Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some great ways to have fun with your family for the rest of this summer! Summer is a fantastic time to make memories with your kids and chances are these are the memories that your kids will remember for a long time to come.
All of these are sure fire ways to spend quality time together!
To see the list click HERE!
On The Morning Thing on WNZR Tuesday, co-host Eric Brown shared a series of uplifting, encouraging, and downright cool stories as part of our Good News Tuesday.
Throughout the morning, we brought you heartwarming and positive news stories designed to brighten your day and lift your spirits.
Sharing good news helps balance the often overwhelming stream of negative headlines, offering hope and reminding us that there is still kindness, progress, and joy in the world. It can inspire positive action, improve mental well-being, and foster a sense of community and resilience.
We featured a variety of these inspiring stories all morning long to bring encouragement and a smile to your face:
🧠 Wisdom Teeth and Stem Cells – Who Knew?
Turns out those pesky wisdom teeth we all dread might be way more useful than we thought. Researchers in Spain have discovered that the soft center inside wisdom teeth—called dental pulp—contains powerful stem cells that could one day help heal bones, hearts, and even brain tissue. These cells can actually turn into neuron-like cells that show electrical activity, similar to real brain cells. Scientists are even testing them in mice with heart issues, and early results look promising. And the best part? Since over 10 million wisdom teeth are pulled each year, collecting them could be as easy as tossing them in a vial and sending them off to a lab. So before you toss yours in the trash, you might want to think twice—they could be your body’s future backup plan.
🎓 Small Town, Big Scholarships
In Swanville, Minnesota—a tiny town of just 328 people—graduation means more than just a diploma. Every single year for the past 30 years, the whole town has chipped in to raise money for scholarships for its seniors. Think chili cookoffs, bingo nights, bake sales—you name it. What started as a $166 gift back in the day just hit new heights: This year, one lucky grad walked away with $5,000. That’s a whole semester of college, right there. It’s more than just money—it’s about making sure their kids know they’re supported, wherever life takes them. In Swanville, it’s clear: once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.
🥾 Detention? Let’s Take a Hike
At Morse High School in Maine, detention looks a little different. Forget sitting in a classroom staring at the wall—here, misbehaving students can choose “hiking detention.” That’s right. If you skip class or mouth off to a teacher, you might find yourself lacing up your boots and heading into the woods. School counselor Leslie Trundy came up with the idea after an outdoor ed conference, and now it’s a hit. Students say the walking clears their heads and helps them think straight. Not everyone’s sold—some parents think it’s too soft—but the kids are showing up, breathing fresh air, and maybe even learning a thing or two. Sounds like a win.
Click HERE for more POSITIVE stories from the Good News Network!
Today for our Friday Favorites, we are celebrating Independence Day. The Morning Thing Hosts share their favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.
Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.
Tomorrow is Independence Day! Are you looking for something to take to your picnic? Or family reunion?
The Morning Thing crew found 6 easy and festive recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July. These are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of summer flavor! Check them out!
If you try one of these recipes, let us know what your family thinks and share their reviews. Email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu Also, send us a picture! 🙂
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.
🌭 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!
🥔 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.
🍔 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.
🍉 5. Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.
🍰 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
The Morning Thing is here to help!
Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!
🎆 Outdoor Activities
🎨 Creative Fun
🍓 Food-Focused Fun
🧠 Quiet or Indoor Options
🏃♂️ Get Moving
Want to know WHERE and WHEN to see fireworks this year?
Thanks to Knox Pages for this very informative list of Fireworks Displays and events happening around the Knox County Area! Click HERE to see their list of events for the 4th of July Weekend.
For our Friday Favorites, we are celebrating Dream Big Day! The Morning Thing Hosts share a dream from their childhood – what they wanted to be when they grew up!
Click HERE (or below) to hear from Marcy, Xander and Eric.
We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!
To learn more about the event, click HERE!
We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!
To learn more about the festival, click HERE!
Are you ready to have fun and make memories with your family and friends? Today, The Morning Thing celebrated National Zoo and Aquarium Month by sharing a list of destinations throughout Ohio.
Check out this list! Follow the links and you can start planning your trip. We would love to have you send us a picture – wnzr@mvnu.edu
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell, near Columbus)
🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
🌍 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium
🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
🐧 Akron Zoo (Akron)
🐆 The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)
🗺️ Bonus Spot: African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Location | Highlights for Families |
| Columbus Zoo & Aquarium | Coasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Historic grounds, endangered species, hands‑on demos |
| Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | Rainforest, African Savanna, immersive exhibits |
| Greater Cleveland Aquarium | Touch-pools, shark tube, diver shows |
| Toledo Zoo & Aquarium | Massive reef tanks, dive shows, evening events |
| Akron Zoo | Compact, educational programs, junior keeper |
| The Wilds | Safari adventure + outdoor activities |
| African Safari Park | Drive-through safari, petting train, exotic animals |
✅ Family Day Tips
Special Events on the Summer 2025 Calendar:
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell)
🕒 Hours & Tickets
🎟️ Online Perks & Passes
🎉 June Events
🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
Rick Springfield Concert: June 29 – ticket via Live Nation, sold separately toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1
Twilight Evenings: Wed & Thu, May 28–Aug 28; half‑price admission 4–8 PM, closes 9 PM toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1
Weekly Evening Events: Garden tours, trivia, member mornings, family safaris, etc. See calendar details toledozoo.org
Zen at the Zoo (Yoga + Keeper Talk): June 21 toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2
Rise and Shine 