Category: Local

July First Friday is tonight! Join WNZR and kick-off a great Independence Holiday weekend!

The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.

Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.

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Are you ready for some Family Fun this 4th of July?

The Morning Thing is here to help!

Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!

🎆 Outdoor Activities

  1. Watch a Fireworks Show – Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
  2. Backyard BBQ or Picnic – Grill out classic American favorites.
  3. Decorate Bikes for a Parade – Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
  4. Play Lawn Games – Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
  5. Go to a Local Festival – Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
  6. Camp Out in the Backyard – Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores.
  7. Host a Water Day – Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.

🎨 Creative Fun

  1. DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye – Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
  2. Patriotic Face Painting – Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
  3. Make 4th of July Crafts – Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
  4. Decorate the Yard or House – Let the kids help with flags and streamers.

🍓 Food-Focused Fun

  1. Bake Patriotic Treats – Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
  2. Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar – Let everyone build their own.
  3. Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones – Perfect for hot weather.

🧠 Quiet or Indoor Options

  1. Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie – Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Liberty’s Kids for younger viewers.
  2. Read Books About America – Great for young kids to learn about history.
  3. Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along – Teach classic American songs.

🏃‍♂️ Get Moving

  1. Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride – Explore a park or trail.
  2. Join a Fun Run or Parade – Many towns host family-friendly events.
  3. Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme – Use household or nature items.

Want to know WHERE and WHEN to see fireworks this year?
Thanks to Knox Pages for this very informative list of Fireworks Displays and events happening around the Knox County Area! Click HERE to see their list of events for the 4th of July Weekend.

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Welcome to the Second Second Half of the Year!

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!

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The Knox County Career Center and Ellis Brothers celebrate an exciting partnership

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.

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June 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, 6/27/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • The announcement about a move for the city of Mount Vernon offices.
    • Mayor Starr talks about the COTC facilities (COTC) and how they are moving City Hall and Courthouse down to 236 South Main Street.
    • Transition of the current city hall into the Justice Center
    • The savings this move brings to the City.
  • Construction Updates
    • Fairgrounds Road
    • Old Mansfield Roads
    • Dan Emmett Elementary School Area
    • Taylor Road
    • City Salt Barn
    • State Route 13
  • Special events for the upcoming holiday
    • July First Friday
    • Independence Day Festival at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Mayor Starr talks about testifying in front of state lawmakers.
    • Discussion on House Bill 92 and Senate Bill 118
    • House Bill 113
    • Senate Bill 104
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
    • Mayor Starr has signed a contract for the design of the new police station.
    • The plan is to break ground in 2026.
    • Stats for the month of May and the success of their community advocates. 
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • $4000 grant from the local Elks Club to be used to purchase new equipment.
    • Recent stats showing over 500 calls this month.
    • Update on Morris B Township fire services contract with the City.
  • Goals for July 2025
  • Events happening in July 2025

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt
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Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Candy McCracken Interview!

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!

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Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival – Patrick Loudermilk Interview!

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!

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Wild Adventures Await: Celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month with Family Fun in Ohio

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

  • Immersive exhibits, including a two-level RainForest and African Savanna with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs ohiorc.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
  • Interactive, family‑driven activities scattered throughout—great for kids to learn and explore hands-on ohiorc.org+1ohiorc.org+1

🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium

🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

🐧 Akron Zoo (Akron)

🐆 The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)

  • Ohio’s massive safari park on 9,154 acres of reclaimed coal mine land en.wikipedia.org
  • Open-range enclosures for rare & endangered species—plus zip-lining, horseback riding, fishing & biking en.wikipedia.org
  • Requires advanced reservations; less conventional but unforgettable wildlife immersion

🗺️ Bonus Spot: African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)

  • Drive-through safari with exotic animals; also walk-around petting zoo and train rides
  • More interactive with a “Wild Herd” experience—brings people close to giraffes, camels, bison, etc.

📌 Quick Comparison Table

LocationHighlights for Families
Columbus Zoo & AquariumCoasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenHistoric grounds, endangered species, hands‑on demos
Cleveland Metroparks ZooRainforest, African Savanna, immersive exhibits
Greater Cleveland AquariumTouch-pools, shark tube, diver shows
Toledo Zoo & AquariumMassive reef tanks, dive shows, evening events
Akron ZooCompact, educational programs, junior keeper
The WildsSafari adventure + outdoor activities
African Safari ParkDrive-through safari, petting train, exotic animals

✅ Family Day Tips

  • Each site offers conservation & educational programming—ask about keeper talks or tours.
  • Check schedules for interactive experiences (feeding times, dive shows, rides).
  • Combine a Zoo + Aquarium visit (e.g., Cleveland Zoo + Greater Cleveland Aquarium).
  • For outdoor adventure, head to The Wilds or African Safari Park.
  • Bring snacks or picnic, water, sunscreen—plus a stroller for little ones.

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

  • Non‑Lucas County: Adult $32, Child $29, Senior $29. Lucas County: Adult $30, Child $27, Senior $27 toledozoo.org
  • Parking included? Details online

🗓️ 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

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WNZR shares an update from the United Way of Knox County

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.

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