Category: Local

Jeeps & Java Community Rock Hunt Encourages Families to Explore Mount Vernon

Amber Morrison from Sponsler CDJR recently joined WNZR’s Eric Brown to talk about the Jeeps & Java Community Rock Hunt, a fun event designed to get families out exploring Mount Vernon together.

Morrison said the idea came from a desire to encourage people to visit different parts of the community while partnering with local organizations. The YMCA played a major role by helping children paint the rocks, giving each one its own unique design and allowing kids to put their own creative touch on the project.

The hunt encourages participants to visit local businesses throughout Mount Vernon in search of the painted rocks. If you find one, bring it to the Jeeps & Java event on Saturday, August 1st, at Sponsler CDJR. Participants can trade a rock for a fun rubber duck, enjoy a cup of coffee, and spend time with neighbors while taking in the event.

Morrison also shared that the dealership’s giant duck has become the unofficial mascot of Jeeps & Java.

Community partners, including the YMCA, We Luv Pets, and the Mount Vernon Library, are helping make the event possible.

Click HERE to learn about Jeeps and Java!

Click HERE to learn more about the YMCA of Mount Vernon!

Click HERE to learn more about Sponsler CDJR!

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DeeDee Burger Shares About the Kno-Ho-Co Breast Cancer Golf Outing

Today on The Morning Thing, WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by DeeDee Burger the Assistant Administrator with Kno-Ho-Co Ashland Community Action Commission.

Check out the entire conversation HERE.

DeeDee talks about her role in Kno-Ho-Co, she highlights different programs they do, she is with the health division who is planning this golf outing. They were inspired to help raise funds for uninsured and under insured and provide funds for medical expenses and they want to raise awareness and give back to the community. They help by providing funds to help see a mammogram specialist if someone is uninsured or underinsured; they will also provide mammograms for underinsured and uninsured.

The golf outing is at little apple golf course in Bellville on august first, with august second as a rain date, shotgun start at 9am. They will have skins where you can win money, mulligans where you can buy a better shot, they also have a 50/50 drawing with 50% going to the winner, and the other 50% going to the fundraising total. They’re providing lunch with hotdogs, chips, and a proper sit down after golfing is over. The asked donations are $300 per team, they have $500 to be given towards the winner with all proceeds going to provide mammograms and support for breast cancer.

DeeDee talks about why access early detection and examination, they’ll help provide funds for those, and she talks about how early detection saves lives. It’s hard for people to want to come in, so they can help cover costs of treatment to make it easier for people to get diagnosed. You can find out more by calling at 740-397-0145, so they can get you scheduled in Knox County.

Registration deadline is July 25 so they can get teams put together and be ready for august 1; you can call or text 740-485-7446 to register. You can help sponsor a hole for $100, it will put a sign on one of the 18 holes, they’ll also post on social media and recognize sponsors. You can donate towards them by contacting 740-485-7446 or by visiting the QR code on social media where you can sign up.

DeeDee talks about what is coming on the outing, and the shotgun starts at 9 am and they want to rotate through the holes and build comradery; expect a ton of fun, drawing, and lunch. It’s a huge benefit for Kno-Ho-Co and it’s to help people struggling. She talks about how much of a blessing this event is because on average, one of four women are diagnosed. Again, to register you can call 740-485-7446, or go to their Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, click HERE.

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The Big Blue Crew Checks in on their Summer Bucket Lists

We are around the halfway point of summer, so we wanted to check in and see how your summer bucket list is looking. The big blue crew shared what they checked off and what they are still itching to do. There are so many more opportunities to have fun this summer, so don’t worry if you still have a lot on your list.

Sometimes a to-do list can be daunting, so remember to rest this summer in the midst of all the fun. Here a few simple ideas to rest while still having fun this summer:

  • Watch a movie while cuddled up with some popcorn
  • Have a self-care night
  • Go for an evening walk and play I-Spy
  • Play a board game
  • Listen to music
  • Read your favorite book while watching the sunset

Click HERE to listen to the Big Blue Crew’s summer bucket list check-in

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It’s Time for Wednesday Wins!

On Wednesday, members of the Big Blue Crew took time to share the amazing ways God has been at work in their lives throughout the week.

From answered prayers to unexpected blessings and moments of encouragement, each story was a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

It was a meaningful time of celebrating His goodness, strengthening one another’s faith, and giving Him the glory for all He is doing.

Click HERE to hear from the Big Blue Crew!

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The Morning Thing Celebrates Unusual Food Favorites!

Some food combinations might sound unusual at first, but for the people who love them, they’re absolutely delicious.

On Friday’s Morning Thing, the Morning Thing hosts and members of the Big Blue Crew talked about some of their favorite weird food combinations.

Click HERE to hear the weird food combos!

From classic pairings like French fries dipped in a milkshake to more unexpected favorites like potato chips on a sandwich or peanut butter on a hamburger, everyone had a unique combination they enjoy.

The conversation also invited listeners to share their own unusual food favorites. Whether it’s something you’ve eaten since childhood or a combination you discovered by accident, everyone seems to have that one food pairing that makes other people raise an eyebrow.

As the week wrapped up, it was a fun reminder that when it comes to food, sometimes the strangest combinations become the tastiest traditions.

Click HERE to see some WEIRD food combos from Live Eat Learn!

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Be a Kid Again Day Invites You to Relive Your Favorite Summer Memories

Today (Wednesday) is Be a Kid Again Day, a lighthearted reminder to slow down, have fun, and reconnect with the simple joys of childhood.

The annual observance encourages adults to embrace their inner child and enjoy the carefree moments that often get lost in the busyness of everyday life.

On The Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew took a trip down memory lane by sharing some of their favorite summer memories.

Click HERE to hear comments from the Big Blue Crew!

From long days spent riding bikes around the neighborhood to catching lightning bugs, swimming until sunset, and enjoying family vacations, it was a reminder that some of life’s best moments are also the simplest.

Whether it’s flying a kite, eating a popsicle on the front porch, playing catch, or simply watching the clouds roll by, today is a great opportunity to set aside your to-do list—even for a few minutes—and enjoy life through the eyes of a kid again.

Click HERE to read more about Be a Kid Day!

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World Chocolate Day Gives Chocolate Lovers a Reason to Celebrate!

Today (Tuesday) is World Chocolate Day, making it the perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite chocolate treat.

On The Morning Thing, we heard from the Big Blue Crew as they shared some of their favorite chocolate desserts, and we had some fun imagining what belongs in the ultimate chocolate creation. Whether you prefer brownies, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, cake, or a classic candy bar, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.

Click HERE to hear the Big Blue Crew’s comments!

Here are a few sweet facts about chocolate:

  • Chocolate has been enjoyed for more than 3,000 years. The ancient Maya and Aztecs prized cacao, using it to make a bitter drink that was considered a valuable part of their culture.
  • Milk chocolate is America’s favorite. While dark and white chocolate have plenty of fans, milk chocolate continues to be the most popular choice in the United States.
  • Chocolate begins with cacao pods. The pods grow on cacao trees, and each one contains dozens of cacao beans that are fermented, dried, roasted, and processed to create the chocolate we enjoy today.

Whether you’re reaching for a candy bar, baking your favorite dessert, or sharing a sweet treat with friends, World Chocolate Day is a great reminder to enjoy one of the world’s favorite flavors. Happy World Chocolate Day!

Click HERE to learn more about World Chocolate Day!

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July First Friday is TONIGHT in downtown Mount Vernon

Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – July First Friday.

She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Party Like it’s 1776!

Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link below.

WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street.
Click HERE for more details about tonight’s event and our prize basket for tonight.

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June 2026 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Dr. Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/26/26.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the city’s storm cleanup efforts following several major weather events this year
    • The Mayor explains how City Crews balanced debris removal with ongoing infrastructure projects
    • He discusses the financial impact of repeated storms, and says the city is absorbing the unexpected costs while continuing to maintain parks, utilities, and other essential services.
  • Mount Vernon has become the first community in Knox County to join MORPC’s Sustainable 2050 initiative.
    • Mayor Starr explains what the designation means, emphasizing that it’s about responsible planning, protecting natural resources, improving neighborhoods and infrastructure, preparing for future growth, and strengthening the city’s ability to compete for grant funding—all while investing wisely for future generations.
  • Mayor Starr discusses a proposed workforce housing development on the north side of the community.
    • While the project would be located in Clinton Township, he says it would benefit Mount Vernon by helping address the area’s housing shortage.
    • If awarded grant funding, the development would eventually connect to city utilities through a partnership between the city and township.
  • Construction season continues across Mount Vernon as crews work on utility upgrades, street improvements, brick road restoration, and infrastructure projects throughout the city.
    • Mayor Starr reviews several road closures and detours, saying the temporary inconveniences will lead to long-term improvements that enhance neighborhoods and improve quality of life for residents.
  • Mayor Starr recaps recent action by Mount Vernon City Council, including efforts to improve utility governance with Clinton Township.
    • He explains how proposed changes could simplify operations, eliminate unnecessary fees for township residents, and strengthen cooperation between the city and township while continuing to provide reliable utility services.
  • Mayor Starr highlights several significant actions taken by City Council, including expanding opportunities for future development through the New Community Authority and designating portions of downtown as an Urban Renewal Area.
    • He says those steps will allow future redevelopment around City Hall to reflect the vision residents shared during public listening sessions, while giving the city more control over how key downtown properties are developed.
  • Mayor Starr also shares an update on the future Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • City officials are finalizing the building design to stay within the project’s budget while ensuring officers receive a modern facility that meets today’s public safety needs.
    • Although some features will be phased in later, Starr says the project remains one of the city’s highest priorities and represents a major long-term investment in public safety, giving officers the space, technology, and resources needed to better serve the community for decades to come.
  • Mayor Starr provides an update on Mount Vernon’s police and fire departments.
    • He discusses increased activity for both agencies, ongoing officer and firefighter training, community engagement efforts, and preparations for future issues such as e-bike regulations.
    • He also shares progress on plans for the new police station, saying the project continues moving toward final design while remaining within budget.
  • Mayor Starr previews several upcoming community events, including First Friday, Independence Day festivities, and the popular Front Porch Concert Series.
  • Mayor Starr discusses progress on the Municipal Center, courthouse renovations, and planning for future paving projects as the city continues investing in long-term improvements.
  • Mayor Starr closes the June Spotlight by asking listeners to pray for city employees, elected officials, and first responders as they make important decisions and continue serving the community. He also encourages residents to celebrate Mount Vernon’s many successes while staying informed through the city’s website and social media channels.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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