Category: News

Knox County Elementary kids are collecting donations for Food For The Hungry this week!

WNZR is honored to partner with the 43rd annual Food For The Hungry Drive.
Today, The Morning Thing shared talked with Debbie Ruggles, President of Psi Iota Xi Sorority about this year’s elementary school collection.
Psi Iota Xi has been involved with FFTH for 25 years!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link below.

The collection is happening this week – 11/18 – 11/22 at all Knox County Elementary schools: Centerburg, Danville, East Knox, Fredericktown, Columbia, Dan Emmett, Pleasant Street, East, St. Vincent DePaul, Twin Oak and Wiggin Street. The Knox Learning Center and 6th Grade at Mount Vernon Middle School are also participating.

Debbie shared that there are rewards for the top collectors:
– The Top Class in each school will receive a pizza party from Psi Iota Xi
– The top donor from each school will be honored in the Food For The Hungry broadcast at the Knox County Memorial Building on Friday, Dec. 13. The students will be recognized on our live video stream at www.mvnu.tv, as well as on 100.9 FM and 93.7 HD2 – WMVO, with reports given on WNZR and 93.7 the Super Q. 

A green flyer went home with the kids this past Friday sharing all the details. This flyer also included the Top 10 food items needed at our local pantries.

The Top 10 items needed for our local pantries include soup (pop-tops or packages), jelly, canned meals (ravioli, spaghettios, etc.), breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix), canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta/egg noodles, side dishes (boxed or packaged), peanut butter, and pasta sauce. 

Though non-food donations are welcome, cash donations are encouraged because $1 donated is equivalent to $4.56 of buying power through the Mid-Ohio Collective. Checks should be made payable to Food For The Hungry. All donations collected in each school will stay in the community in which they were donated. These students are asked to demonstrate the idea that no one is too young to make a difference and that the community is better when we work together!

Follow FFTH on Facebook (@FoodForTheHungryKnoxCounty) and Instagram (@FFTHCares) to stay up to date on all things FFTH. Get involved by attending events, donating, volunteering, or even hosting your own event for FFTH! If you are hosting an event or collection, make sure to fill out the Community Event/Collection Form on the FFTH website. 

To learn more about FFTH, donate, or find photos, videos, and more, visit www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org. To volunteer with FFTH, call or text Kathy Brechler at (740)-409-1866 or email Director@FoodForTheHungryCares.org. 

The 2024 FFTH Live Broadcast will take place on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Memorial Theater inside the Knox Memorial. This is a Knox County tradition you won’t want to miss!

Food For The Hungry—Working together to care for our neighbors. 

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Knox Pages shares a Follow Up Report on their Intel Project – Beyond the Chip

Reporters Cheryl Splain and Grant Richey stopped by the WNZR Studios to share about their recent trip to Sherwood, Oregon. This trip is part of their Intel Project – Beyond the Chip.
Click HERE or access the link below to hear the full conversation.

They talked about the places they visited in Sherwood, along with local officials they had a chance to interview.
Cheryl and Grant shared some of their findings and lessons learned by the Sherwood community.
The reporters shared with us some of the “next steps” they have discovered for Knox county officials as we approach the opening of the Intel plant.

You can connect with their stories at www.knoxpages.com or HERE
More stories are coming the week of 11/18.
Knox Pages is working on a Beyond the Chip newsletter. They are also planning a community event in February to share their findings with the public.

WNZR is proud to partner with Knox Pages on this project.

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The Mount Vernon Salvation Army is bringing a new childcare facility to our community

Captain Christine Moretz shared an exciting ministry update with WNZR.
Construction is underway for a new childcare center in our community!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link below.

She explained how they discovered the need for childcare and decided to build this facility.
Christine shared an overview of the facility that will be added to the area that they call “Salvation Square.” This new building is a 13,270 square foot childcare center, that also allows for 36 additional slots for an after-school program. A total of 112 children will be cared for daily in this facility, named “The Salvation Army Learning Lighthouse!”


She listed the areas and facilities in this center that will be used for educational and recreational programs. There will also be renovations made to their existing social services building to better serve those in need in the community!


Christine also shared the timeline for this building project with WNZR. Construction is planned to finish in October 2025, with the childcare center to open in January 2026!
Their campaign goal is $6.25 million dollars, and about $4.9 million dollars has been pledged by generous organizations.
You can support this campaign at www.salarmy.us/LightTheDay

Christine also shared about the many ways to get involved with raising funds for the Salvation Army this Christmas Season!
Kettle Kickoff is Tuesday, November 26th at noon at the Salvation Army! You can keep an eye out for red kettles accepting donations around town, or volunteer to ring a bell.

The community Thanksgiving Dinner will be November 27th at the Salvation Army, and you can volunteer for that event as well.

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MVNU Cross Country hosts the “Before the Bird” 5K Run and Walk

MVNU’s Cross Country Coach, Simon Taylor stopped by WNZR to chat about the team and an exciting event.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.

The team is hosting the “Before the Bird” 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, November 16th!
Registration is from 8:15am – 8:45am
Race starts at 9am
Where – MVNU Campus Chapel.

All proceeds from the event are donated to MVNU Cross Country.

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Place 4 Grace shares an exciting announcement with WNZR

The Morning Thing was excited to have several special guests on Monday’s show.
Representatives from Place 4 Grace stopped by the studio to share a ministry update and a very exciting announcement.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click the link/picture below.

The BIG NEWS is that Place 4 Grace has hired House Parents! This is an answer to many years of prayers.
Samantha and Austin Beckett have taken on this call and talked about how God directed them to be a vital part for the future of the ministry.

Kandee Popham, Executive Director also shared the history of Place 4 Grace and how they have been serving Mommas and babies in our community.

Hosanna Swartz, Community Outreach Manager also joined us to talk about how Place 4 Grace is funded. She shared about p4g Thrift Boutique and how this outreach is supporting Mommas, babies and the overall ministry.

We also shared an update from last Friday’s Flannel Fest fundraiser.
You can still make a donation to Flannel Fest at http://www.place4grace.com/ff2024

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram – place 4 grace and p4g Thrift
Website – http://www.Place4Grace.com
Phone – 740-847-2232
Email – info@place4grace.com

Pictures from the Place 4 Grace Flannel Fest.

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Today is Food For The Hungry Kick-Off Day!

It is Food For The Hungry Kickoff Day!
Today, we celebrate a legacy of giving that started in 1982.
2024 marks the 43rd Anniversary of this incredible campaign.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with the new Food For The Hungry Executive Director, Kathy Brechler and Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

The ladies covered many topics about this year’s drive:

  • 2024 Drive Goal of $330,000
  • Why the goal has increased
  • The power of $1.00 at the Mid Ohio Food Collective ($1.00 – $4.56)
  • The Value of volunteers and how you can get involved
  • This is a local effort and donations stay right here in Knox County
  • Upcoming events to support the campaign
  • Summer Grant Program (15 local organizations received grants for a total of $29,500)
  • Top 10 needed food items
  • Healthy Donation Guide
  • How to stay connected

The ladies also shared powerful stories of how residents have been impacted by these donations. They also shared about their summer visits to several of our local pantries that benefit from FFTH.

Your generosity is astounding each year and we believe this will be another fantastic season of giving to support the FFTH mission of alleviating hunger in Knox County.
We invite you to get involved! Donate, Volunteer, Host an Event/Collection, or Attend an Event!

To learn more, visit http://www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org
Food For The Hungry – Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors.

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WNZR honors First Responders today

Today is National First Responders Day. This day offers us a chance to show thanks and appreciation to the men and women who stand ready to play a crucial part in saving lives whenever and wherever the need arises.

Emergency medical services are on the job when something bad happens. Before even getting to the hospital, these workers meet people at a vital time that can mean the difference between life and death, trained to help in whatever the crisis might be.

Read more about this special day HERE from DaysOfTheYear.com

How will you celebrate this special day?
Here are some ideas from DaysOfTheYear.com

Thank a First Responder

Send a thank you note to a first responder who was helpful in a difficult situation. If they can’t be thanked by name, perhaps a note can be sent to their precinct to let them know how helpful they have been and how much their availability is appreciated.

Host a National First Responders Day Event

Those who are well connected in their communities might want to consider holding an event in honor of National First Responders Day, held at a local school, library or community center. Coordinate with local fire departments, Emergency Medical Services providers, police departments and more to get organized. Then invite the community to get involved with their support and appreciation to the variety of first responders who are such an important part of keeping everyone safe and healthy!

Support the All Clear Foundation

Working to provide resources, build support and create partnerships that benefit the community and those working in the field of first responders, the All Clear Foundation is a charitable organization. They work to improve the overall wellbeing of those who serve their communities through first responder jobs.

Getting involved with the All Clear Foundation for National First Responders Day can be as simple as making a donation to the organization or volunteering to help raise awareness and sharing resources with the world. Opportunities range from raising donations on Facebook to using AmazonSmile to taking advantage of employer match programs.

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October 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, 10/25/24.
We also talked with special guest Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation.

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:
    • Mansfield Road
    • Moving Lime, making it available for farmers
  • Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
    • Demolition Work has begun on the Splash Pad for Riverside Park
    • Harmony Playground
    • Water Meter and Flood Plane Elevation Study on the West End
    • Water Line inventory for EPA compliance
    • Courthouse and Police Station Design Requests
    • Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of a permanent auditor. Paul Mayville has been sworn in and is working hard with his team to find the best systems for the city.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • The dedication of “Liberty Plaza” at American Heritage Park, 10/28 at 10am
    • Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ohio Civil Service Employees Association
    • Training and certifications for city employees
    • Pay Grades for the workforce
    • Servitus Event
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
    • Service Call Stats for September
    • Community Advocate stats for September
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Swearing In Ceremony
    • Fire Prevention Week Annual Open House
    • Daylight Savings Time ends 11/3. It is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
  • Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr is joined by Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation for our Spotlight. Jeff talks about several businesses that have recently closed in Mount Vernon – Big Lots and Ride Aid Pharmacy. These are corporate chain stores.
  • Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about a projected decline in Ohio’s population. He shares the trends that we are seeing in the city of Mount Vernon. He shares stats on our aging population and birth rates.

    He shares that we should focus on 3 things:
    1. keep building housing that is a mix of types and price points
    2. quality of life issues (parks, restaurants, retails, downtown attractions, outdoor activities)
    3. attracting and retaining young people and young families
  • Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about his trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”.
    • He talks about the main goals of this trip.
    • He shares what the group has discovered so far and who they have been talking to in this community.
    • He also shares the information that the group wants to share with our city administration and also with the residents of our community.
  • Mayor Starr and Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talk about the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update on 10/29 at 5:30pm at The Woodward Opera House.
    • The public was asked to provide feedback on things they treasure about Knox County and identify specific spots around the county that need to be replicated or improved.
    • 1,200 participants
    • 10,000 different pieces of data
    • They have a robust data set.
    • This data will be presented to the public with 10 principles with goals under each principle.
    • A panel discussion with experts on rural growth will happen at 6pm.
    • After the panel, stations will be setup around the Woodward Theater in the hallway where the public can view the data and provide their feedback.
    • The next step will be to put all feedback into a draft plan that will then be presented to the public.
    • There will be 4 different opportunities for residents to public input. 
  • Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the November Calendar:
    – Leaf Pickup for the City (and instructions)
    – Trick or Treating is October 31, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for November:
    – Comprehensive Plan Engagement – go to togetherknox.org and participate in sharing feedback
    – City Budget Process
    – Ironing out issues in the Auditor’s Office, updating software and simplifying the bill paying and payroll procedures
    – Election Day is Tuesday, 11/5 – Mayor Starr encourages everyone to vote

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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Cheryl Splain shares an update on the Knox Pages Project “Intel, Beyond the Chip”

Cheryl Splain, reporter for Knox Pages shared an important update on her trip to Sherwood, Oregon. Cheryl is there along with several other reporters and leaders from the Knox County area.
She shares the goals and an update on their project called “Intel, Beyond the Chip”.
She shares about the conversations and research that they are gathering and the timeline of the project.
You can follow the stories at KnoxPages.com
Click HERE to hear the full conversation with Cheryl.

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The United Way of Knox County launches their new All Kids Bike Program

On Wednesday, 10/23/24, the United Way of Knox County hosted an exciting community event. They launched their All Kids Bike Initiative – a program that aims to teach every child in Knox County how to ride a bike. This is the pilot year. They are introducing the program across all the Mount Vernon City Elementary schools as well as Centerburg Elementary. They hope to extend the program to every school in Knox County by the 2025-2026 school year.

Click HERE to hear from Halle Krajenski, Program Director about this exciting initiative. We also talked with Patrolmen Benjamin Fike from the Mount Vernon Police Department about bike safety.

To connect with the United Way of Knox County and to donate for the 2024 Campaign – click HERE.
Your gift makes a difference!
Be sure to scroll down and check out the videos!

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