Today marks the 182nd day of the year—a unique midpoint milestone that’s come to be known as Second Half of the Year Day.
Whether it’s reassessing your budget, committing to healthier habits, revisiting your career aspirations, or simply deciding to be more present and intentional—today is the perfect day to reset.
Click HERE for more background and tips to get your second half of the year to a great start!
Friday, 6/27/25, was a special day at the Knox County Career Center. Ellis Brothers made a special presentation of a partnership with KCCC and the Building Trades Program. (See the pictures below)
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to talk with Jordan and John Ellis about this valuable partnership in training, financial support and hiring employees to serve the community.
Marcy also talked with several KCCC graduates – Catherine Colopy, Class of 2022. She talks about her great experience with Ellis Brothers and how this partnership helped pave her career path.
We also talked with 2025 graduates: Blake Green and Aiden Kennedy about their experience in the program. They are both now working for Ellis Brothers.
Kathy Greenich, Knox County Career Center Superintendent shared her thoughts and excitement about this special partnership.
Click HERE to hear the conversations.
The KCCC logo is part of a special design featured on an Ellis Brothers cement truck. The design reflects the company’s investment to the future and their pride in partnerships in the community.
The company also made a $2,000 donation to the Building Trades Student Activity Account. This donation will contribute to program needs, including drug free programming and job related needs for students, including boots, tools, and more.
Ellis Brothers will also donate 50 cents per yard for every concrete job done by this special truck. These donations will help purchase tools for the Building Trades Program.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/27/25.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Topics included:
To stay in touch with the City, go to:
We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!
To learn more about the event, click HERE!
We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!
To learn more about the festival, click HERE!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Katie Ellis, Executive Director and Kristina Hagemann, Program Coordinator for the United Way of Knox County. The ladies shared exciting news about two new bike programs happening in our community. They also shared a report about the recent Power of the Purse Event. Katie and Kristina also shared highlights of their summer calendar, how to stay connected to the United Way and how to get involved with Women United.
Click HERE for the full conversation.
New Directions of Knox County is doing something very exciting this year, and Callie Pillow, from New Directions, got to tell us all about it! They are having their first ever Family Block Party Fundraiser and it is going to be an exciting night.
Come out and enjoy live music, food trucks, activities, and more!
Callie tells us about everything happening at the Block Party and also shares background information on their shelter.
To learn more about the event, click HERE!
We got to talk with Zoe Bricker and Ben Slater from MVNU Admissions, for the big announcements about Sonfest!
They share everything about Sonfest including:
We are excited to welcome ELEVATION RHYTHM, John Mark McMillan, Citizens, and more to MVNU’s campus, as a part of the concert lineup!
For more information or to get tickets, click HERE!
MVNU’s President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR for our monthly MVNU Update.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Dr. Castleman shared his thoughts about graduation at MVNU and plans for the Summer of 2025.
We covered many topics including:
Dr. Castleman also shares special messages for the MVNU students, staff and faculty.
He also shares how we can pray for MVNU and his family throughout the month of June.
Click HERE for more information about MVNU.
Mayor Matt Starr joins us for the May Spotlight on Mount Vernon.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
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.
Rise and Shine 