Category: News

WNZR Through the Years: 2016–2026 — A Decade of Ministry, Milestones & Memories

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!

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WNZR Through the Years: 1996–2005 — Growing the Lifeline

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!

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WNZR Celebrates 40 Years: Remembering our first 10 years on the air!

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!

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Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy Through the Imagination Library

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.

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Spotlight on Mount Vernon: Mayor Matt Starr Shares City Updates

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.”

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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Katie Adams Shares About Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

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!

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Carrie Haver Talks About Bull In A China Shop!

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!

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Brook Abella Returns To The Sonfest Stage

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Brook Abella, senior at MVNU and her band, who are one of the artists performing at Sonfest 2026.

Click HERE to hear the entire conversation, or click the image below!

Brook Abella’s band is made up of Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, Robert Eggebrect, drummer, and Luke Tibbe, pianist.

Brook Abella grew up in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and found many opportunities to worship in different places in her town.

Luke Tibbe, pianist, is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been participating in music for about 6 years. Since then, he has really enjoyed being on worship teams and praising Jesus.

Robbert Eggebrect, drummer, is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and an engineer student from Cedarville University. Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, has been leading worship at his church for about a year and has been playing guitar for about 4 years.

Brook Abella’s music influence has come from sources like Christian radio and artists like TobyMac and Mandisa. She enjoys listening to the messages of inspiration and hope and putting that same message into the songs she makes. When writing and making music, her inspiration comes from God’s Word and the quiet, still moments she has with God.

Brook Abella is looking forward to seeing this year’s Sonfest headliner, Chris Renzema, at MVNU. She is a fan of his musicianship and his songwriting. In her band’s set, they normally perform a song written by Chris Renzema called “Adoni”.

Luke Tibbe, pianist, is also looking forward to seeing Chris Renzema at this year’s Sonfest. He really enjoys Renzema’s music and lyrics, which have played a big influence on Luke.

Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, is excited to worship at Sonfest this year. With all the preparation the band has done, he is excited to worship with everyone. Robbert Eggebrect, drummer, is excited to meet gio., who is another artist at Sonfest 2026.

Brook Abella hopes that while she and the band are onstage, the audience will experience the presence of God. She and the band invite the Holy Spirit into any atmosphere they are in and hope that people who may not know Jesus will begin to ask who He is and start to learn more about Him.

Luke Tibbe, pianist, wants the audience to know “how livable” The Gospel message is through worship.

Elijah Yoder, guitarist and vocalist, is looking forward for the band and audience to be unashamed in worship. Robbert Eggebrect, drummer, is hoping that the Sonfest artist arrives with an open mind and worship with no limits.

Click HERE for ticket information and more about Sonfest 2026!

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Antique Tractors Return to the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Richie Litzenberg, coordinator of the antique tractor activities at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click on the image below!

Richie shares that his family has been involved with the Old Time Farming Festival for most of his life, while he has personally served on the festival committee for the past three years. He helps organize the antique tractor display area, coordinate equipment needs and assist with the annual tractor pull.

This year’s featured tractors are Massey-Harris models, and Richie encourages anyone with antique tractors, farm equipment, pedal tractors, hit-and-miss engines, or vintage farm trucks to bring them to Memorial Park for display. He notes that exhibitors do not need to belong to a tractor club to participate. They only have a registration area by at the infield where equipment is at. Awards and plaques will be presented for outstanding displays during the weekend.

The community parade begins Saturday at 10 a.m., followed by the Antique Tractor Parade through the park at 4 p.m. The Antique Tractor Pull takes place Sunday, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and the competition starting at 11 a.m.

Styer talks with Richie Litzenberg, coordinator of the antique tractor activities at the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival.

Richie says one of his favorite parts of the festival is reconnecting with fellow tractor enthusiasts and showcasing tractors that have often been restored and passed down through generations. His own family enjoys the hobby together, with his children already owning tractors of their own.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “America’s 250: Keep Plowing Forward,” Richie says it is especially meaningful as a fifth-generation farm family celebrating 160 years on their family farm. He believes the theme recognizes both America’s heritage and the importance of preserving farming traditions for future generations.

Click HERE for more information about the Centerburg Old Time Farming Festival!

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