What are you making for the 4th of July?

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! ๐Ÿ™‚

Have a wonderful 4th of July!

1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers

Ingredients:

  • Strawberries (halved)
  • Blueberries
  • Marshmallows (or banana slices)
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.


๐ŸŒญ 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar

Ingredients:

  • Hot dogs & buns
  • Assorted toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, chili

Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!


๐Ÿฅ” 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs baby red potatoes (boiled & quartered)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.


๐Ÿ” 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients:

  • Slider buns
  • Ground beef patties (small)
  • Cheese slices
  • Pickles, ketchup, mustard

Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.


๐Ÿ‰ 5. Watermelon Feta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.


๐Ÿฐ 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 box graham crackers
  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup blueberries

Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Are you ready for some Family Fun this 4th of July?

The Morning Thing is here to help!

Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!

๐ŸŽ† Outdoor Activities

  1. Watch a Fireworks Show โ€“ Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
  2. Backyard BBQ or Picnic โ€“ Grill out classic American favorites.
  3. Decorate Bikes for a Parade โ€“ Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
  4. Play Lawn Games โ€“ Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
  5. Go to a Local Festival โ€“ Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
  6. Camp Out in the Backyard โ€“ Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy sโ€™mores.
  7. Host a Water Day โ€“ Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Fun

  1. DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye โ€“ Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
  2. Patriotic Face Painting โ€“ Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
  3. Make 4th of July Crafts โ€“ Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
  4. Decorate the Yard or House โ€“ Let the kids help with flags and streamers.

๐Ÿ“ Food-Focused Fun

  1. Bake Patriotic Treats โ€“ Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
  2. Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar โ€“ Let everyone build their own.
  3. Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones โ€“ Perfect for hot weather.

๐Ÿง  Quiet or Indoor Options

  1. Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie โ€“ Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Libertyโ€™s Kids for younger viewers.
  2. Read Books About America โ€“ Great for young kids to learn about history.
  3. Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along โ€“ Teach classic American songs.

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ Get Moving

  1. Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride โ€“ Explore a park or trail.
  2. Join a Fun Run or Parade โ€“ Many towns host family-friendly events.
  3. Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme โ€“ Use household or nature items.

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.

Happy Social Media Day!

Today, 6/30/25, is Social Media Day.
We want to celebrate by sharing some positive messages found on social media sites.
We hope that these words encourage you on this Monday.

๐ŸŒŸ 10 Encouraging Messages ๐ŸŒŸ
Found on Social Media โ€“ Shared to Inspire Your Day

  1. Youโ€™re doing better than you think.
    Keep goingโ€”one step at a time.
  2. Godโ€™s timing is always perfect.
    Trust the process and stay faithful.
  3. You are not alone.
    You are loved, valued, and created with a purpose.
  4. Progress is still progress.
    No matter how small. Donโ€™t give up!
  5. Youโ€™ve made it through tough days before.
    Youโ€™ll make it through this one too.
  6. Speak life. Be kind. Shine bright.
    The world needs your light today.
  7. Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
    Keep believing!
  8. Take a deep breath.
    God is still in control.
  9. You were made for more.
    Donโ€™t settle. Donโ€™t stop dreaming.
  10. Itโ€™s okay to rest.
    You donโ€™t have to carry everything on your own.

You can follow WNZR on these social media sites:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WNZR.FM
X – https://x.com/WNZR_FM
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wnzr_90.9fm/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@WNZR90.9FM
Website – https://www.wnzr.fm/
The Morning Thing Blog – https://themorningthing.com/
The Afternoon Drive Blog – https://wnzrdrive.com/

The Knox County Career Center and Ellis Brothers celebrate an exciting partnership

Friday, 6/27/25, was a special day at the Knox County Career Center. Ellis Brothers made a special presentation of a partnership with KCCC and the Building Trades Program. (See the pictures below)

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to talk with Jordan and John Ellis about this valuable partnership in training, financial support and hiring employees to serve the community.
Marcy also talked with several KCCC graduates – Catherine Colopy, Class of 2022. She talks about her great experience with Ellis Brothers and how this partnership helped pave her career path.
We also talked with 2025 graduates: Blake Green and Aiden Kennedy about their experience in the program. They are both now working for Ellis Brothers.
Kathy Greenich, Knox County Career Center Superintendent shared her thoughts and excitement about this special partnership.

Click HERE to hear the conversations.

The KCCC logo is part of a special design featured on an Ellis Brothers cement truck. The design reflects the companyโ€™s investment to the future and their pride in partnerships in the community.
The company also made a $2,000 donation to the Building Trades Student Activity Account. This donation will contribute to program needs, including drug free programming and job related needs for students, including boots, tools, and more.
Ellis Brothers will also donate 50 cents per yard for every concrete job done by this special truck. These donations will help purchase tools for the Building Trades Program.

June 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/27/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • The announcement about a move for the city of Mount Vernon offices.
    • Mayor Starr talks about the COTC facilities (COTC) and how they are moving City Hall and Courthouse down to 236 South Main Street.
    • Transition of the current city hall into the Justice Center
    • The savings this move brings to the City.
  • Construction Updates
    • Fairgrounds Road
    • Old Mansfield Roads
    • Dan Emmett Elementary School Area
    • Taylor Road
    • City Salt Barn
    • State Route 13
  • Special events for the upcoming holiday
    • July First Friday
    • Independence Day Festival at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Mayor Starr talks about testifying in front of state lawmakers.
    • Discussion on House Bill 92 and Senate Bill 118
    • House Bill 113
    • Senate Bill 104
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
    • Mayor Starr has signed a contract for the design of the new police station.
    • The plan is to break ground in 2026.
    • Stats for the month of May and the success of their community advocates.ย 
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • $4000 grant from the local Elks Club to be used to purchase new equipment.
    • Recent stats showing over 500 calls this month.
    • Update on Morris B Township fire services contract with the City.
  • Goals for July 2025
  • Events happening in July 2025

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website โ€“ย https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook โ€“ The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • X โ€“ CityMV1805
  • YouTube โ€“ The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn โ€“ City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Mayorโ€™s Podcast on Spotify โ€“ Chat with Mayor Matt

You are loved by God!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some great bible verses to show you that God loves you! The God who created the universe, the most powerful being ever, loves you personally. Try to wrap your mind around that. He loves youย โ€” not just people in general, but you as a person.

The Bible is a compilation of the words God gave so that people could know more about Him. These verses from the Bible are reminders of Godโ€™s wonderful, extravagant, amazing, unstoppable and unconditional love.

The verses we shared today:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

  • Can you imagine being loved like this? It would change your life. The truth is this is an accurate description of Godโ€™s love for you.
  • Though this passage is often read at weddings, humans cannot love perfectly as God does. But it makes sense that people strive to have their love for one another reflect these qualities.
  • Everyone needs that type of love, but if you expect it from another person, you will be let down. God is the only one who can love you perfectly. And when you have a relationship with God and experience His love, it empowers you to love others the way God loves you.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. (1 John 4:18)

  • When you understand that God loves you no matter what, you no longer need to be afraid of your failings causing Him to love you less. If you could only truly know the depth of Godโ€™s love, you would have nothing to fear.
  • God already knows about the wrong things youโ€™ve done as well as any you will do. He still chose to love you.

And may you have the power to understand, as all Godโ€™s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:18-19)

  • Godโ€™s love is so great that we, as mere humans, cannot fully understand it. Humansโ€™ love for one another often depends at least partly on the behavior of the person being loved. Godโ€™s love for us does not.
  • Do you long to be known and loved for who you are? God is the only one who can truly do that.

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O LORD; You surround them with Your shield of love. (Psalm 5:11-12)

  • Godโ€™s love is so much more than the warm fuzzy feeling often associated with the word love. His love is a powerful force, protecting and comforting us. Being in Godโ€™s love is a position of not just joy but also safety.
  • When you run to God for protection, He surrounds you with His shield of love. Think about that image for a while. Experience the security you have because Godโ€™s love surrounds you. Let His love flood your mind with a sense of peace and comfort.

We will be sharing more of these over the next couple weeks.

To see more verses about God’s love, click HERE!

National Day of Joy!

We celebrated National Day of Joy today on The Morning Thing! Not only did we share about what it is and the history of it, but we also dove into scripture and explored what the bible say about joy. Use this to be joyful today and everyday!

This day has a fun story behind it! To learn more about what it is, click HERE!

To see what the Bible says about joy, click HERE!

Are you taking care of yourself?

On The Morning Thing today, we highlighted self-care! We shared some great insights from Focus On The Family about what self care actually is. Then we jumped into some tips on how to uphold your self-care from the Positivity Blog! They are both great reads that are sure to help you wind down this summer!

To learn more about self care, click HERE!

If you want to see the tips, click HERE!

Easy vegetable recipes to eat healthier!

Today on The Morning Thing, we honored National Eat Your Vegetables Day! We shared shared a lot of information on the day and how to celebrate it. As well as many fantastic vegetable centric recipes for you to use! These recipes are easy, quick, tasty, and you can customize them any way you like.

Here are our recipes:

Rainbow Veggie Wraps 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • Whole wheat tortillasย 
  • Hummus or cream cheeseย 
  • Shredded carrotsย 
  • Sliced cucumbersย 
  • Baby spinachย 
  • Red bell pepper stripsย 
  • Purple cabbage, shreddedย 
  • Directions:ย 

Spread hummus or cream cheese on a tortilla. Layer the veggies in rainbow order. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels if desired. 

Cheesy Broccoli Bites 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • 2 cups steamed, chopped broccoliย 
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseย 
  • ยฝ cup breadcrumbsย 
  • 1 eggย 
  • Salt and pepper to tasteย 
  • Directions:ย 

Mix all ingredients and form into small balls or patties. Bake at 375ยฐF for 20 minutes or until golden brown. 

Stuffed Bell Peppers 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removedย 
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or riceย 
  • 1 can black beans, rinsedย 
  • 1 cup cornย 
  • 1 cup diced tomatoesย 
  • 1 tsp cuminย 
  • Shredded cheese (optional)ย 
  • Directions:ย 

Mix filling ingredients, stuff peppers, and bake at 375ยฐF for 30โ€“35 minutes. Top with cheese for the last 5 minutes if desired. 

Crispy Zucchini Fries 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • 2 zucchinis, cut into friesย 
  • 1 egg, beatenย 
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)ย 
  • ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheeseย 
  • Italian seasoningย 
  • Directions:ย 

Dip zucchini in egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 400ยฐF for 20โ€“25 minutes until crispy. 

Summer Corn & Tomato Salad 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • 2 cups fresh corn (cut from cob or thawed frozen)ย 
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halvedย 
  • ยผ cup chopped red onionย 
  • Fresh basil, choppedย 
  • Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt & pepperย 
  • Directions:ย 

Toss everything together and chill before serving. 

Ratatouille Skillet 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • 1 eggplant, dicedย 
  • 1 zucchini, slicedย 
  • 1 red bell pepper, choppedย 
  • 1 yellow squash, slicedย 
  • 1 can crushed tomatoesย 
  • Garlic and Italian herbsย 
  • Directions:ย 

Sautรฉ all veggies until soft, then stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 10โ€“15 minutes. Serve with crusty bread. 

Garden Veggie Pasta Salad 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • 2 cups cooked pastaย 
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoesย 
  • ยฝ cup cucumbersย 
  • ยฝ cup red onionย 
  • ยฝ cup broccoli floretsย 
  • Italian dressingย 
  • Directions:ย 

Toss cooked pasta with chopped veggies and dressing. Chill and serve. 

Veggie Tacos 

  • Ingredients:ย 
  • Corn or flour tortillasย 
  • Sautรฉed bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushroomsย 
  • Avocado slicesย 
  • Salsa or hot sauceย 
  • Directions:ย 

Warm tortillas, fill with sautรฉed veggies and toppings. Add lime juice or cheese if desired. 

Some fun ways to Celebrate!

๐Ÿฅฆ National Eat Your Vegetables Day โ€“ 20 Fun Ways to Celebrate!

Celebrate June 17th with healthy, tasty fun!

๐Ÿฅ• Fun & Tasty Celebrations

ยท โ€ข Veggie Taste Test Challenge โ€“ Try a new vegetable or compare raw vs. cooked.

ยท โ€ข Build-Your-Own Salad Bar โ€“ Offer a variety of greens, toppings, and dressings.

ยท โ€ข Make Veggie-Based Snacks โ€“ Try carrot fries, cucumber boats, or zucchini chips.

ยท โ€ข Go Meatless for a Meal โ€“ Choose one meal to go fully plant-based.

ยท โ€ข Juice or Smoothie Station โ€“ Blend up colorful veggie smoothies.

ยท โ€ข Cook a Rainbow โ€“ Make a dish using veggies of every color.

ยท โ€ข Veggie Potluck โ€“ Invite friends or coworkers to share veggie dishes.

๐ŸŽจ Creative & Educational Activities

ยท โ€ข Veggie Art or Carving โ€“ Make funny faces or sculptures using vegetables.

ยท โ€ข โ€œName That Veggieโ€ Game โ€“ Blindfold taste tests or silhouette guessing.

ยท โ€ข Visit or Plant a Garden โ€“ Explore where veggies come from or plant seeds together.

ยท โ€ข Veggie Storytime โ€“ Read books like ‘Eating the Alphabet’ or ‘Rah, Rah, Radishes!’

ยท โ€ข Veggie Bingo โ€“ Create a card with different veggies to encourage variety.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Social & Community Engagement

ยท โ€ข Share a Veggie Recipe Online โ€“ Post your favorite veggie dish on social media.

ยท โ€ข Host a Cooking Demo โ€“ Teach others how to cook a veggie meal (live or virtual).

ยท โ€ข Visit a Farmerโ€™s Market โ€“ Buy and try local, seasonal vegetables.

ยท โ€ข Volunteer โ€“ Help at a food pantry or community garden.

๐Ÿ† Healthy Competitions & Challenges

ยท โ€ข โ€œMost Veggies in a Dayโ€ Contest โ€“ Track how many servings you eat.

ยท โ€ข Veggie Selfie Challenge โ€“ Snap a pic with your veggie plate and tag friends.

ยท โ€ข Veggie Tracker โ€“ Compete to try the most different veggies during the week.

ยท โ€ข Prizes & Stickers โ€“ Reward yourself or kids with veggie-themed goodies.

Eat smart. Have fun. Share the love of veggies!

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