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!
She discusses her job and what she does. They provide a wide range of support people and families dealing with disabilities; they want to make them all feel included in the community. They want to focus on how connection can’t be done in isolation.
Brittany highlights their award lunch-in with different panelists who focused on what they discussed and how they brought out all that their department wants to do. She talks about the spotlight award and how it recognizes people building independence in their own lives and in the community. She discusses the community partner award and she highlight the winner and how they decide the winner.
She talks about the employer of the year award and how they help those with disabilities. She talks about the heart of support award. Lastly, she talks about the lasting legacy award.
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:
Journaling teaches you how to converse with God.
Journaling helps you maintain focus during your Bible reading.
Journaling teaches you to be a person of gratitude.
Journaling makes you more aware of answered prayer.
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
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.
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!
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
For our Friday Favorites this week, we are celebrating the 50th Annual Utica Ice Cream Festival. The hosts shared their favorite ways to enjoy ice cream.
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Eric, Olivia, Daniel and Ethan OR click on the link below.
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
Rise and Shine 