We talked about the exciting and interactive activities that each department is bringing to downtown Mount Vernon for September First Friday. MVNU is part of an Education Department and Activity Fair on the Public Square from 6pm – 9pm.
They also shared exciting news about their departments including developments for the 2026 Fall Semester. Each professor shared what they are most excited for in this new school year. Enjoy the conversations and plan to join us tonight at First Friday! Wear your blue and green! GO COUGARS!
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr for the August Spotlight on Mount Vernon, covering several major projects and issues shaping the city’s future.
Starr gave updates on water and wastewater improvements, including planned upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, a change in the city’s water disinfection system and continued replacement of water meters.
He also discussed several major city facilities. Construction on the new police station has been delayed by unexpectedly soft clay at the site, while design work continues for the new Municipal Court, probation and Clerk of Courts offices at 40 Public Square. Renovations at the Mount Vernon Municipal Center are also moving forward.
Transportation and development were another major focus. Starr updated the State Route 13 realignment, Burgess and Hamtramck Street projects, work at the Catle Dam and new private development along Coshocton Avenue.
He also discussed the future of the historic Taugher Block, saying the city is looking for the right developer and plan to preserve as much of the property’s historic character as possible.
Housing growth was also part of the conversation, including the proposed Arista Villas development and the city’s use of public-private financing tools to help support infrastructure and future city services.
Starr also shared results from the city’s e-bike survey, discussed the renaming of Shellmar Park as John Francis Park and gave updates on the police and fire departments, including plans for a future east-side fire station.
Looking ahead to September, Starr previewed the Back-to-School-themed First Friday and the Mount Vernon Association of Police Chaplains’ Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on September 16th at Foster Hall.
The August conversation also marked Eric Brown’s final Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Starr before Eric’s move to Florida.
Click HERE to register for the Mayor’s Mayor Breakfast!
Click HERE to learn more about the city of Mount Vernon!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by Sarah Mowery, MVNU’s Director of Residence Life, she is here to talk about New Student Move In Day.
Sarah’s role is to oversee resident directors and student staff as they oversee all the residential areas on campus, this is her third year in the role, but the seventh year in residence life. Her job today is to oversee the team, hand out keys, and help out where needed. This is a fantastic year for enrollment and new move in year, they are near maximum capacity this year. The schedule begins at 9am with the first wave of move-in, there’s food trucks, Happy Bean is open, families get time to eat and enjoy together before the ribbon cutting service.
Sarah is looking forward to campus returning, the life of students coming in, and the return of campus feeling alive and active again. Her office is to help make students feel belonged and connected, they do this by having different games, activities, and having conversations with students.
This year is exciting as student dorms are very near capacity, they’ve had upgrades to different buildings on campus, they replaced the roof on pioneer hall, and they’re nearly finished. Sarah wants students to feel welcomed, and don’t forget that she’s been there before, everyone is nervous and that’s okay; residence life is here to support them. She want’s thank families for trusting their kids with them, she’s very excited to have them here on campus. She ask that you pray for them to be focused on pointing people to Christ, a lot of students are coming in with different stories and they want to be involved in the future of that story.
Marcy Rinehart also spoke with Jon Nicholas, MVNU’s Executive Director of Enrollment, he is here to talk about New Student Move In Day. Jon’s roll at MVNU is to help lead the enrollment efforts for the university. He oversees admissions, councilors, CCP enrollment, and all the efforts to bring students to MVNU. This is his second year at this roll, he’s starting to see the fruits of his labor and he’s very excited.
Jon’s responsibilities during the day are to help welcome students, bring them into campus events, KC Cougar will be there, and his job is to help make sure that they have a great day from the moment they drive onto campus, until the moment they finish the ribbon cutting. The plan is to just help students check in, help them move in, and there will be food trucks, a dinner, and the ribbon cutting ceremony. In the chapel is the commissioning service and they go to the flame to hold the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Jon is looking forward to seeing students and families who they’ve been working with all year and he knows the sacrifices they’ve made and the challenges they’ve faced to come to MVNU. They have one of the largest incoming freshman classes in MVNU history. After move in day, they have a pivot into the students that are graduating next year and getting ready to bring them in and trying to bring in more students in the future.
Jon talks about new things coming in with move in day, they have food trucks coming, they are bringing everyone in the chapel entrance and they’re having a service there, they have people moving students in and it culminates in the ribbon cutting ceremony. He strongly suggests you get involved in and seek the Lord during this part of your journey. He wants to help support students and help them learn intellectually and spiritually. He wants to share a word of encouragement to parents as he’s there right now with his kids, he says to trust the Lord, and trust MVNU as they’re excited to be with them on this journey. He asks for protection as they travel on the road and he wants enrollment fruit and a lot of spiritual growth for students.
We also spoke with Matt Spraker, MVNU’s VP of student development, he is here to talk about New Student Move In Day. Matt’s role is to work in a lot of areas outside and inside the classroom, he’s been in this role for five years. His job for today is to make sure people get here and have a safe place to stay. Students move in this morning, they have family dinner, and then they have the ribbon cutting ceremony and service.
In development, they see this as Christmas and New Years day for school, there’s a sense of newness and getting everyone back together. He just enjoys seeing families after the move in is done and now they can have a moment to reflect and be with each other. The office of Student Development’s goals are to make sure students feel connected and belonging here at MVNU.
There are a few new programs to be excited about, they’re beginning the CCP Experience this year, it’s a program to give them an insight into college life. They’re introducing life skills lab, general life skills to teach how to buy a house and so on; this is available this year in a four year program.
Matt’s message for new students is to take ownership of your education, both inside and outside the classroom, they need to know that they’re not doing this alone and they want you to be successful. Matt wants to thank parents for trusting them with their kids, he wants to partner with parents, he wants to pray for them and communicate with them via newsletters and building upon foundations with parents. He asks you pray for them, they don’t always make the right decisions, he wants them to be wise and discern the right decisions for MVNU.
WNZR’s Josiah Styer is joined by David Mills, MVNU’s VP of Spiritual life and church relations, he is here to talk about New Student Move In Day.
David’s goals for this year are to have a good tone spiritually on campus, he wants to provide a place for the campus community to love and support each other. This year’s theme for this year is John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
They are focusing on the seven ‘I Am’ statements in the New Testament and the ‘you are’ statements Jesus gives in the Bible.
David’s office provide resources to acclimate to campus life, they talk a lot about opening weekend, they hold a church fair on campus to encourage student to find local churches. They also have opportunities for new and old students to support the community. The chapel schedule coming in during fall revival is Dr. Sam Barber, he’s the global director for the Church of the Nazarene for discipleship ministries.
David’s office has been preparing for the semester with the theme verse and the work they have to do what God wants instead of doing what we want and inviting God. He wants to share a message to parents that you can trust MVNU as they care about them both academically and spiritually. He asks that you pray for them to stay focused during the semester and find what God wants and to practice what they preach.
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger is joined by Ben Slater, MVNU’s Assistant Director of enrollment, he is here to talk about New Student Move In Day. Ben’s roll at MVNU involves overseeing all enrollment events like move in day, SonFest, visit days and so much more, he’s had this roll for a year and a half, but he’s been in admissions for two years so far. During new student move in day, he helps plan and organize the event and help move the students in. They’ll have students moving in from 9am till 3:30pm, they have food trucks at the library, they have a dinner after the event and celebrating with the families.
The admission office kind of sees move in day as Christmas, they’re super excited to see students on campus and get students ready for college. He wants as many students as possible to come to MVNU, they want to find students, create leaders, and build relationships with local churches. This year is similar to last year, they’ve got food trucks coming, and he’s also excited about the new events coming in, they have “Preview Day” a chance for students to get a quick look at what college is like and decide if they want to come to campus early.
Moving in can be scary, but Ben wants students to find their people and make friends. Sometimes it’s easy, other times its hard, build relationships with your roommates and create community. It can be a transition period, but to parents, Ben wants to encourage the fact that MVNU is going to do it’s best to mentor students and give them the best college experience they can provide. He asks that you pray for the admissions office to have endurance and for them to have a great year.
Praisestock returns to Mount Vernon this Sunday with a full day of worship, fellowship and opportunities to connect with local ministries.
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Dave Ewart and Ben Staats about Praisestock 2026, which will be held Sunday, August 23rd, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center in Ariel-Foundation Park.
The event began 21 years ago as a church project at Owl Creek Baptist Church. Ewart and Staats said the original goal was to bring churches together for worship while also supporting ministries serving the community. Praisestock later moved to Mount Vernon and has grown to attract hundreds of people throughout the day.
That focus on unity remains an important part of the event. Praisestock is designed to bring Christians from different denominations, cultures and generations together for worship and fellowship.
The event also continues its partnership with Food For The Hungry. A love offering collected during Praisestock helps kick off Food For The Hungry’s fall fundraising season.
Sunday begins with a community worship service featuring Ekklesia and a message from Greg Zelinski. The afternoon schedule includes Set Free Worship, Chestnut Ridge, Lakeholm, Footprints of Jesus, Faith Outpost, Covenant and Trinity.
The day will conclude with a unity song bringing the participating groups together.
Praisestock also gives local ministries and organizations an opportunity to share more about their work. Throughout the day, visitors can learn about services available in the community and ways they can become involved.
Activities are also planned for children, making the event an opportunity for families to spend the day together while enjoying worship and learning more about local ministries.
Dave and Ben said they hope people leave Praisestock encouraged by the worship, strengthened through fellowship and connected with new opportunities to serve.
On Wednesday’s edition of the Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew took a trip down memory lane and shared some of those memorable first days of school — from that very first day of kindergarten, to starting at a new school, to the emotions that come with sending your own child off for their first day.
An exciting live auction was held on Saturday 8/15 at the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. There were 15 pies up for bid in the 3rd Annual Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Pie Auction. All proceeds from the auction will be given to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the United Way of Knox County.
Childhood Literacy is one of the main initiatives for the Kiwanis Club. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book gifting program. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. Knox County children received 27,039 books in 2024!
The Pie Auction Total was $4,910!
Thanks to auctioneer David McDowell for his support.
Thanks to the pie donors, bakers, bidders and buyers.
• Pie #1 was a Cherry Pie donated by CES Credit Union. This Cherry Pie was sold along with wood cake display stand and charcuterie board. Buyer – ACS Title and Closing Services, Cindy McDowell – $250
• Pie #2 was a Blueberry Pie donated by Park National Bank. This Blueberry Pie was sold with a pie plate. Buyer – Ruckman Group Auctions & Appraisals – $300
• Pie #3 was a Triple Berry Pie donated by Crystal Snell-Tomes, Realtor e-Merge Real Estate Champions. This Pie was sold along with a beautiful serving tray and the Book of Pie Cookbook. Buyer – Greg Galiete – $460
• Pie #4 was a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie donated by Kenyon College. Buyer – Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue – $550
• Pie #5 was a Strawberry Pie donated by the Mount Vernon School District. Buyer – Alice Hutzel and Knox Community Hospital – $200
• Pie #6 was a Gluten-Free Pecan Pie donated by Happy Bean Coffee Shop. Buyer – Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue – $200
• Pie #7 was an Apple Cranberry Crisp Pie donated by Nancy Jo Todd, Kiwanis Member. Buyer – Diane Henwood – $200
• Pie #8 was a Dutch Apple Caramel Pie donated by ACS Title Company. This pie was sold with a fruit stand and some fresh apples. Buyer – Mike Copley and CES Credit Union – $450
• Pie #9 was a Black Raspberry Pie donated by Ohio Easter Star Home. The raspberries were home-grown and it was sold with a wall decoration. Buyer – Cliff Ruggles and Cliff’s High Performance – $200
• Pie #10 was a Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie made by 92-year-old Britta Bridges representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Buyer – Wendi Fowler – $500
• Pie #11 was a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie made by Sandy Cable representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Buyer – Ruckman Group Auctions & Appraisals – $200
• Pie #12 was an Americana Apple Pie donated by COTC. Buyer – Kathy White – $200
• Pie #13 was Crystal Browning’s Famous Pecan Pie donated by the Knox County Career Center. Buyer – Wendi Fowler – $500
• Pie #14 was a Peachy Peach Pie donation by the United Way of Knox County. Buyer – Miller Electrical Solutions – $250
• #15 in the auction was two pies donated by CenterWell Home Health – a Strawberry Cream Pie and a Reese’s Cream Pie. Buyer – David McDowell Auctioneer – $300
Then David resold the Strawberry Cream Pie for $150 to Buyer Jackie K’s Vintage & Venue
Three longtime community volunteers were honored during August First Friday as Mount Vernon’s 2026 Volunteers of the Year.
WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart, Randy Cronk and Jerry Scott were recognized Friday night for the many ways they have given their time and talents to Mount Vernon and Knox County.
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Mayor Matt Starr about the history of the award and how the recognition has changed over the years. Starr explained that what once focused primarily on volunteers serving city boards and commissions has expanded to recognize people making a difference throughout the community.
This year’s recipients represent three very different areas of service.
Jerry Scott has spent decades involved with organizations across Knox County. WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talked with Scott about his work with Scouting, local churches, Food For The Hungry and more than 40 years of service with The Salvation Army.
Scott also serves with the Mount Vernon Association of Police Chaplains. He explained how chaplains remain available around the clock to respond during some of the most difficult moments families face, including death notifications and other emergencies.
His 51 years in law enforcement helped prepare him for that work. Scott said prayer and his faith play an important role in helping him face difficult situations, including body recoveries and delivering devastating news to families.
He also encouraged others to find a way to become involved in the community. Outside of his chaplain work, Scott is also well known for his longtime role as emcee of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival.
For Randy Cronk, much of his volunteer service can be found along the Kokosing Gap Trail.
Cronk told WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that he first became involved with the trail in 1988 and eventually became president of the organization.
The 13-and-a-half-mile trail requires year-round work from volunteers who maintain the property, clear storm damage and respond when problems arise. Cronk said that teamwork has helped the trail grow into an important recreational resource and part of a larger transportation network.
A major project is also ahead. The entire trail is scheduled to be repaved for the first time in 35 years, an effort Cronk said has been made possible through several community partnerships.
He also pointed to the trail’s role in bringing visitors into Mount Vernon and encouraged people who enjoy outdoor work to consider volunteering. Trail users can also help by reporting problems through the Kokosing Gap Trail’s Facebook page.
WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart was recognized for more than 30 years of service in Knox County.
Rinehart told WNZR’s Eric Brown that her parents taught her the importance of using her gifts to help others, something that became an important part of both her life and her faith.
Her volunteer work has included longtime involvement with Food For The Hungry, United Way, the Knox Network of Christian Ministries and the OSU Extension Advisory Committee.
Rinehart said volunteering has also led to lasting friendships and encouraged others not to underestimate what even a small amount of time can accomplish when people work together.
She also reflected on how community service has become part of WNZR’s mission, giving students opportunities to learn while serving organizations throughout Knox County.
Together, Rinehart, Cronk and Scott represent different forms of volunteerism, but each has spent years finding ways to serve where they are needed.
Click HERE to find out more about the City of Mount Vernon!
School may be around the corner, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more adventure! No need to be anxious about your summer bucket list. There is still time to enjoy the sunshine! The Morning Thing shared their top 15 last-minute summer adventures for you to squeeze in. Take a peak!
Grab takeout, a blanket, and head to a local park or lake.
Visit a State Park You’ve Never Explored
Hike, take photos, or just enjoy God’s creation.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Take a Scenic Sunday Drive
Go Camping (Even in Your Backyard!)
Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and look at the stars.
Attend a County Fair
Visit a Nearby Small Town
Have an Ice Cream Adventure
Visit three different ice cream shops in one afternoon and rate them.
Take a Family Bike Ride
Watch an Outdoor Movie
Take a “No Phones” Day Trip
Visit a Zoo or Nature Center
Thanks for listening to The Morning Thing! We’ll see you next time!
2026 Knox County Fair Royalty were announced on Sunday. WNZR’s Joe Rinehart had the chance to talk with the 2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolfe and Junior Fair King – Will Stokes. They shared about their experience in this contest and shared a highlight of the projects they are working on for this year’s Fair. Click HERE to listen to their conversations.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners: 2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolf
We spoke with these candidates:
Sophia Wolf
Haley Unger
Taylor Thorne
Raegan Blanchard
2026 Junior Fair King – Will Stokes
We spoke with these candidates
Will Stokes
Lane Dugan
Check out our pictures on the WNZR Facebook page. Look for the 2025 Knox County Fair Sunday photo album.
Kristin and Coach Jared Ronai recently joined WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about Kaci’s Camp, a free sports camp created in memory of their daughter, Kaci Ronai. The camp is designed for children with Down syndrome and reflects the Ronais’ desire to honor Kaci’s life while encouraging other families.
Jared shared that more than a year ago, he and Kristin learned they were expecting their fourth child. Later in the pregnancy, they found out Kaci would be born with Down syndrome.
Kaci was born on November 29th, 2025, and spent her first month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Jared said the family was able to bring her home on New Year’s Eve, which became a very special day for their family. He also reflected on the memories they were able to make together during Kaci’s time at home.
Kaci became sick, and because of medical complications, she passed away on March 22nd, 2026.
Following her passing, the Ronais wanted to create something that would continue Kaci’s legacy. That vision became Kaci’s Camp.
The camp will be held on Saturday, August 8th, at Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. It is open to children ages 6 through 18 with Down syndrome and will feature basketball, volleyball, soccer, and wiffle ball.
Kristin said their family was always focused on helping Kaci thrive, and they hope the camp will provide that same encouragement for other children. Jared said the goal is to give participants an opportunity to feel celebrated, build confidence around others like them, and enjoy a day where they can thrive through sports and activities.
The event is completely free for participating families. While donations are accepted, the Ronais said those gifts will help provide educational resources for parents of children with Down syndrome. They also shared that approximately one in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome, and they hope the camp helps raise awareness within the community.
Kaci’s Camp is designed as a full-day event. Registration will take place from 9:30 until 10 a.m., with activities running from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Campers will participate in two sports during the morning, followed by lunch and breaks before taking part in two additional sports during the afternoon.
Kristin said they want every child who attends to feel like they are part of something and know they are welcomed. She also said that while the camp is centered on the children, she hopes volunteers and everyone involved will leave with a greater appreciation for the Down syndrome community.
Jared shared that he hopes Kaci’s Camp continues to grow in the years ahead, helping raise awareness about Down syndrome while honoring Kaci’s life and the impact she had on their family. Kristin also offered encouragement to parents who may receive a Down syndrome diagnosis for their child, saying that children with Down syndrome are a gift from God and sharing that Kaci was a tremendous blessing to their family.
As they prepare for the first Kaci’s Camp, the Ronais are asking the community to pray for the event, for enough volunteers to serve, and that every child who attends will have a positive experience and feel loved.
Registration is open through August 1st.
The Ronais are also seeking volunteers, and anyone interested in serving can use the same email address to learn more about available opportunities.
Rise and Shine 