Category: Mount Vernon OH

Interchurch Social Services Danville Serving Need in Eastern Knox County

Cindy Martin, Branch Manager with the Danville Branch of Interchurch Social Services talks with WNZR’s Eric Brown about her role in the organization and their ministry.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

She has served the ministry since 1998, volunteered for 9 years then became manager in 2019.  She talks about the changes in the economy has made getting items much harder, stretching dollars.

She shares several numbers including in 2024, they served 17,514 meals equating to 1,946 people, to date in 2025, they have served 15, 867 meals equating to 1,763 people this year. She adds what the biggest needs are in Danville including:  loaves of bread, boxed meals, canned foods and other non-perishable foods. She adds that any monetary donations are used to getting frozen meat to distribute.

Cindy says the among the Food For The Hungry’s Top 10 ten list she points to condiments among the most desired items, because they are rarely donated.

She talks about how Interchurch can take $1 and turn it into $4.56 worth of food and how Food For The Hungry donations help in more ways than just providing food.

Cindy talks about the Danville’s branch silent Wreath and Home Décor Auction going on through December 12th at the Danville Branch of Park National Bank. There are five different items to bid on including a wreath featuring ice skates that are over 50 years old. All items may be viewed in-person during regular business hours. All proceeds benefit Food For The Hungry and Interchurch Social Services Danville Branch. 

She says that the best way to pray for their staff is to give them the ability to do what they do.

Finally, she explains what the slogan, “Food For The Hungry, Working Together to Care For Our Neighbors,” means to her which includes that people should share and share alike.

Click HERE to find out more about Interchurch Social Services!

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!

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Chair’s Heartfelt Look at the 25th Annual Fredericktown Christmas Walk

Joely Lepley, chair of the Fredericktown Christmas Walk committee, recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to chat about what goes into pulling off one of the community’s most beloved traditions.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

As the lead organizer, Joely helps guide committee meetings and keep everything on track leading up to the big day on December 6th. The theme, as always, is the warm and familiar “A Country Christmas.”

During the conversation, Joely highlighted the wide variety of activities planned for this year’s walk. Beyond the festive fun, she explained that the event plays an important role in supporting Fredericktown families, with funds raised being distributed to several local charities.

When asked about her favorite part of the Christmas Walk, Joely admitted she can’t choose just one—what she really loves is seeing the entire community come together in the Christmas spirit. This year is especially meaningful, as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, deepening her sense of connection to the town.

Joely also shared gratitude for the committee members, generous donors, and everyone who shows up year after year to make the Christmas Walk possible. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. along Main Street in Fredericktown, and she offered tips on the best spots to find parking so visitors can easily join the fun.

And her Christmas wish? A happy, healthy holiday season for all.

Click HERE to learn more about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – 12/5/25

Christmas preparations are underway and some of you may have already started your baking. In honor of the great bakers, we are going to talk about Christmas Cookies!

For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts will share their favorite Christmas Cookie.

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The KCCC Food for the Hungry Basket Auction 2025 Is Now Live!

Jim Riggle, the Principal of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center, recently chatted with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about this year’s big event.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jim has been involved with the basket auction for seven years and shared why it’s such a highlight for the community. The auction officially kicked off at midnight on Cyber Monday, and bidding will wrap up on December 12th.

  • Here is a complete list of the baskets up for bid during the auction!
    • Click HERE for Care Care 1 Basket
    • Click HERE for Care Care 2 Basket
    • Click HERE for the Downtown Date Night Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Family Fun Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Foodies Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Gallagher Center Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Hers basket.
    • Click HERE for the His Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Kid’s Electric Bicycle Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Lashley Training Center Memberships.
    • Click HERE for the Mohican Getaway Basket.
    • Click HERE for the Northern Getaway basket.
    • Click HERE for the OSU Basket.
    • Click HERE for Pork BBQ Basket 1
    • Click HERE for Pork BBQ Basket 2
    • Click HERE for the Wood Pellet (1 ton) Basket.

Jim Riggle shared some insights about the Food for the Hungry Basket Auction. He explained how easy it is to check your bids and get involved, and he made sure to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helps make the auction possible.

He also talked about why these baskets are such a big deal. They give students in different Career Center labs a chance to showcase their skills, gain hands-on experience, and have some fun in the process. Jim highlighted how incredible the students are and shared a special moment from the first Chance Application Night, where former students returned to make the evening truly memorable.

Wrapping up, Jim expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. He said he feels especially blessed this year and is excited to celebrate 44 years of the Food for the Hungry program. He also reflected on what FFTH’s slogan means to him, emphasizing the sense of community and shared purpose behind the auction.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!

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The Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction is now Underway!

If you’ve spent any time around Fredericktown during the holidays, you’ve probably heard the name Ann Trudell—and for good reason. She’s responsible for the Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk Online Auction, which is currently in full swing and runs through December 3rd and recently spoke with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Ann is also the one coordinating donations, which can be dropped off at the Fredericktown administration building between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Tuesday. This year’s auction features an impressive lineup of themed baskets packed with gift certificates, local services, and all kinds of surprises. Ann happily shares what’s inside and how everyone can get involved.

She also breaks down how the bidding works, how to check if you’ve won, and when winners can pick up their items. One of the best parts? All the money raised stays right here in Fredericktown, supporting community members who need a little extra help. It’s a fun, festive way to give back.

This year’s Christmas Walk theme is “Country Christmas,” and Ann gives a sneak peek at the events planned along the route. She’s especially excited to meet the auction winners—and she may have mentioned she’s looking forward to the food auction, too.

Ann also reflects on what being involved in the Christmas Walk means to her personally. She shares where everything will be located, the best places to park, and how to stay connected with all things Fredericktown throughout the season. And when asked what’s on her own Christmas list? In true Ann fashion: world peace, plus plenty of time with family and friends.

Click HERE to view all the items listed for Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction!

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November 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/28/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the move for the City of Mount Vernon offices.
  • Construction Updates
    • Intersection of Old Mansfield Road and Fairgrounds Road
    • Mansfield Avenue sidewalk project
    • Route 13 updates
  • City Water Upgrades including 3 big ticket items on the docket
  • Update from the Public Works and Engineering Departments
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Update on the Mount Vernon City Police Department
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
  • City Budget
  • Events coming up in December
  • Goals for December 2025
  • How you can pray for the Mayor and his Team

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – https://www.mtvernonoh.gov/
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • Linked In – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Mayor’s Podcast on Spotify – Chat with Mayor Matt
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“Once Upon a Holiday” Brings a Fairytale Winter to Downtown Mount Vernon

Downtown Mount Vernon is getting ready to sparkle—fairytale style. Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to share everything we can expect from this year’s Winter in Downtown theme: “Once Upon a Holiday.” Think whimsical storefronts, magical parade floats, and that cozy, storybook feeling that only small-town holidays can deliver.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Small Business Saturday: Shop Local, Find Treasures

The celebration kicks off with Small Business Saturday, which Lacey describes as part shopping event, part treasure hunt. The goal is simple: support the heart of Mount Vernon—our small businesses and local shop owners. Many stores downtown will be open and offering surprises throughout the weekend.

Sunday’s Holiday Parade & Downtown Festivities

Sunday’s schedule is packed with charm and activity.

  • The Holiday Parade begins at 4 PM, running north and ending at Public Square.
  • With 52 entries—including floats, trucks, and of course, horses—it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest parades yet.
  • Parade judges will be out selecting winners for several award categories, each supported by local sponsors.

For safety, visitors are asked not to park downtown due to the number of horses, vehicles, and people involved. The best viewing spots? South Main Street and around the Square.

Free Photo Booth Fun

From 1–6:30 PM, stop by the lower level of the Mount Vernon Grand for a free photo booth experience—complete with themed props provided by community sponsors. It’s a great chance to capture those holiday memories with friends and family.

Lighting of Public Square & Santa Sightings

Immediately after the parade—around 5 PM—the community will gather for the lighting of Public Square. Santa himself will help flip the switch to kick off the season.

You can also snag free photos with Santa:

  • Sunday, after the lighting ceremony until 7 PM
  • Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30–7 PM, both at the Mount Vernon Grand

If you’d like to give back, you can bring Food for the Hungry donations to designated collection points downtown. FFTH will also be represented with a parade float.

Festival of Lights Returns

Another much-loved tradition is back: the Festival of Lights.

  • Registration to participate is open until December 8.
  • Community voting happens December 12–14.
  • You can vote and view the full map of participating homes and displays at: experiencemv.org/2025-festival-of-lights.

Lacey also explained a few voting guidelines to keep things fair and fun for everyone.

Rain Plan

If Sunday’s parade gets rained out, it will be rescheduled to the following weekend. However, the lighting ceremony will still take place Sunday night, rain or shine.

A Look Ahead

Before wrapping up, Lacey shared gratitude for Experience Mount Vernon’s partners and team members whose work makes all these events possible. She also hinted at big things coming in 2026, including First Fridays and celebrations tied to America’s 250th birthday.

To stay connected, follow Experience Mount Vernon on social media or visit their website for updates, volunteer opportunities, and event announcements.

This season, Mount Vernon isn’t just celebrating the holidays—it’s stepping right into a storybook. And you’re invited to be part of every chapter.

Click HERE to learn more about Winter in Downtown!

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Austin Swallow talked with us about the second pop up food distribution that happened on Saturday!

Food For The Hungry Board President Austin Swallow shared details about the second pop up food distribution that took place on Saturday 11/22!

He explained what each family received at the distribution. He also shared that around 150 families were blessed!

Austin also gave thanks to all involved with this pop up food distribution and talked a little about the upcoming 44th annual Food For The Hungry Drive.

To learn more about Food For The Hungry click HERE!

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We talked with Jim Riggle from the Knox County Career Center!

We got the chance to chat with Jim Riggle, the Principle of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center.

He shared that they had over 400 new students apply to be in their program at the first chance application night last Thursday.

He also talked about the canned food drive, and change drive they are doing to support Food For The Hungry.

To learn more about the Career Center click HERE!

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Traditions are a major Centerpiece of Thanksgiving!

From cheering on parade floats and football games to watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and cooking up family favorites, everyone has their own way of making Turkey Day feel special.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the WNZR staff thought it’d be fun to share some of their favorite traditions.

Click HERE to hear the staff’s traditions!

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

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