Category: News

WNZR talks with 2025 EmpowHER Event Scholarship Winner Kennedy Auker

EmpowHER Event Scholarship Winner Kennedy Auker 2025
Click HERE to hear Kennedy talk with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

Kennedy is a senior at Mount Vernon High School and attends the Knox County Career Center.
She is taking Landscape Design at KCCC. She plans to attend Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster to major in sustainable agriculture. She wants to take over the family farm in the future.

She is the winner of a Girl Power Scholarship of $2,500!
She submitted an essay based on a quote from Sheila Murray Bethel. She wrote on how she uses her Girl Power to empower others. Kennedy talks about the many organizations that she is involved in and how she strives to involve others and help them work together to serve the community.

She talks about the EmpowHER Event Theme – Thrive Without Limits.

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WNZR talks with 2025 EmpowHER Event Scholarship Winner Grace Humphrey

EmpowHER Event Scholarship Winner Grace Humphrey 2025
Click HERE to hear WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talk with Grace.

Grace is a senior from Centerburg that goes to Mount Vernon High School.
She is the winner of a Girl Power Scholarship of $2,500!

She submitted an essay based on a quote from Michelle Obama that talked about how you can use your unique story to empower others.

She empowers others through her horse riding, how she plans and working hard on her academics.
She will be attending Cedarville University, majoring in Allied Health.
She talks about the EmpowHER Event Theme – Thrive Without Limits.

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WNZR talks with Lindsey Lamp, New Directions Executive Director about the 4th annual EmpowHER Event

Lindsey Lamp, New Directions Executive Director, shares the passion behind this event. This is the 4th year for the EmpowHER Event.

Click HERE to hear the conversation with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

This event is to celebrate the women that live and work in Knox County. They want to uplift the amazing women that they are. They want women to connect and show that they are thriving.

She talks about the theme – Thrive Without Limits. Their goal is to celebrate the flourishing women of the community. They also want to encourage all women to bloom where they are.
They had a flower theme in their decorations.

Lindsey also shares an update about New Directions. She shares that the agency is thriving. They are increasing the services that they provide. They are adapting through transitions and continuing to thrive. That is why they picked the theme.

Coming up on 2025 Calendar: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – they are collaborating with local law enforcement for training. The Teen Advisory Council will host the color run at the end of the summer. In October, they will host the annual Bowl-athon.

Goals for the organization for 2025:

  • Continue to prioritize survivors
  • Creating a survivor counsel
  • Lead some survivor support groups
  • For prevention – get into elementary schools for education and healthy relationship skills

Lindsey shares that you can give at their website – http://www.newdirectionsknox.org
Donations go directly back to their clients and the survivors in our community.

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February 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 2/28/25.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about the February 24th meeting with Mount Vernon City Council in which two positions were on. The Mayor speaks on the steps moving forward after the Communication Director position was voted down 4-3.
  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city.
  • Mayor Starr gives updates on the Asphalt Resurfacing Program.

  • Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments.

  • Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities.

  • Mayor Starr talks about change and shifting departments and the challenges we are facing. He also reports that the city is in excellent financial shape, and he is excited for the future.

  • Mayor Starr shares his perspective on the development of the old Mount Vernon News building in downtown Mount Vernon and the plans for opening Founder Food Hall.

  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • Details about a Citizen’s Police Academy.

  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department

  • Mayor Starr speaks on the city’s ability to oversee potholes and cracks int eh roads on the properties of other businesses.
  • Immediate goals for March
    • Selecting a design team for the new Police Station
    • Wrapping up the public comment period for the City Hall Annex

  • Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for March.
  • Discussion on Intel and their internal issues and how those issues could affect the city.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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WNZR talks to Isabella Oster from the MTVarts production of Beauty and the Beast

MTVarts presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. this weekend at the Knox Memorial Theater

WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.

Today, we shared a conversation with Isabella Oster who is playing the part of Madame de la Gande Bouche – the famous singing wardrobe.

Isabella talked about how she is preparing to play this character and she likes being a diva.

She shares her favorite songs from the show and encourages the community to come see this classic tale come alive on the Memorial Theater stage this weekend.

Click HERE to enjoy our conversation with Isabella.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR Show Times:

Friday, February 28 • 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 1 • 2 PM
Saturday, March 1 • 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 2 • 2 PM

Tickets
$20 Main Floor • $15 Balcony

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Presented by: Ariel Corporation

Event Sponsors: Knox County Foundation and Classroom Connections with Knox County Education Service Center YES

Venue: Knox Memorial Theater – 112 East High St, Mount Vernon OH 43050

Synopsis:

Beauty and the Beast JR. tells the story of Belle, an adventurous young girl, and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to love another and earn her love in return – before time runs out.  With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, including a loving teapot, a charming candelabra, and a nervous mantel clock, Belle and the Beast find a beautiful friendship and love that neither knew was possible. Beauty and the Beast JR. features classic songs from the Academy Award®-winning film score such as “Be Our Guest” and “Belle,” as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony®-nominated Broadway musical.

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The United Way of Knox County’s FREE Tax Assistance Program is back!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Katie Ellis, Executive Director and Walt Lewis, Resource Navigator for the United Way of Knox County.
Click HERE for the full conversation.

They shared the good news that the free tax assistance program is back for 2025. Katie shared how volunteers and donors make this program available for the residents of Knox County.
Walk shared the details of how to make an appointment and how to prepare for the appointment.
This program is designed for low to moderate income families – individuals with an income of $35,000 or less or married couples with a $95,000 income or less.
The program runs from February 3, 2025 – April 10, 2025.
Appointments are required. Call (740) 397-5721 to schedule your free tax appointment.
The United Way office is located at 305 East High Street in Mount Vernon.

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Experience Mount Vernon hosts their annual Investor & Awards Breakfast

On Friday, 1/31/25, Experience Mount Vernon handed out the 2024 Investor Awards.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Eric Brown talked with the winners.
Click HERE to hear the conversations.

Congratulations to:
Janis Stone – Walter Rudin Award
Paragraphs Bookstore – Small Business of the Year
TD Landscape – Mid-Size Business of the Year
Park National Bank – Large Business of the Year
Mount Vernon Arts Consortium – Non-Profit of the Year
Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau – Community Pride Award
Emily Morrison – Spirit of Heritage Award

This prestigious Walter Rudin Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact on the Downtown Mount Vernon community. Janis Stone’s unwavering commitment
to enhancing our city’s vibrancy through the performing arts and fostering a spirit of collaboration has made her a cornerstone of our community’s growth and success.

Janis Stone has played a transformative role in shaping our cultural landscape through her remarkable dedication to the arts and tireless efforts to enrich Downtown Mount Vernon. Her unwavering commitment to downtown Mount Vernon and various arts initiatives has made high-quality, accessible arts programming a cornerstone of our community. Janis’ leadership and vision have brought unforgettable performances to Mount Vernon’s heart and fostered a deeper connection to the arts for residents and visitors alike.

Janis Stone’s influence extends beyond her work with MTVarts. She has actively engaged with local businesses, collaborated with fellow arts organizations, and passionately contributed to Experience Mount Vernon events, all while advocating for the vibrancy of our downtown area. Through her leadership, countless individuals have been inspired to explore the arts, and Downtown Mount Vernon has become a cultural hub that draws people together through shared creative experiences.

In addition to the Walter Rudin Award, Experience Mount Vernon awarded six additional business and community awards at its Annual Investor & Awards Breakfast on January 31st:
● Small Business of the Year: Paragraphs Bookstore, for its outstanding service to the community and dedication to fostering connections in Downtown Mount Vernon.
● Mid-Size Business of the Year: TD Landscape, for its exemplary work in enhancing vibrancy in Downtown Mount Vernon.
● Large Business of the Year: Park National Bank, for its long-standing commitment to outstanding leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to fostering local partnerships.
● Non-Profit of the Year: Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, for enriching the cultural fabric of our city through innovative programming and tireless advocacy for the arts.
● Community Pride Award: Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, for unwavering commitment to enhancing the beauty and pride of Mount Vernon and for promoting Mount Vernon as a top destination in Ohio.
● Spirit of Heritage Award: Emily Morrison, for her selfless volunteerism and a deep passion for capturing our community’s spirit through her photography.

Experience Mount Vernon extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made these awards possible: The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel for the Small Business of the Year Award; Dumbaugh Insurance for the Mid-Size Business of the Year Award; Flappers Bar & Grille for the Large Business of the Year Award; Kidwell & Cunningham for the Non-Profit of the Year Award; Griffin Insurance for the Community Pride Award; CES Credit Union for the Spirit of Heritage Award; and Park National Bank for the Walter Rudin Award. Their generosity and dedication to supporting our community’s leaders and businesses help make this recognition possible.

“Each of these award winners exemplifies the best of what Mount Vernon has to offer,” said Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon. “Their collective efforts contribute to the ongoing transformation of our community into a thriving and inspiring place to live, work, and visit.”

Experience Mount Vernon is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Mount Vernon through events, programs, and partnerships that celebrate its unique charm and foster community pride.

For more information about Experience Mount Vernon, visit experiencemv.org.

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January 2025 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 1/31/25.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
– the Splashpad.
– the Mansfield Avenue Shared Use Path
– the Dan Emmett Community Development Block Grant area.
– Fairgrounds Water Line and resurfacing project.

Mayor Starr gives updates on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project:
He says that other mandated upgrades will have a price tag of $45 million. He says they are trying to find various sources of funding to help with the cost.

Mayor Starr says that City Auditor Pay Mayville has resigned effective February 14.
The Republican Central Committee will be tasked with finding a replacement once he officially leaves office.

Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments.
– He gives an update on the city filling potholes and if someone sees a pothole to report it to the street department at 393-9501.
– He gives kudos to the plow drivers for going above and beyond their normal duties during snow events.
Park and Pavilion reservations are now available online at the city’s website at (currently) mountvernonohio-dot-com
– They will also be launching a new website soon and re-doing the city’s business videos on their website.

Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities.
– There has been concern about how the facilities will look.
– He says the public comment period for the new police department will end February 23.
– More listening tour dates are planned in February and March.
– He adds that there is an online survey for the public to see if they would like to give input.

Mayor Starr talks about the happenings of Liberty Crossing, the major development on Newark Road.
– Result in 230 apartments, 90 townhouses and 43 patio homes and 93 traditional homes.
– He says that this project has been in the works for quite a while.

Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
– Oppose an ATT tariff revision that shifts the cost of relocating lines to the city.
– He says if the revision would have been approved, the city and taxpayers would have had to pay for the re-location.
– He says they have 80 volunteers to serve on committees and boards for the city.
– They had a second reading for re-zoning at 0 Parrot Street. He says the decision could be precedent setting in the state of Ohio.
– The city received permission from the council to apply to the Federal Community Project Funding program to find funding for buildings and other pieces of infrastructure.

Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department
– He says they are updating information regarding the public comments for the new facility.
– He says the police department is fully staffed.
– He says the Police Department’s award ceremony is tomorrow.

Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
– He says that they are constantly working on training including completing ice rescue training.
– He adds that the entire department is fully staffed. 
– He also gives award recipients from the Fire Department Award Ceremony.

Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for February:
– He is proud that they did not use an interim budget. They passed the budget which allows decisions to be made now as opposed to waiting for an interim budget to be finalized.
– He wants to have the design team picked for planning the new buildings
– He says they also will be releasing an employee handbook and handbook for board members for the first time in the city’s history.

Mayor Starr shares his goals for 2025:
– He wants to make sure that the auditor’s office runs smoothly
– He says they are in the process of property acquisition for the South Sandusky Street Corridor Project.
– He says the buildings in Memorial Park are being replaced.

Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for February.
– Groundbreaking on Liberty Crossing on February 5.
– The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium will give an update on the season February 8.
– There will also be a joint meeting of Mount Vernon Council, Knox County Commissioners and regional planning commission meeting to talk about the comprehensive plan.

He also shares the way you can pray for him and the city.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:
Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
X – CityMV1805
YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio

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WNZR talks with John Cooper from Skillet about WinterJam 2025

It’s WinterJam Week on WNZR. Each day, we are sharing conversations with the artists that are taking the stage for this year’s tour.
We talked with John Cooper from Skillet. Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
He talked about growing up to become a rock musician in a house where rock music was not allowed. He also discusses Skillet’s creative process to blend hard rock and biblical truth.

John shares about the band’s history on the WinterJam Tour. He also talks about their new album “Revolution”.

After 30 years of writing, recording and touring, John breaks down what keeps him and the band going.

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Behavioral Health Care Partners of Central Ohio Preparing for a New Extension

Click HERE to Hear the Full Conversation!

Dr. Kate St. James talks about her role as President and CEO of Behavioral Health Care Partners of Central Ohio. She has been with the group for 8 years and she helps determine how they move forward with serving the community. She talks about the organization’s mission to improve and save lives of those who are experiencing challenges with mental health or addiction.

Kate talks about the organization wanting to build an 18,000 square foot extension within the next year with a $5.8 million dollar fundraising goal. She adds that they have already raised 80% of the goal. The Ariel Foundation has promised a matching gift up to $100,000. She talks about how someone can donate at bhcpartners.org

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