Category: Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Praisestock Returns Sunday with Worship, Local Ministries and Community Fellowship!

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.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

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.

Click HERE to learn more about Praisestock 2026!

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First-Day Jitters and Mystery Lunches!

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.

What was your craziest memory?

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From Pies to Pages: Kiwanis Helps Put Books in Children’s Hands

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

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Three Paths of Service Earn Mount Vernon’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year Honors

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.

Click HERE to hear all the conversations!

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!

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The Morning Thing Shares Last Minute Summer Adventures

Summer isn’t over yet!

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!

  1. Grab takeout, a blanket, and head to a local park or lake.
  2. Visit a State Park You’ve Never Explored
  3. Hike, take photos, or just enjoy God’s creation.
  4. Spend a Day at the Beach
  5. Take a Scenic Sunday Drive
  6. Go Camping (Even in Your Backyard!)
  7. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and look at the stars.
  8. Attend a County Fair
  9. Visit a Nearby Small Town
  10. Have an Ice Cream Adventure
  11. Visit three different ice cream shops in one afternoon and rate them.
  12. Take a Family Bike Ride
  13. Watch an Outdoor Movie
  14. Take a “No Phones” Day Trip
  15. Visit a Zoo or Nature Center

Thanks for listening to The Morning Thing! We’ll see you next time!

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WNZR talks with the 2026 Junior Fair Queen and King

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.

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Kaci’s Camp Honors a Life That Continues to Inspire Hope and Inclusion

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.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

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.

Click HERE to find out more or register!

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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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The Big Blue Crew Shares Monday Morning Gratitudes

Do you dread and the Monday morning blues? We can all relate and we have some suggestions to help you have a better Monday. The Big Blue Crew shared their favorite Monday morning gratitudes on The Morning Thing! You can listen to them HERE!

Here are a few Monday Morning gratitudes to start your day off with. One simple way to kick the Monday blues is to finish this sentence:

“Today I’m thankful for…”

· Air conditioning

· Friends

· Coffee

· Health

· Family

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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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