WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Brit Eaton, the new Executive Director of the United Way of Knox County!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Brit shares what led her to the position and how her decades of nonprofit consulting, ministry work, marketing, communications, mental health advocacy, and teaching prepared her for this new opportunity. She has also been a three-time published author and spent 18 years as an adjunct professor at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Brit officially began her new role on September 28 while continuing to teach at MVNU.
As the United Way of Knox County celebrates its 75th Anniversary, Brit is looking forward to an exciting year focused on bringing the community together. This year’s campaign theme is “We Stand United, We Live United,” with a goal of raising $1 million to support local nonprofits and meet growing needs throughout Knox County. Brit discusses special plans for the anniversary campaign, donor opportunities and recognition, and the importance of individuals, families, businesses, volunteers, and donors working together. She also shares her immediate goals of connecting with partner agencies, donors, volunteers, and community leaders, and encourages those interested in getting involved!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Olivia Skillings got to talk with Dr. Henry Smith, who was the original WNZR Communication Professor and Station Manager!
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image below!
Henry shares with us what he is doing today! He is in Zambia, Africa, helping to start a Wesleyan University in Zambia. Henry shares a funny story with us about a former student of his that has been helping him. He also talks about the dream that he and others had for the radio station at WNZR. There was a nucleus of people who had already started raising money for the station and he helped them to get it started.
Henry tells how the initial planning was a learning opportunity for him because he didn’t because he really wasn’t a radio guy at that time. There was a lot of learning that was done from other stations and even the FCC!
Henry explains to us what his prayer was at the beginning of WNZR. They had an unexpected obstacle when starting up, which was a local TV station petitioning to deny them starting WNZR due to their conflicting dial positions. The supporters of the radio station prayed for the barriers to be removed so they could make a difference with their radio station.
Henry talks about the 4 year waiting period that they experienced while trying to get an FCC license. The TV station in Columbus was the primary cause of that. The students tried to keep the quality of the station high even though they weren’t on the air yet.
He explains his biggest challenge in it was trying to keep the dream alive for the students.
Henry also explains that the things he remembers most is the people from that time. He has always enjoyed working with students the most and recalls how excited they were when they finally received the permission that they needed from the FCC.
Here are pictures from Dr. Smith’s trip to the top of our radio tower. He talked about taking pictures of the MVNC campus in 1986!
Marcy also shares a funny story that current MVNU Professor Alan Reed has about Dr. Smith on that day!
Dr. Smith details the process of what it took to get 90.9FM WNZR on the air! He talks about what he learned about himself throughout those years. Impact has always been his greatest motivator as a person whether that be as a professor, a university president, or a missionary.
Henry talks about the importance of waiting and being patient. The lessons that he and the students learned while waiting were so important and have stayed with him throughout his life.
Dr. Smith explains how important community support was in starting WNZR. Starting the radio station was something that rallied people in the area and the share-a-thons that they did played a huge role in the station’s birth.
Henry and Marcy joke about a potential trip to Zambia so MVNU Communication students can help with the radio station that he is starting there.
Henry speaks on the importance of students learning about broadcasting while studying Communication. The more experiences you can have will lead to students being better communicators. He says that it helps sharpen your communication skills in ways that you don’t even realize.
This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Thursday, we revisited highlights from 2016-2026 in WNZR’s recent history! WNZR’s last 10 years on the air have produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped continue the stations rich legacy.
Here are the milestones that we took a look at:
September 2016 – WNZR started the video streaming of all MVNU’s Chapel Services at mvnu.tv
Joe Rinehart, MVNU Director of Broadcasting coordinated the WNZR Video Team members for all camera and equipment operation and production.
October 1, 2016 – WNZR 30th Anniversary – We hosted a birthday party in Hunter Hall in downtown Mount Vernon. We partnered with Happy Bean for free coffee, cupcakes, special giveaways and a slide show highlighting 30 years of ministry.
March 2017 – WNZR was able to install and use a new fundraising data tracking software for Lifeline 2017. This software was created by WNZR staff member and Senior, Cameron Davidson as his Senior Computer Programming project. He created unique tracking software specifically tailored for WNZR’s fundraising format and needs.
September 2017 – Marcy Rinehart and 4 students attended the annual Christian Music Broadcasters’ Convention, Momentum, in Orlando, Florida. Orlando was in the path of Hurricane Irma, the first category 5 hurricane of the 2017 season.
Marcy and the students were able to fly safely out of Orlando early on a Saturday morning, just as the State started to close down airports, roadways and all other forms of transportation.
December 2017 was a historical year for the annual Food For The Hungry Drive. The WNZR staff is integral in the operation of this campaign, including handling the entire production of the annual Food For The Hungry radio/video simulcast. The 2017 total was $313,691! The goal was $200,00! The experience of being involved with this project will have a life-lasting impact on our students.
March 1, 2018 – WNZR met the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) deadline to have the station’s public file posted online. WNZR’s interim Office Manager, Jenna Potts, worked with Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart to complete the 6 month project to meet this deadline. The public file contains station licenses, authorizations, ownership reports, contour maps, quarterly issue reports, donor listings and other FCC required documents related to station operation. This was a huge blessing to complete this requirement for non-commercial, educational stations.
June 2018 – Wesley Boston returned to WNZR as Office Manager/Underwriting Coordinator. He serves WNZR as a full time staff member.
June 2018 – Jim Ferguson joined the WNZR Team as Contract Engineer. He replaced long-time engineer, Mark Hiner who had worked for the station since 2000. Jim lives in Mount Vernon and has provided valuable support and expertise to our broadcast operation. His arrival was a true answer to prayer!
August 22, 2018 – WNZR completed a Station Inspection with the Ohio Association of Broadcasters. WNZR now maintains a certificate of compliance until August, 2021. This certificate gives WNZR compliance with all applicable FCC requirements for broadcast stations. Listener support helped to cover this expense for our ministry.
March, 2019 – WNZR was able to cover the MVNU Men’s Basketball Team’s trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We were able to broadcast each game with live play-by-play coverage of the Cougars. We also provided special video and social media coverage with players, coaches and fans. We produced a special video for the players featuring their family members sharing their thoughts and congratulations on the historic season.
March, 2019 – WNZR partnered with the Knox Network of Christian Ministries to host reviveOH:: Knox County. This event focused on outreach ministry to the community through the training and execution of sharing your faith with others.
March 20 – 25, 2019 – Lifeline 2019 surpassed all expectations bringing in over $75,000 with a goal of $64,000. Our theme, God is On The Move, accurately described what was happening in the Knox County community.
November 2019 – Marcy and 7 students attended the first ever CMB University – an interactive broadcast conference specifically designed for college students, hosted by Christian Music Broadcasters. Marcy, Joe and Rachel Rinehart had the opportunity to serve as advisors for the conference, providing input on the scope, schedule and format. CMB University hosted a production competition. All 7 MVNU students participated on separate teams and faced the challenge of creating a marketing campaign for the ministry Compassion International. Rachel Rinehart’s team won. She received a gift package that included gift cards and a pair of professional stereo headphones.
All students were able to make valuable connections with broadcast professionals.
2020 – COVID – WNZR took on the challenge of Covid with daily updates that included safety information, Governor DeWine’s press conferences and updates from Knox Public Health. We had an extensive list of important information on our website that was updated regularly throughout the country’s shutdown. We also maintained a list of local business and restaurant services including promoting anyone that was open to serve the community. We hosted several weeks of special day sponsorships to thank the many workers that helped to keep our community going throughout the pandemic.
Then God has blessed us with 5 back-to-back historic Lifelines!
March 2021 – Lifeline 2021 was very successful – $85,677.50 was raised! Our goal was $65,000
March 2022 — Lifeline 2022 was very successful – $83,231 was raised! our goal was $65,000
March 2023 – Lifeline 2023, $86,508 was raised! Our goal was $65,000
June 2023 – WNZR received the first ever CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) University Station of the Year Award.
March 2024 – Lifeline 2024 was the most successful fundraiser in the history of the station – $88,033.50 was pledged with a goal of $70,000
March 2025 – Lifeline 2025 was another successful fundraising with a theme that was perfect for our world, our staff and listeners – Made For These Days. $86,548.69 was pledged with a goal of $75,000
May 2025 – WNZR was nominated for the CMB (Christian Music Broadcasters) University Station of the Year Award.
We also heard from former WNZR employee and student Mike Basko, who share memories and stories from his time at the station. His conversation gives us a special glimpse into WNZR’s first CMBU University Station of the Year Award that we won in 2023. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation with Mike Basko!
This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Tuesday, we revisited highlights from 1996-2005 in WNZR’s history! WNZR’s second 10 years on the air produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped establish the station over the years.
Here are the milestones that we took a look at:
1996 – Marcy Rinehart returned to WNZR as the new Station Manager. A new morning show hit the airwaves called “Rinehart and Russell” – with Marcy and sophomore Mike Russell
1997 – WNZR becomes an official partner of Food for the Hungry in December 1997.
Summer of 1999 – we had a studio renovation of our practice studio where MVNU broadcasting students go through their initial DJ training.
2001 – WNZR participated in Ohio Family Fest – June 2001. This activity was connected to the Focus on the Family National Bike Ride for the Family. Molly Saunders, a WNZR listener participated in the ride!
2001 – WNZR was the FIRST radio station in the country to be featured on Briargate Media’s website with station affiliates across the world.
November 2002 – WNZR’s tower took a massive lightning strike, which left us off the air for 2 days.
2002 – Plus One Contest…we had a Luau Party and the Plus One members came. This was part of MVNU’s Homecoming 2002.
Summer 2002 – The WNZR website debuted.
October 1, 2003 – WNZR started our on-line broadcast ministry. You can hear WNZR live on www.wnzr.fm
December 2004 and January 2005 – THE BIG Studio renovation. WNZR’s main studio for 90.9FM underwent a complete renovation. This $30,000 renovation was made possible by listener support! This change has given us a digital studio with the latest broadcast equipment and a state-of-the-art studio for our students. Please stop by for a tour!
February 2005 – Joe Rinehart came to MVNU as the Director of Broadcasting and started a new show called “The Afternoon Drive”
July 2005 – WNZR created the official soundtrack for Mount Vernon’s Bicentennial fireworks display. The soundtrack featured Bicentennial flashbacks highlighting the 200 year history of the city of Mount Vernon. Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart served as an announcer for the city’s Bicentennial parade.
September 2005 – WNZR participates in “Cards for Katrina” – a nationwide campaign of Christian radio stations to collect gift cards for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
October 2005 – WNZR coordinates a Knox County drive to support victims of Hurricane Katrina. “Knox County Makes A Difference” Over $7,000 was collected in one day. The event involved county-wide collection points, a full line-up of music at Riverside Park, kids’ games at Mount Vernon High School and a live broadcast with WNZR from City Hall. The event also featured a hog auction where a WNZR listener donated the pork that he won from WNZR at the Knox County Fair. This meat was auctioned off to give money to the effort.
We also hear from former WNZR employees and students who share memories and stories from their time at the station. Our guests today included Mitch Barber, Alan Reed, and Joe and Marcy Rinehart! Their conversations give us a glimpse into WNZR’s history and the impact the station had on the the people who helped build it. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation with Mitch Barber!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation with Joe and Marcy RInehart!
This week, as WNZR celebrates 40 years of being a Lifeline to Knox County, we’re taking a look back at the history that helped shape our station. On Monday, we revisited highlights from 1986-1995 in WNZR’s history! WNZR’s first 10 years on the air produced amazing people, programs, and moments that helped establish the station in its early years.
Here are the milestones that we took a look at:
Mount Vernon Nazarene College applied to the FCC for an educational, non-commercial broadcast license in 1982.
On January 21, 1986 – MVNC received the construction permit from the FCC. The 300 foot tower was erected and the transmitter installed in April. WNZR started to broadcast on 90.9FM in the Fall semester of 1986.
October 1, 1986 – is WNZR’s official birthday as stated in the FCC radio license. Today, 10/1/2025 – WNZR is celebrating 39 years in ministry
November 1993 – WNZR was presented with the Marconi award for format programming achievement from the Loyola Radio Conference. WNZR won the award by best reaching their target audience with the chosen format.
1995 – WNZR became “The Lifeline”. The station held a campus-wide contest to find a logo that would bring this slogan to life. The early version of today’s logo was designed by an MVNU art student.
We also hear from former WNZR employees and students who share memories and stories from their time at the station. Our guests today included Bill Bridges, Alan Reed, and Jim and Jayme McMillian! Their conversations give us a glimpse into WNZR’s early days and the impact the station had on the the people who helped build it. Join us as we celebrate the memories, people, and faithfulness of God that have been part of the WNZR story for four decades.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversations!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with NEW United Way Executive Director, Brit Eaton about a special opportunity to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the United Way of Knox County. Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
On September 25, the community is being invited to celebrate Dolly’s life and legacy by making a donation to Knox County’s Imagination Library through a special website: 9to5knox.com. The September 25 event includes a fun connection to Dolly’s famous movie and song, 9 to 5, along with special photo opportunities around downtown featuring a life-size Dolly Parton cutout.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children with a free book every month from birth until they turn five. The program was inspired in part by Dolly’s own father, who was unable to read, and her desire to help children develop strong literacy skills. The Imagination Library began in Knox County in 2009, and today nearly 3,000 local children are currently receiving books, with approximately 12,500 children having been served through the program over the years. Knox County has invested more than $250,000 in the program to help bring books and the joy of reading to local children. This special opportunity allows the community to continue that legacy by supporting literacy right here in Knox County. To learn more or make a donation, visit 9to5knox.com.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr about what’s happening around the city, including several ongoing construction and infrastructure projects.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
Demolition along South Sandusky Street is complete, while work continues on Burgess and Hamtramck Streets with new brickwork, curbs, gutters, and storm water systems. The city is also moving forward with projects including a new salt storage facility, pickleball courts at Riverside Park, and preparations for improvements throughout the community.
Mayor Starr also provides an update on the new Mount Vernon Police Station, the future use of 40 Public Square for Municipal Court operations, and the continued planning for the city’s wastewater and water treatment facilities.
The monthly update also covers city services, public safety, community events, and planning for Mount Vernon’s future. Starr discusses water meter replacements, fall cleanup at Mound View Cemetery, maintenance along the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, leaf collection, and preparations for winter weather.
He also addresses City Council’s ongoing review of automated license plate reader technology, recent council actions, recognition for members of the police department, and the annual fire hydrant flushing program.
Looking ahead, Starr highlights several October events, including Biketoberfest, the Junction Moto Show and Food Truck Festival, the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and Trick-or-Treat on October 31.
He also shares thoughts on the city’s budget planning, growth, and the importance of community cooperation, closing with encouragement from Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God.”
WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Katie Adams, Client Services Director for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image below!
Katie explains that one of Starting Point’s primary ministries is the Start Here Program, which provides pregnancy and parenting education for pregnant women, couples, and families. Participants earn points through educational appointments that can be used to shop in the ministry’s boutique for items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby essentials.
She says Starting Point’s services are available to anyone in the community without income restrictions or insurance requirements. The ministry serves single parents, families, grandparents, and individuals seeking resources related to unexpected pregnancies, parenting, relationships, and family life. Starting Point strives to meet practical needs while also providing support for all.
Katie shares her personal journey with Starting Point, beginning as a field experience intern through MVNU Online. Shortly after arriving, she learned of an opening for the Client Care Coordinator position, volunteered with the ministry, and eventually joined the staff. After serving as Client Care Coordinator for a year and a half, she recently stepped into the role of Client Services Director.
She also discusses opportunities for community members to become involved with the ministry. Starting Point is currently seeking volunteers in several areas, including nurses, ultrasound technicians, boutique workers, and client advocates. The ministry also welcomes men to serve through its men’s mentoring and support programs. They need volunteers, contact Starting Point directly at 740-393-0370 to learn more about available opportunities. She concludes by expressing excitement for the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night.
Click HERE for more information about Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Carrie Haver, who plays Nettie Norton in Bull in a China Shop.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click on the image below!
Carrie describes Nettie as one of six older women living together in the show. She says the character is humorous, often says the wrong thing, and brings plenty of laughs to the production.
She shares that the cast has been rehearsing since the summer, spending time reading through the script and developing the relationships between the characters. Carrie says memorizing lines comes through repetition and listening to recordings of rehearsals.
Carrie says one of her favorite things about playing Nettie is that the character is very different from roles she has played in the past. She enjoys portraying an older woman and bringing the character’s unique personality to life.
A theater veteran, Carrie has appeared in numerous productions with both Orange Barrel Productions and MTVarts. She recalls playing Glinda in The Wizard of Oz as one of her favorite theater experiences. Carrie also says the humor in Bull in a China Shop is what makes the show especially enjoyable and believes audiences will find many opportunities to laugh.
Carrie says one of the highlights of the production has been the strong chemistry and camaraderie among the cast. Many of the actors have worked together before, creating a comfortable and enjoyable rehearsal environment.
She also discusses the show’s costumes and makeup, explaining that the cast uses special makeup and costumes to portray older women living in the 1950s. Carrie encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved, noting there are opportunities for people of all ages both on stage and behind the scenes. She hopes the community will come see Bull in a China Shop, enjoy a good laugh, and support local theater.
Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!
