First Mayor Starr gives us his thoughts on State Issue 2 passing in the May Primary. He says its passage is a huge benefit to the city and explains why.
He talks about the Knox Pages article that discusses wanting to use Tax Increment Financing or TIF districts and the city’s New Community Authority which would apply to the Liberty Crossing development on Newark Road. He says using both items help city leaders develop areas and pay for infrastructure projects.
He talks about the opening of the Splash Pad, and gives updates on construction projects around the city including Mansfield Avenue shared use project, Mansfield Avenue culvert replacement, and the Fairgrounds Road watermain and resurfacing project.
He talks about the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool which is now open.
He talks about the Arch Neighborhood Improvement Survey. He says they want to find out what residents want to happen in the neighborhood park.
He gives an update on City Council. He says they didn’t have much this past week due to the holiday, but there are several things in the works.
He gives an update on the city’s police department including opening Safety Town for children to learn bicycle safety.
He also talks about a grant regarding dealing with crisis and events that happened centering around a high-speed chase that happened last week.
He also asks for prayers for the family of Morrow County Sheriff Deputy Sherrer and Sheriff’s Department after Sherrer was killed in the line of duty Monday.
He shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department including receiving a grant from the Elks for equipment and they are applying for several other grants to help offset costs to the community.
He also says a portion of Morris Township that the city was servicing will begin getting service from Monroe Township Fire.
He gives his goals for June 2025 including getting several projects moving and underway.
He also gives some calendar events will be getting underway including the Summer Concert Series and Front Porch Concert Series.
He gives ways you can stay up to date with the city including going to the city’s new website, and ways we can pray for him and city leaders throughout the month.
Click HERE to connect with the city of Mount Vernon.
On the Morning Thing Thursday, Eric shared a 2025 guide to fairs and festivals in Knox County and surrounding counties. This is a great guide for some Summer Fun from Knox Pages.
Some of the events that Eric mentioned include:
June First Friday in downtown Mount Vernon.
Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days
Knox County Fair
Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival
WNZR will also be a number of summer events, and we are also looking for community partners to help cover these events.
Click HERE to find out how to become a partner of On The Road with Big Blue this summer.
Click HERE to see all the events listed by Knox Pages.
On the Morning Thing Wednesday, Eric shared some fun activities that you should have on your bucket list for the month of June (which starts this Sunday).
Some of the items include:
Go on a walking tour of your town or a nearby community.
Try a new flavor of ice cream
Have an outdoor movie night
Go on a fishing trip.
Click HERE to see the June Bucket List from Ordinary and Happy.com
The awareness focusing on “Nothing to Fear Day” has roots in 1933 when Franklin D. Roosevelt first used the phrase, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” It would help Americans through the fear of uncertainty to make it through the Great Depression and then World War II.
Marcy and Xander first talked about risks which can lead to fear as they and nine other WNZR staff members head to a Christian Music Broadcasters Conference called Momentum in Florida.
Then Eric spoke about the origins of Nothing to Fear Day, ways to face fears and bible verses to help you fight them with the armor of God.
Click HERE for an article to help you face your fears.
Click HERE for over 30 hopeful bible verses about fear from Country Living.
We spoke with Kevin Henthorn, the Executive Director for the Knox County Veterans Service Office, and he shares all about the Memorial Day festivities happening downtown!
He talks about the true meaning of memorial day that can sometimes be forgotten. He also highlights the parade and the special service afterwards! There is a lot going on in Mount Vernon starting with the parade this morning! Come on down to downtown Mount Vernon to celebrate!
We got to chat with sisters Luconda and Joanne Dager, the President and Vice President of Velvet Ice Cream, as well as Whitney Priest, the Utica Ice Cream Festival Director! The amazing ladies share with us about everything the festival has to offer! They also give us some insight on what it is like to create new ice cream flavors and products.
They will be giving out over 4,000 ice cream products at the festival this weekend! It’s a great way to spend memorial day!
Here are the topics highlighted:
The history of Velvet Ice Cream, the Utica Ice Cream Festival and the Dager family legacy
A look into the operation of the Ye Old Mill
How long it takes to create a new ice cream product
Some statistics on how much ice cream they need to make and give out at the festival
ALL the details of the festival including
Where?
When?
Parking
Event schedule
Ice cream eating contest!
And just for fun we get to hear some of the ladies favorites!
We had a chance to talk with Evan Hodkinson, from the MVNU Men’s Track and Field Team!
Evan shares with us about everything nationals! Evan is running 3 different events! So we will talk about his past experiences at the national championships, as well as what his goals are this year! We also get to chat about what motivates him and what is next for him, now that he is graduated.
Evan and the rest of his team are headed to Marion, Indiana this week to compete and we wish them the best of luck!
We spoke to Captain Christine Moretz and Campaign Cabinet Chair, Austin Swallow, from the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon as they shared an update on their fantastic Light The Day Campaign!
They talk about everything regarding the new “Learning Lighthouse on Salvation Square”! Fundraising, construction, as well as how they got started!
The new building is set to open early next year and they chat about everything that they will have on site there!
If you want to hear the full conversation, click HERE!
To stay updated on what they are doing, click HERE!
This morning on The Morning Thing, our hosts shared a conversation with Jess Kirby, the Development Director for Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center. She highlighted the exciting event that is coming to Mount Vernon! A night with Mark Schultz will be taking place on Saturday, October 4th!
Jess talks about everything you need to know regarding the event and shares the incredible story that made it all happen! We also get a little insight into Mark’s story and why he supports places like Starting Point.
Rise and Shine 