Category: Interview

WNZR Through the Years: 2016–2026 — A Decade of Ministry, Milestones & Memories

This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Thursday, we revisited highlights from 2016-2026 in WNZR’s recent history! WNZR’s last 10 years on the air have produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped continue the stations rich legacy.

Here are the milestones that we took a look at:

  • September 2016 – WNZR started the video streaming of all MVNU’s Chapel Services at mvnu.tv
  • Joe Rinehart, MVNU Director of Broadcasting coordinated the WNZR Video Team members for all camera and equipment operation and production.
  • October 1, 2016 – WNZR 30th Anniversary – We hosted a birthday party in Hunter Hall in downtown Mount Vernon. We partnered with Happy Bean for free coffee, cupcakes, special giveaways and a slide show highlighting 30 years of ministry.
  • March 2017 – WNZR was able to install and use a new fundraising data tracking software for Lifeline 2017. This software was created by WNZR staff member and Senior, Cameron Davidson as his Senior Computer Programming project. He created unique tracking software specifically tailored for WNZR’s fundraising format and needs.
  • September 2017 – Marcy Rinehart and 4 students attended the annual Christian Music Broadcasters’ Convention, Momentum, in Orlando, Florida. Orlando was in the path of Hurricane Irma, the first category 5 hurricane of the 2017 season.
  • Marcy and the students were able to fly safely out of Orlando early on a Saturday morning, just as the State started to close down airports, roadways and all other forms of transportation.
  • December 2017 was a historical year for the annual Food For The Hungry Drive. The WNZR staff is integral in the operation of this campaign, including handling the entire production of the annual Food For The Hungry radio/video simulcast. The 2017 total was $313,691! The goal was $200,00! The experience of being involved with this project will have a life-lasting impact on our students.
  • March 1, 2018 – WNZR met the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) deadline to have the station’s public file posted online. WNZR’s interim Office Manager, Jenna Potts, worked with Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart to complete the 6 month project to meet this deadline. The public file contains station licenses, authorizations, ownership reports, contour maps, quarterly issue reports, donor listings and other FCC required documents related to station operation. This was a huge blessing to complete this requirement for non-commercial, educational stations.
  • June 2018 – Wesley Boston returned to WNZR as Office Manager/Underwriting Coordinator. He serves WNZR as a full time staff member.
  • June 2018 – Jim Ferguson joined the WNZR Team as Contract Engineer. He replaced long-time engineer, Mark Hiner who had worked for the station since 2000. Jim lives in Mount Vernon and has provided valuable support and expertise to our broadcast operation. His arrival was a true answer to prayer!
  • August 22, 2018 – WNZR completed a Station Inspection with the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. WNZR now maintains a certificate of compliance until August, 2021. This certificate gives WNZR compliance with all applicable FCC requirements for broadcast stations. Listener support helped to cover this expense for our ministry.
  • March, 2019 – WNZR was able to cover the MVNU Men’s Basketball Team’s trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We were able to broadcast each game with live play-by-play coverage of the Cougars. We also provided special video and social media coverage with players, coaches and fans. We produced a special video for the players featuring their family members sharing their thoughts and congratulations on the historic season. 
  • March, 2019 – WNZR partnered with the Knox Network of Christian Ministries to host reviveOH:: Knox County. This event focused on outreach ministry to the community through the training and execution of sharing your faith with others.
  • March 20 – 25, 2019 – Lifeline 2019 surpassed all expectations bringing in over $75,000 with a goal of $64,000. Our theme, God is On The Move, accurately described what was happening in the Knox County community.
  • November 2019 – Marcy and 7 students attended the first ever CMB University – an interactive broadcast conference specifically designed for college students, hosted by Christian Music Broadcasters. Marcy, Joe and Rachel Rinehart had the opportunity to serve as advisors for the conference, providing input on the scope, schedule and format. CMB University hosted a production competition. All 7 MVNU students participated on separate teams and faced the challenge of creating a marketing campaign for the ministry Compassion International. Rachel Rinehart’s team won. She received a gift package that included gift cards and a pair of professional stereo headphones.
  • All students were able to make valuable connections with broadcast professionals.
  • 2020 – COVID – WNZR took on the challenge of Covid with daily updates that included safety information, Governor DeWine’s press conferences and updates from Knox Public Health. We had an extensive list of important information on our website that was updated regularly throughout the country’s shutdown. We also maintained a list of local business and restaurant services including promoting anyone that was open to serve the community. We hosted several weeks of special day sponsorships to thank the many workers that helped to keep our community going throughout the pandemic.
  • Then God has blessed us with 5 back-to-back historic Lifelines!
  • March 2021 – Lifeline 2021 was very successful – $85,677.50 was raised! Our goal was $65,000
  • March 2022 — Lifeline 2022 was very successful – $83,231 was raised! our goal was $65,000
  • March 2023 – Lifeline 2023, $86,508 was raised! Our goal was $65,000
  • June 2023 – WNZR received the first ever CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) University Station of the Year Award.
  • March 2024 – Lifeline 2024 was the most successful fundraiser in the history of the station – $88,033.50 was pledged with a goal of $70,000
  • March 2025 – Lifeline 2025 was another successful fundraising with a theme that was perfect for our world, our staff and listeners – Made For These Days. $86,548.69 was pledged with a goal of $75,000
  • May 2025 – WNZR was nominated for the CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) University Station of the Year Award.

We also heard from former WNZR employee and student Mike Basko, who share memories and stories from his time at the station. His conversation gives us a special glimpse into WNZR’s first CMBU University Station of the Year Award that we won in 2023. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation with Mike Basko!

0

WNZR Celebrates 40 Years: Remembering our first 10 years on the air!

This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Monday, we revisited highlights from 1986-1995 in WNZR’s history! WNZR’s first 10 years on the air produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped establish the station in its early years.

Here are the milestones that we took a look at:

  • Mount Vernon Nazarene College applied to the FCC for an educational, non-commercial broadcast license in 1982.
  • On January 21, 1986 – MVNC received the construction permit from the FCC.  The 300 foot tower was erected and the transmitter installed in April.  WNZR started to broadcast on 90.9FM in the Fall semester of 1986.
  • October 1, 1986 – is WNZR’s official birthday as stated in the FCC radio license. Today, 10/1/2025 – WNZR is celebrating 39 years in ministry
  • November 1993 – WNZR was presented with the Marconi award for format programming achievement from the Loyola Radio Conference. WNZR won the award by best reaching their target audience with the chosen format.
  • 1995 – WNZR became “The Lifeline”. The station held a campus-wide contest to find a logo that would bring this slogan to life. The early version of today’s logo was designed by an MVNU art student.

We also hear from former WNZR employees and students who share memories and stories from their time at the station. Our guests today included Bill Bridges, Alan Reed, and Jim and Jayme McMillian! Their conversations give us a glimpse into WNZR’s early days and the impact the station had on the the people who helped build it. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversations!

0

Spotlight on Mount Vernon: Mayor Matt Starr Shares City Updates

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr about what’s happening around the city, including several ongoing construction and infrastructure projects.

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

Demolition along South Sandusky Street is complete, while work continues on Burgess and Hamtramck Streets with new brickwork, curbs, gutters, and storm water systems.
The city is also moving forward with projects including a new salt storage facility, pickleball courts at Riverside Park, and preparations for improvements throughout the community.

Mayor Starr also provides an update on the new Mount Vernon Police Station, the future use of 40 Public Square for Municipal Court operations, and the continued planning for the city’s wastewater and water treatment facilities.

The monthly update also covers city services, public safety, community events, and planning for Mount Vernon’s future. Starr discusses water meter replacements, fall cleanup at Mound View Cemetery, maintenance along the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, leaf collection, and preparations for winter weather.

He also addresses City Council’s ongoing review of automated license plate reader technology, recent council actions, recognition for members of the police department, and the annual fire hydrant flushing program.

Looking ahead, Starr highlights several October events, including Biketoberfest, the Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and Trick-or-Treat on October 31.

He also shares thoughts on the city’s budget planning, growth, and the importance of community cooperation, closing with encouragement from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

0

Abby Almodovar Highlights Starting Point’s Community Outreach

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Abby discusses Starting Point’s growing relationship with Mount Vernon Nazarene University, including connections with student organizations, campus events, athletics, and several recent MVNU graduates who now serve on the Starting Point staff. She also shares how social media is being used to provide educational content, updates, and information about the free resources available to individuals and families throughout Knox County.

Abby also highlights Starting Point’s participation in community events through its mobile unit and opportunities to connect with local families. She discusses the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, which will include family activities and help raise funds to support Starting Point’s free services. Abby encourages community members to learn more about Starting Point, stay connected through social media, and discover the many resources available through the organization.

Click HERE to learn more about Starting Point!

0

Josh Foley Brings a Bold Detective to Life in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Josh Foley, who plays Kramer in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Josh describes Kramer as a bold and sarcastic character who isn’t afraid to say exactly what he sees, and he prepared for the role by watching classic television characters, including Columbo and Kramer from Seinfeld. He also shares how much he enjoys performing alongside the talented cast of women who bring the show’s older characters to life.

Josh has been involved in theater since elementary school and brings years of stage experience to the production. He discusses his unique costume, which combines elements of Seinfeld’s Kramer and the classic detective Columbo, as well as his opportunity to serve as an assistant director for the show. Josh encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved and invites the community to see Bull in a China Shop, describing it as a fast-paced, hilarious production filled with memorable characters and plenty of laughs.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

0

Katie Adams Shares About Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Katie Adams, Client Services Director for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image below!

Katie explains that one of Starting Point’s primary ministries is the Start Here Program, which provides pregnancy and parenting education for pregnant women, couples, and families. Participants earn points through educational appointments that can be used to shop in the ministry’s boutique for items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby essentials.

She says Starting Point’s services are available to anyone in the community without income restrictions or insurance requirements. The ministry serves single parents, families, grandparents, and individuals seeking resources related to unexpected pregnancies, parenting, relationships, and family life. Starting Point strives to meet practical needs while also providing support for all.

Katie shares her personal journey with Starting Point, beginning as a field experience intern through MVNU Online. Shortly after arriving, she learned of an opening for the Client Care Coordinator position, volunteered with the ministry, and eventually joined the staff. After serving as Client Care Coordinator for a year and a half, she recently stepped into the role of Client Services Director.

She also discusses opportunities for community members to become involved with the ministry. Starting Point is currently seeking volunteers in several areas, including nurses, ultrasound technicians, boutique workers, and client advocates. The ministry also welcomes men to serve through its men’s mentoring and support programs. They need volunteers, contact Starting Point directly at 740-393-0370 to learn more about available opportunities. She concludes by expressing excitement for the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night.

Click HERE for more information about Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

0

Carrie Haver Talks About Bull In A China Shop!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Carrie Haver, who plays Nettie Norton in Bull in a China Shop.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click on the image below!

Carrie describes Nettie as one of six older women living together in the show. She says the character is humorous, often says the wrong thing, and brings plenty of laughs to the production.

She shares that the cast has been rehearsing since the summer, spending time reading through the script and developing the relationships between the characters. Carrie says memorizing lines comes through repetition and listening to recordings of rehearsals.

Carrie says one of her favorite things about playing Nettie is that the character is very different from roles she has played in the past. She enjoys portraying an older woman and bringing the character’s unique personality to life.

A theater veteran, Carrie has appeared in numerous productions with both Orange Barrel Productions and MTVarts. She recalls playing Glinda in The Wizard of Oz as one of her favorite theater experiences. Carrie also says the humor in Bull in a China Shop is what makes the show especially enjoyable and believes audiences will find many opportunities to laugh.

Carrie says one of the highlights of the production has been the strong chemistry and camaraderie among the cast. Many of the actors have worked together before, creating a comfortable and enjoyable rehearsal environment.

She also discusses the show’s costumes and makeup, explaining that the cast uses special makeup and costumes to portray older women living in the 1950s. Carrie encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved, noting there are opportunities for people of all ages both on stage and behind the scenes. She hopes the community will come see Bull in a China Shop, enjoy a good laugh, and support local theater.

Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

0

Catherine Haws Talks Bull In A China Shop!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Catherine Haws, who plays Jane the News Reporter in Orange Barrel Productions’ “Bull In A China Shop”!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Catherine shares how she has prepared for the role and what she enjoys about playing Jane, including her outspoken personality and the humor she brings to the production.

This show marks Catherine’s 31st theater production, and she is especially excited to share the stage with her mom for the first time since 2008. She also discusses the show’s late-1940s/early-1950s setting, her costumes, and why she believes live theater continues to bring people together in a unique way.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

0

Starting Point 5K and Family Glow Night Returns October 3

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Jess Kirby, Development Director of Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center about the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

The evening will include a 5K, glow items, family-friendly activities, yard games, a bounce house, the Sweet Bubble & Bean Coffee Truck, and free ice cream tickets for children. Participants can also enjoy several prize opportunities, including a grand prize family night basket. Kirby encourages families and community members to register and join Starting Point for an evening of fun, fellowship, and support for the ministry. More information is available at FriendsofKSP.com.

Click HERE for more info on Starting Point’s ministry!

0

Starting Point Expands Community Outreach with New Mobile Ministry and Upcoming Family Event

We talked with Jennifer Furay, Executive Director of Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center, about the organization’s ongoing work to support individuals and families throughout Knox County.

Click to listen to the conversation!

Jennifer explains that Starting Point serves people facing unexpected pregnancies as well as students, parents, grandparents, and families navigating difficult circumstances. She also discusses the organization’s new mobile ministry, which has already provided a private, air-conditioned space for nursing mothers at community events and is expected to expand its outreach in the coming months.

Jennifer introduces Erin Hayden, the new Mobile Operations Coordinator, and shares that Starting Point is looking for additional ultrasound-trained nurses and volunteers. She also highlights several new staff members, including Liz, Audrey, and Abby, along with Katie Adams, who has transitioned into the role of Client Services Director. Jennifer says these changes have brought together a talented team passionate about serving families in the community.

Jennifer also invites the community to Starting Point’s upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with local families, raise awareness about Starting Point, and support its programs and services. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, sponsors, volunteers, and donors while looking forward to an evening of fellowship, fundraising, and fun—including an appearance by the popular Dot.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑