WNZR shared their summer bucket lists on The Morning Thing! Check out the conversation HERE!
We shared some examples from Happy and Ordinary that gave us 100 ideas to choose from. Check out the full list HERE!
Here are some ideas to make your summer more fun!
Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some advice for empty-nest parents. Did you know that your adult children really need your encouragement?
Here is a list of 10 ideas on how you can start encouraging your kids today!
Click HERE for the full article from CrossWalk.com
Thanks to the author Karen Whiting for this article. Karen is an author of 25 books, an international speaker, and former television host. She’s a mother of five and a grandmother. Her book 52 Devotions for Busy Families makes it easy to practice faith at home. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
1. Encourage their life as an adult.
2. Affirm them.
3. Show approval.
4. Invest time.
5. Encourage with assurance.
6. Ask about their future.
7. Encourage their adaptability.
8. Appreciate them.
9. Coverse on an adult level.
10. Encourage them with questions.
The Morning Thing shined the spotlight on June First Friday today. We are excited to partner with Experience Mount Vernon for this special event.
Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon shared all the details of tonight’s event with us.
She gave us highlights on the schedule, parking, food, family activities, bike valet and the theme.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click the link below.
Come enjoy a fun summer evening with WNZR. It’s time to “Shake, Rattle & Roll” in downtown tonight!
For more details, go to https://www.experiencemv.org/
You can see a map of the event, list of exhibitors and parking information below.
The month of June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month!
Zoos and aquariums are not only an experience, but wildlife preservatives for endangered animals, and serve as a great educational opportunity for the entire family!
To learn more, click HERE!
Today on The Morning Thing, we discussed the best zoos you can visit in Ohio!
Here are some zoos we talked about:
To find more great zoos in Ohio, and their websites, click HERE!
Journaling is a simple yet powerful way to record what God is doing in your life and reflect on your spiritual growth.
That is one of the reasons we selected journals as Lifeline 2026 gift (which are starting to be delivered).
The good news is there are no rules—write daily, weekly, or only when inspiration strikes.
According to Croswalk.com, whether you prefer a handwritten notebook, a computer document, or notes on your phone, journaling creates space to capture prayers, lessons, and moments of God’s faithfulness.
It can remain a personal record or become something you share with others. With so much flexibility and so many benefits, journaling is a meaningful practice that can help deepen your relationship with God and preserve the story of your faith journey.
Here are some of the topics Marcy and Eric discussed Wednesday:
Click HERE to read the full article from Crosswalk!
Tuesday on The Morning Thing, we spent some time encouraging married couples. Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, but if you’ve been married for any length of time, you know it also takes work, commitment, grace, and a whole lot of prayer.
Throughout the morning, thanks to Crosswalk.com, we shared Scripture verses you can pray over your marriage.
Two of the most powerful tools God has given us are His Word and prayer, and we looked at how both can help strengthen our relationships and draw us closer to Him and to one another.
Here are a few of the scriptures Marcy and Eric Shared:
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Prayer: Lord, make us STRONG for YOU.
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Prayer: Lord, may our delight be in YOU, may we meditate on Your law day and night. When we do so, our marriage and our family will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields FRUIT in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Click HERE for the entire article from Crosswalk.com
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Olivia Toth, executive director of the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, about the growing opportunities for tourism across Ohio and right here in Knox County.
Click HERE for the complete conversation!
Toth highlighted the Ohio Golf Trail, which showcases public golf courses across the state and encourages travelers to experience the diverse landscapes Ohio has to offer. She explained that many people picture Ohio as nothing more than flat farmland, but the state offers much more — including rolling hills, forests, scenic countryside, and unique small-town experiences.
She also discussed how different communities throughout Knox County offer completely different tourism experiences. Areas like Centerburg and Howard provide distinct settings for golf outings, weekend trips, and outdoor recreation, making Knox County an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway.
Toth emphasized that tourism does not always mean traveling far from home. She encouraged local residents to become “tourists in their own town” by exploring attractions, restaurants, trails, and experiences they may not have considered before. She said affordability and accessibility make local tourism especially appealing for families and residents looking for something new close to home.
Another featured attraction was the Knox County Coffee Trail, which includes eight coffee stops throughout the county. Many of the locations are accessible from the Heart of Ohio Trail, creating an opportunity for visitors to bike between destinations while experiencing local coffee shops and small businesses along the way.
Toth also highlighted several summer events coming to Knox County, encouraging both residents and visitors to take advantage of the many outdoor activities, festivals, and attractions happening throughout the season.
Click HERE for the Ohio Golf Guide!
Click HERE for the Knox County CVB!
Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts celebrated their Moms! They shared why they appreciate Mom and how she has influenced their lives.
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Eric and NEW hosts Ethan Hershberger and Daniel Russell.
Grief has a way of changing everything—and for many families in our community, it’s a reality they’re learning to live with each day. In the middle of that journey, a group called Common Ground is offering something simple but powerful: a place to come together, share, and be reminded that no one has to walk through loss alone.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently sat down with Kathy Wantland, Kathleen Swanger, and Wendi Lahmon—three women who know that journey firsthand and are now helping others navigate it together.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Common Ground is a support group that meets the second Tuesday of every month, focused on those grieving the loss of loved ones—especially parents who have lost children. The group began last year after Kathy Wantland lost her son. In the midst of her own grief, she felt a calling to create a space where others could come together, share, and simply not feel alone.
Kathleen Swanger, a licensed social worker with a background in hospice care, helped shape that vision. Having walked through the loss of her own son, Kevin, nearly 5 years ago, she understood the importance of connection. She shared that one of the biggest needs in grief is knowing that someone else understands—because every story is different, but the pain is something many share.
Wendi Lahmon echoed that sentiment. After losing both her husband, Tim, and her son Ryan, she says the support she’s found has been essential. She shared Ryan’s story—how he pushed through life after a devastating construction accident left him paralyzed, how he rebuilt his life in Florida, and how unexpectedly, a pulmonary embolism took him far too soon. Wendi was there through those final moments, and she says the days that followed were filled with both heartbreak and incredible support from others.
That’s what Common Ground is all about.
It’s a place where people can come as they are—where it’s okay to cry, okay to be vulnerable, and okay to not have all the answers. The group emphasizes confidentiality and compassion. There’s no pressure to speak—just the opportunity to listen, to share, and to be surrounded by people who truly understand.
Faith has also played a role for many in the group. Kathleen shared how prayer and reading the Psalms helped carry her through the darkest days, reminding her that even in loss, there is still purpose. Wendi admitted there were moments of anger in her grief—but even in those moments, she found that God never left her.
The support doesn’t stop at the monthly meetings. Kathy also offers additional connection opportunities, including a summer restaurant gathering (currently on break) and personal conversations for anyone who needs to talk. She emphasizes that grief can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.
The next Common Ground meeting is set for May 12th at 6 p.m. at Newlife Community Church, located at 9955 Mount Gilead Road in Fredericktown. There’s no sign-up required—just show up.
Beyond the group, these women are also helping bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. A 5K/10K run is planned for September 12th at 5 p.m. at Ariel Park, followed by a memorial to honor lives lost and remind others that help is available. They’re also involved in community outreach events like First Fridays and the Rod Masters Car Show, where proceeds go toward suicide awareness efforts.
At its heart, Common Ground is exactly what the name suggests—a place where people can meet in the middle of their grief, find connection, and begin to heal together.
Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can hear is this: you’re not alone.
Click HERE on how you can find out more through the New Life Community Church in Fredericktown.
There’s something meaningful about watching a vision grow, especially when it carries across generations. That’s the story of WNZR through Jim McMillan and his son, Jayme.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Jim McMillan, now principal at Grove City Christian, has spent nearly 29 years in education. But his connection to media goes back much further. As a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Class of 1983), he helped build WNZR from the ground up.
In the early days, the “station” was a cleared-out 4×8 closet with a turntable, a microphone, and a four-channel board. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get started. What mattered more was the energy around it. Students believed in what it could become.
During his sophomore year, Jim went through the application process to formally join the station. It meant research, preparation, and commitment. A turning point came during a weekend trip to the NRB Convention in Minnesota with Professor Dr. Smith. Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like just a project and started to feel like a calling.
Jim eventually served as production director and later station manager while WNZR was still taking shape. As construction on a real studio began, the anticipation across campus grew. Students broadcast over the breezeway so others could listen in passing. By his senior year, they were calling play-by-play for sports. It felt real.
At the time, WNZR operated on a limited carrier current system, but the goal was always to become a full FM station. Being there at the beginning made it even more meaningful to see that vision come to life.
Years later, that story continued with his son.
Jayme McMillan, Class of 2012, grew up hearing about WNZR, but living it was different. By the time he arrived, the station had grown, but it was still evolving. Sports broadcasting was central, and much of the work was hands-on. Running cables, setting up equipment, figuring things out as you went.
Video production started gaining traction during his later years, helping shift WNZR into something broader than radio. The station expanded its FM reach, and while online streaming existed, it was still finding its place. Even so, there was a clear sense of momentum. Leadership’s excitement, especially from Marcy, carried through the entire team.
One major step forward was “Big Blue,” the mobile broadcast unit. Before that, students packed gear into cars and vans for every event. Big Blue gave WNZR a visible presence and made the operation feel more established.
Some of the most memorable moments, though, were personal.
During Jayme’s freshman year, station leaders trusted two freshmen to keep things running while they were away. When the other student couldn’t make it, Jayme stepped in and ended up hosting an afternoon drive show with his dad. At the time, it was about handling responsibility. Looking back, it was something more.
For Jim, it was nerve-wracking. Even with experience, he didn’t want to let anyone down, especially Jayme. But it also gave him something he never had as a student, the chance to be on air, and to share it with his son.
Moments like that reflect what WNZR has always been about. It’s grown into radio, TV, and live streaming, but at its core, it’s about people and shared purpose.
There’s even a bit of friendly competition in the story. Jayme was named employee of the year twice. Jim earned it once. Jim jokes that someone had to build the foundation first. From a small student-built studio to a full media operation, the difference is hard to miss.
Through all that growth, one thing hasn’t changed.
Both Jim and Jayme point to the role faith has played in WNZR’s journey. Built in a small market with limited resources, the station has grown beyond what anyone expected, supported by both campus and community.
Jayme hopes that support continues, along with prayers for the station’s future. As technology changes, he wants WNZR to keep growing while staying true to its mission of serving and uplifting others.
Looking back, Jim doesn’t remember doubt in those early days. What stands out is the excitement. The belief that something meaningful was being built.
Decades later, that belief still holds.
Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!
