Eric got to have a fruitful conversation with Mount Vernon Mayor, Matt Starr! They talk about a plethora of topics regarding our great city. They accentuate some of the events that have happened in our community, as well as ones that are coming soon!
WNZR congratulates our 4H Miscellaneous Project Winners going to the Ohio State Fair
WNZR talked with several 4H winners about their Miscellaneous Projects for the 2025 Knox County Fair. These students are now representing Knox County at the Ohio State Fair! We say congratulations and wish them the best of luck as they represent our county.
Click HERE or use the link below to hear from these outstanding students!
Here are the 2025 Ohio State Fair representatives who placed 1st in the Miscellaneous Projects. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Companion Animal, Cat-1: Cora Ruckman
Companion Animal, Pocket Pets: Emma Ruckman
Companion Animal, Self-Determined: Rebekah Mandau
Creative Arts, Getting Started in Art – Sr.: Destinee Dickerson
Creative Arts, Scrapbooking – Sr.: Lainey Dunham
Creative Arts, My Favorite Things – Sr.: Blake Hegemier
Creative Arts, self-Determined: Davanee Hart
Food and Nutrition, Yeast Breads on the Rise: Alice Ulrey
Food and Nutrition, Cooking on My Own: Addison Mostaka
Food and Nutrition, Global Gourmet: Micah Phillips
Food and Nutrition, Beyond the Grill: Reese Hubbard
Food and Nutrition, Let’s Bake Quick Breads – Jr.: Lucy Maleszewski
Food and Nutrition, Racing the Clock to Awesome Meals – Jr.: Abigail Proctor
Healthy Living, Staying Healthy: Abby Williamson
Healthy Living: First Aid in Action – Jr.: Jase Kieffer
Natural Resources, Outdoor Adventurer – Beginning Fishing: Jolene Rice
Natural Resources, Outdoor Adventurer – Intermediate Fishing: Anson Wenger
Natural Resources, Ohio Birds – First Year: Layla Robinson
Natural Resources, Geology – Can You Dig It?: Madelyn Untied
Natural Resources, Shooting Sports, Rifle – Sr.: Memphis Hart
Natural Resources, Shooting Sports, Archery – Jr.: Josie Michalak
Natural Resources, Shooting Sports, Archery – Sr.: Kendall Taylor
Natural Resources, Safe Use of Guns – Jr.: Wyatt Schirtzinger
Natural Resources, Basic Archery – Jr.: Ivan Ulrey
Photography, Photography Basics – Book 1: Lucas Roth
Photography, Photography Master: Savannah Tabor
Quilting, You Can Quilt – Jr.: Ryleigh Scarpitti
Self-Determined – Jr.: Rhett Mandau
Rockets, Rockets Away – Bottle Rockets: Brooklyn Bruff
Knots, Not Just Knots – Jr.: Jolene Rice
Vet Science, All Systems Go!: Luci Byler
Woodworking, Measuring Up – Jr. Unit 1: Kaden Carpenter
Workforce Preparation – Here, There, Ag Careers are Everywhere: Jocelyn Tabor
Workforce Preparation, Self-Determined: Clara Kost
Clothing, Terrific Tops: Phoebe Hults
Clothing, Clothing for Middle School: Callie Shultz
Clothing, Sundresses and Jumpers: Kate Gottke
Clothing, Shopping Savy – Jr.: Josie Snyder
Clothing, Dress Up Daywear: Bella Byler
Clothing, Sew Fun – Jr.: Kensleigh McClellan
Clothing, Em*bel*ish: Luci Byler
Clothing – Ready Set, Sew Active!: Madison Seng
WNZR brings you the 2025 Sale of Champions Broadcast
WNZR was proud to broadcast live at the Knox County Fair Sale of Champions
Did you miss WNZR’s broadcast of the 2025 Sale of Champions? Good News!
You can find the full broadcast HERE or click on the Link below.
Listen in as WNZR’s Joe Rinehart talks with the Grand Champions and Reserve Champion winners from this year’s Knox County Fair. You can also hear Marcy Rinehart give results from each animal sold. Thanks to all the buyers that participated.
The unofficial total from the Sale of Champions was over $85,850!
(These are preliminary results. We apologize if any buyers are not included. We will be getting final results from the Knox County Junior Fair soon. Please keep checking back for updates).
Market Beef
- The Grand Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Austin Frazier of Fredericktown, part of Fredericktown FFA.
- A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $6,500
- They include Elite Insurance, CJS, Boyd Brothers and Alumni Roofing
- A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $6,500
- The Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Charley Beheler of Fredericktown. She is part of the Knox County Career Center FFA. Charley was also the Senior Showman and Master Showman.
- Didinger and Son Crop Service bought the animal for a price of $7,000.
Dairy Market Feeders
- The Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Logan Whitney of Danville. Logan is part of the Creative Kids 4H Club.
- Small’s Asphalt & Paving and John Hinderer bought the animal for a price of $4,500
- The Reserve Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Taylor Tyson of Mount Vernon. Taylor is part of the KC Draft Horse & Pony Club.
- John Hinderer and Small’s Sand & Gravel bought the animal for a price of $5,000.
Pen of 3 Market Lambs
- The Grand Champion Pen of 3 Market Lambs was shown by Charley Beheler of Fredericktown with the Knox County Career Center FFA.
- Beheler Excavating and Alumni Roofing bought the animals for a price of $5,000.
- The Reserve Champion Pen was shown by Joseph Ball from Danville with Better Livestock 4H Club. Ashton was also the Grand Champion Bred, Born & Raised and Reserve Senior Showman.
- A group of buyers purchased the animals for a price of $5,000
- They included: Tim VanDyke, Knox Community Hospital, Park National Bank, CJS, Small’s Farms and Small’s Sand & Gravel.
- A group of buyers purchased the animals for a price of $5,000
Market Lambs
- The Grand Champion Market Lamb was shown by Ashton Anderson of Mount Vernon with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Ashton was also the Grand Champion Bred, Born and Raised and Reserve Senior Showman
- TD Landscape bought the animal for a price of $3,000
- The Reserve Champion Market Lamb was shown by Kellen Algire of Fredericktown with the Country Critters 4H Club.
- Andy Brenner, State Senator bought the animal for a price of $2,250
Turkeys
- The Grand Champion Turkey was shown by Carl Dickerson from Fredericktown with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club.
- Beheler Excavating and Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $2,500
- The Reserve Champion Turkey was shown by Tucker Tedrow from Mount Vernon with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club.
- TD Landscape bought the animal for a price of $3,750
Market Dairy Steers
- The Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Greg Wilson of Danville with Creative Kids 4H Club.
- Granville Milling, Levi Hostetler and THR Home Inspection bought the animal for a price of $5,750
- The Reserve Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Connor Shields of Danville with the Creative Kids 4H Club. Connor was also the Reserve Champion Carcass and Reserve Junior Showman
- Didinger and Son Crop Service bought the animal for a price of $2,500
Market Goats
- The Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Sophia Carpenter of Howard. She is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.
- Alumni Roofing and Beheler Excavating bought the animal for a price of $3,000!
- The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Nash Stull of Fredericktown. Nash is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.
- A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $7,350
- They included: NC Energy, Small’s Farm, Knox Community Hospital, Kari Ball Insurance and Revere Roofing Company
- A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $7,350
Broilers (Chicken)
- The Grand Champion Broilers (pen of 3) were shown by Ally Bonvillain of Mount Vernon with the Anything Goes 4H Club.
- Trillium Farms bought the animals for a price of $3,500
- The Reserve Champion broilers were shown by Adrian Clutter of Howard with the Fur Feathers and Friends 4H Club.
- Kari Ball Insurance, Small’s Sand & Gravel and Didinger and Son Crop Service bought the animals for a price of $3,000
Market Hogs
- The Grand Champion hog was shown by Matilda Sulzer of Mount Vernon with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club. Matilda was also the Heavy Weight Division Champion and Junior Showman for Ages 9 & 10
- Owl Creek Title Agency purchased the hog for a price of $7,000
- The Reserve Champion hog was shown by Hannah Creasap of Fredericktown with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Hannah was also the Reserve Heavy Weight Division Champion, Junior Master Showman for Age 11, and Age 11 Skillathon Winner.
- John Hinderer Honda bought the animal for a price of $3,500.
Market Rabbits
- The Grand Champion Rabbits (Market Fryers) were shown by Annalia Wolf of Mount Vernon with the Down On The Farm 4H Club.
- The Ruckman Group Auctions and Appraisals and Park National Bank bought the animals for a price of $3,000
- The Reserve Champion Rabbits were shown by Dawson Staley of Fredericktown from the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club.
- Clearfork Buyers Club bought the animals for a price of $2,750
Congratulations to these special award winners that were announced at the Sale of Champions:
The Junior Fair Sales Committee presented a Hall of Fame award this year.
This award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond normal efforts to benefit the sale, the Junior Fair and most importantly the Knox County Youth involved in 4H and FFA.
The 2025 recipient is: Tom Holten, East Knox Vocational Agriculture and FFA Instructor
David Greer Award from Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club:
1st place for a $500 scholarship – Logan Whitney
2nd place for a $250 scholarship – Ansley Daubenmier
3rd place for a $100 scholarship – Dalton Bailey
Knox County Junior Fair Outstanding Exhibitors:
Market Beef – Lane Dugan
Beef Feeder – Jayce Enix
Dairy Market Feeder – Taylor Tyson
Market Dairy Steer – Kadence Magers
Market Goat – Ana Steel
Rabbit – Annalia Wolf
Sheep – Mason Reynolds
Swine – Hannah Creasap
Poultry – Grant Vance
Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors:
Senior Beef Ambassador – Brandon Hogg
Junior Beef Ambassador – Leah Weiser
Senior Dairy Ambassador – Sierra Shields
Junior Dairy Ambassador – Alexia Wine
Senior Goat Ambassador – Lauren Neighbarger
Junior Goat Ambassador – __________________________
Senior Rabbit Ambassador – Sophie Wolf
Junior Rabbit Ambassador – Annalia Wolf
Senior Sheep Ambassador – Caitlin Ball
Junior Sheep Ambassador – Brooklyn Bruff
Senior Swine Ambassador – Kennedy Auker
Junior Swine Ambassador – Briley Cline
Senior Poultry Ambassador – Adysson Gearhart
Junior Poultry Ambassador – Taylor Vance
2025 Horse Queen – Madison Ruhl
2025 Horse Princess – Lily Laufer
2025 Junior Fair Queen – Kennedy Auker
2025 Junior Fair King – Michael Brady
2025 Little Miss Knox County -Kiaria Hammons
2025 Little Mr. Knox County – Will Meyers
Cattleman’s Awards:
Dairy Beef Herdsman: Greg Wilson
Beef Herdsman: Lane Mussard
Market Dairy Steer Grand Champion Carcass: Alayna Wittel
Market Dairy Steer Reserve Champion Carcass: Connor Shields
Beef Grand Champion Carcass: Ava Snively
Beef Reserve Champion Carcass: Bailee Smith
Beef Feeder – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Malachi Goodwin
Beef Feeder – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Bailee Smith
Dairy Market Feeder – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Dairy Market Feeder – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson
Market Beef – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Brandon Hogg
Market Beef – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Lane Mussard
Market Dairy Steer – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Market Dairy Steer – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Senior Fair Board Scholarships:
The Senior Fair Board presented two $200 scholarships. These scholarships are for 2025 graduates and had an essay-driven application.
2025 Winners: Catlin Ball and Taylor Thorne
Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award:
This award is sponsored by JDC Livestock and is dedicated to Gage Moody’s memory. It aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Daily effort and commitment
- Setting a positive example for others
- Showing passion for their project despite being perceived as the underdog.
Macee Samples and Logan Daubenmier each were recognized with the Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award, and each received a $750 scholarship.
The Junior Fair Board also received a check for $500 from Farm Credit Mid-America. This check was given for their Stock the Trailer collection for a local food pantry. They are still collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations. You can drop off donations at the main Fair Board Office. Our Knox County Junior Fair Board is competing against other Junior Fair Boards across Ohio.
Love Like Linda Scholarship:
The family of Linda Dowalter is pleased to announce the establishment of the “Love Like Linda Scholarship.” “Love Like Linda” is an inspiring concept encouraging individuals to embrace a life filled with compassion, kindness, and selflessness. It embodies the idea of living with an open heart, much like Linda – she was a mom, sister, aunt, and grandma, who was known for her unwavering love and generosity. Loving like Linda means actively listening to others, showing empathy, and offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s about positively impacting the lives of those around you, whether through small acts of kindness or significant gestures of support. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate deeper connections and create a more compassionate world, one interaction at a time. The Dowalter Family is honored and pleased to present this scholarship to someone who embodies the personality Linda exhibited every day of her life and encouraged others to exhibit as well.
This nonrenewable scholarship will be issued to one individual meeting the following criteria.
• 2025 High School Graduate OR
• Exhibitor that 2025 is their last year of eligibility
• Good Standing 4H or FFA Member
• Will be or is currently attending a two- or four-year technical school or university/college
The applicant was required to write an essay answering the following prompt: “What the characteristic selflessness means to me”.
They were also required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from non-family members explaining how the applicant exhibits selflessness.
Ansley Daubenmier was recognized with the “Love Like Linda Scholarship” and received a $1,000 scholarship.
Thanks to our partners for helping us bring you live results from this year’s Sale of Champions.
– The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities
– The Knox County Career Center
– Revere Roofing Company
– The Ruckman Group Auctions and Appraisals
– Valley ATV
– Wendys of Mount Vernon
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 7/25/25 – We love the Knox County Fair
For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts share their favorite memories from the 2025 Knox County Fair.
Granges at the Knox County Fair!
There is a lot to see at the Knox County Fair, including Grange Booths! We shared the award winning Grange booths and talked about the pop stands.
The winners:
Morgan Grange No. 829
Morgan Jr. Grange No. 920
We also got to speak with Cindy Campbell who is the Deputy of Knox County Granges, more about Granges themselves and what the pop stands do!











WNZR learns all about the 2025 Junior Knox County Fair Sale Day!
WNZR got to chat with Jim Blanchard, the President of the Knox County Junior Fair Sales Committee! Jim shares all about the 2025 Junior Fair Sale Day. He details the date moving, the awards that are being given out, some of the stats from last year’s sale day, and much more!
Listen to WNZR for updates on the Junior Fair Sale Day!
2nd Annual Wiener Dog Races Bring Excitement to the Knox County Fair
WNZR’s Eric Brown talked with Tahlia about her dogs that participated in the Second Annual Wiener Dog Races at the Knox County Fair. Her dogs, Stella and Sterling, came in 1st and 2nd place!
Congratulations to all participants.
Here are the results:
Heat #1 Winner: Oakley
Heat #2 Winner: Stella
Heat #3 Winner: Dash
Heat #4 Winner: Sterling
heat #5 Winner: Hank
Heat #6 Winner: Ellie
Final Race Results:
1st – Stella
2nd – Sterling
3rd – Dash


WNZR visits the Knox County 4H Booth Building
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Luci Byler and Jackie Weisenfelder from the Knox County 4H Booth Building! They highlight activities that will be happening this week.
All of the booths are decorated for Christmas in July to celebrate the theme for the Knox County Fair.
Stop by at 4pm for the 4H at 4 activities! WNZR is positioned right out the 4H Booth Building so go see them and come see us!

















