Category: Mount Vernon OH

The Morning Thing takes you to the swamp with MTVarts and the cast of Shrek Jr.

MTVarts presents Shrek Jr. 9/23 – 9/25 at the Knox Memorial Theater.

WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.
The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They talked about the amazing process of costumes and makeup and the transformation that happens with each of their characters. They also shared their favorite songs and memories.

Click HERE to enjoy our conversations with:
Jackson Barrett – Shrek
Logan Montgomery – Donkey
Minda Bates – Princess Fiona
McKinley Figurski – Mama Ogre and Princess Fiona Ogre
Kate Marhefka – Teen Fiona
Maggie Richardson – Dragon Puppet
Kiarah Smith – Dragon
Kate Gottke – Young Fiona

Click HERE to buy tickets.

Click HERE to see the full cast list. What an amazing group of talented young performers!

PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIME:

  • Friday September 23 @ 7:30 pm
  • Saturday September 24 @ 2:00pm
  • Saturday September 24 @ 7:30 pm
  • Sunday September 25 @ 2:00 pm

TICKET INFORMATION:

$20 Main floor

$18 Balcony

$3 discount for children ages 3 – 10

For more details about the show, Click HERE

Shrek Jr Synopsis

Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

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The Morning Thing shares Sonfest memories

For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite memories of Sonfest.

Click HERE to hear from Marcy Rinehart and Wesley Boston.

The Christian music festival will be held on Saturday, September 17 on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We hope to see you there!

Please share your favorite Sonfest memories with us!

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Blanca is coming to Sonfest 2022 at MVNU!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to talk with Blanca.

She is part of this year’s lineup for MVNU’s Sonfest on Saturday, 9/17/2022.

Blanca shared the exciting news about her new album, The Heartbreak and the Healing. She shared how her writing process was connected to her own heartbreak and healing journey of the past several years.
Blanca wants her listeners to hear a message that God has a purpose for their story, even the tears, the heartbreak, and the difficult times.

Blanca shared that God is teaching her to find joy in the hard times, even in the midst of the trial. Her new song The Healing talks about the actual process of God’s healing in her life.   

The new album releases on September 23rd.
Enjoy the conversation.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation

Click HERE for all the details about Sonfest 2022.

Click HERE to find out how to win a FUN WNZR/MVNU T-Shirt Prize Package at Sonfest!

Sonfest Lineup:

SonFest 2022 has lots to offer. Take a look at what we’ve got going on throughout the day!

NOON

Gates, Food Trucks, and Inflatables Open

2:00 P.M.

BMX Bike Show #1 Starts

4:30 P.M.

BMX Bike Show #2 Starts

Main Stage Bands

See who’s rocking our main stage for SonFest 2022!

1:10 PM

– The New Respects –

2:35 PM

– Wolves at the Gate –

4:00 PM

– Blanca –

5:45 PM

– Trip Lee –

7:50 PM

– Red Rocks Worship –

Side Stage Bands

We’ve got some awesome side stage bands for SonFest 2022 – see below!

1:45 PM

– Poetic Descent –

3:10 PM

– Soft Sound –

4:50 PM

– Sam Day –

6:35 PM

– Safekept –

9:30 P.M.

SonFest 2022 Closing

Artists and schedule are subject to change.

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Red Rocks Worship is coming to Sonfest 2022 at MVNU!

WNZR’s Wesley Boston had a chance to talk with Kory Miller from Red Rocks Worship.

They are the headliner at MVNU’s Sonfest on Saturday, 9/17/2022.

Kory shared the band’s #1 goal – to worship the Lord!
He also shared how the group has seen God use Christian music in powerful ways through radio stations and at their concerts. Kory also shares the news about the next album for the band. Enjoy the conversation.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation

Click HERE for all the details about Sonfest 2022.

Click HERE to find out how to win a FUN WNZR/MVNU T-Shirt Prize Package at Sonfest!

Sonfest Lineup:

SonFest 2022 has lots to offer. Take a look at what we’ve got going on throughout the day!

NOON

Gates, Food Trucks, and Inflatables Open

2:00 P.M.

BMX Bike Show #1 Starts

4:30 P.M.

BMX Bike Show #2 Starts

Main Stage Bands

See who’s rocking our main stage for SonFest 2022!

1:10 PM

– The New Respects –

2:35 PM

– Wolves at the Gate –

4:00 PM

– Blanca –

5:45 PM

– Trip Lee –

7:50 PM

– Red Rocks Worship –

Side Stage Bands

We’ve got some awesome side stage bands for SonFest 2022 – see below!

1:45 PM

– Poetic Descent –

3:10 PM

– Soft Sound –

4:50 PM

– Sam Day –

6:35 PM

– Safekept –

9:30 P.M.

SonFest 2022 Closing

Artists and schedule are subject to change.
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WNZR talks with Author Heidi Gray McGill

Did you know that WNZR, MVNU and Mount Vernon are featured in a new book? YES!
Marcy Rinehart of The Morning Thing had the privilege of talking with Author, Heidi Gray McGill about her new book Dial P for Perfect.
It is part of a series of books called You Are On The Air. Each book focuses on a radio station.
We talked with Heidi about how she got into writing, why she chose to set the story in Mount Vernon and the sensitive topic of this book. Dial P for Perfect tells the story of Ginger – a curvy girl who is learning to accept herself for the way God sees her!

Click HERE to hear the Marcy’s conversation with Heidi.

You can find the book on Amazon. Search for Heidi Gray McGill or click HERE.
The book releases on Wednesday, 9/7/22.

Follow Heidi and sign up for her newsletter at – https://heidimcgill822089357.wordpress.com/
(When you sign up, you get a FREE book!)

Dial P for Perfect Synopsis:
Being a curvy girl can be a curse…unless you find someone who values the person you are underneath.
Snarky is one way to describe Ginger’s response to life, love, and loss—as in weight loss. She needs to whip up a little creativity, self-forgiveness, and reality.
Reggie is one cup nerd, two cups out-of-style, and a dollop of comfortable. Add in a dash of corny, and you’ve got a heap of fun even though Ginger can’t count their time together as dates. Stir in her best friend Scott, whom Ginger’s liked since University, and you have all the makings of a recipe for confusion and potential heartbreak.
Enjoy some belly laughs with Ginger as she navigates dating life. Walk beside her, figuratively—since that’s too much like exercise—as she determines her path in life. Will she accept herself as she is, or will changing to achieve perceived perfection challenge Ginger to dig deep into how God sees her?
We see our flaws, but our heavenly Father sees His intricate, thoughtfully designed creation.

Heidi Gray McGill

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Tonight is September First Friday! Get ready for some FUN!

WNZR is honored to partner with Experience Mount Vernon for some amazing community events.

Tonight is September First Friday – an amazing night of fun for everyone!

Experience Mount Vernon Downtown Manager, Anthony McNeal talked with The Morning Thing about this wonderful event and how your visit to downtown greatly impacts our city!

Click HERE to hear the conversation.

Anthony shared:

  • Thoughts about August First Friday
  • The theme for September First Friday – Back to School Night
  • Highlights of a full schedule of activities including: MTVarts performances including flash mobs, Johnny Appleseed Apple Challenge, Cruise-In, Jersey (a Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band), The Activity Zone, Touch a Truck, and more!
  • Food options at September First Friday
  • Parking options, including where handicap parking is located. He shares about the bike valet option if people choose to bike to downtown.
  • Anthony thanks the sponsors for September First Friday.
  • Preview of the next upcoming events for Experience Mount Vernon including the Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival which will take place on October 7. He also shares some dates for holiday events: Saturday, November 26 will be the lighting ceremony 5:30pm – 6pm, then pictures with Santa at the MV Grand Hotel. Sunday, 11/27 at 2pm they will host the holiday season parade. The Festival of Lights date will be announced soon.

Stay connected with Experience Mount Vernon online at https://www.experiencemv.org/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceMountVernon

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WNZR presents the September MVNU Presidential Update

The Morning Thing brings you the MVNU Presidential Update on the first Friday of each month. We talk with MVNU President, Dr. Henry Spaulding about what is happening on campus.

Click HERE to hear the conversation.

This month, Dr. Spaulding shares about these topics:

  • His thoughts on entering the first month of Fall Semester.
  • His favorite memory from the Summer of 2022
  • MVNU’s enrollment for the 2022-2023 Academic Year
  • His highest priorities for this first month of the school year
  • Top goals for MVNU for the fall semester
  • Recent changes with 2 groups on campus: the Senior Leadership Team and the CLT (Campus Leadership Team). He shares a highlight of these changes and told us how they will impact the campus.
  • Update on the Strategic Investment Initiatives that MVNU has been working on all summer
  • MVNU’s calendar for September
  • Special messages for our freshmen and transfer students, upperclassmen, faculty and staff.
  • How we can pray for MVNU throughout the month of September
  • How we can pray for him and his family this month.

To stay up to date on MVNU, go to https://www.mvnu.edu/

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MVNU is headed to September First Friday

MVNU is a proud sponsor of the September First Friday event. The theme this month is “Back to School” Night! You can find MVNU’s tables and activities in the Community Corner section.
The community corner will be located on West Gambier Street near South Main Plaza. Stop by and have fun at each table!

We talked with representatives from the MVNU Departments that will be participating at First Friday. Click HERE to hear the conversations.

They each shared details about their program, the role they have at MVNU, and their goals for the 2022-2023 academic year. They also gave us highlights of the fun activities coming to September First Friday.
You can learn more about the academic programs at MVNU at – https://www.mvnu.edu/academicprograms

Thanks to these faculty members for talking with WNZR:

Dr. Jessica Grubaugh, Associate Dean for the Jetter School of Professional Studies and the Education Department Chair for GPS

Dr. Florence Lim-Hardjono, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Dr. Carrie Beal, Professor of Biology and Chair of Biology and Physical Sciences

Warren Neal, Adjunct School of Nursing & Health Science

Dr. Rachel Young, Chair of Social Work, GPS Coordination, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Field Education Director

Dr. Jose Oommen, Chair of the Engineering Program

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August 2022 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 8/26/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects
    • the progress of the projects in the Sunset Street area, Columbus Road/South Main Street intersection
    • update on the paving in the Clinton Road/Fearn Avenue/Pearl Avenue/Grange Avenue area
  • Information about the BIG projects coming from Columbia Gas and AEP for the West side of the City. The plan is to replace pipelines and install new transmission lines.
  • News that the City Engineering Department has secured a federal grant for over $262,000 for design work on the South Sandusky Street Corridor.
  • Update on the project of removing and relocating the lime sludge from the city water treatment plant. Mayor Starr shares an update on the current status of the project and the EPA’s investigation. The City is working on a compliance plan.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Ariel Foundation grant of $7,700 for the design of a first responders memorial at CA & C Depot
    • PAK United received a donation from Working Class Roofing and Mr. Tax of Mount Vernon
    • Council is discussing the idea of contracting a pool management company for 2023
    • Requests for proposals are coming soon for the roofs at the CA & C Visitors Center and the B & O Railroad Station
    • Street Resurfacing projects in the North End
    • Historical Review Commission Update
    • Ohio Civil Service Employees Union Contract 
  • Update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • They did assist the Knox County Sheriff’s Office with the recent shootings.
    • June statistics show 1,436 calls for service.
  • Update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department including updates on recent training.
    • The Fire Department beat the Police Department in the PAK United Softball Game last week, 11-9.
    • The Umpire Glenn Clark was presented with a Community Service Event for his countless hours in volunteering.
    • The Fire Department received a FEMA (Assistance to Firefighters) grant for $188,000 to purchase new hoses, nozzles and a vehicle exhaust removal system.  
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in September.
    • Public meetings on the Mansfield Avenue shared youth path, to provide safe paths to school
    • September First Friday
    • Battle of the Badges Blood Drive for the American Red Cross
    • McCartney Experience at the Woodward Opera House
    • Clint Black Concert at the Knox Memorial
    • Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is planned for September 21st with a focus on how we are dealing with trauma and the stories of hope that come from crisis.
    • Goal setting for the 2023 City Budget
    • Start of Phase 2 of the City’s Strategic Planning
  • Mayor Starr shares the immediate goals for September
    • finish the work on the City’s Parking Garage
    • work on plans for the new Courthouse, City Law Office and the Police Department
    • start nailing down the next paving schedule for the city

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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Activities To Get You And Your Children Excited For The School Year

School is starting in Knox County, and we want to help you celebrate and get ready to go back to school! We shared some fun activities from iMom.com that will help the whole family get excited about the new school year.

Here are links to some of the resources we shared today:

Back to School Party Ideas for a Family Celebration

Back to School Treasure Hunt for Kids

Role Swap Back to School Game

Back-to-School Games

Our Best Back-to-School Organization Tips

Lunchbox Notes

Back to School Home Organization Ideas

2022-2023 Printable Calendars for Kids

Screen Time Tracker

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