It is Knox County Fair Week on The Morning Thing.
It is our honor to feature conversations with members of the 2023 Knox County Junior Fair Board.
The students shared about their experiences on the board, the responsibilities they have during Fair Week, their favorite foods/rides and their favorite memories.
They also shared about their own personal projects for this year’s Knox County Fair.
Click HERE to enjoy conversations with:
Alayna Wittel
Caitlyn Ball
Case Armstrong
Ethan Swendal
Kennedy Aucker
Logan Daubenmier
Patrick Frazer
Reagan Ward
Congratulations to the 2023 Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors
WNZR’s Joe Rinehart announces the 2023 Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors. These students are chosen to represent their specific animal breed throughout the year.
Ambassadors are chosen to be an example of positive leadership during 4-H events and in the community.
All Ambassadors assist at the Knox County Junior Fair in their respective shows, at the Sale of Champions and with the Buyers Luncheon>
Ambassadors also represent 4-H at parades throughout the community.
Congratulations to the 2023 Ambassadors.
Click HERE as Joe shares the list of this year’s Ambassadors.
You can see this year’s Ambassador Aisle in the 4H Booth building.

Congratulations to the 2023 Little Mister Knox County Royalty
Congratulations to the 2023 Little Mr. Knox County – Owen Warner of Gambier!
1st Runner Up – Harrison Doup of Danville
2nd Runner Up – Bill Brown Schreiber of Gambier
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to chat with the boys. They talked about their special outfits (including some fancy ties), the questions they answered on stage and what they were each excited to do at this year’s Fair.
Click HERE to enjoy the conversations!








Congratulations to the 2023 Little Miss Knox County Royalty
Congratulations to the 2023 Little Miss Knox County – Cora Ruckman of Mount Vernon!
1st Runner Up – Izabelle Titus of Fredericktown
2nd Runner Up – Bridgette Koontz of Gambier
3rd Runner Up – Brystal Sharp of Fredericktown.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to chat with the girls. They talked about their beautiful dresses, the questions they answered on stage and what they were each excited to do at this year’s Fair.
Click HERE to enjoy the conversations!






The 2023 Knox County Junior Fair Royalty is announced
WNZR was excited to connect with the 2023 Knox County Junior Fair Royalty.
2023 Queen – Mia Armstrong
1st Runner Up – Reagan Ward
2nd Runner Up – Vivian Noble.
WNZR’s Joe Rinehart had a chance to chat with these ladies, along with the 2022 Queen, Anna Maglott.
Click HERE to hear their conversation.
Keep checking back throughout the week as WNZR shares more great interviews and results from the 2023 Knox County Fair. Also, get registered to win HERE!










The Knox County Junior Fair Board hosts Stock the Trailer. Will you help?
Marcy Rinehart of The Morning Thing talked with Amy Carpenter, Junior Fair Chairwoman and Patrick Frazer, Junior Fair Board President about an exciting project at this year’s Fair.
The students are hosting “Stock the Trailer”. They are in competition with other Junior Fair Boards to collect non-perishable food for local food pantries. Listen in to hear how you can help in this project and help families in need in our community!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Donations can be dropped off at Amy Carpenter’s Yard Barn Office, at the Main Knox County Fair Office or at Big Blue!
MVNU Update with Dr. David Wilson
The Morning Thing hosted the monthly MVNU Update on Friday, 7/7/23.
Dr. Wilson also gave us a rough timeline for the installation of a new president. The hope is to announce the new president by mid-fall.
MVNU’s Interim President, Dr. David Wilson shared a campus update.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
He shared the scope of his role during this transitional period at the university. He also shared an update on the Presidential search. A search firm is helping MVNU through this process.
He talks about the commitment from the MVNU Board of Trustees and the need for prayer. He invited all of us to join him in prayer and fasting as we face this important decision and transition.
Stay connected to MVNU online HERE.
July First Friday is TONIGHT in downtown Mount Vernon
Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon, was a special guest on The Morning Thing today. She shared all the details of tonight’s July First Friday.
The theme is “Wild July”!
Lacey gives us an overview of the schedule, parking information, details about this month’s Classic Car Cruise-In, and food choices.
The event is from 6pm – 9pm on Friday, 7/7 in downtown Mount Vernon.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Click HERE to see more details about tonight’s event, plus see what is in WNZR’s “Clean Up, Drink Up, Soak Up and Frame Up” prize basket!
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – 7/7/23
For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts celebrate the Columbus Zoo’s visit to July First Friday.
Alyssa and Marcy share their favorite animal to see when visiting the zoo.
Don’t miss a chance to see animals tonight on the Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon.
Click HERE to hear about penguins and manatees!
July First Friday is tonight from 6pm – 9pm!
Click HERE for more details about tonight’s event and how to register for WNZR’s “Clean Up, Drink Up, Soak Up and Frame Up” Prize Basket!
June 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/30/23.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Topics included:
- A discussion about current construction projects for the city
- Update on the removal of traffic signals on Mansfield Ave.
- The recent vandalism at City Parks and how the city is combatting this problem. If residents see vandalism, please call 740-397-2222.
- The City’s new sign restrictions
- The new initiative called Pour It Forward with the City of Mount Vernon and The Salvation Army. This new program allows residents to help their neighbors by assisting with their utility bills.
- Updates from Mount Vernon City Council including recent discussion on DORA and the signage for designated areas.
- Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
- Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
- The City’s plans for the 4th of July.
- Parking and departure from Ariel Foundation Park on July 4th
- Upcoming events in July for Mount Vernon
- News that Mount Vernon is getting a Hampton Inn.
- Goals for the month of July
- Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of July.
- Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new Linked In page, City of Mount Vernon, Ohio. You can find routine updates, job postings, and more.
Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.
To stay in touch with the City, go to:
- Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
- Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
- Twitter – CityMV1805
- YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
- LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio