Category: Inspirational

Mayor Matt Starr Highlights Housing, Road Work, and New Police HQ on WNZR’s May Spotlight on Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon continues to see growth across nearly every corner of the city, and Mayor Matt Starr says that momentum is showing no signs of slowing down.

During the May Spotlight on Mount Vernon with WNZR’s Eric Brown, Starr shared updates on several housing, infrastructure, beautification, and public safety projects currently underway throughout the city.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

One of the biggest topics remains housing development. Starr says projects like Liberty Crossing along State Route 13 and continued expansion at The Retreat on the east side are already attracting new residents from across the country. Many of those families are relocating for jobs with major local employers including Kenyon College, Kokosing Construction, MVNU, and Knox Community Hospital.

The city is also looking ahead to future development opportunities with projects like Founders Grove and Arista Villas. At the same time, Starr says smaller housing investments are happening throughout Mount Vernon thanks to zoning updates aimed at encouraging infill development and additional housing options.

Road and infrastructure improvements are also a major focus this year. Starr highlighted ongoing work on North Main Street, Mulberry Street, and Sandusky Street, along with improvements near the former middle school site along West Burgess and West Hamtramck streets.

In the coming months, demolition work is expected to begin along South Sandusky Street as part of the future State Route 13 corridor project. Several streets are also being considered for resurfacing this year, including Mansfield Avenue, Nash Street, West Vine Street, Upper Gilchrist Road, Yager Road, and Eastwood Drive.

Beautification efforts continue across the city as well. Starr says Mount Vernon’s Shade Tree and Beautification Commission plans to plant 400 trees this year. Code enforcement crews also remain active addressing mowing violations, unsafe structures, and property maintenance concerns.

According to Starr, many of those situations are resolved with a simple phone call or letter. He also praised volunteers and church groups who continue helping elderly residents maintain their properties.

The mayor also discussed a new partnership involving Knox County’s electric and natural gas aggregation program. Mount Vernon is now working alongside the Knox County Commissioners and neighboring communities to negotiate better utility rates for residents. Starr says bringing more customers into the program creates stronger negotiating power and could ultimately help families save money on monthly bills.

Several recent actions by Mount Vernon City Council were also highlighted during the interview. Council approved applying for a Small Cities Grant that could help expand the city’s street resurfacing program. Officials are also partnering with the Knox County Land Bank on improvements near Heartland Commerce Park along North Norton Street.

Starr additionally shared details on O’Reilly Auto Parts’ planned expansion along Coshocton Avenue, which will include additional entrances and expanded inventory space.

One of the largest projects discussed during the spotlight was the city’s new police headquarters.

Starr says Mount Vernon has officially completed financing paperwork for the new police station project, marking a major milestone for one of the largest public safety investments in city history. He noted the current station has long outgrown its space and no longer meets the needs of a modern police department.

The new police HQ will include updated technology, improved security systems, expanded evidence storage, modern training areas, and additional workspace for officers and staff. Starr says the facility is designed not only to meet current needs, but also to support Mount Vernon well into the future as the city continues to grow.

Groundbreaking could begin later this summer, with construction expected to continue into 2028. Starr says city leaders, architects, and department officials have spent years carefully planning the project to ensure it remains functional while also being financially responsible for taxpayers.

The mayor also shared updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department, including the promotion of Nate Hines to assistant fire chief and the arrival of a new medic unit after a nearly three-year wait.

Looking ahead to summer, Starr previewed several upcoming events and projects, including renovations at the future municipal center on South Main Street and continued planning work at 40 Public Square.

He also encouraged residents to participate in community events like First Fridays, Movies in the Park at Ariel-Foundation Park, and the return of the Front Porch Concert Series on East High Street. City officials will also host a booth during First Fridays where residents can ask questions about road construction, development projects, and the new police headquarters.

As construction season ramps up across Mount Vernon, Starr asked residents for patience and continued prayers for city leaders, workers, and the community.

He says the city remains committed to communication, transparency, and serving residents well during this period of significant growth and investment.

Click HERE to find out more about the City of Mount Vernon!

0

WNZR shares a special conversation about Memorial Day with Kevin Henthorn, Executive Director of Knox County Veterans Services

Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen service members, prisoners of war, those missing in action, and veterans who have passed away. Kevin Henthorn, Executive Director of Knox County Veterans Services joined The Morning Thing to talk about the importance of this special holiday.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link/picture below.

He also highlighted the services that his office provides to veterans and their families in Knox County.

Kevin shared the plans for Mount Vernon’s Memorial Day Parade and the special Service of Remembrance happening after the parade at the Knox Memorial Building.

You can reach the Knox County Veterans Services Office at 740-393-6742 or visit them at 105 East Chestnut Street in Mount Vernon. Their website is http://www.ksvo.com

0

Josh Callahan Foley Shares Alexander T. Wolf’s Side of the Story!

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Josh Callahan Foley, who plays Alexander T. Wolf in Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.

Click HERE to hear the full story!

Josh says theater has been part of his life for years through both school and community productions in Mount Vernon. Along with his stage experience, he also studied film in college and now works professionally as a photographer and videographer while continuing to stay active in local theater.

Taking on the role of the Wolf has come with some unique challenges. Josh says one of the biggest adjustments has been the amount of narration throughout the show, since much of the production involves directly telling the story to the audience. To help shape the character, he says he approached the Wolf as a charming southern gentleman who audiences can connect with — even while hearing “his side” of the famous story.

Josh says storytelling is what continues to fuel his passion for both theater and film. He believes live theater creates a special experience because audiences get to watch real people tell stories right in front of them in a way that feels personal and immediate.

He also encourages others to get involved in theater, saying every production comes with awkward moments and challenges, but the friendships, teamwork, and sense of community make it worthwhile.

Josh says audiences should come see The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs because it offers a funny and creative twist on the classic fairy tale while showcasing performers of all ages sharing their talents on stage.

Performances will take place: Thursday, May 21st, and Friday May 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are 10 dollars. 

Click HERE to learn more about the Orange Barrel Production Company!

Screenshot
0

WNZR joins local law enforcement to support the Click It or Ticket Initiative

WNZR went “On The Road with Big Blue” to the Mount Vernon Farmer’s Market to talk about the 2026 Click It or Ticket Campaign. This is a safety initiative to educate the public about the importance of seat belt safety.
We talked with representatives from local law enforcement:

  • Deputy Tom Queen from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office
  • Trooper Jared Myers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol
  • Officer Jackie Nauman from the Mount Vernon Police Department
  • Community Risk Reduction and Inspector Ross Wind from the Mount Vernon Fire Department

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

They shared some eye-opening stats on seat belt usage and how important it is to buckle up. We also talked about the importance of seat belts in all scenarios including summer travel, nighttime driving, and with teen drivers. They shared common misconceptions of seat belt usage including the interaction with air bags, proper child restraints and booster seats, and the importance for back seat passengers to buckle up.

One of the safest choices YOU can make is to buckle up!
Buckle up all the time – for short trips and long trips, and in every seating position.
For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/SeatBelts

0

Allison Burak Finds a Full-Circle Family Moment in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is bringing together familiar fairy tale characters, plenty of laughs, and for one cast member, a full-circle family moment.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Allison Burak, who plays Snow White’s evil stepmother in the upcoming production. Allison says the show is especially meaningful for her family because her older children were involved in the original production 10 years ago. Now, she is sharing the stage with her youngest daughter, Lainey.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Although this is Allison’s first major theater production, she says stepping into the role of the evil stepmother has been a fun challenge. The character is dramatic, humorous, and far different from her real-life personality. To prepare, Allison says she spent time researching classic portrayals of Snow White’s stepmother and watching different performances for inspiration.

Some of her favorite moments in the show happen during the jail scenes, where several well-known fairy tale villains interact with each other — and with the Wolf — creating plenty of entertaining moments for the audience.

Allison says much of her previous acting experience came through church skits and reading stories to her children while they were growing up. Looking back, she says those experiences helped her learn how to bring characters to life and express emotion through storytelling.

She also credits Orange Barrel Production Company director Michelle Banko for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and try theater for the first time. Allison says the experience has helped her grow creatively while building friendships with the cast and crew.

One of the highlights for Allison has been sharing the experience with her daughter while becoming part of the close-knit teamwork that develops during rehearsals. She says audiences may not even recognize her once she appears on stage in full costume, featuring dramatic makeup, a flowing robe, crown, and magic mirror inspired by the classic evil queen look.

As a first-time theater performer, Allison encourages others not to be afraid to try acting, even if they feel nervous. She says theater helps build confidence, creativity, friendships, and a sense of community.

She also encourages the community to come out and support the production, saying live theater creates a family-friendly experience that is energetic, unique, and a great opportunity to support young people who are using their talents and creativity in positive ways.

Performances will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10.

Click HERE to find out more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

0

Joy Kanagy Takes on the Role of Judge Judy in “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs”.

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Joy Kanagy who plays the part of Judge Judy in the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs which is the latest installment of the Orange Barrel Production Company.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Joy, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Inspirations Academy, says her character helps decide the outcome of the Wolf’s case based on how the jury votes during the courtroom scenes. Joy says she has been preparing for the role by practicing her lines and working on her delivery. While she enjoys the whole character, she admits her favorite part is getting to bang the judge’s gavel during the show. She also says the courtroom scene is one of her favorite moments in the production.

Joy talks about playing the part of Judge Judy in the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs which is the latest installment of the Orange Barrel Production Company.

Joy has previously appeared in Orange Barrel Production Company’s A Little Princess along with several church productions. While she currently sees acting as more of a hobby, she says theater has been a lot of fun and a great experience.

Joy says one of her favorite parts of being involved with this cast has been getting to know the other actors and spending time together during rehearsals. She also encourages other kids to give theater a try, even if it feels a little scary at first.

Joy says the community should come out and support The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs because the cast has worked hard and the show is funny and family friendly.

Performances of the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are 10 dollars. For more information, visit Ohio Drama-dot-com or call 740-504-8847.

Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

0

Bringing Emotion and Humanity to the Stage: Gabrielle Fuller Talks Mayella Ewell

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Gabrielle Fuller, who plays Mayella Ewell in MTVArts’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Gabrielle has been involved with theater through MTVArts since 2016 and says auditioning for this show was an easy decision because she has always loved the story of To Kill a Mockingbird. In this production, she takes on the role of Mayella Ewell, a character she describes as emotional, isolated, and deeply shaped by fear and poverty.

To prepare for the role, Gabrielle says she’s spent time focusing on Mayella’s body language, emotions, and motivations throughout the story. She says one of the most powerful moments in the show is Atticus Finch’s closing speech to the jury, which continues to stand out to her during rehearsals.

Outside of this production, Gabrielle has recently appeared in shows including 9 to 5, The Little Mermaid Jr., and MTVArts’ Night of One Acts. She says theater has become an important creative outlet and something she genuinely loves, whether it’s acting, singing, or dancing.

Gabrielle also encourages others to give theater a try, saying there’s a place for everyone, whether on stage or working behind the scenes. She believes audiences will connect with To Kill a Mockingbird because its themes of empathy, justice, and courage still resonate today.

Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Click HERE for ticket information!

0

The Morning Thing Friday Favorites celebrate our WNZR Seniors!

For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts share their favorite memories with our Seniors in the MVNU Class of 2026. Congratulations to Abby Almodovar, Zane Menzie, Isaiah Clark, Kai Mays, EJ Temple, Jackson Bush, Kara Jenkins, Naomi Kinne and Traven Griffith!

Click HERE to hear our memories or click on the picture below.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑