The United Way of Knox County celebrates a successful 2022 Campaign

On Friday, The United Way of Knox County hosted their Annual Meeting. It was a time of celebration of a successful 2022 Campaign.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart spoke with Executive Director, Kelly Brenneman. She shared her thoughts on the 2022 Campaign. The anticipated total for 2022 will be close to $1.1 million dollars!
Kelly also talked about her upcoming retirement and shared her heartfelt thanks to the incredibly generous Knox County residents.
Click HERE to hear from Kelly.

Marcy also talked with Halle Krajenski, United Way Program Director. The United Way funds support many agencies and organizations in our community. All recipients fall into 3 pillars: Education, Financial Stability and Health.
Halle broke down the funds given to each pillar and shared some powerful examples of how United Way dollars are directly impacting families in our community.
Click HERE to hear from Halle.

Education: In 2022 United Way invested $136,000 in 7 Education Programs with 6 Partner Agencies

Financial: In 2022 United Way invested $176,300 in 6 Financial Stability Programs with 6 Partner Agencies

Health: In 2022 United Way invested $344,100 in 13 Health Programs

Halle also shared exciting news about Women United. This is an affinity group of the United Way. It is composed of women who are passionate about offering their time, talent, and treasure to improve the loves of others throughout Knox County.
Over $120,00 was raised for programs supporting women and children in Knox County was raised at the 2022 Power of the Purse event! Halle shared some exciting news about the Women United Grants including the NEW Champions in the Classroom Grants given out in 2022. You can find out more about Women in United HERE.

Halle also shared an exciting report about another United Way Program – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. When 2022 wrapped up, Knox County had reached 58% of children receiving FREE books! The program was started by Dolly Parton, to give children reading and literacy skills. Click HERE to find out more and get signed up to receive books.

Halle also shared details about the United Way’s Tax Assistance program and how it helps families. She talks about how the program works and how they’ve saved filers $93,000 in filing fees. Click HERE to find out more about this fantastic program!

To find out more about the United Way of Knox County, to volunteer, to give or to see their 2022 Annual Report – click HERE for a direct link to their website.

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Traven Griffith

This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features freshman, Traven Griffith.

Traven is from Mount Vernon. His major is Communication and Media (Digital Media).

Traven shares what brought him to MVNU and how he found his way to WNZR.

He shares some favorites including how being a DJ on WNZR is his favorite memory of freshman year. He also shares how he is using his media training to help his church on the weekends.

We also learn about Traven’s love of video editing and his interest in the film industry.

Click HERE to enjoy the conversation!

You can hear Traven on WNZR on Tuesdays 1pm – 2pm and Thursdays 1pm – 2pm.

Comedy for a Cure returns to Knox County!

The Morning Thing shared some exciting news – Comedy for a Cure is back for 2023!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Donna Strosnider about this exciting event.
Donna shared the details of the event planned for Friday, April 21 at the Glenn A Gallagher Center.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

This is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Tickets are selling quickly. Reserve your tickets today by calling Donna at 614-580-7984 or call Victor (the Emcee) at 517-285-1717.

You can also find details at the Event’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/723188099154622/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=735463121260453

February 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 2/24/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects including a project to deal with stormwater issues.
  • Discussion about the City’s Gas Aggregation program
  • Update on how the city has been recovering from the cyber-attack that occurred during the holidays.
  • Discussion on the new city-wide transportation plan and how it will help in our process for applying for grants.
  • Update on the City’s new contract for IT services with the Knox County Commissioners.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Water and Wastewater Department, including the increase in water rates coming March 1st.
  • Discussion on the changes coming to the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool for this upcoming season.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Approved budgets for 2023
    • Contract approvals for design services for the Dan Emmett Neighborhood Block Grant Project
    • Approval to purchase new dump trucks
  • Update on the City’s Police Department, including the lateral transfers happening, and good news on how their PAK United community outreach helped them to receive the 2022 Excellence in Community Engagement award.
  • Update from the Fire Department including how they were able to secure a safer grant (securing adequate fire and emergency response) of over a million dollars!
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his goals for March.
    • He wants to finish the parking garage project
    • He continues to host State of the City addresses to groups that are interested in hearing from him.
  • Mayor Starr shared his thoughts about our growth in Mount Vernon and Central Ohio and how we need to plan for it.
  • Mayor Starr asks that we pray that his team has clarity of thought and respectful understanding as we face the growth in our community.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new YouTube page, The City of Mount Vernon. Public city meetings will be live-streamed and archived on this page. Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Isaac Curtis

This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features junior, Isaac Curtis.

Isaac is from Maryland. His major is Communication and Media (Digital Media).

Isaac shares what brought him to MVNU and how he found his way to WNZR.

He shares some favorites including his favorite memory about a trip to Waffle House, favorite food, artist and what he loves to do on the weekends.

We also learn about Isaac is the last of 5 siblings to attend MVNU!

You can also learn more about Isaac with WNZR’s Rapid Fire. His favorite bible verse is Isaiah 41:10, our theme verse for Lifeline 2023!

Click HERE to enjoy the conversation!

You can hear Isaac on WNZR on Tuesdays 7pm – 8pm and Thursdays 10am – 11am.

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Abby Almodovar

This week’s Meet the Staff Monday on WNZR features freshman, Abby Almodovar.

Abby is from New Philadelphia, Ohio. Her major is Communication & Media (Digital Media).

Abby shares what brought her to MVNU and how she found her way to WNZR.

She shares some favorites including her favorite memory from this school year, her favorite food, artist, and what she loves to do on the weekends.

We also learn about Abby’s Puerto Rican heritage.

You can also learn more about Abby with WNZR’s Rapid Fire.

Click HERE to enjoy the conversation!

Drink some hot chocolate while planning your next vacation!

January 31 has some fun holidays! Today on The Morning Thing, we celebrated National Hot Chocolate Day and National Plan a Vacation Day.

Warm up with a nice cup of hot chocolate and learn the history behind the sweet drink HERE.

Allison and Ricky shared their favorite hot chocolate recipes. Allison shared a recipe for Polar Express Hot Chocolate, click HERE to try it. Ricky had a dairy-free hot chocolate recipe to share HERE.

It’s also National Plan a Vacation Day! We shared some fun things you can do on your next family vacation. Check out some ideas from the Family Vacationist HERE

January 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 1/27/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the current state of Mount Vernon heading into this New Year.
  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects including a parking garage.
  • Discussion about a special event that was held to recognize members of the City’s Work Force, including members from the Fire Department, Judicial Area of Mount Vernon, and City Hall.
  • Discussion on one of Knox County Land Bank’s 2023 goals, a flood plan study for Mount Vernon’s West End. Mayor Matt Starr talks about how much money the city has set aside for this project, and how this project will create serious economic improvement.
  • Information about 2 building site clean-up projects that are coming to the city. Mayor Starr talks about how state support is helping clean up hazardous and underutilized sites.
  • Planned Neighborhood Development approved by the Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission. The site is called Liberty Crossing, which contains over 100 acres.
  • Update on the reorganization of the City’s Water and Wastewater Department.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Appropriations Resolution was approved. $63 million was appropriated.
    • Tax revenue is up from last year.
    • Looking at tools to offset costs for development and pay for infrastructure without impacting the taxpayer.
  • Update on the City’s Police Department, including their new home by Sychar Road.
  • Update from the Fire Department including the recent recognition for excellent service.
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his goals for February.
    • He wants to fill some job openings in the city.
    • He also wants to see projects completed.
    • The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council recently packed lunches for the Winter Sanctuary, and now they’ll be working with New Directions and the Teen Advisory Council.
    • Mayor Starr will be doing State of the City presentations.
  • Events happening this month, including city council meetings and the State of the City presentations.
  • Mayor Starr asks that we pray that his team has the wisdom and guidance in making good decisions to serve the community well.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new YouTube page, The City of Mount Vernon. Public city meetings will be live-streamed and archived on this page. Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

Jeremy Camp shares a life update and WinterJam news with WNZR

WNZR’s Joe Rinehart talked with WinterJam 2023 Headliner, Jeremy Camp.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.


They talked about family, the stories behind some of his recent songs, and the amazing opportunity of touring with WinterJam.
Jeremy also shared his plans for 2023 and how we can pray for him and his family.
They guys also talked about football!

WinterJam 2023 is coming to Columbus this Saturday!

Saturday, January 28th – at the Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive in Columbus
– Jam Nation Doors Open at 4pm
– General Admission Doors Open at 5pm
– Pre-Jam Party starts at 6pm
– Official show starts at 6pm

The Winter Jam 2023 Tour Lineup:

  • Jeremy Camp
  • We The Kingdom
  • Andy Mineo
  • Francesca Battistelli (Columbus only)
  • Disciple
  • Austin French
  • Newsong

At the Pre-Jam Party at 6pm:

  • Thrive Worship
  • Sean Be
  • Renee

Plus speaker: Zane Black

For more information on WinterJam 2023, click HERE.

WNZR presents the January 2023 MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s President, Dr. Henry Spaulding, talked with The Morning Thing for his monthly Presidential Update.
Dr. Spaulding shared his thoughts on the first month of the year, including what he is most excited about for the upcoming spring semester.
He shared an update from MVNU’s Leadership Team including some openings for new positions that have been created by the new strategic investment initiatives.
He shared his biggest goals for the month of January and the New Year (2023).
He also shared a highlight of MVNU’s calendar.
Dr. Spaulding also shared special messages for MVNU students, faculty, and staff as they get ready to start a new semester.

Click HERE to hear the conversation.

Click HERE to stay updated with everything happening at MVNU.

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