Category: News

The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – let’s go to the Knox County Fair!

We are so excited to go On the Road with Big Blue to the Knox County Fair!
For our Friday Favorites today, we shared our favorite events at the Fair.
Click HERE to hear from Alyssa, Judah and Marcy.
We hope to see you there. Find Big Blue beside the Junior Fair Booth building, up the hill from the main Fair Board office.
Also, get registered for our amazing prizes at www.wnzr.fm

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June 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 6/28/24.

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:
  • Catherine Street Community Development Block Grant
  • Center Street
  • North End Project near Dan Emmett Elementary School
  • The City has 9 active projects going on now. They are close to closing out 3 of those projects. 
  • Mayor Starr gives a reminder to have patience during the summer cycle for current construction and maintenance projects.
  • He also talks about his philosophy of working in residential areas around the city.
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from the Mount Vernon Street Department. He shares updates on these projects:
    • Brick Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
    • Catch Basin Repairs on the south end of town
    • Street Sweeping
    • Spraying for Weeds
    • Bee City USA Program for Mount Vernon
    • Tree Trimming
    • Pothole Patching – You can call 740-393-9501 to report a pothole
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from other City Departments. He shares updates on these projects:
    • The Mount Vernon Public Buildings and Lands Department
    • Maintenance and cleaning of the fountain on the Public Square
    • Flags on the graves of veterans
    • Work on City Offices – HVAC system, deep cleaning of floors and carpeting and putting up blood-borne pathogen kits.
  • Mayor Starr shares information and updates from other City Departments. He shares updates on these projects:
    • The Mount Vernon Utilities/Water and Wastewater Department
    • They are working with a new Communications System that helps control the city’s water and wastewater capabilities. It is a computer based that monitors all devices and greatly assists the gathering of information.
    • The Water Plant Clarifier Tank is now up and running.
    • Lime Treatment System
    • Having redundancy systems in place in case of a water emergency
    • Utilities Technician Test is being offered in July
    • Working with Ohio Means Jobs for a fire hydrant painting program
    • Hauling Lime
  • Mayor Starr shares an update on the upgrades that are being made to the public parks, including the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool. He also addresses the problem of vandalism at the parks and how the city is managing this issue.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission.
    • Earlier this month, they voted unanimously to recommend that Mount Vernon City Council adopt the updated zoning code as presented.
    • Mayor Starr shares the background on the need to update our current zoning code and the process of the update.
    • He also shares the timeline of future readings with City Council and the upcoming hearing for public comment.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • City Council gave approval to proceed with a grant application for USEPA funding. The Mayor tells us more about this process and how these funds will help the community.
    • City Council’s decision on recreational marijuana
    • City Council’s adoption of legislation to construct a new salt barn. The Mayor shares more details on this project and how it will help the City face winter weather.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • State Senator Andrew Brenner’s announcement that funding will be coming to our city. The Police Department will receive $2 million dollars from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
    • PAK (Police and Kids) United is having some fun events this summer
    • Assistant Chief Andy Burns will be sworn in soon.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • A new Assistant Fire Chief has been sworn in – Josh Lester.
    • Contract negotiations for the next 3 years.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update and details about the 4th of July Celebration at Ariel Foundation Park. He talks about parking, times of the celebration, when streets will close, location of restrooms, food trucks and the best exit plan for families. The Mayor promises that the fireworks will start at 10pm this year!
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in July.
    • July First Friday
    • Sundays on the Public Square
    • Farmers Markets
    • Blues, Brews and BBQ Event
  • He will put a lot of his efforts into the budgeting process. It will start in July this year. They will be looking at 2025, 2026 and 2027.
  • Goals for July:
    • Close out some active projects
    • Finalize the grant for the inflation reduction act
    • Get the new neo-gov software in place to help with the city’s human resources and payroll systems
    • Writing the ballot language for the Edgewood Road improvement project
  • He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.

    To stay in touch with the City, go to:
  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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Kevin Henthorn of Knox County Veterans Services talks about Memorial Day

Alyssa Sidle talked with Kevin Henthorn, Executive Director of Knox County Veterans Services about all the activities happening around the county for Memorial Day.
He shares the details about Mount Vernon’s parade and special service at the Knox Memorial.
He also shares the true meaning behind this holiday. Kevin talks about how we can better honor and remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom.

Hear the entire conversation HERE.

You can connect with the Knox County Veterans Services Office HERE.

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WNZR presents the May 2024 MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s President, Dr. Carson Castleman stopped by the WNZR Studios to talk about the academic year and to celebrate the Class of 2024.

Dr. Castleman shared his thoughts about the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
He talked about the most significant moments during his time as President.
He also discussed the plans for increasing student enrollment in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Dr. Castleman shared his top priorities for MVNU as we head into Summer 2024. He will be traveling quite a bit over the next few months.

Dr. Castleman offered a special message for the Class of 2024 as the campus celebrates graduation this weekend. He also has messages for returning underclassmen, and faculty and staff.

Dr. Castleman told us how we can pray for MVNU and his family throughout the summer months.

Click HERE to hear the entire conversation.

Click HERE to stay up to date with news from MVNU.

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March 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 3/22/24.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city.
  • Details on current water projects
  • Update on the rehabilitation and improvement project for Edgewood Road
  • Updates from the City Water and Sewer Departments
  • Update on the Columbia Gas Pipeline Replacement Project
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
    • Update on City Council’s adoption of the industrial solar resolution
    • Recent changes with city employees, including name changes and new positions
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Police Department
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
  • Highlights of April events on the City’s Calendar
  • Immediate goals for April
  • Mayor Starr will share his State of the City Address at the next Knox Network of Christian Ministries meeting – Thursday, May 9, 9:30am – 10:30am at MVNU’s Gathering Place (lower level). Please send questions to ContactKNCM@gmail.com
  • Plans for Easter
  • He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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MVNU Women’s Auxiliary welcomes Sheila Walsh to the 2024 Conference

Shelia Walsh will be the speaker featured at the MVNU Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference.
She is an accomplished author, Bible Teacher, and Television host.

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle had the chance to chat with Sheila Walsh.
She shared an update of what she’s been up to in 2024. She also shares about her new book, ‘Holding On When You Want To Let Go’.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Shelia speaks about finding balance in the midst of everything she’s a part of, including speaking, writing and hosting numerous TV shows for TBN. She says that it’s important to remember that being busy doesn’t necessarily mean being productive, and that you have to focus on taking sabbath.

Shelia gives a small preview of what to expect at the conference this weekend.

Shelia talks about how we can pray for her and her husband Barry and their ministry.

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s conference.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for this event.
Two day tickets are $45 and one day tickets are $25.

Conference Schedule:
Friday, March 15
5:30-7:00 p.m.   Registration
7:00-9:00 p.m.   Friday Session

Saturday, March 16
8:00-9:00 a.m.    Registration
9:00 a.m.-noon   Saturday Sessions

Click HERE for more information on MVNU Women’s Auxiliary. You can become a member this weekend!

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MTVarts presents HONK Jr. – A Heartwarming Celebration of What Makes Us Special

MTVarts presents HONK Jr. this weekend at the Knox Memorial Theater.
WNZR was honored to chat with several cast members about their experience in this fantastic show.
The actors talked about their characters and how they prepared to play these roles. They talked about their favorite songs and shared memories. The actors also shared encouragement for other kids with an interest in theater.

Enjoy our conversations with:
Kale Oswalt – Ugly
Briggs Swallow – Drake, Ugly Duckling’s Father
Kamryn Van Valkenburg – Ida, Ugly Duckling’s Mother
Will Pletcher – Greylag, Goose General
Mollie Jurkowitz – Downy, Sibling of Ugly

Click HERE to hear the conversations.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.”

Directed by: Serra Barrett

Music Director: Laura Ackert

Choreographer: Anthony Ingham

Synopsis:

This delightful adaptation of the beloved fable and the award-winning musical is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special.

Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be.


Performances:

7:30pm Friday March 15

2:00pm Saturday March 16

7:30pm Saturday March 16

2:00pm Sunday March 17

Click HERE to buy tickets.

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The United Way of Knox County shares their 2023 Annual Report

The United Way of Knox County hosted their annual meeting and donor recognition lunch on March 7th.
They shared highlights from the 2023 Campaign and 2023 Annual Report.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lori Jones Perkins, Executive Director.
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Lori shared some outstanding stats:
– Only 1.06% of pledges are unpaid (that return is amazing)
– 85% of donations go directly to support their partner agencies
– Less than 15% is used for administrative costs

She also talked about the process of how organizations apply to become a partner agency and receive funds from the United Way. They have a Community Impact Panel that listens to the presentations and gives scores and comments on each organization. These reports go to a Community Investment Committee that makes allocation recommendations based on the reports from the Community Impact Panel. Then the full United Way board votes for the final allocations.

Lori also talked about the accountability of the United Way.
The annual report for 2023 is available to pick up at the office. It will be shared on the website soon – uwayknox.org
She talks about how every dollar matters and makes a difference.
Lori mentions how we will see the United Way out more in the community in 2024!

Marcy also talked with Halle Krajenski, Program Director for the United Way
Click HERE to hear their full conversation.
Marcy and Halle talk about the three pillars for United Way funding:
Health: In 2023 United Way invested $316,930 in 13 Health Programs with 9 different partner agencies.
Education: In 2023 United Way invested $155,722 in 8 Education Programs with 7 different Partner Agencies
Financial Stability: In 2023 United Way invested $201,300 in Financial Stability Programs with 7 Partner Agencies

Halle also shared an exciting report about other United Way projects:

  • The Imagination Library was started by Dolly Parton, to give children reading and literacy skills. We are at 61% rate of Knox County children participating in the program. In 2023, 27,038 books were delivered in 2023.
  • Crunch Out Knox County – 552 4th graders were able to engage in a 6-week program learning about making healthy choices for life.
  • There are 3 after-school programs at East, Dan Emmett, and Pleasant Street Elementary schools providing homework help and enrichment activities
  • Free Tax Preparation Assistance – United Way completed 551 returns for 2023

Stay connected at the website – uwayknox.org (it is in the midst of changes)
Social Media – United Way of Knox County
Office – 305 East High St. in Mount Vernon

You can give on the website or mail a check to the office.
Scroll down to see some exciting numbers shared in the 2023 Annual Report.

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The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosts their annual Awards Luncheon

The Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Luncheon was held on Wednesday, 3/6.

Brittany Coon, Public Outreach Coordinator for the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities visited The Morning Thing to celebrate this year’s award winners.

March is Developmental Disabilities Month. Brittany shared some facts about this special month.

  • In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
  • Developmental Disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas and include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, and many other developmental delays.

Brittany also shared a list of special events that are happening this month.

  • The DD Awareness Month Luncheon was on Wednesday, 3/6. Community leaders, providers, families, and people in the local program gather to highlight  different parts of the Knox County Developmental Disabilities program and the annual awards are given out! 
  • Thursday, March 21 – A fun partnership event with Knox County Special Olympics!  There will be a basketball skills and team competition in Bladensburg!
  • MTV Arts is going to hold their first ever sensory friendly showing of Honk Jr. this month
  • Annual coloring and essay contest for all the children in public schools across Knox County. They usually have over one thousand participants representing all the different public elementary schools in Knox County. Winners will be announced soon and there will be displays up around the county showcasing their beautiful artwork!

Brittany shared highlights from this year’s luncheon.

  • A few essay submissions from the coloring and essay contest were shared.
  • A panel of different people in the program shared their experiences with the program.
  • Sarah and Bryce Maners shared how their family has been involved in the Early Intervention program for their daughter.
  • Amber Lavin shared her story of how her youngest child was born with Down Syndrome and how they have been involved with the program since he was born.
  • Tarynn Ball is a young lady who graduated from high school and went through the Summer Youth Career Exploration program in 2020 and did the summer youth work experience program in 2021.  She began working at Half Baked Café in September of 2021 and started selling her original artwork at The Treasure Chest in Fredericktown in July of 2023!
  • Dave Chopson had been working for the County Highway Garage for 30 years and just retired in October of last year!  He shared some of his most memorable parts of working and what he’s been up to since retirement.


Congratulations to the 2024 Knox County Developmental Disabilities Award Winners:

Congratulations to the Individual Spotlight Award Recipient.

  • The Individual Spotlight Award recognizes a person with a developmental disability who has overcome adversity to achieve or go beyond their goal. This year two Individual Spotlight Awards were given.
    • Darian Decamp.  Darian has been working with the KCH kitchen since 2016.  One of her supervisors said, “Darian Decamp has worked here in the Knox Community Hospital Kitchen since 2016. She is one of our longest-serving employees in the Porter position and is a great asset to our team. When we see her name on the schedule, we can relax because we know that she will be here on time and ready to work! She very rarely misses work and is always in a good mood. Her laugh and big smile really light up our kitchen when she is here. Over the course of the last 7 years, she has been a dependable, hardworking, ray of light in our department. We don’t know what we would do without her!”
    • Tarynn Ball.  Tarynn was on the panel and she was able to speak about her journey to employment with everyone that was there!  She has been working at Half Baked Café since 2021 and has been such a wonderful addition to their team.

Congratulations to the Community Partner Winner.

  • The Community Partner Award recognizes an individual, family member, staff person, volunteer or organization that has worked diligently to create partnerships and alliances within Knox County. This organization helps with creating an inclusive culture and environment for everyone to live, work and grow.  This year two awards were given out for this category. 
  • The first Community Partner Award for 2024 goes to Kenyon College Athletics.  The Kenyon Student Athlete Advisory Council has partnered with Knox County Special Olympics for the past 5 plus years to provide volunteers and support to athletes who use the Lowry Center to practice and compete.  They host practices, games, swim meets and regional skills tournaments. 
  • The Second Community Partner Award goes to the Centerburg Church of Christ.  The Centerburg Church of Christ has hosted the Tim Tebow Night to Shine for the past two years.  This provides a wonderful opportunity for people in our program to get dressed up and have a wonderful evening with their friends.  This event is a massive undertaking that includes planning, sponsorship, volunteers and more! 

Congratulations to the Employer of the Year.

  • The Employer Award recognizes a community employer who employs people with a developmental disability. This employer always goes above and beyond the expectation to help the employee not only be successful in the workplace but thrive.
    • The Knox County Engineer’s Office is the recipient of the Employment Award.  As you heard just a bit ago, Dave Chopson worked there for 30 years before he retired.  Dave was a valuable member of their team, and they always went above and beyond to ensure Dave was fitting in and getting all the support he needed to be successful.

Congratulations to the Dedication Award Winner.

  • The Dedication Award recognizes a person, direct care staff, or group of people who are extraordinary in giving their time to help others who have a developmental disability. They are selfless leaders and are always working towards promoting independence and making positive changes. The recipients of this award will showcase a passion for making advances in individual’s lives. 
  • The recipient of the 2024 Dedication Award is Colleen Frazee.  Colleen is an independent provider who continues to go above and beyond to ensure the people she supports have everything they need.  She has made sure the people she supports have friends, get to do the things they want to do and so much more.  With Colleen’s support, “Impossible” is not an option and we are so appreciative of everything she does!

Congratulations to the Local Hero Award winners.

  • The Local Hero Award recognizes someone from the community whose basic nature is to give without expecting anything in return. This person is a visionary; they promote healthy ideas, offer support and guidance to create improvements in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
    • The Local Hero Award Winner for 2024 is Tanner Cooper-Risser with the OSU Extension of Knox County.  While all of our interactions with anyone from the OSU Extension has been wonderful, Tanner has a way of making everything easy and simple.  Through our partnership with Tanner, he has been able to provide fun and interactive cooking classes for people in our program to make healthy and affordable meals.  He has been a great resource for our Early Childhood Newsletter. 

Brittany also shared the main goals for 2024 for the Knox County Developmental Disabilities

  • Create more sensory inclusive opportunities in Knox County like at the movies, SPI Spot, the YMCA, and maybe even at our local festivals.
    • Develop a local Ohio SIBS to increase support offered to siblings of children with disabilities.
    • They are working with MVNU to develop some programming for those with disabilities to participate academically and socially in a college experience. 

You can stay connected with the Knox County Developmental Disabilities office.
The office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Phone – 740-397-4656
Website – http://www.knoxdd.com
They are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

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Five outstanding Knox County women receive EmpowHER Awards

Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversations with these amazing ladies.

Amber Keener was the winner of the 2024 Vision Builder Award.
She was nominated by her friend, Amy Tatz.
Amber shares how she felt when she received this award. Amber talks about being a public servant and her passion for the community. She shares her vision for the future of our community.
Amber also shares a message for women – move forward with grit and determination, think outside the box and be ready to pivot.
Vision Builder Award: Vision shapes our future. The recipient of this award is a woman with less than 10 years of experience in her field who has wasted no time making an impact and breaking down barriers. She emphasizes building honest relationships, values input, has the mindset of a leader, and leads by example with an immense amount of courage. She has valued what she’s learned from her mentors and wants to pay it forward as a mentor to others. She is changing the landscape in which women serve.

Jessica Wolfe was the winner of the 2024 Grit and Grace Award.
She was nominated by Tara Bosart and Mackenzie Scott.
Jessica shares how she felt when she received this award. She shares about how she found her voice in a difficult time in her life. She hopes that women can gain the confidence to find their voice and stand up for themselves.
Mackenzie and Jessica’s friend, Lauren Martin share why they nominated her and what they wants the world to know about Jessica.

The ladies share the messages that they are taking away from this event, their messages for women: Have confidence, find your voice, and own who you are!
Grit and Grace Award: This award is given to a single-parent mom who has overcome adversity and demonstrates resilience. She has transformed her life and the lives of her children with dignity and grace. She leads by example. She is a picture of selflessness and courage to all who encounter her.

Teresa Weaver was the winner of the 2024 Heart Award.
She was nominated by a group of her staff members, Callia A., Jackie H. M., Nancy L., Kathy L., Melissa M., and Dawn P.
Teresa shares how she felt when she received this award. She talks about how she appreciates her team at Pleasant Street Elementary School and that they really embody this award.
Several of her staff members – Jackie, Kathy and Melissa share why they nominated her and what they want the world to know about Teresa.

The ladies share messages that they are taking away from this event:
– Find joy in what you do. You are not working alone.
– Our community has so many fabulous organizations helping women.
– The ladies were refueled and felt supported as they looked around the room.
Heart Award: This award is given to a Front-Line worker! The Heart Award was born out of COVID19 and the need to acknowledge greater endeavors in support of our humanity with a focus on others over self.  This woman has a commitment and passion for service while making an impact and leads with purpose. She has dedicated her life as a successful front-line worker. She has proven her endless dedication to her field.

Jennifer Snow was the winner of the 2024 Raising the Bar Award.
She was nominated by her daughter, Aspen Scroggins and husband, Denny Snow.
Jennifer shares how she felt when she received this award. She also shared what “raising the bar” has meant in her life and great advice for other women. This advice came from Karen Wright, shared at a girl scout meeting – never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something BIG! Go for it!
Aspen shares why she nominated her Mom and what she wants the world to know about Jennifer.

Both ladies share a message for women – to be a champion, you need to surround yourself with champions. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself, be present and be proud of where you are! You are blessed!
Raising the Bar Award: This award is given to a Woman with 20+ years of experience in their field! The recipient of this award is an extraordinary woman who has manifested a legacy that continues to inspire others. She has dedicated her life to the advancement of those around her and paved the way for the leaders of tomorrow. She is recognized as an ambassador for women through her extraordinary dedication, personal achievements, and service to others through mentorship, philanthropy, and business. This award recognizes a woman who has spent more than 20 years in her field.

Aly Calkins was the winner of the 2024 EmpowHER Award.
She was nominated by Shannon Scott.
Aly shares how she felt when she received this award.
Shannon shares why she nominated her and what she wants the world to know about Aly.

Both ladies share a message for women – purposely surround yourself with others who make you better. Design your life how you want it to be and then just do it! Spread confidence within yourself and within other women. Empowering each other will make a better community.
EmpowHER Award: This award is given to a Woman of Inspiration!
Belief is a powerful engine. This woman believes so strongly in the outcomes she seeks that her beliefs mold her path to get there. The recipient of this award champions for women in her network, workplace, and community. She is a team player and active mentor who paves the road to empowering women in leadership roles. She is a woman of inspiration that is true to herself, and her example is so noteworthy as to inspire others spontaneously. Her passion channels her actions and her voice as she strives to empower the women and girls of Knox County.

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