The Knox County Regional Airport is opening its doors to the community in a new way with the dedication of the Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center Saturday, June 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Mark Fritz of the Knox County Airport Authority about the new 10,000-square-foot facility and the opportunities it will create for both aviation and the community.
While the building will serve as an aircraft hangar on a day-to-day basis, Fritz says the larger vision extends far beyond aviation. The facility includes four classrooms and meeting spaces designed to support educational programs, leadership development, and community use.
Fritz says the Aviation Education Center will be available for organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, local schools, Boy Scouts, and other community groups. The goal is to create a welcoming space where people can learn, connect, and explore opportunities in aviation and beyond.
The project reflects the continued growth of the airport, which Fritz says is currently operating at full capacity. He notes that the airport plays an important role in Knox County’s transportation network by supporting medical flights, business travel, and providing access for companies and investors considering opportunities in the area.
To celebrate the new facility, the airport is hosting a grand opening event featuring aircraft displays, flight simulators, Touch-a-Truck activities, educational exhibits, and opportunities to explore the airport firsthand.
Fritz says the strong support from local businesses, organizations, and residents demonstrates how important the airport has become to the county’s future. He hopes the new Aviation Education Center will help introduce even more people to the opportunities available through aviation while serving as a valuable resource for the community.
He encourages residents to visit the airport, learn more about its role in Knox County, and experience the new facility for themselves.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Regional Airport!
Loss comes in many forms, and Ruth-Ann Thompson wants people to know that hope can still be found even in life’s darkest moments.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Thompson, who will be a featured speaker at the Sunshine in the Shadows event on Saturday, June 28th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon SDA Hill Church, located at 535 Wooster Road in Mount Vernon.
Thompson says her passion for grief ministry was born out of personal experience. She was widowed at age 24 after her husband was killed in a car accident. Thirteen years ago, she also experienced the loss of a son. Through those difficult experiences, she says God showed her that it is possible to find “sunshine in the shadows.”
She says many people struggle after a loss because they feel displaced and unsure of where they belong. Her goal is to help people rediscover hope and purpose while navigating grief.
The Sunshine in the Shadows event was inspired by Psalm 23:4 and the idea of walking through the valley of the shadow of death while still looking for God’s light. Thompson emphasizes that the event is not limited to those grieving the death of a loved one. She says grief can come from the loss of a job, income, friendships, a home, retirement, or any major life change.
The event is open to anyone experiencing loss, as well as those who want to better understand how to support someone who is grieving. Thompson hopes attendees leave with encouragement, hope, and the belief that there is something better ahead than what they may be experiencing today.
During the interview, Thompson also discussed the importance of faith during difficult times. She encourages people to continue moving forward while grieving, finding strength through prayer, God’s Word, and the support of others.
She also shared the story behind one of her books, which focuses on sibling loss. Thompson says siblings are often overlooked when a family experiences the death of a loved one, prompting her to create a resource that gives them space to process their grief. The book includes journaling sections and was influenced by her own family’s experiences following the loss of her son.
Thompson says one of the most important lessons she has learned is to pay attention to siblings, cousins, and others who may not be the primary focus of support after a loss but are hurting just the same.
She encourages anyone facing grief or walking alongside someone who is grieving to attend the event and be reminded that hope can still be found in the midst of life’s shadows.
For more information, call 740-358-9687 or click HERE!
The Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival is returning to Centerburg for its 21st year, bringing two days of family-friendly entertainment, live music, food, rides, and fireworks to Memorial Park.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Olivia Skillings recently spoke with Candy McCracken, President of the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival, who has been involved with the event since its beginning.
McCracken says one of her biggest motivations for helping organize the festival is making sure today’s children have the same opportunities she enjoyed growing up. She remembers attending community festivals and events throughout her childhood and wants future generations to create those same memories.
The festival begins Friday at 1 p.m. and continues until 9:30 p.m. Activities include rides, food vendors, crafters, Cowboy the Pony, face painting, and the return of the popular Reptile Adventure, where visitors can interact with snakes, lizards, frogs, and other animals while learning more about them.
Friday’s entertainment schedule includes the Waterloo 5 Band at 2 p.m., followed by the Baby Crawl and Toddler Race at 6:30 p.m. The Little Miss Liberty and Little Uncle Sam Pageant begins at 7 p.m., with live music from Katie and the Red Hots closing out the evening at 8 p.m.
Saturday starts with the festival parade at 10 a.m. featuring the Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps. Following the parade, the American flag will be raised and the National Anthem performed before activities officially begin at noon.
Saturday attractions include a Princess Party featuring Moana and Merida, Old-Time Wrestling at 2 p.m., a karaoke competition at 4 p.m. with youth and adult divisions and cash prizes, Nicks and Tricks at 6 p.m., and Crossthread at 8 p.m.
The festival concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m., sponsored by Peter Hayden Chapman Amvets Post 59 and Charles Andrews American Legion Post 460, which together funded the $10,000 display.
This year’s festival also celebrates the upcoming America 250 observance, with patriotic themes featured throughout the weekend, especially during Saturday’s parade.
McCracken reminds visitors that parking at Memorial Park is very limited due to the new playground and is reserved for vendors and handicap parking. Additional public parking is available in designated lots near downtown Centerburg, with walking access to the festival grounds.
She also expressed appreciation for the many volunteers and organizers who help make the event possible each year. Those interested in supporting the festival or volunteering can find more information through the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival Facebook page, at heartofohiousa.com, or by contacting festival organizers directly.
Click HERE to find out more about the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival!
(Photo courtesy of Heart of Ohio USA Days website)
After nearly five years of planning, renovation, and preparation, Founders Food Hall is ready to open its doors in downtown Mount Vernon.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently spoke with Sam Filkins, President of the Knox County Area Development Foundation and the Knox County Land Bank, about the project that has transformed the former Mount Vernon News building into a new community gathering place.
Filkins says the journey began in 2020 when the Knox County Land Bank purchased the vacant newspaper building. What started as an effort to revitalize an underutilized property quickly evolved into a much larger vision — creating a destination that would bring more people downtown while supporting surrounding businesses.
The project required extensive work, including clearing out the former newspaper operation, renovating the interior, restoring the building’s exterior, and creating the HW Hub partnership with MVNU. Along the way, Filkins says he and his team found themselves learning everything from demolition and construction to restaurant operations.
Today, Founders Food Hall offers a variety of dining options under one roof. Visitors will find hand-dipped Velvet Ice Cream, pizza by the slice from Slice Mount Vernon, Mediterranean cuisine from Tabbouleh Café, a chicken-focused restaurant, and a Southeast Asian rice bowl concept. Filkins says the goal was to create a place where families, friends, and coworkers can gather while everyone finds something they enjoy.
The building also preserves pieces of its history. Portions of the original flooring and chimney remain, blending the structure’s past with its modern renovation. Guests will also find duckpin bowling and an indoor-outdoor seating area created through large retractable windows.
Filkins says Founders Food Hall is also an example of the broader mission of the Knox County Land Bank. While many people associate land banks with vacant homes and abandoned properties, he says the organization is involved in a wide range of economic development projects across the county. Those efforts include Heartland Commerce Park, new housing construction along Columbus Road, and other initiatives designed to return underutilized properties to productive use.
The official grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 30th at 11 a.m. Vine Street will be closed for a community event that includes tours of the food hall, the HW Hub, and office spaces throughout the building.
Filkins says Founders Food Hall represents what can happen when a long-vacant building is given a new purpose. The hall will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Future plans include mobile ordering, duckpin bowling reservations, live entertainment opportunities, and filling the remaining vendor spaces.
Click HERE to find out more about Founders Food Hall!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
As food costs continue to rise, a new partnership in Knox County is working to provide extra support for local seniors.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Carolyn Fergus about a new food assistance opportunity available through Interchurch Social Services of Knox County.
Interchurch is partnering with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to offer the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides monthly food boxes to income-qualified adults age 60 and older.
According to Carolyn, the program is designed to help seniors stretch their food budgets while still receiving nutritious food items each month. Seniors who qualify will receive boxes filled with a variety of staple foods, including cereal, oats, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein sources. The contents of the boxes will vary from month to month, but the goal remains the same: helping supplement a senior’s diet with reliable food assistance.
Carolyn explained that participants will need to provide identification and proof of residency during the sign-up process, while income is self-reported on the application. She encouraged seniors who may qualify to begin signing up now ahead of the first shipment, which is expected to arrive in early June.
While the first delivery is expected to include around 90 food boxes, Carolyn says there is room for growth if community demand increases. She emphasized that the program is meant to serve as an additional resource for seniors and does not replace Interchurch’s regular pantry services.
In fact, she encouraged eligible seniors to continue utilizing the Interchurch food pantry, which offers fresh foods, frozen meats, and other grocery items throughout the month. The organization hopes the new program will provide even more stability for seniors facing rising grocery costs and financial pressures.
Food distribution will be available not only at the Mount Vernon office, but also through Interchurch locations in Centerburg, Fredericktown, and Danville, making the program more accessible to seniors across Knox County.
Carolyn also asked the community to continue praying for Interchurch, its staff, volunteers, and the families they serve as food assistance needs continue to grow throughout the county. She noted that volunteers are always needed to help distribute food and support daily operations.
For more information about the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or other Interchurch services, residents can call 740-397-4825 or click HERE!
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!
Rise and Shine 