Category: News

Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon collects Coats for Kids!

The Morning Thing shared a conversation about an exciting collection to benefit families in Knox County.
WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle talked with Lisa Lloyd, Program Director for the Knox County Foundation and Kiwanis Member about the club’s annual Coats for Kids Collection. You can access the full conversation below.

The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon is excited to partner again with Gault’s Plaza Cleaners for the drive. During the month of October, gently used coats will be collected at various locations throughout Knox County. The coats will be cleaned by Gault’s Plaza Cleaners then taken to Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army to be distributed to children in need before winter arrives. There are 29 different partner locations in Knox County accepting donations through the 31st.

Interchurch and the Salvation Army are predicting that the need this year will be even greater than previous years. Salvation Army’s Captain Christine Moretz said “We have seen an increase to our food pantry and hot meal needs.  It would not be surprising to see the increased need for coats as well this coming winter season.”

Carolyn Fergus, Executive Director of Interchurch Social Services agreed, adding “Our numbers have doubled since the beginning of this year. There are so many families needing help making ends meet. A warm coat at no cost will go a long way to meet their needs.”

Kiwanis is dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Since 1987 there have been 19,226 coats donated, cleaned, and distributed through Coats for Kids.
For more information, call Lisa Lloyd at 740-392-3270, ext. 2.

Drop off Locations:

CENTERBURG
Centerburg Elementary: 207 South Preston Street
Centerburg Middle/High School: 3782 Columbus Road
Park National Bank: 35 West Main Street

DANVILLE
Danville Elementary/Middle School: 205 Rambo Street
Danville High School: 405 South Market Street
Park National Bank: 4 South Market Street

FREDERICKTOWN
Fredericktown Elementary/Middle/High School: 111 Stadium Drive
Park National Bank: 137 North Main Street

GAMBIER
Gambier Child Care Center (Head Start): 119 Meadow Lane
The Peoples Bank: 103 East Wiggin Street
Wiggin Street Elementary: 207 East Wiggin Street

HOWARD
East Knox Jr./Sr. High School: 23227 Coshocton Road

MOUNT VERNON
CES Credit Union: 1215 Yauger Road & 400 West Chestnut Street
Chamber of Commerce: 501 South Main Street
Gault’s Plaza Cleaners: Kroger Plaza, 855 Coshocton Road
Knox County Career Center: 306 Martinsburg Road
Knox County Head Start (Hew Hope Early Education): 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road
Knox County Service Center: 117 East High Street
Knox Technical Center: 308 Martinsburg Road
Mount Vernon City Schools
– Columbia Elementary: 150 Columbus Road
– Dan Emmett Elementary: 108 Mansfield Road
– East Elementary: 714 East Vine Street
– Mount Vernon High School: 300 Martinsburg Road
– Mount Vernon Middle School: 298 Martinsburg Road
– Pleasant Street Elementary: 305 East Pleasant Street
– Twin Oak Elementary: 8888 Martinsburg Road
Park National Bank: 1 South Main & 810 Coshocton Avenue
Salvation Army of Mount Vernon: 206 East Ohio Avenue
The Peoples Bank: 11423 Upper Gilchrist Road
United Way of Knox County: 305 East High Street

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The Dogwood Blossoms will be in concert at MVNU this Sunday 10/15

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had the chance to chat with Jeff Dolan, Front Line Director of Dogwood Blossoms Chorus. You can access the full conversation below.
Jeff shared about his background in music and how he got connected to the Dogwood Blossoms.
He talked about what makes this group special and how you become a member of the group.
He also shared the details of their concert on Sunday, 10/15.
The theme of this concert is “Thank You for the Music”.

The concert will be held in Thorne Performance Hall, inside the R.R. Hodges Chapel.
It starts at 3pm. Tickets are $18 at the door for adults. Kids 10 and under are free.

You can stay connected with the Dogwood Blossoms at their website http://www.dogwoodblossoms.org/
or on their Facebook Page.
If you are interested in membership, please call 740-324-5229. Following the concert, Jeff says that they will be diving right into their holiday music and plans for 2024.

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Opportunity Knox is hosting a Career Fair this week

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Connie Oliver, Workforce Center Supervisor for Opportunity Knox about their upcoming Career Fair. You can access the full conversation below.
Connie shared the mission of the Opportunity Knox Employment Center and the many services that they provide to residents of Knox County.
She shared the details about their Career Fair on 10/11 from 1-6pm.
35 employers will be at the Fair ready to meet and network with future employees.
Connie also shared how prospective employees can register for help with building a strong resume and go through practice interviews.
To register for the Career Fair, call Opportunity Knox at 740-392-WORK (9675).

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WNZR talks with MVNU’s new President – Dr. Carson Castleman

WNZR presents the October 2023 MVNU Presidential Update.
MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR during his first week on the job.

Dr. Castleman is MVNU’s 8th President. He shared his history working in higher education including starting out in the MVNU Admissions Office. He shared memories from being part of this community 26 years ago.

Dr. Castleman also shared how he heard about this position and how he came to the decision to put his name into consideration.

Dr. Castleman gives his top priorities at MVNU which include focusing on growing enrollment, building a relationship with the Church of the Nazarene, and fostering a culture of hospitality. He also shares what it means to be Unapologetically Christian as a university.

Dr. Castleman shared about his family and his process of moving to Mount Vernon. He shared messages for students, faculty, and staff. He also shared how we can be praying for him and his family during this transition.

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

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September 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 9/29/23.

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:
    • Water line and sewage line work on Fairgrounds Road
    • Curbs, gutters, and sidewalk work on Plaza Drive
    • Industrial Park 
    • There are 70-80 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares information about a public meeting that is coming up on 10/5 to discuss the planning for changes to State Route 13 within the City. The design work and renderings will be shared with the public. The City encourages residents to come and share their comments and ask questions. The Ohio Department of Transportation will be at the meeting to share and answer questions. The meeting will be held at the Station Break Senior Citizens Center from 5-7 p.m.
  • He also shares information about a public meeting happening earlier on 10/5 from 3-4 p.m. at the Station Break. This meeting will discuss the design renderings for the City’s new Municipal Court Building and new Police Station. Attendees will be able to discuss the projects with City Officials, ask questions, and provide input.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update on the search for a Safety Service Director. He shares how the responsibilities of this position are being handled during the search. 
  • Mayor Starr shares his thoughts on the recent MVNU announcement to transform a downtown building at 18 East Vine Street into a state-of-the-art academic hub for students in the engineering and computer science programs. Mayor Starr also comments about how the Knox County Land Bank will be working to create new commercial spaces on the main floor of the building.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council: The city joined the Sustainable 2050 Program through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. He talks about how this impacts us now and in the future.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • There is a conceptual drawing for the new police department. A public meeting will be held on 10/5 from 3 p.m.
    – 4 p.m.
    • at the Station Break Senior Citizens Center.
    • Update on filling the vacant spot of Police Captain that is open because of Scott McKnight’s retirement.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Organizational Assessment received from the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. They identified 24 different recommendations for the department.
    • They have determined several areas to work on in this next year: community risk reduction area, fire inspections, fire prevention and safety activities and filling the position of Assistant Fire Chief, employment, and finding a location for a second fire station on the east end of the city.
  • Events planned for the City in October
    • Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival, 10/6, 5pm – 8pm
    • Junior Air Force ROTC Challenge Course, 10/14 at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Immediate goals for October
    • Fill the position of Safety Service DirectorAccelerate plans for the new Courthouse, Annex Building, and the Police Department
    • Wrap up construction project on Plaza Drive
  • Update on how public notices will be advertised on the City’s website instead of in a newspaper. A change in the law is going into effect in October. This will save the City over $50,000.
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of October.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new Linked In page, City of Mount Vernon, Ohio. You can find routine updates, job postings, and more.
    Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

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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The Knox County Suicide Awareness Run and Walk is this Saturday

Kathy Wantland, Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice of Knox County was a guest on The Morning Thing today.
She shared the details of this year’s Suicide Awareness 5K/10K Run and Walk.
She also shared resources for suicide awareness and prevention in Knox County.
Kathy also shared a personal story of why she wants to get connected with community members impacted by suicide.
You can access the full conversation below.

The theme for this year’s walk is “Inspire Hope”!
Click HERE to register.

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The screening for the local short film “This Place” is coming to the Woodward this Friday

The Morning Thing shared the exciting news of a film screening coming to our community.
You can see the short film “This Place” this Friday, 9/22 at 7pm at the Woodward Opera House, 107 South Main Street in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon resident, Carrie Haver wrote the script.
She shared with The Morning Thing about her inspiration behind this project and the process of turning the story into a short film.
Director Michele Bayko shared more about the partnerships that formed through the filmmaking process. A local historic home was used as the set with local actors bringing the story to life.
Michele also shared how this screening with benefit the Orange Barrel Production Company.
Both ladies talked about why it is so important to support local theater production companies.
Carrie and Michele also gave advice to young readers and writers about storytelling.

Enjoy the conversation and the show on Friday!

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The 2023 Fredericktown Tomato Show is this week!

WNZR is going “On The Road with Big Blue” this week to the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

Join us for 4 days of family fun! This year’s theme is “Sweet Home Fredericktown”.

The Morning Thing spoke with several board members about this year’s event. Listen in to the conversations below.
– We talked with Chris Well about Little Miss Tomato contest, entertainment and the annual Plate Auction.
– Kyle Lepley also shared how this year’s Plate Auction is on Saturday at 7:30pm. 10 limited, hand-painted edition plates are auctioned off to benefit the fair. This year the plate features Bonhomie Acres Pure Ohio Maple Syrup. The plate features the “sugar house” from a 1964 photo when the Brown families tapped about 1,000 trees to produce maple syrup o the farm.
– Carol Ruggles talked about this year’s Kids Parade on Thursday at 6:30pm
– Lesley Ruggles shared details about the annual Baby Crawling Contest, Friday at 6pm
– Cale Grubb talked about Big Wheel Races, Rids and the many choices of FOOD!

Click HERE for a full schedule for the 2023 Fredericktown Tomato Show.

Click HERE for details on Big Blue’s visit to Fredericktown.

Click HERE to register for prizes with WNZR!

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Lori Jones-Perkins updates us on the United Way of Knox County’s 2023 Campaign

The new Executive Director of the United Way of Knox County, Lori Jones-Perkins, gives us some details about the 2023 United Way Campaign. Their goal this year is to raise 1 million dollars to support the education, finances, and health of our community. She tells us about the events the United Way has planned, and she gives us details on how to give. Lori also encourages new donors!

Go to the United Way of Knox County’s website to learn more!

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MVNU goes “Back to School” for September First Friday

Downtown Mount Vernon will be busy with activities tonight (9/1). Don’t miss the Back-to-School Celebration for September First Friday!

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is joining in the back-to-school celebration with a department and organization fair on West Gambier Street. Be sure to stop by to participate in activities and learn more about all the great things students and faculty are doing in our community!

Click HERE to find out more information about September First Friday.
Click HERE to find out more about Mount Vernon Nazarene Univesity. (Check out the NEW website)!

The Morning Thing shared conversations with 3 MVNU Faculty members about the activities planned for tonight.
– Dr. Rachel Young, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Traditional Social Work Program Director & Department Chair and GPS Social Work Program Coordinator
– Dr. Jessica Grubaugh, Associate Dean for the Jetter School of Professional Studies
– Dr. Dora Hawthorne, Professor of English and Chair of the English and History Departments

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