WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently welcomed two cast members from MTV Arts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz: Vincent Oertel, who plays the Tin Man, and Briggs Swallow, who portrays the Cowardly Lion.
Listen to the entire conversation HERE! Or, click on the picture link below!
Vincent, a 14-year-old homeschooled freshman, says the Tin Man has been a favorite character since childhood and that he connects with the character’s emotional nature. He was thrilled when he learned he had landed the role. Briggs, a 15-year-old Mount Vernon High School sophomore, enjoys the Lion’s dramatic personality and comedic energy. He has studied classic comedians and worked on his vocal techniques to prepare for the part.
The pair also discussed the rehearsal process and the experience of sharing the Lion role with Zayden Luckmeier. Briggs says the double casting has allowed the two actors to learn from each other and strengthen their performances. Both Vincent and Briggs have enjoyed getting to know their fellow cast members and building friendships during rehearsals. They also had the opportunity to connect with previous performers, including Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr, who previously played the Lion. Vincent’s favorite number is “Jitterbug,” which was ultimately not included in the production, while Briggs enjoys “If I Only Had a Heart.”
For Briggs, The Wizard of Oz marks his 18th MTV Arts production, following roles including his appearance in Beauty and the Beast. Vincent is newer to the stage, with this being only his third show and his biggest role yet. Both encourage the community to come see this classic story filled with memorable music, exciting performances and more than 40 talented young performers. They also emphasize the importance of supporting local arts before showing off their characters one final time with a little singing.
Click HERE for information on tickets and showtimes!
WNZR talked with eleven-year-old Andrew Petersen, a seventh-grade student at Mount Vernon Middle School, is taking on three different roles in MTVArts’ production of The Wizard of Oz.
Click HERE to listen to the full conversation or click on the picture link below!
Petersen plays the Winky General, a member of the Lollipop Guild and an Ozian. He says each role brings something different to the stage, from protecting the Wicked Witch as the Winky General to singing with the Lollipop Guild and helping introduce Dorothy and the other main characters to the city of Oz.
Petersen also talks about the challenge—and fun—of quickly changing between characters, costumes and personalities throughout the show. A veteran of several MTVArts productions, including A Christmas Story, Petersen says some of his favorite parts of theater are spending time with friends and having fun on stage. He encourages others to get involved in local theater and enjoy the experience. He even gives listeners a taste of the Lollipop Guild with a short performance during the interview.
The Knox County Foundation has awarded $482,600 in grants to support organizations and programs throughout Knox County. WNZR talked with Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director with the Foundation.
The largest award, a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services, will help develop a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The renovated facility will provide additional storage for fresh and perishable foods while strengthening Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other local pantries with limited storage.
Additional grants will support a wide range of community needs, including education and workforce development, health services, youth programs, recreation, facility improvements and nonprofit operations. Among the recipients are Habitat for Humanity, Fredericktown Local Schools, Knox Public Health, the YMCA of Mount Vernon, Knox Technical Center and several other local organizations. The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships. The next Small Grant cycle opens with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15.
Picture – The future home of Interchurch Social Services’ new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. Knox County Foundation awarded $300,000 to support renovations to the building.
Full Press Release:
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (August 21, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors awarded $482,600 at its August board meeting.
The largest award is a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services to support the development of a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The building, donated by the Knox County Land Bank, will be renovated to create additional storage for fresh and perishable foods and increase Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other area pantries with limited storage capacity.
“We are excited to partner with Interchurch Social Services on this important project and support their vision for expanding food access in our community,” said Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director at Knox County Foundation. “This new facility will not only help serve more local families, but also strengthen the network of food pantries across Knox County.”
The Foundation also approved funding to support education and workforce development, health and human services, youth programs, community improvements and nonprofit operations throughout the county.
Other grants awarded through the July cycle include:
Habitat for Humanity — $35,000 to purchase a forklift to safely and efficiently move ReStore donations and construction materials used for new home builds and repairs.
Fredericktown Local Schools — $23,000 to help establish a three-booth welding lab as the district expands its Agriscience pathway to include welding instruction and industry-recognized certifications.
Knox Public Health — $20,000 to replace the emergency backup generator at its main facility, helping protect temperature-sensitive vaccines and maintain essential health services during power outages.
Freedom Center — $20,000 for sidewalk and drainage improvements at its South Main Street facility, including concrete replacement, drainage repairs and basement waterproofing.
YMCA of Mount Vernon — $15,000 to provide financial assistance for memberships and programs, including childcare, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth sports and other activities.
Danville Athletic Boosters — $15,000 toward improvements to the Danville High School baseball field, including work to improve field conditions, drainage and player safety.
Knox Technical Center — $10,000 to support its OTC+ program, which expands access to career and technical education opportunities for area students.
Advocates for Families — $8,000 to support Youth Intervention Services, providing mentoring and individualized support to Knox County youth.
Place 4 Grace — $8,000 to support the expansion of p4g THRIFT into a new location within the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helping generate revenue for maternity housing and support services.
Civil Air Patrol 299th Cadet Flight — $4,000 toward startup costs for the newly chartered Knox County squadron, which provides aviation and leadership experiences for youth ages 12–18.
Knox Health Planning Partnership — $2,500 to help provide transportation assistance for qualifying Knox County residents traveling outside the county for non-emergency medical care.
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission — $2,100 to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for its Mount Vernon clinic.
The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships.
“The projects supported through this grant cycle reflect the wide range of work happening every day to make Knox County a stronger community,” said Lloyd “From expanding access to food to creating opportunities for students and supporting local organizations, we’re grateful to be able to invest in work that will make a meaningful difference for Knox County residents.”
Knox County Foundation accepts Small Grant applications four times each year and Major Grant applications twice annually. The next Small Grant cycle begins with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15. Grant decisions will be announced in November.
For more information about Knox County Foundation grant opportunities and application requirements, visit knoxcf.org.
Knox County Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Knox County through charitable giving.
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!
Lacey talks about how time flies and how summer just flew by and the theme for September First Friday and its called, “School Spirit Night”. They don’t have any special costumes, but they did make some First Friday School T-Shirts for the team. Tonight is the last night to complete the passport, you can stop at their table and sign up for their “Smore Fun” prize basket. They have the Teen Advisory Council coming to do Tie-dye, they’re focusing on kids and medium sizes and only one color. They have plenty do to for school spirit night and she highlights all the things coming tonight for free at first Friday.
Tonight at September First Friday, they have schools coming at the public square, they have MVNU, COTC, Knox County Career Center, and Kenyon University to talk about their programs and helping promote their schools; Lacey talks about some of the things they’ve had in the past and might have tonight. They have some entertainment coming tonight, they have the band, “Room 201” playing tonight, they have the cast for the Wizard of Oz cast, they also have their “Are you smarter than an Educator” game show, and so much more!
Tonight, they have 11 different concession stands, Lacey highlights what they have and where you can find it. They have downtown closed areas closed, Lacey highlights what streets will be closed, parking downtown will be closed to parking by 2 and closed to all by 3. You can park at Gay and Mulberry street, they also have the bike valet, during the event.
Lacey also wants to thank the parents support initiative of Knox County, their food truck sponsor is ariel cooperation, Knox DD to help with the photo booth, they also have a huge thank to volunteers who help make this possible. Coming up in October is Jonny Appleseed, this event will be a bit different than last year, its all at Ariel Foundation park this year. Winter in downtown is coming, shop small Saturday, and holiday events. You can stay connected on their social media at Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can find their monthly newsletter on their website at experienceMV.org. The mission of experience mount Vernon is through first Fridays, beautification, and other flower planting in downtown, and just getting people to come in Mount Vernon and build the community feel in Downtown. She talks about a lot of the different events and ways that Experience Mount Vernon helps the community; they also want you to go to local shops and enjoy mount Vernon.
Check out more information about September First Friday on our website, wnzr.fm!
WNZR is saying goodbye to Assistant Station Manager Eric Brown as he, his wife Jenn and step daughter Maddie, who is a sophomore in high school, prepare for a new chapter in Florida.
Eric’s adult son William and his younger son Jonathan, who is also a sophomore in high school, are staying with their mom in Newark while Jenn’s adult sons Alex and Jaden are staying in Zanesville.
As part of Friday’s edition of The Morning Thing, WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart joined Eric for a special Friday Favorites conversation, asking him to look back on five of his favorite memories from his time at the station.
Eric’s connection to Mount Vernon Nazarene University goes back much further than his time at WNZR. He is an MVNU alumnus, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
Before joining the WNZR staff in December 2024, he spent nearly eight years working in MVNU’s College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) as an Academic Services Specialist and Adjunct Professor teaching communications classes.
During Friday Favorites, Eric reflected on several moments that stood out during his time at WNZR.
One involved student Isabel, whose singing could sometimes be heard from the neighboring studio. Eric recalled having to ask her to sing just a little more quietly so he could get his own recording work done.
Another favorite memory came almost immediately after he started at WNZR. Just days into the job, Eric helped host the station’s Food For The Hungry broadcast. He said the experience gave him an early chance to meet people, learn more about the community and understand how important the annual campaign is to WNZR and Knox County.
Eric also looked back on covering the Hartford Fair with WNZR students and on the memorable moments that came with taking the station on location.
Two of his favorite memories came from the Christian Music Broadcasters University conference in Nashville. Eric traveled with WNZR students for the event, giving them the opportunity to learn more about Christian broadcasting while also spending time together outside the station.
The trip itself created plenty of stories, including a cold wait for food and an eventful drive home through winter weather.
Looking back, Eric said what has made leaving WNZR especially difficult is the people. He thanked listeners for the support they have shown him and said the connection between the audience and the WNZR team is unlike what he has experienced elsewhere in broadcasting.
He also reflected on how meaningful it has been to serve the community while helping spread the message of Jesus through WNZR’s ministry.
Although Eric is leaving his full-time role and moving to Florida, listeners will still hear his voice on WNZR. The station plans to continue working with him remotely through a contract arrangement for news coverage. He will also return to teaching as an Adjunct Professor in the CAPS program for MVNU.
Marcy thanked Eric for his leadership, experience and time with WNZR and said the station will continue praying for him as he makes the move and begins a new chapter.
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.
We can’t let Tuesday end without sharing the GOOD NEWS about our State Fair Award Winners! Thanks to Knox Count 4H for sharing the news with us.
We would like to give a huge congratulations to the following still project exhibitors who received Outstanding of the Day recognition at the 2026 Ohio State Fair:
And an extra special shoutout to Lainey Dunham for earning a Clock Trophy award for her Seeing Through Graphic Design project!! Clock trophies are awarded each year to the best project in each category, and we are so excited for Lainey to receive this honor!
Rise and Shine 