There is an exciting family event happening this Saturday in Fredericktown! Join the Big Blue Crew and have some fun at the 2023 Fredericktown Christmas Walk.
The Morning Thing featured members of the Walk Committee on Wednesday and Thursday. Listen in as they share highlights of the schedule, details of the numerous activities, and what this event means to the community. Each member talks about how important it is to support one another and the great impact that all money raised at the Walk will have on families from Fredericktown.
Proceeds from the Fredericktown Christmas Walk support Fredericktown Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army through Food For The Hungry. The Walk proceeds also support the Fredericktown Community Relief fund which helps residents with financial support for rent and utilities.
Enjoy the conversations with Loely Lepley, Cecelia McClelland, Robin McClay, Kristine Lindeman, Ellen Hoam, and Carolyn Fergus.
For the latest updates on The Fredericktown Christmas Walk, go to their Facebook page.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
A sanitary sewer project on the North side of town – in Clinton Township
A waterline project on the Southwestern part of town, Buckeye Addition
The city is using Global Information Systems mapping to track any lead pipes in the system and address any potential issues.
Water and sewer lines in the Clintonville area
An elevation study on the West End
Extending the walk zone in the school zone at Martinsburg Road by 300 feet
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 an update on the plan to create a new courthouse and police headquarters.
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.
They are looking to make similar adjustments to the South Main St bridge as they did Mount Vernon Ave. bridge.
The Mayor says they are also considering adding heaters to the bridges to eliminate the need to plow snow in the event of inclement weather.
You can find more information about each of these city projects online under the documents tab of their website, MountVernonOhio.org to provide feedback.
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:
Discussion about food truck regulations, including taxes, location, fairness for regular businesses in Mount Vernon, etc.
Kline Development, which is a donated property on Prospect Street
Casey’s Way, the rezoning ordinance of the 34 acres on Upper Gilchrist. City Council will be holding a public hearing about it, on Monday November 27, where residents can come out and share comments.
The city is currently accepting applications for seasonal employees. They are open and looking for anyone to pitch in and help out and can always use help. With leaf pick-up going on right now, the mayor details what you can do if you missed getting your leaves raked to the curb when the crews were in our area. You can also go to their website to their press release to stay up to date on where they are in the pick-up process, and you can call 740-393-9517 or the street department at 740-393-9501.
The Mayor gives us some insight into the City’s preparation and plan for snow removal this winter.
Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
For the month of October, there were 1,331 calls for service, which was down from September, which was 1453.
From the October calls, there were 199 traffic citations, 263 Advocate Dispositions, and 13 cases of attempted or threats to attempt suicide.
Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
They had 501 calls for service in October. 87 percent of those calls were for EMS services, 13 calls for fires.
As for year to date, there have been just under 5,000 calls for service.
In the Mount Vernon zone, about thirty percent of those calls are in the Yauger Road area. They are looking into the installation of a new department in that area.
Mayor Matt Starr talks about all the upcoming events this December, including Winter in Downtown MV this coming Sunday, which will feature the Christmas parade and the lighting of the public square, Food For The Hungry on December 8
The Mayor shares his immediate goals for the city as we start December. He says that the city is in great shape, now it’s time for organization and balance with the influx of activity.
Take a look at their personnel to carry out the tasks they need to be completed
Focus on finishing out projects
Continue improving the quality of the city
Mayor Starr shares his highest priorities for himself and his team as they start the new year, including:
A zoning code rewrite
Organizational structuring to handle calls to all departments
Generating revenues
Protect current tax rates and utility rates for citizens
Mayor Matt Starr is thankful for the positive state of the City, as well as his family and friends, and the team he serves the city with.
He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? The Morning Thing has an idea on how to make the day even better. Come out to the annual Turkey Trot to benefit Food For The Hungry. We talked with Scott Burgess from WeRunMV about this annual event. When: Thanksgiving morning. Registration opens up at 8am, the race starts at 9am Where: R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University Who: Everyone is invited including canines What to bring: Non-perishable food and dollars to benefit the Food For The Hungry campaign
Scott talks about how cash feed more. $1.00 = $4.89 of buying power at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. All donations stay here in Knox County to support families in our community.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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 DanvilleHigh 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
