WNZR shines the spotlight on the 2026 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival this week. WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Board Member, Jacob Francis about event logistics. Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the photo below.
Jacob serves as the Site and Logistics Director for the Festival. He shared details about this year’s map and festival layout, along with news about when streets will close. He also shared the good news that 3 favorite events will return. Listen in for details about the 6th annual Car & Motorcycle Cruise-in, the Wood Challenge Auction and the 3rd annual Chalk Competition.
Click HERE for more information on the festival and to see the full schedule.
A broken clock, an old typewriter or even a treasured antique does not necessarily have to end up in the trash.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently talked with Mark Tillack, founder of Repair Café Knox County, about a program that brings neighbors together to see if those broken items can be put back into service.
Tillack said the Repair Café concept began in the Netherlands in 2009 and eventually made its way to Knox County. The local program started in November of 2018 and now holds repair events four times a year.
People have brought in everything from bicycles, fans and vacuum cleaners to VCRs, paper shredders, clocks and unusual antiques. Tillack said volunteers will take a look at just about anything that can reasonably be carried through the door.
There is no charge for the repair service. A donation jar is available to help cover expenses such as replacement parts and printing flyers. Visitors are encouraged to bring along any loose parts, manuals or other information that might help volunteers understand the item.
The program has become increasingly popular. Tillack said a typical event once handled between 17 and 32 repairs, but the May Repair Café saw about 52 items come through the door and, for the first time, a line formed outside.
That growth has also created a need for more repair volunteers.
Tillack stressed that volunteers do not have to be professional repair technicians. The program is looking for people who enjoy fixing things, understand how things work or simply like the challenge of figuring out why something is broken. Volunteers can participate in one event or all four during the year.
The next Repair Café will be held Saturday, August 15th, from 1 until 4 p.m. in the basement of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hall in Mount Vernon. The church is at the corner of Gay and High streets, with access to the basement from the Gay Street side. Signs will be posted to help visitors find the entrance.
Tillack recommends bringing items closer to 1 p.m. when possible so volunteers have as much time as they can to diagnose and repair them before the event ends.
Beyond fixing things, Tillack sees the Repair Café as an example of “neighbor helping neighbor.” Many of the items people bring have stories behind them, and sometimes the value of a repair has little to do with what an object would cost to replace.
He also hopes to introduce more young people to the idea of repairing instead of immediately replacing broken items. Tillack is exploring interest in a Repair Café in the Classroom program that would give children an opportunity to learn how repairs work and develop basic problem-solving skills.
Those interested in volunteering or learning more can contact Mark Tillack at mtillack44@gmail.com or 330-377-4387.
Click HERE to see more on the Repair Knox County Facebook page!
A full year of planning goes into one weekend in downtown Mount Vernon.
WNZR’s Daniel Russell spoke with Joe Rinehart, Board Chair for the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, about what it takes to organize the event and what visitors can expect this year.
Rinehart said planning begins almost immediately after the previous festival ends. The board is made up entirely of volunteers, so much of the work comes down to finding time throughout the year to coordinate music, vendors, artists, sponsors, activities and all of the other pieces that make the event possible.
One of the biggest changes this year is the return to a three-day festival. Thursday will no longer be part of the event, which Rinehart said helps reduce the amount of time downtown streets are closed.
Music remains a major part of the weekend. Saturday night will feature Preston Cooper as the headliner, with 615 Collective opening the show. Friday night will have more of a classic rock feel, beginning with Phil Dirt and the Dozers at 6:30 p.m., followed by Forever Seger, a Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band tribute act.
The festival also continues to bring thousands of visitors into downtown Mount Vernon. Rinehart said about 9,300 people came through the downtown area during the event, creating opportunities for local businesses while giving visitors a chance to experience the community.
Several family-friendly attractions are returning. Kidsfest will run from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday.
A new addition this year is BrickFest, giving visitors a chance to build and create with LEGO. It will be held on the second floor of the Woodward Opera House from 3 until 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Other returning favorites include the Car and Motorcycle Cruise-In on Saturday, the Kiwanis Pie Auction, the Wood Challenge, the flower show and the chalk competition.
Rinehart said much of the work happens behind the scenes, from coordinating with artists and vendors to arranging food trucks, local media, promotions, websites and business partnerships. He said the effort is worth it when people come downtown, enjoy themselves and support local businesses.
For anyone who has never attended, Rinehart emphasized that the festival is free. Visitors can come downtown, find something to eat, listen to live music and enjoy the community atmosphere without needing a ticket.
The festival is also still looking for volunteers, especially on Thursday and Sunday, to help welcome visitors, answer questions and support the event.
Rinehart thanked the board of directors and volunteers who have worked throughout the year, along with the City of Mount Vernon, the Woodward Opera House, the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, Joann and Audry for organizing the flower show, and Sweet Street Candy Shop for hosting the chalk competition.
He also thanked presenting sponsor Ariel Corporation, along with Park National Bank and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium.
Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!
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!
Several members of TAC of Knox County talked with WNZR about their annual Color for a Cause Race. This very colorful event is held every year to raise awareness of the Teen Advisory Council and their initiatives. Indra, Amaiyah, Madelyn and Truth shared their passion for reaching their peers throughout the year.
Click HERE to hear their conversations or click on the picture below.
TAC is a Knox County youth-led prevention team powered by passionate high school students committed to empowering their peers, engaging their schools and communities, and encouraging healthy choices, respectful relationships, and positive change. TAC members raise awareness, spark conversations, and lead initiatives to prevent dating violence, substance misuse, and suicide—before they begin. As ambassadors of healthy lifestyles, TAC youth use their voices, creativity, and leadership to influence their peers and promote safety, respect, and wellness. TAC is where teens build confidence, plan events, advocate for change, and prove that young people aren’t just the future—they are leaders right now.
Enjoy the conversations and see how these young leaders are living out these 3 goals – Empower. Engage. Encourage. TAC – Teens Leading Positive Change in Knox County. Click HERE to find out more about TAC and stay connected to their activities.
Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – August First Friday.
She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Paws On Parde!
Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight. We also shared all the details of WNZR’s Annual Costumed Paws on Parade.
WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street. Don’t miss your chance to register for some amazing prizes. We have prizes for humans and DOGS!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.
Click HERE to find all the details about tonight’s event.
For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating DOGS – in honor of our annual Dog Costume Parade at August First Friday. The hosts share their favorite memories with their family dog.
Click HERE to hear stories from Marcy, Olivia, Eric, Daniel and Ethan.
Or click the picture below.
We hope to see you and your 4 legged friends in downtown Mount Vernon tonight! Click HERE for all the details about August First Friday and our Costume PAWS on Parade!
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!
WNZR was honored to share Knox County Fair conversations throughout this week. We talked with many 4H Miscellaneous Project winners. We talked about their projects, their experiences with 4H and how they felt about representing Knox County at the Ohio State Fair. We also talked about the other projects and shows they were involved with at this year’s Knox County Fair. The 4H Winners shared about their lessons learned in 4H and the memories they have made.
Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture below.
We wish you all GOOD LUCK at the State Fair! We are proud of you!
WNZR was honored to talk to the 2026 Junior Fair Ambassadors. These young leaders talked about the process of becoming an ambassador and what this title means to them. They shared about their responsibilities during Knox County Fair week and how they plan to help younger exhibitors. We also talked about lessons learned and memories made during their time in 4H. Enjoy the stories of these outstanding students. They are a living example of service for all of us!
Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture below.
Rise and Shine 