something and know they are welcomed. She also said that while the camp is centered on the children, she hopes volunteers and everyone involved will leave with a greater appreciation for the Down syndrome community.

Jared shared that he hopes Kaci’s Camp continues to grow in the years ahead, helping raise awareness about Down syndrome while honoring Kaci’s life and the impact she had on their family. Kristin also offered encouragement to parents who may receive a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child, saying that children with Down syndrome are a gift from God and sharing that Kaci was a tremendous blessing to their family.

As they prepare for the first Kaci’s Camp, the Ronais are asking the community to pray for the event, for enough volunteers to serve, and that every child who attends will have a positive experience and feel loved.

Registration is open through August 1st.

The Ronais are also seeking volunteers, and anyone interested in serving can use the same email address to learn more about available opportunities.

Click HERE to find out more or register!

July 22, 2026 0

Be a Kid Again Day Invites You to Relive Your Favorite Summer Memories

Today (Wednesday) is Be a Kid Again Day, a lighthearted reminder to slow down, have fun, and reconnect with the simple joys of childhood.

The annual observance encourages adults to embrace their inner child and enjoy the carefree moments that often get lost in the busyness of everyday life.

On The Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew took a trip down memory lane by sharing some of their favorite summer memories.

Click HERE to hear comments from the Big Blue Crew!

From long days spent riding bikes around the neighborhood to catching lightning bugs, swimming until sunset, and enjoying family vacations, it was a reminder that some of life’s best moments are also the simplest.

Whether it’s flying a kite, eating a popsicle on the front porch, playing catch, or simply watching the clouds roll by, today is a great opportunity to set aside your to-do list—even for a few minutes—and enjoy life through the eyes of a kid again.

Click HERE to read more about Be a Kid Day!

July 8, 2026 0

The Big Blue Crew plays a Game of Lightning Round – 4th of July Edition

The WNZR Staff had some fun today playing a special July 4th Lightning Round Game! Take a listen and see if you agree with their choices. How will you be celebrating this special Independence Day? Happy 4th of July to you and your family!

Click HERE or on the link below to hear from our staff.

July 3, 2026 0

July First Friday is TONIGHT in downtown Mount Vernon

Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – July First Friday.

She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Party Like it’s 1776!

Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight.

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

WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street.
Click HERE for more details about tonight’s event and our prize basket for tonight.

July 3, 2026 0

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

June 23, 2026 0

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!

June 22, 2026 0

Founders Food Hall Brings Dining, Entertainment, and New Energy to Downtown Mount Vernon

After nearly five years of planning, renovation, and preparation, Founders Food Hall is ready to open its doors in downtown Mount Vernon.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently spoke with Sam Filkins, President of the Knox County Area Development Foundation and the Knox County Land Bank, about the project that has transformed the former Mount Vernon News building into a new community gathering place.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Filkins says the journey began in 2020 when the Knox County Land Bank purchased the vacant newspaper building. What started as an effort to revitalize an underutilized property quickly evolved into a much larger vision — creating a destination that would bring more people downtown while supporting surrounding businesses.

The project required extensive work, including clearing out the former newspaper operation, renovating the interior, restoring the building’s exterior, and creating the HW Hub partnership with MVNU. Along the way, Filkins says he and his team found themselves learning everything from demolition and construction to restaurant operations.

Today, Founders Food Hall offers a variety of dining options under one roof. Visitors will find hand-dipped Velvet Ice Cream, pizza by the slice from Slice Mount Vernon, Mediterranean cuisine from Tabbouleh Café, a chicken-focused restaurant, and a Southeast Asian rice bowl concept. Filkins says the goal was to create a place where families, friends, and coworkers can gather while everyone finds something they enjoy.

The building also preserves pieces of its history. Portions of the original flooring and chimney remain, blending the structure’s past with its modern renovation. Guests will also find duckpin bowling and an indoor-outdoor seating area created through large retractable windows.

Filkins says Founders Food Hall is also an example of the broader mission of the Knox County Land Bank. While many people associate land banks with vacant homes and abandoned properties, he says the organization is involved in a wide range of economic development projects across the county. Those efforts include Heartland Commerce Park, new housing construction along Columbus Road, and other initiatives designed to return underutilized properties to productive use.

The official grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 30th at 11 a.m. Vine Street will be closed for a community event that includes tours of the food hall, the HW Hub, and office spaces throughout the building.

Filkins says Founders Food Hall represents what can happen when a long-vacant building is given a new purpose. The hall will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Future plans include mobile ordering, duckpin bowling reservations, live entertainment opportunities, and filling the remaining vendor spaces.

Click HERE to find out more about Founders Food Hall!