Category: Interview

Beyond Belief: Petra’s John Schlitt Talks Legacy and New Movie

For more than 50 years, Petra has used Christian rock music as a ministry of encouragement and evangelism. WNZR’s Daniel Russell and Josiah Styer recently spoke with Petra lead vocalist John Schlitt about the band’s legacy, their continued ministry, and the upcoming movie Beyond Belief.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the image below.

Schlitt says the song “Beyond Belief” best represents Petra’s ministry, with its message of refusing to settle for “good enough” and instead going beyond to live out and share your faith in Christ. He also reflected on joining Petra as a longtime fan and how God gave him the opportunity to use his musical talents for a greater purpose.

The new Beyond Belief movie came together after someone approached Petra with the idea of making a film centered around the band. Although there were doubts that the project would ever be completed, Schlitt says he watched God open doors along the way. Petra members helped behind the scenes as producers, promoters, and fundraisers, and the movie is now set to hit theaters August 28. Schlitt says the film is family-friendly and carries a message about being guided by Christ, while also introducing audiences to Petra’s music and legacy. Despite retiring and saying farewell years ago, Petra continues to tour, make music, and work on new projects, including a documentary.

Schlitt hopes longtime Petra fans will enjoy the movie while a new generation discovers the band and its music. During a lightning round, he named Beyond Belief, This Means War!, Petra Praise 1 & 2, No Doubt, and Hope among his favorite albums, and said “Beyond Belief” remains one of his favorite songs to perform live. He is asking fans to pray that the movie accomplishes what God intends. Beyond Belief opens in theaters August 28, with more information available at beyondbelief.movie.

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Praisestock Returns Sunday with Worship, Local Ministries and Community Fellowship!

Praisestock returns to Mount Vernon this Sunday with a full day of worship, fellowship and opportunities to connect with local ministries.

WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Dave Ewart and Ben Staats about Praisestock 2026, which will be held Sunday, August 23rd, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center in Ariel-Foundation Park.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The event began 21 years ago as a church project at Owl Creek Baptist Church. Ewart and Staats said the original goal was to bring churches together for worship while also supporting ministries serving the community. Praisestock later moved to Mount Vernon and has grown to attract hundreds of people throughout the day.

That focus on unity remains an important part of the event. Praisestock is designed to bring Christians from different denominations, cultures and generations together for worship and fellowship.

The event also continues its partnership with Food For The Hungry. A love offering collected during Praisestock helps kick off Food For The Hungry’s fall fundraising season.

Sunday begins with a community worship service featuring Ekklesia and a message from Greg Zelinski. The afternoon schedule includes Set Free Worship, Chestnut Ridge, Lakeholm, Footprints of Jesus, Faith Outpost, Covenant and Trinity.

The day will conclude with a unity song bringing the participating groups together.

Praisestock also gives local ministries and organizations an opportunity to share more about their work. Throughout the day, visitors can learn about services available in the community and ways they can become involved.

Activities are also planned for children, making the event an opportunity for families to spend the day together while enjoying worship and learning more about local ministries.

Dave and Ben said they hope people leave Praisestock encouraged by the worship, strengthened through fellowship and connected with new opportunities to serve.

Click HERE to learn more about Praisestock 2026!

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First-Day Jitters and Mystery Lunches!

On Wednesday’s edition of the Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew took a trip down memory lane and shared some of those memorable first days of school — from that very first day of kindergarten, to starting at a new school, to the emotions that come with sending your own child off for their first day.

What was your craziest memory?

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The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon invites pie lovers to come to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

There are so many fun and unique events at this year’s Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. The 3rd annual Kiwanis Club Pie Auction is back for 2026!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Alice Hutzel, Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon about all the details for this year’s event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

You are invited to join in this Americana traditions and bid on your favorite pie. There are 15 pies up for bid including cherry, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, dutch apple caramel, peachy peach and many more flavors!
All proceeds from the auction will support Children’s Literacy in Knox County.
The Auction is Saturday, 8/15 at 3:30pm on the Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon.
Thanks to Auctioneer David McDowell for his service.

Click HERE for more information about this event and the overall festival.

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The Flower Show returns to the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with JoAnne Graham, Co-Chair of the Flower Show at this year’s Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

JoAnne shares the excitement of this year’s theme – “Celebrating America’s 250 through Artistic Designs”. She gives highlights of the different classes and what judges look for in a “Best of Show” entry. The Flower Show will be at The Living Center, 201 N Main Street in downtown Mount Vernon.

Stop by and see the displays:
Friday 8/14 – 6pm – 8pm
Saturday 8/15 – 10am – 8pm
Sunday 8/16 – Noon – 4pm

Click HERE for more information about the Flower Show and this year’s festival.

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Debbie Ruggles Previews the Food, Vendors and Volunteer Needs for MVMAF

Food and local vendors are a big part of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival experience, and this year there will be plenty to explore throughout downtown.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with festival board member Debbie Ruggles about the food, vendor village and volunteer opportunities available during the weekend.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Ruggles said 28 vendors are scheduled to take part in the festival, offering everything from jewelry and paintings to food and other handmade items. The vendor village will stretch through downtown Mount Vernon, including Main Street and Vine Street, and will be open throughout the festival.

Food will also be easy to find. Ruggles said 17 food trucks are expected, with options located near both the South Stage and the Main Stage. Vendors will be ready to serve beginning Friday morning and will remain open through Sunday afternoon.

Ruggles said the festival itself stretches from the Public Square down toward Ohio Avenue, creating a large footprint through downtown and giving visitors plenty of opportunities to stop at local businesses along the way.

She also emphasized that the festival still needs volunteers. Even a couple of hours can help, with volunteers needed in several areas throughout the weekend. Groups or individuals looking for community service hours are also welcome to get involved.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email MTVFestivalVendor@gmail.com.

Ruggles said she is especially looking forward to the local entertainment and spending time downtown with friends and family. She also encouraged people not to let possible rain keep them away, noting that the festival will continue and ponchos will be available.

Reserved seating is also available at a relatively low cost for those who want a guaranteed spot for some of the performances.

Ruggles said many people have worked throughout the year to make the festival possible and hopes visitors will come downtown, enjoy the food and entertainment, and support the community.

Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

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Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival Adds a Living History Twist!

The Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival is bringing a mix of music, community support and a little television nostalgia to downtown Mount Vernon this weekend.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Festival Director Noell Walton and Board Chair Joe Rinehart about what visitors can expect.

Click HERE to hear both conversations!

Friday night opens with Phil Dirt and the Dozers from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by Forever Seger, a Bob Seger tribute band. Saturday shifts to country music, with Six One Five Collective opening for Fredericktown native Preston Cooper on the main stage at the Public Square.

One unique Saturday attraction is the return of MadCap Living History. Joe Rinehart said Jim and Amy Stoner started the group, which features local actors portraying well-known figures.

This year’s theme is “Stars of 70s Television,” with portrayals of Paul Lynde, Elizabeth Montgomery from Bewitched, Betty White and Doris Day. The living history characters will be found throughout South Main Street on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Walton said she is especially excited about Preston Cooper’s appearance and encouraged people to come downtown and enjoy the festival. She also reminded visitors that the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival is a nonprofit organization and can be supported through donations, volunteering or simply attending the event.

Rinehart also thanked the many sponsors and community partners that help make the festival possible. Ariel Corporation serves as the premier sponsor, while Park National Bank, Evergreen Waste and Susan Ramser and Ramser Arboretum are among the stage sponsors.

Other partners include the City of Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, the Woodward Opera House and the Knox County Foundation. Park National Bank is also providing use of its Vine Street parking lot, and donations will be accepted during festival events.

Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

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The Cruise-In, a Chalk Competition and the Wood Auction returns to the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival

WNZR shines the spotlight on the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival this week. WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Board Member, Jacob Francis about event logistics.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the photo below.

Jacob serves as the Site and Logistics Director for the Festival. He shared details about this year’s map and festival layout, along with news about when streets will close.
He also shared the good news that 3 favorite events will return. Listen in for details about the 6th annual Car & Motorcycle Cruise-in, the Wood Challenge Auction and the 3rd annual Chalk Competition.

Click HERE for more information on the festival and to see the full schedule.

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WNZR shines the spotlight on the 2026 Hartford Fair

Did you know the “Biggest Little Fair in the World” is close to home and going on this week? YES! The 2026 Hartford Fair is this week!
Eric Brown from The Morning Thing talked with Fair Manager, Roger Smith about this year’s event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the photo below.

Roger shared schedule highlights, the history of the fair, new events and how to get tickets.
This is the 168th Hartford Fair! You can see the Big Blue Crew tonight along with Monster Trucks and a Fantasy Drone show!

Click HERE to see the complete schedule and all details about this year’s Fair.

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Neighbor Helping Neighbor: Repair Café Knox County Gives Broken Items — and Old Favorites — Another Chance!

A broken clock, an old typewriter or even a treasured antique does not necessarily have to end up in the trash.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently talked with Mark Tillack, founder of Repair Café Knox County, about a program that brings neighbors together to see if those broken items can be put back into service.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Tillack said the Repair Café concept began in the Netherlands in 2009 and eventually made its way to Knox County. The local program started in November of 2018 and now holds repair events four times a year.

People have brought in everything from bicycles, fans and vacuum cleaners to VCRs, paper shredders, clocks and unusual antiques. Tillack said volunteers will take a look at just about anything that can reasonably be carried through the door.

There is no charge for the repair service. A donation jar is available to help cover expenses such as replacement parts and printing flyers. Visitors are encouraged to bring along any loose parts, manuals or other information that might help volunteers understand the item.

The program has become increasingly popular. Tillack said a typical event once handled between 17 and 32 repairs, but the May Repair Café saw about 52 items come through the door and, for the first time, a line formed outside.

That growth has also created a need for more repair volunteers.

Tillack stressed that volunteers do not have to be professional repair technicians. The program is looking for people who enjoy fixing things, understand how things work or simply like the challenge of figuring out why something is broken. Volunteers can participate in one event or all four during the year.

The next Repair Café will be held Saturday, August 15th, from 1 until 4 p.m. in the basement of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hall in Mount Vernon. The church is at the corner of Gay and High streets, with access to the basement from the Gay Street side. Signs will be posted to help visitors find the entrance.

Tillack recommends bringing items closer to 1 p.m. when possible so volunteers have as much time as they can to diagnose and repair them before the event ends.

Beyond fixing things, Tillack sees the Repair Café as an example of “neighbor helping neighbor.” Many of the items people bring have stories behind them, and sometimes the value of a repair has little to do with what an object would cost to replace.

He also hopes to introduce more young people to the idea of repairing instead of immediately replacing broken items. Tillack is exploring interest in a Repair Café in the Classroom program that would give children an opportunity to learn how repairs work and develop basic problem-solving skills.

Those interested in volunteering or learning more can contact Mark Tillack at mtillack44@gmail.com or 330-377-4387.

Click HERE to see more on the Repair Knox County Facebook page!

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