The 2026 MVNU Spring Semester is wrapping up on Monday. To celebrate, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite memories from the semester.
Click HERE to hear from Xander, Marcy, Josiah, and Eric or click on the picture below.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sits down with Dr. Carson Castleman for the latest MVNU Update, and as the semester winds down, there’s a mix of celebration, momentum, and a look ahead.
Click HERE for the full conversation!
Dr. Castleman shares a personal highlight to start—the arrival of his new granddaughter, Nora Gene—while also looking forward to wrapping up the spring semester and a well-earned break for students and staff.
Before that, MVNU is preparing for a full graduation weekend on May 8th and 9th, including a ribbon cutting, baccalaureate, the President’s Dessert Reception, and commencement. Reverend Nathan Ward will speak at baccalaureate, and Dr. Randle Davie will deliver the commencement address. The weekend will also include special recognitions like honorary doctorates and the Service Above Self award.
Dr. Castleman says the university continues to see encouraging growth, with strong enrollment trends and a welcoming campus environment. Academically, MVNU is exploring new graduate programs through CAPS, including a Doctor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Education, while the College of Arts and Sciences looks ahead to a possible Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
Over the summer, several campus projects are planned—from apartment air conditioning upgrades to continued chapel renovations and general maintenance—alongside camps and district events.
Looking ahead, MVNU is also preparing for future enrollment cycles and an upcoming 2028 accreditation review, with Dr. Castleman noting continued progress in fulfilling the university’s mission.
He closes with a simple message: “Well done” to students, encouragement for faculty and staff to rest, and a reminder to graduates from Habakkuk 1:5 to stay open to what God is doing next.
Click HERE to find out more about MVNU!
Jeff Scott returns to the stage as Atticus Finch in MTVArts’ To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House. He shares with WNZR why this iconic role—and its message about doing the right thing—still matters today.
WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Jeff Scott, who is stepping into the role of Atticus Finch in MTVArts’ upcoming production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Jeff has lived in Mount Vernon since 2011 and serves as Executive Director of the Knox County Foundation. While he was involved in theater in college, he took nearly a 30-year break before returning to the stage in recent years.
He says Atticus is both iconic and challenging—a character defined by integrity and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. Preparing for the role has meant learning a large number of lines and leaning on his familiarity with the story. Jeff says some of his favorite moments are the quieter scenes with Scout and Jem, which connect with him personally as a father.
Jeff has also enjoyed working with the young cast members, building relationships that help those family moments feel natural on stage. His own children have been involved with MTVArts for years, and he’s appeared in productions like The Sound of Music, Our Town, and A Few Good Men. For him, theater provides a creative outlet and a sense of balance.
Audiences can expect a faithful adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, tackling themes of racism, injustice, and courage, while still offering a message of hope. Jeff says that message—doing the right thing even when it’s hard—still resonates today.
Performances will be held Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House.
Click HERE for ticket information!
Grief has a way of changing everything—and for many families in our community, it’s a reality they’re learning to live with each day. In the middle of that journey, a group called Common Ground is offering something simple but powerful: a place to come together, share, and be reminded that no one has to walk through loss alone.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently sat down with Kathy Wantland, Kathleen Swanger, and Wendi Lahmon—three women who know that journey firsthand and are now helping others navigate it together.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Common Ground is a support group that meets the second Tuesday of every month, focused on those grieving the loss of loved ones—especially parents who have lost children. The group began last year after Kathy Wantland lost her son. In the midst of her own grief, she felt a calling to create a space where others could come together, share, and simply not feel alone.
Kathleen Swanger, a licensed social worker with a background in hospice care, helped shape that vision. Having walked through the loss of her own son, Kevin, nearly 5 years ago, she understood the importance of connection. She shared that one of the biggest needs in grief is knowing that someone else understands—because every story is different, but the pain is something many share.
Wendi Lahmon echoed that sentiment. After losing both her husband, Tim, and her son Ryan, she says the support she’s found has been essential. She shared Ryan’s story—how he pushed through life after a devastating construction accident left him paralyzed, how he rebuilt his life in Florida, and how unexpectedly, a pulmonary embolism took him far too soon. Wendi was there through those final moments, and she says the days that followed were filled with both heartbreak and incredible support from others.
That’s what Common Ground is all about.
It’s a place where people can come as they are—where it’s okay to cry, okay to be vulnerable, and okay to not have all the answers. The group emphasizes confidentiality and compassion. There’s no pressure to speak—just the opportunity to listen, to share, and to be surrounded by people who truly understand.
Faith has also played a role for many in the group. Kathleen shared how prayer and reading the Psalms helped carry her through the darkest days, reminding her that even in loss, there is still purpose. Wendi admitted there were moments of anger in her grief—but even in those moments, she found that God never left her.
The support doesn’t stop at the monthly meetings. Kathy also offers additional connection opportunities, including a summer restaurant gathering (currently on break) and personal conversations for anyone who needs to talk. She emphasizes that grief can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.
The next Common Ground meeting is set for May 12th at 6 p.m. at Newlife Community Church, located at 9955 Mount Gilead Road in Fredericktown. There’s no sign-up required—just show up.
Beyond the group, these women are also helping bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. A 5K/10K run is planned for September 12th at 5 p.m. at Ariel Park, followed by a memorial to honor lives lost and remind others that help is available. They’re also involved in community outreach events like First Fridays and the Rod Masters Car Show, where proceeds go toward suicide awareness efforts.
At its heart, Common Ground is exactly what the name suggests—a place where people can meet in the middle of their grief, find connection, and begin to heal together.
Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can hear is this: you’re not alone.
Click HERE on how you can find out more through the New Life Community Church in Fredericktown.
If you’ve spent any time around Centerburg or Mount Vernon, there’s a good chance you might’ve crossed paths—at least indirectly—with Christian artist Seph Schlueter.
Before stepping onto stages across the country, Seph spent time working in ministry in Centerburg, and he still has a soft spot for the area… especially stops like Happy Bean and the local bookstore in Mount Vernon. In fact, he even shared his go-to Happy Bean order during a recent conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger.
Click HERE for the full conversation!
At the time of the interview, Seph was out on his “Counting My Blessings” Tour—a season he describes as nothing short of fun and meaningful. Touring is something he genuinely loves, not just for the music, but for the people. There’s a strong sense of connection that forms on the road, both with his team and the audiences he meets night after night.
That said, life on tour isn’t always easy. Sleeping on a bus and being away from loved ones can take a toll. But for Seph, the purpose behind the music keeps everything grounded. He says it simply—it’s all about being part of moments where people encounter Jesus.
That message hits especially close to home when it comes to his song “Counting My Blessings.” It’s not just a song for listeners—it’s one that’s spoken back into his own life. As he continues writing, Seph says his focus has been on full surrender and what it really means to give your life completely to God.
He also has a deep appreciation for Christian radio, sharing how powerful it is to hear stories from listeners. Whether it’s lifting someone’s day or even helping save a life, he believes there’s something incredibly real about encountering Jesus through a song on the radio.
Now, Seph is getting ready to hit the road again—this time joining Crowder for a spring tour that promises to be something special.
Crowder’s shows are known for their energy and authenticity, blending grit, joy, and his signature “let’s get swampy” style. Fans can expect favorites like “Good God Almighty” and “Grave Robber,” all delivered in venues that feel like they were made for nights like these.
Seph will be joining the tour alongside Patrick Mayberry, creating a lineup that brings warmth, honesty, and hope to the stage. Seph’s “Counting My Blessings” pairs naturally with Mayberry’s uplifting songs like “Lead On Good Shepherd,” making each night feel less like a concert and more like a shared experience.
One of those stops is coming up close to home at E.J. Thomas Performance Hall, located on the campus of the University of Akron.
The concert is set for Sunday, May 3rd, with doors opening at 6PM and the music getting underway at 7PM.
Click HERE to check out our concert page and how you can get tickets to this amazing show!
During the April Spotlight on Mount Vernon, WNZR’s Eric Brown sat down with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr for a wide-ranging update—and it’s clear the city is moving full speed ahead into a busy spring season.
Click HERE for the full conversation!
One of the biggest updates comes from the aftermath of the March 13th storms. Mayor Starr says cleanup is now officially complete, after crews worked through every street in the city. What was expected to take about a week stretched into three and a half weeks, but the effort paid off. Starr credited teams from Public Works, Parks, and other departments for tackling the large amount of debris and getting things back in order. He also noted repairs at the Curtis family gravesite in Mount Vernon Cemetery and reminded residents to take part in spring cleanup efforts as the city prepares for Memorial Day.
Looking ahead, attention is turning to long-discussed demolition projects north of Public Square. Starr says bids are due May 7th for the removal of several condemned buildings. While those structures will soon come down, pieces of history are being preserved. Materials from the Curtis Building have been saved, and detailed 3D scans were completed to document the structure before demolition begins.
Environmental work is also a major focus. Starr discussed ongoing brownfield efforts—projects aimed at cleaning up former industrial sites before redevelopment. The city has applied for grant funding to address areas along South Sandusky Street and Long Phillips Drive, where past use left contamination behind. If approved, those funds would help prepare the land for future development while protecting the surrounding environment.
Safety improvements around schools are also underway. Through the Safe Routes to School program, work is happening near Saint Vincent de Paul School, including resurfacing, curb upgrades, and new safety features like bump-outs and flashing beacons. Additional projects are planned along Martinsburg Road, including bridge repairs, resurfacing, and future sidewalk installation—all part of a broader push to improve infrastructure in school zones.
And speaking of infrastructure, road construction season is officially in full swing. Crews are addressing erosion issues, repairing and resurfacing streets, and upgrading traffic signals along Coshocton Avenue with new radar technology. Work is also happening on brick streets, Blackberry Alley, and in neighborhoods across the city. Starr acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized that these improvements are designed to benefit the entire community long-term.
There’s also plenty happening in Mount Vernon’s parks and public spaces. New swings have been installed at Riverside Park, and the splash pad will reopen from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hiawatha Water Park is set to open June 2nd. Maintenance work—including painting and equipment repairs—is ongoing, while Public Square is being prepared with fountain and lighting updates. Starr also shared an ambitious goal of planting more than 400 trees this year and encouraged residents to attend an upcoming neighborhood meeting tied to a grant application for additional street and infrastructure improvements.
At the city government level, Starr says City Council has officially begun meeting in the new municipal center. Recent actions include approving road salt purchases, managing impounded vehicle disposal, and continuing traffic and infrastructure studies. Updates are also moving forward on the North Sandusky intersection project, South Sandusky improvements, and new curbside recycling requirements.
Public safety remains a priority as well. Starr says police and fire departments are staying busy, especially with warmer weather bringing increased activity. Training continues, including rescue simulations for the fire department. The city has also selected a new assistant fire chief, and a new medic unit is expected soon—with a traditional push-in ceremony planned to mark its arrival.
Beyond city operations, there are plenty of opportunities for community connection. Starr highlighted events like the Songwriters Circle at the Woodward Opera House and reflected on the recent Rwanda remembrance event hosted in partnership with MVNU, calling it both powerful and humbling. He also pointed to Celebrate Trails Day and National Bike to Work Day as ways residents can get involved and stay active.
Coming up soon, the citywide yard sale trail will take place May 2nd and 3rd, with free permits available for participants. City Cleanup Day is scheduled for May 9th at Ariel Foundation Park. Starr also invited residents to attend the Washington Forum on April 28th, focused on land and conservation, in partnership with MVNU and Kenyon College.
As the conversation wrapped up, Starr reflected on the often unseen work of public service. While much of it happens behind the scenes, he says it plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the community. He asked residents to keep city leaders in prayer for wisdom and stewardship and encouraged everyone to stay connected through the city’s website, social media, and direct communication with city offices.
Click HERE for the City of Mount Vernon’s website!
Food for the Hungry is stepping into a new season, and there are some important updates for the Knox County community.
During a recent conversation on WNZR, Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Vice President of the Board of Directors, about a leadership transition and what’s ahead for the organization.
Click HERE for the full conversation!
Executive Director Kathy Brechler is moving into full retirement. While she has served in the role for the past two years, her connection to Food for the Hungry goes back to 2011, when she helped launch the Snowflake Gala. She also created Pantry Partners Access Meetings, bringing local food pantries together to share resources and better serve the community.
As the organization looks ahead, the board is now searching for an Annual Drive and Community Relations Director. This role will oversee the December drive, manage community relationships, coordinate events, and help lead grant programs. The goal is to have someone in place by early summer, with a soft application deadline of April 24th.
At the same time, April is a busy month. The Summer Grant Program is open now through noon on April 30th. These grants support organizations providing meals during the summer, especially for students who no longer have access to school breakfasts and lunches.
It’s a reminder that Food for the Hungry serves Knox County all year long—not just during the holidays.
You can stay connected through their Facebook page or by visiting the website, where you’ll find pantry listings, volunteer opportunities, event information, and applications for both the open position and summer grants.
Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!
One of 13 new voices joining the WNZR airwaves this year is Odessa Wellman.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
A sophomore at MVNU majoring in Communications and Digital Media, Odessa is stepping into the world of radio with enthusiasm and a growing passion for connecting with listeners.
Originally from Bucyrus, Ohio, Odessa’s decision to attend MVNU felt like a natural fit. Having grown up in the Nazarene church, coming to a university within her district just made sense. Since arriving on campus, that sense of belonging has only deepened—especially through the friendships she’s formed while living in the residence halls. One of her favorite memories from this past year has simply been the joy of being surrounded by close friends and doing everyday life together.
Odessa first got involved in radio as part of her major, but it quickly became something more than just a class requirement. She’s found it to be a fun and meaningful way to express herself, build skills, and engage with the WNZR audience. That excitement carries into other areas of her campus life as well. She serves on the student class council and has already been selected as next year’s Junior Class President, where she’ll help plan events and create memorable experiences for her classmates.
When she’s not in the studio or focused on school, Odessa enjoys spending time with friends, taking trips off campus, and making the most of her weekends. She also loves basketball—especially the WNBA—and enjoys watching players like Caitlin Clark. While she admits she’s not the most athletic herself, her enthusiasm for the game is undeniable.
Music is another big part of Odessa’s life. She’s a fan of TobyMac, with Heaven On My Mind ranking as one of her favorite songs. And when it comes to comfort food, you can’t go wrong with her top choice: mac and cheese.
There are also a few fun facts that make Odessa stand out. Her name is inspired by Odysseus from The Odyssey, and she holds a close relationship with her mom, who she calls her built-in best friend. She also has a younger brother who keeps life interesting.
As Odessa continues to grow in her time at MVNU and WNZR, she’s already making an impact both on and off the air—and clearly enjoying every step of the journey.
You can catch Odessa on WNZR Wednesdays from 1–2pm and Thursdays from 11am–12pm.
Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!
Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are the simplest ones—trust God, don’t be afraid, and let Him lead.
That’s what Executive Pastor Mark Owen of FirstNaz of Mount Vernon shared in a recent conversation with WNZR’s Zane Menzie.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Mark talked about how God has been faithful in his life, reminding him that there’s no need to fear. Instead, he’s learned to leave everything in God’s hands and trust that He will follow through on His promises. For Mark, it comes down to something simple but powerful—God is true to His word, and all we need to do is ask.
Part of that journey took him away from Mount Vernon for a time, living in Cincinnati and serving as a part-time worship pastor. During that season, it became clear that God was calling him to pursue worship as a full-time path, and that became evident to him over time.
Now back in Mount Vernon, Mark sees how God has been at work in his story all along.
He also shared something else God has been teaching him—people aren’t drawn to faith by something we create. It’s not about what can be manufactured. Instead, it’s God who draws people to Himself.
Even in a world filled with misinformation and mistrust, Mark says he still sees a hunger for truth. And for him, that truth is found in the Bible. It’s a reminder that while everything else may change, God does not.
And through it all, Mark says God continues to prove faithful.
Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!
There’s something special about a song that doesn’t just sound good—but means something deeply personal. For Micah Tyler, that’s exactly what this year’s Lifeline theme song, “God Did It,” represents.
Micah tells WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that the heart behind the song is simple, but powerful—God loves it when we remember. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His provision. Remember what He’s brought us through
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
And for Micah, that remembering has taken on a whole new depth this past year.
He shares openly about walking through the heartbreaking loss of his little brother, Daniel. In the middle of grief, questions, and pain, Micah says he has seen God remain steady and faithful. That’s not just a lyric—it’s his reality. “God Did It” became a way to mark those moments… to look back and say, even here, even now—God was working.
That’s why this year’s Lifeline theme verse hit him so hard.
Micah admits he was honestly taken aback when he first heard it. It wasn’t just a nice verse—it felt personal. Like a reminder placed directly in his path at just the right time. The kind of reminder that says, “You’re not alone in this story.”
And that leads right into one of the most meaningful lines in the song:
“New mercies each morning, re-writing my story.”
For Micah, those words are a daily reset.
They remind him that no matter the struggle—or even the mistakes we’ve made—God is still writing something good. The story isn’t over. There’s still purpose. There’s still a plan. And there’s still grace for today.
Looking ahead, Micah says his prayer is simple but focused. He wants to stay centered on the mission. Not the platform. Not the numbers. Not even the music itself.
It’s about lifting up the name of Jesus in everything he does.
That perspective didn’t just appear overnight. It was shaped over time—going all the way back to his days as a youth pastor. Micah remembers encouraging students to be intentional about what they listened to, filling their lives with music that pointed them toward God.
And then something unexpected happened—God opened doors.
What started with local Christian radio eventually led to more stations, more listeners, and ultimately a record deal in Nashville. It’s a journey that makes you think of the parable in Matthew Chapter 13—the farmer scattering seeds. Micah sees Christian radio, including stations like WNZR, as part of that process. Planting seeds. Not always seeing the immediate results, but trusting that God is working beneath the surface.
And sometimes… those seeds grow in ways we never expect.
Micah shared a story that puts everything into perspective. A woman, feeling completely alone and abandoned, found herself at a breaking point. But in that moment, she heard something on the radio. A song. A message. A reminder that she wasn’t forgotten.
That moment changed everything.
She chose life—for herself and her unborn baby.
Stories like that are why Micah does what he does. Sure, people may compliment the music or his voice—but that’s not what drives him. It’s moments like those. Lives changed. Hope restored.
Because at the end of the day, the message is bigger than the music.
And if you ask Micah, it all comes back to one simple truth:
God did it!
Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!
Rise and Shine 