For our Friday Favorites, the Morning Thing shared their favorite memories of Spring 2025.
Also, we say goodbye the MT host Shawn Williamson.
Click HERE to hear the goodbye and our favorites.
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – Spring 2025 Semester
April 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr
On the Morning Thing Friday, Mayor Matt Starr talked to Marcy Rinehart about the issues facing Mount Vernon.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation.
He talks about major construction projects on Mansfield Avenue and Fairgrounds Roads. He also talks about a comprehensive infrastructure initiative regarding water lines and culvert replacements. The bid for the shared use path is also now open.
Mayor Starr then talks about the current municipal building and the safety of the building. He says that they need to move from the building as soon as possible.
Mayor Starr says renovations at Memorial Park have started and things are moving along nicely. The Harmony Playground is doing well and at Riverside Park the Splash Pad is almost done and should be open in May and the opening of Hiawatha Water Park.
Mayor Starr talks about Issue 2 which is on the statewide ballot this May. Issue 2 is a proposed change to the constitution that would let the state government borrow $2.5 billion over ten years—up to $250 million each year—to help local governments cover costs for public infrastructure projects.
Mayor Starr gives an update on city council. He talks about council working on a grant for the police station. He also says that a property transfer to the Land Bank has been a hot topic, an update on the Knox County Comprehensive Plan.
Mayor Starr gives an update on the police department and their new facility.
Mayor Starr gives an update on the fire department and the large amount of training they have been doing. They’ve also applied for a First Responder grant.
Mayor Starr says that one of his goals for May is coming up with a plan to vacate the municipal plaza building. He also talks about some other projects around town.
Mayor Starr says that they are going to be applying for a $2.5 million grant for the Waste water Treatment Plant.
Mayor Starr talks about upcoming events for the city including the Yard Sale Trail which is this weekend.
Mayor Starr talks about how we can pray for him, city council and others trying to improve the lives of citizens of Mount Vernon. He also shares how you can stay up to date online.
Click HERE to visit the City of Mount Vernon’s website.
Interchurch Social Services Set to Open New Facility
The Centerburg Office of Interchurch Social Services is opening this week!
Eric Brown spoke with Carolyn Fergus, Executive Director for Knox County Interchurch Social Services about this answer to prayer.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation.
She talks about the ribbon cutting ceremony that will be held Sunday.
She also briefly talks about the other locations and a program focusing on ending child hunger in schools and at home.
Click HERE to find out more about Knox County Interchurch Social Services.
Make Better Decisions with Your Valuable Time
Many of us struggle to have enough time throughout the day because we are not using our time wisely. Due to the Internet, social media, and constant distractions, it can be hard to use our time for the glory of God.
On the Morning Thing Thursday, Xander and Eric shared a few tips to do something meaningful with your time as opposed to endlessly scrolling through social media for hours on end.
- Take time to read the bible
- Be active in prayer
- Prioritize Your Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health
Click HERE for the full article from Crosswalk.com
Yes! You can Leave Your Kids for One Night!
On the Morning Thing Tuesday, Marcy and Eric shared 10 reasons why you should get away without the kids.
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning time with your spouse:
• Your kids aren’t the only ones that need attention.
• Happy Marriage = confident children
• It’s not all about them.
• You demonstrate God’s love.
Click HERE for some helpful insight from familylife.com
How to Get Motivated to Do Spring Cleaning
It’s the time of year that a lot of people dread. Spring Cleaning.
On the Morning Thing Monday, Marcy shared tips on how to get motivated and stick with cleaning.
Some of tips include:
• Clean in the Morning
• Set a Schedule
• Avoid Distractions
• Reward Yourself
Click HERE for more tips.
Mount Vernon Community Gardens Grow More Than Produce
On Monday, the Morning Thing talked with Catie Hayes with the Knox County Local Food Council about the Mount Vernon Community Gardens.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
She explained how to start the process of getting a community garden.
Catie says there are several gardens around Knox County associated with the community garden project. She explains where they are located.
She also has quick tips for those using a community garden vs a private garden.
Catie says that taking part in a community garden can lead to great relationships.
Click HERE to find out more about the Mount Vernon Community Gardens
Kenyon BFEC Is Celebrating Earth Day Saturday
The Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC) at Kenyon College holding is “Keep It Wild Earth Day Festival” Saturday.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Eric from the Morning Thing talked to Jada Swearingen about the fun day featuring mammals from the Ohio Nature Center, bugs from OSU’s United Titanium Bug Zoo, and birds of prey from the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
The event runs from 12pm to 4pm Saturday, April 19th.
Click HERE to find out more about the event.
The Morning Things Shares Easter Conversation Starters
Most people dread family dinners, but it doesn’t have to be a minefield that you have to navigate to enjoy a meal.
On Tuesday, Eric and Xander shared some things to start POSITIVE conversations where the entire family can take part.
Examples include:
• What is your favorite part of Easter?
• What is one unusual tradition or ritual you’d like to make part of your Easter celebration?
• How do you stay focused on the Resurrection throughout the year?
Click HERE for more conversation starters at Easter Dinner.
The Morning Thing Celebrates Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem riding a donkey. Crowds gathered to honor him and laid down palm branches and cloaks as a gesture of honor.
On Monday’s Morning Thing, Marcy and Xander talked about Palm Sunday including the history, bible verses, and hymns focusing on Palm Sunday.
Click HERE for more history regarding Palm Sunday.
Click HERE for worship songs for Palm Sunday
Rise and Shine 