Today marks the 182nd day of the year—a unique midpoint milestone that’s come to be known as Second Half of the Year Day.
Whether it’s reassessing your budget, committing to healthier habits, revisiting your career aspirations, or simply deciding to be more present and intentional—today is the perfect day to reset.
Click HERE for more background and tips to get your second half of the year to a great start!
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.
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:
To stay in touch with the City, go to:
We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!
To learn more about the event, click HERE!
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!
Are you ready to have fun and make memories with your family and friends? Today, The Morning Thing celebrated National Zoo and Aquarium Month by sharing a list of destinations throughout Ohio.
Check out this list! Follow the links and you can start planning your trip. We would love to have you send us a picture – wnzr@mvnu.edu
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell, near Columbus)
🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
🌍 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium
🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
🐧 Akron Zoo (Akron)
🐆 The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)
🗺️ Bonus Spot: African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Location | Highlights for Families |
| Columbus Zoo & Aquarium | Coasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Historic grounds, endangered species, hands‑on demos |
| Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | Rainforest, African Savanna, immersive exhibits |
| Greater Cleveland Aquarium | Touch-pools, shark tube, diver shows |
| Toledo Zoo & Aquarium | Massive reef tanks, dive shows, evening events |
| Akron Zoo | Compact, educational programs, junior keeper |
| The Wilds | Safari adventure + outdoor activities |
| African Safari Park | Drive-through safari, petting train, exotic animals |
✅ Family Day Tips
Special Events on the Summer 2025 Calendar:
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell)
🕒 Hours & Tickets
🎟️ Online Perks & Passes
🎉 June Events
🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
Rick Springfield Concert: June 29 – ticket via Live Nation, sold separately toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1
Twilight Evenings: Wed & Thu, May 28–Aug 28; half‑price admission 4–8 PM, closes 9 PM toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1
Weekly Evening Events: Garden tours, trivia, member mornings, family safaris, etc. See calendar details toledozoo.org
Zen at the Zoo (Yoga + Keeper Talk): June 21 toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Katie Ellis, Executive Director and Kristina Hagemann, Program Coordinator for the United Way of Knox County. The ladies shared exciting news about two new bike programs happening in our community. They also shared a report about the recent Power of the Purse Event. Katie and Kristina also shared highlights of their summer calendar, how to stay connected to the United Way and how to get involved with Women United.
Click HERE for the full conversation.
New Directions of Knox County is doing something very exciting this year, and Callie Pillow, from New Directions, got to tell us all about it! They are having their first ever Family Block Party Fundraiser and it is going to be an exciting night.
Come out and enjoy live music, food trucks, activities, and more!
Callie tells us about everything happening at the Block Party and also shares background information on their shelter.
To learn more about the event, click HERE!
We got to talk with Zoe Bricker and Ben Slater from MVNU Admissions, for the big announcements about Sonfest!
They share everything about Sonfest including:
We are excited to welcome ELEVATION RHYTHM, John Mark McMillan, Citizens, and more to MVNU’s campus, as a part of the concert lineup!
For more information or to get tickets, click HERE!
MVNU’s President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR for our monthly MVNU Update.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Dr. Castleman shared his thoughts about graduation at MVNU and plans for the Summer of 2025.
We covered many topics including:
Dr. Castleman also shares special messages for the MVNU students, staff and faculty.
He also shares how we can pray for MVNU and his family throughout the month of June.
Click HERE for more information about MVNU.
Rise and Shine 