Category: Knox County, OH

WNZR’s September 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, September 26th, 2025.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mayor Starr talks about the Mayor’s prayer breakfast that happened on September 18th, he highlights some of presentations and the success of the event. The message during the Mayor’s prayer breakfast was putting on the full Armor of God, and he highlighted how the belt holds everything together in roman armor, and the belt of Truth holds everything together for the Armor of God.

Matt Starr highlights the update the city’s efforts in Cyber Security and the Mandate for all government agencies focus on Cyber Security and helping agencies and citizens deal with ransom problems. Starr talks about the importance of two step authentication and it’s ability to prevent cyber security issues. He also talks about training that the city will be implementing for staff members in spotting and dealing with potential Cyber Security risks.

Bow hunting season for white tailed deer opens this weekend, and Matt Starr talks about what needs to happen for you to be able to legally hunt and goes over the basic rules for the season. He also talks about the importance of hunting season to help maintain the Deer population and keep them at a healthy number. Matt also highlights different courses you can take and resources to help you during hunting season.

Mayor Matt Starr talks about recent construction that has been underway, they had recent storm drain cleaning on Mansfield Road and he discusses some of the things they have done to help prevent flooding for residents on that road. The shared use path is still under construction and its still on pace to be completed by the end of the year. He also highlights the Crystal Avenue waterway and he talks about some of the issues that area has had with the well water drying up during the summer as well as illness problems for that area.

Starr talks about Electric Aggregation (diversity in the way they produce electricity) the city has been working on trying to work out a new deal as the current deal is set to expire in November (your bill will likely go up). The city has been running into is capacity and cost issues due to data centers. The council is working to find a new deal to prevent scheduled “Brownouts” for the city.

The city has been having meetings with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and he talks about how they’ve become very helpful in recent years. The recent talks have been about the water supply potentially being an issue due to recent growth, and after a study, they confirmed that the water supply is not an issue; however, the city is still looking into infrastructure to keep it that way long term. He also highlights the skill of the Ohio EPA and how well they do their jobs.

Starr talks about MORPC and their sister organization CORPO and their help to educational opportunities as well as communication with D.C. He talks about the upcoming summit on sustainability on the 30th. The summit is to help work with utilities and establish new contacts and learn from other communities, and what they can duplicate for the city of Mount Vernon. He talks about upcoming house bills the city is concerned about, mainly house bill 239 and senate bill 280 the state is proposing to increase pension for police stations. He also discusses short term rental bills upcoming, water lane bills, and upcoming bills about annexation.

Matt talks about H2Overhaul a project that has been underway for the past few years, they have been working to locate malfunctioning water meters, and the project is nearing conclusion in the spring. The city has been losing water and therefore money due to meter issues.

City council updates include changes to legislation for compensation of officials, it’s a time sensitive issue with the election coming up, the compensation changes could change retirement for select officials. Treasurers have been working hard and due to some of their efforts, they are going to be receiving a slight salary increase. He also talks about the public health contract, they have been working with Knox Public Health for a long time now and he talks about the benefits for that relationship. The contract with Knox Public Health is up for renewal here over the next month.

Starr shares the police department update, the new police station is still being worked on, they have been working closely with contractors to ensure the funds are being put to good use and the project will remain on schedule. The fire department concluded their hydrant flushing for the year and fire prevention week is coming on the second week of October and he highlights some of their efforts in the community.

Starr talks about their goals for the fall and they’re working on fixing broken water meters, he also wants to phase out the use of the old administration building now that COTC is located there. He talks about how they’re ahead of schedule on removal for the lime pile. The Johnny Appleseed Fall Festival is coming up on October 3rd, the fire department is having a fire prevention event on October 9th. He also highlights other events coming up. He asks that you pray for them as they fix the things that are broken, he asks for God’s strength and Wisdom in that process.

Click HERE to find out more about what is going on in the city of Mount Vernon.

0

Exciting news about a local ministry – TouchPointe Community Resources

The Morning Thing shared some exciting news about one of our local ministries. Jessica Reynolds joined us to share the new name and mission for TouchPointe Community Resources. Jessica serves as the Executive Director. She shared stories of how God is moving through their ministry, along with information on programs that they offer and goals for the rest of 2025.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

TouchPointe provides Christ-centered mentoring and practical assistance that equips neighbors to heal relationships, create thriving families, and develop employment readiness.

To find out more, go to their website – https://touchpointe.org/

0

The best fall activities in our area!

Today on The Morning Thing, we highlighted Fall! We shared some of the best fall festivities from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. All of these are great for spending time with the family!

Not only are these fun ideas, but the list shares specific events that you and your family can attend this fall!

To view the full list click HERE!

0

Flying Horse Farms Makes Magic for Special Kids

WNZR’s Eric Brown speaks with Stacey Keyser with Flying Horse Farms. Stacey talks about the camp located near Mount Gilead and is a medical specialty camp. They serve kids with chronic and serious illnesses that can’t go to traditional camp settings.

Click HERE to hear the full interview

She talks about how the camps has grown in 15 years and has served over 10,000 campers including having family camps in both the spring and fall.

Stacey says camp is not just good medicine for kids and families to heal and grow, but it is great medicine. She says camp gives these kids a sense of belonging and just focus on being a kid.

She says this past summer marked the most camp sessions in the camp history including adding more opportunities for family camps.

Stacey says 1/3rd of campers experience camp for the first time at Flying Horse Farms and she talks about being a part of these kids “firsts.” She said they see as many tears from parents as they do from the campers.

She says that trust is a huge part of making the kids and families trust the staff.

She said they have campers from 15 different states due in part because camp is COST FREE thanks to donors of the farms.

Stacey says that demand exceeded availability this year and explains who their new rolling admissions works and how it allows more campers to attend camp.

She says that family camp welcomed 19 families this summer. She says when a child experiences an illness, the whole family is impacted. When families come together, the entire family can bond with different families, and it can grow into friendship.

Stacye says they had over 300 volunteers contributed this summer and how they build the “magic” for campers so they and their families can have fun and are the “Lifeline of what they do.

Stacey says that Flying Horse Farms recently joined the ACA’s Program quality cohort and explains how that benefits the campers and their families.

Stacey explains a unique ceremony they do at Flying Horse Farms to celebrate the campers dreams, hopes and essentially a way for you to pray for the Farms

Click HERE to find out more about Flying Horse Farms!

0

WNZR talks with a member of Elevation Rhythm ahead of Sonfest 2025!

We are so excited to get the opportunity to share a conversation with Davide Mutendji, a member of Elevation Rhythm! Davide and his crew will be performing at Sonfest 2025 here at MVNU tomorrow and you are not going to want to miss this extremely powerful event.

Davide shares his background, gives us an insight on the songwriting process, and he talks about big upcoming news for the band!

Ethan and Davide also have a good time playing rapid fire!

For more info on Sonfest 2025 click HERE!

0

Rock City Worship comes to Sonfest 2025 at MVNU

Rock City Worship is coming to Sonfest 2025 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday, September 20.

Rock City Worship is the expression of worship at Rock City Church in Columbus, Ohio. With a focus on writing songs that paint a vivid picture of who God reveals Himself to be in His Word, this group of pastors, worship leaders, and songwriters believes that the more clearly we can see God, the more completely we can worship Him.
Their sound blends passionate, modern worship with anthemic melodies and Christ-centered lyrics, aiming to lead people into authentic encounters with Jesus. Rock City Worship’s music has been shared in churches and streaming platforms across the country, encouraging believers everywhere to worship with all their hearts.

Nathan Montgomery of Rock City Worship talks with WNZR about the origin of the church and their worship team. He also talks about their approach to songwriting and creating a worship experience for anyone attending a service or a concert. Rapid Fire reveals his favorite worship songs and that he is a Star Wars fan.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger.

You can see Rock City Worship at Sonfest at 3:45pm on Saturday.

Click HERE for all the details about Sonfest 2025.

0

John Mark McMillan comes to Sonfest 2025 at MVNU

John Mark McMillan is coming to Sonfest 2025 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday, September 20.
John Mark McMillan is something of an anomaly: an artist and Platinum-selling songwriter bending genres and defying categorization by carving out his own unique and independent path. With an ear for melody and a poet’s eye for metaphor, no topic has been off-limits. While each of his albums over the past decade have continued to explore new territory, it’s McMillan’s ability to give lyric and language to the human experience that many consider his greatest gift.

John talks with WNZR about his approach to songwriting, his history in music and how God has always part of his journey in life and music. Rapid Fire reveals the first concert he went to and his favorite movie and snack.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger.

You can see John Mark McMillan at Sonfest at 6:30pm on Saturday.

Click HERE for all the details about Sonfest 2025.

0

2025 Festival Latino to be held at MVNU!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart spoke with Joseph Joe who is the Assistant Director of Intercultural Life about the Festival Latino, which will celebrate Latino students and Latino culture.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Lola’s is catering for the event, bringing tacos, tortillas, and chips and salsa; it’s a free event and all are welcome to attend.

During the event, there will be a salsa class with alumni coming back to teach attendees which starts at 6:45pm

The annual event will be held Thursday, September 18th starting at 5pm at the Print Student Union.

Click HERE to see the MVNU Community Calendar!

0

Brook Abella is Opening at MVNU’s Sonfest 2025

Brook Abella is playing at Sonfest 2025 on September 20th and she talks about how she grew up in Bellefontaine.

She’s a double major in Communication and Media and Visual Art. She also has a minor in Music.

She talks about how she grew up around music, what she is looking forward to at Sonfest, and some of the opportunities she has had in the music industry so far.

Click HERE for more information about Sonfest.

0

Tyler Maddux Ready to Open for MVNU’s Sonfest 2025!

Tyler Maddux is playing at Sonfest 2025 on September 20th and he talks about how he grew up in New Philadelphia.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

He’s a worship arts major and has a minor in youth and family ministry; he’s hoping to become a worship pastor when he graduates. He talks about how he got into music in 7th grade and around high school he decided to go all in on music.

Some of Tyler’s biggest influences in music are bands like ‘Colony house’ and ‘Sons of Steven Curtis Chapman’ and it inspires him for when he writes his music. For a long time, his style was acoustic guitar, it wasn’t until he started making his second album that he started to find his style of Rock music. He draws inspiration from his own personal life experiences to come up with his song lyrics, he also likes to write songs about the bible.

Tyler talks about what he’s excited to see at Sonfest, he’s excited to see people who are impacted by the music outside of his regular friends and family, it helps inspire him. Tyler Maddux is opening at 1:35pm at Sonfest on September 20th.

Tyler talks about his new album he released in late January, he’s really proud of it because of how it defined the sound that he like to use. You can stay connected to Tyler Maddux on Instagram, Facebook, and on TikTok. Tyler talks about the purpose behind writing his music, he likes to write about how he feels at the time of his writing; he’s getting married soon and so a lot of his music he’s writing is about how he feels about that. He’s got a few songs he’s been writing recently and a few songs at Sonfest and hopes to record and release them soon.

Tyler goes over some rapid-fire questions, his favorite worship song is ‘tear my house down’ by Chris Renzema. The first concert he ever went to was a ‘Colony house’ concert in college in his freshman year. He’s a night owl, he likes cats, he likes coffee and he normally gets a caramel ice late, his favorite snack is cheez-its and his favorite movie is called ‘about time’.

Click HERE to find out about Sonfest 2025!

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑