Category: News

Mark Hall talks with The Morning Thing about 20 years of ministry with Casting Crowns

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle had the privilege of talking with Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. This has been an exciting year for the group as they celebrate 20 years in music ministry.
Mark shares an update from their fall tour and talks about the break they are taking for the holidays.
He also talks about their new album and the amazing collaborations with so many artists and friends.
Mark also shares how their story is making it to the big screen in a new feature-length film.
So many lives have been touched by the music of Casting Crowns.
We hope you join the WNZR staff to celebrate their legacy by seeing the film,
Casting Crowns: Home By Sunday.
Listen to the conversation below.

Click HERE to see the trailer.

Click HERE for more information.

WNZR joins Casting Crowns in celebrating their 20 years of music ministry.
We are giving away tickets to see their new feature-length film – Casting Crowns, Home by Sunday.
The Casting Crowns Cinema Celebration Giveaway is HERE.
Listen for a special cue to call. When you hear a Casting Crowns medley from their debut album, Lifesong, call our studio line, 740-397-WNZR (9697).
If you are caller #3, you will be entered into a drawing to win 2 tickets to see the film on Thursday, November 30th.
Winners will be announced on The Morning Thing on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 am.
4 winners will join members of the Big Blue crew on a trip to see the movie in Ontario.
Thanks to Provident Entertainment for the tickets!

Synopsis of the film:
Celebrate 20 years of music and ministry in this brand-new documentary detailing the extraordinary journey of Casting Crowns, exclusive to theaters.

Known worldwide for their poignant songs of truth, Casting Crowns is arguably one of the most successful CCM artists in the last two decades. The GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling group has sold more than 13 million albums worldwide and earned 15 career No. 1 singles.

Yet despite the many accolades, to Mark Hall, Casting Crowns’ lead singer and songwriter, his most important title is “youth pastor.” Through 20 years of touring and recording, the band has been faithful to always be “home by Sunday” to keep their local church commitments.

HOME BY SUNDAY shares the remarkable stories behind the band’s journey, music, and ministry. From their unique beginnings to the inspiration behind one of their most beloved songs and a near-life-ending diagnosis, HOME BY SUNDAY gives a behind-the-scenes look into the mission and mindset that has driven Casting Crowns for the last two decades.

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Psi Iota Xi partners with Knox County Elementary School to support Food For The Hungry

The Morning Thing talked with Debbie Ruggles, Chair of Psi Iota Xi about this year’s Elementary School Collection.
This is collection week! Local elementary school students are asked to bring donations to support the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive.
Debbie shares a top 10 list of needs at our local pantries. She also talks about the rewards for the top collectors in each school and how the top classes can earn a pizza party!

Click HERE to find out more about this year’s collection.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry.

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It is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child! Have you packed a shoebox?

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Jill Haught about Operation Christmas Child. Jill is the Church Relations Coordinator for Knox County and is part of the Central Ohio Team.
She shares her history with the ministry and how Samaritan’s Purse decided to start sending shoeboxes all over the world.
Jill shared some amazing stats about how many children are served through these shoebox gifts. She also shared how these children are learning about Jesus through this simple gift.
Jill tells us the do’s and don’ts of packing a shoebox and where to drop them off this week!
She also talks about how important the $10 financial gift is to getting the box into the hands of a child.
Jill also shared the 2023 goals:

  • 3,750 boxes for Knox County
  • 26,000 boxes for the greater Central Ohio Team
  • 966,000 boxes for the Great Lakes Region
  • 10.5 million boxes for the United States

Have you packed your shoebox?
Click HERE for all the details on how to pack your shoebox and read stories of lives changed by a simple shoebox gift!

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WNZR shares the November MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman stopped by WNZR to share the November Presidential Update.
He discussed his first month on the job, the challenges that he is facing and changes that he has already made for MVNU.
He talked about the change for the positional statement and recent administrative staff changes.
Dr. Castleman also shared his passion for MVNU’s enrollment and how he plans to personally be involved in the recruitment process.
Dr. Castleman shared his top priorities for the university as we wrap up 2023 and head into 2024. He also shared the steps he is taking now to help MVNU meet these challenges.
We also received a family update and celebrate the upcoming wedding of Dr. Castleman’s daughter.
We talked about Thanksgiving, time with family, and favorite dishes.
Dr. Castleman shared a special message for students, faculty and staff. He wrapped up our time by sharing how we can pray for him and his family.
Enjoy the conversation.

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Today is Kick-Off Day for the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive

Today, The Morning Thing featured a special conversation with Lisa Mazzari, FFTH Executive Director and Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director.

The ladies shared an in-depth look at this year’s campaign.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation or click the link below.

The topics included:

  • History of the organization and campaign
  • Dates for this year’s collection and broadcast
  • This year’s goal
  • How the legacy of giving is the true success story of Food For The Hungry
  • How this collection is really making a difference in our community.
  • Information about the Partner Board and their involvement
  • Highlights of the 2023 FFTH Event Calendar
  • How to stay connected
  • Distribution of funds
  • How FFTH is a local drive to benefit local families in Knox County
  • The impact of $1.00. In 2023, $1.00 will buy $4.89 in groceries at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective
  • How to give
  • Summer Grants
  • Winter Grants
  • Discussion about the mission of FFTH – “Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors”

If you would like to volunteer, call or text Lisa Mazzari at 740-398-0569 or
email lisam.ffth@gmail.com

Follow Food For The Hungry:
 – Facebook @Food For The Hungry Knox County
 – Instagram @ffthcares
 – Website – www.foodforthehungrycares.org

Food For The Hungry Board of Directors:
– Austin Swallow
– Jacob Doup
– Curtis Newland
– Marcy Rinehart
– Joe Rinehart
– Michelle Coscia
– Jim McLaughlin
– Lisa Lloyd
– Chelsea Porter
– Jim Riggle
– Melanie Snow
– Jared Stein

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October 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, 10/27/23.

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:
    • Paving the Industrial Park
    • Stump and Northview residents need to fill out income qualifications with the City
    • Buckeye Addition in Clinton Township
    • Plaza Drive
    • There are about 70 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares information about the plan to create a new courthouse and police headquarters.
    • He talks about the 3 phases of this project: planning, design, and construction.
    • He is asking the public to share their thoughts and comments on the City’s website. Go to the documents page, and scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – New Courthouse, Police Station. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
    • Mayor Starr shares the plan for the businesses that are being displaced during the construction of the new courthouse. 
  • Mayor Starr shares the updates for the State Route 13 project within the city.
    • He encourages residents to see the plans and share their comments on the City’s website.
    • Go to the documents page, scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – SR13D Sandusky ST Realignment. You can click on the Exhibit files to see the plans. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Committee Reports
    • Omni-Fiber Project is interested in broadband investment for fiber in the city
    • Legislation to continue TIF – Tax Incremental Financing
    • discussion on food truck operations within the city
    • purchase of playground equipment
    • contract with a local barber/beautician business
    • designation of a school zone in the Parrot Street area
    • ordinance to reclassify zoning along Upper Gilchrist Road
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • Shares an update on filling the vacant spot of Police Captain
    • St. Vincent DePaul school collection of teddy bears for officers
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • Controlled burn at Ariel Foundation Park
    • thermal imaging camera donation
    • Fire Prevention Week
    • update on filling some open positions 
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in November
    • Leaf Pickup starts on October 30. The schedule is on the City’s website.
    • Arts and Entertainment options
  • Immediate goals for November
    • Budget Planning
    • Finish the comment portion of the plans for the new Courthouse, the Police Department, and the State Route 13 Project
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of November. He mentions that Proverbs 11:14 is giving him encouragement.

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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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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