WNZR shines the spotlight on the 2025 Knox County Junior Fair Board, Species Ambassadors and Liaisons

WNZR talked with members of the 2025 Junior Fair Board about their experience, responsibilities and what they are learning in their positions. We also recognize the 2025 Species Ambassadors and Liaisons. The students shared about the process of their competitions, memories they have of the Fair and how this experience is impacting their future. We congratulate these amazing young leaders!

Click HERE or click the Play button below to hear these conversations.
The pictures below are from the Junior Fair Breakfast hosted by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and CES Credit Union. The Junior Fair Board received a donation of $3,000 at that breakfast!

WNZR will bring your coverage of the 2025 Knox County Fair all week. Listen for our live broadcasts from 4pm – 9pm each day. Keep checking back on our blog for your chance to meet more of the amazing youth participating at this year’s Fair. There are 1,477 participants!

2025 Junior Fair Board Members:

  1. Hudson Adrian
  2. Shae Amstutz
  3. Kennedy Auker
  4. Dalton Bailey
  5. Catlin Ball
  6. Ellie Boggs
  7. Raegan Blanchard
  8. Michael Brady
  9. Luci Byler
  10. Meira Bryant
  11. Nason Bryant
  12. Ryleigh Scarpitti
  13. Logan Daubenmier
  14. Jenelle Doup
  15. Lane Dugan
  16. Joslin Frazer
  17. Addyson Gerhart
  18. Kinley Grogg
  19. Peyton Harris
  20. Blake Hegemier
  21. Bristol Hegemier
  22. Lane Hillier
  23. Phoebe Hults
  24. Trevor Mills
  25. Macy Miller
  26. Emily Norris
  27. Ava Page
  28. Sierra Shields
  29. Will Stokes
  30. Haley Unger
  31. Taylor Vance
  32. Anysten VanHouten
  33. Alayna Wittel
  34. Annalia Wolf
  35. Sophie Wolf

July First Friday is tonight! Join WNZR and kick-off a great Independence Holiday weekend!

The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.

Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.

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 company’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. 
  • 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 – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt

Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Patrick Loudermilk Interview!

We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!

To learn more about the festival, click HERE!

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