Category: The Morning Thing

WNZR visits the Knox County Board of Elections and talks with Director Jim Blazer

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart attended Media Day at the Knox County Board of Elections. She received a tour and an in-depth look at how our local office is preparing for the upcoming election.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the graphic below.

She talked with Director Jim Blazer about his #1 priority for the upcoming General Election. He wants to give the opportunity for every registered voter to vote in this election and for every voter to know that their vote will count.
They talked about the checks and balances that are in place with a bipartisan team.

Jim talks about the different ways that residents can vote in this general election.
The deadline for an absentee application by mail is October 29.
Early Voting opened up on October 8th for voting at the Board of Elections, 104 East Sugar Street in Mount Vernon. Early voting will close on November 3rd.
The office will be closed on 11/4 to prepare for election day.
Precincts will open at 7am on Election Day, 11/5 throughout Knox County.

Jim talks about the increase of registered voters as they prepare for the general election.
Knox County currently has 43,464 registered voters (as of 10/1/24), but Jim anticipates that number to go over 44,000 by election day.
He also anticipates a turnout of 75 – 80% of registered voters for this election. The Knox County Team anticipates the largest turnout in the history of Knox County.

For more information, go to www.boe.ohio.gov/knox/ or call the office at 740-393-6716.

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The Winter Sanctuary introduces a new Executive Director and big plans for 2025

Joe Springer is the new Executive Director of the Winter Sanctuary. He stopped by The Morning Thing to share some exciting news about this wonderful community outreach.
Click HERE for the full conversation.

Joe talked about how he made his way to Mount Vernon. He shared his history with the Winter Sanctuary. He has served as Operations Director and Advocate.

Joe also talked about the mission and services of the Winter Sanctuary.
The shelter opens November 1st and closes the end of April – this is a seasonal emergency shelter. The Advocacy Program runs year-round.

Joe shared the goals for the Winter Sanctuary for the 2024-2025 season. The biggest goal is to have permanent shelter for the community. They have kicked off a capital campaign for a new location and building.
Joe wants the community to know that the Winter Sanctuary is the only emergency shelter in the county. He also wants people to know that the advocacy program operates year-round. He talks about how residents here in Knox County can help them live out their mission. He also shares how people can support their ministry. Joe also shares how we can pray for him and his team at the Winter Sanctuary. They are looking for an Advocate/Volunteer Coordinator and 4 Guest Supervisors to join the team.

You can send donations to P.O. Box 421, Mount Vernon or online at https://www.thewintersanctuary.com/

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WNZR congratulates the 2024 GMA Dove Award Winners

Today, The Morning Thing hosted a Dove Awards Celebration Show! We announced the winners and played some of the winning songs and songs from the winning artists.

Click HERE to read a press release highlighting the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

Here are some of the BIG moments that happened (courtesy of Gospel Music Association): See pictures below
– CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” complete with a 24-person choir.
– Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance.
– Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room.
– One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes. 
– In a heavy yet worshipful moment, host Tauren Wells spoke about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community. Especially poignant, Wells played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, and reminded the audience how important it is to speak words of love to those around us. “I know so many of you in the room received messages, support and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.” The moment was capped off with a stirring performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” from Natalie Grant.
– Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Bill and Gloria are legendary songwriters behind songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” As their names were called to receive the award, the audience leapt to its feet to celebrate the beloved couple. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither said, “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” The GMA was honored to award Bill and Gloria Gaither the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.  
– In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena. Watch the commercial below. Check out the video!


To watch the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on demand on TBN+: CLICK HERE 

For the full list of winners, CLICK HERE.

Select quotes from the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards:

“I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.”
Bill Gaither as he and Gloria Gaither accepted the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award

“There’s a quote I heard a long while ago from Mother Teresa. ‘If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.’ There were two people who changed my life – my mom and my dad.”
Luke Smallbone, Producer of Unsung Hero and member of for KING + COUNTRY accepting the award for Feature Film of the Year

“When I lost everything 35 years ago, I went to Helen and said, ‘the only way we can get ahead is if we go to America.’ She said we’d go for two years. 33 years later we’re still here. We love America. This is the land of opportunity. We did it tough for the first two years. I believe I went through that story to grow me, and move me from lukewarm to passionate. My challenge to everyone of you in this room – leave tonight to commit to change the world. Do it in conjunction with your local church.”
David Smallbone, dad of Joel and Luke Smallbone and manager of for KING + COUNTRY, accepting the award for Feature Film of the Year for Unsung Hero

“I know so many of you in the room received messages, support and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.”
Tauren Wells introducing the In Memoriam performance

“I think the only joy in having a song like this win something like this is we get the opportunity to remind people over and over and over again there is nothing impossible for God. He is able. He sees us. We all have issues, we all have problems, there’s stuff we’re going through. But He is a God that sees us, that cares, that knows. He’s a God that solves problems, that comes through. I pray I get to sing it for the rest of my life.”
Naomi Raine accepting the Maverick City Music win for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “God Problems.”

“This one’s special because six years ago I nearly lost my life to mental illness. This song has become the song of my recovery and the miracle of my existence is to glorify the Lord every day of my life. We all have stories to tell. Some of us have thousands. But there’s one common denominator in each story and it’s God is still good. He is still faithful and He is still with us and  He won’t abandon us or forsake us.”
Christine D’Clario accepting the award for Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year for “Tantas Historias”

“I got the honor this year to come to the Doves with my lovely mother. The doctors told her when I was a baby I would not be able to talk, and if I could, I would not talk well. My mother told them they were wrong. She’s exemplified this resilient stubborn faith that believes God can do more than what the reports say. [To his mother] I dedicate this award to you. You have represented a fighter for me my entire life. You fought for me when I was far from Jesus, when I did not believe in God. And here I am right now as the fruit of your labor.
Christian Hip Hop is an often overlooked entity. Something is happening in the mainstream right now. They are paying attention to what is going on. It’s something that isn’t just music, this is a movement. People are coming to Christ. Marriages are being saved. Folks are finding themselves in these Gospel representations. As the world is watching, give them Jesus.”
KB accepting the award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year for His Glory Alone II

“I feel so undeserving of this award. I actually was curious if I was even gonna come to an award show for Christian music because it’s all for Him. Everything I do is for the Lord. For whatever reason, He’s chosen to give me some songs that have related to some people. If He shuts it off and doesn’t give me anymore songs, that’s cool. If He continues to bless it, that’s great. I want to continue to give Jesus glory. My name will fade away just like all of ours one day, but at the end of time and for all of eternity, one name will remain – Jesus Christ.”
Forrest Frank accepting the award for New Artist of the Year

“I’m known for my music all over the world. People know me for my music. God only knows me for my relationship with Him. He only knows us according to the way we know Him. And so all of us here tonight – the artists I was in the category with, I came here to cheer them on tonight. I didn’t think this was going to happen – but God is faithful. All my life He’s been faithful. All my life He’s been good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”
CeCe Winans accepting the award for Artist of the Year

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager. The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are presented in partnership with Cantinas Arts Foundation, whose mission is to support artists who share their talent and faith through Arts and Media.

An encore performance will air on TBN and TBN+ Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 8pm and 10pm ET and will also livestream on the TBN YouTube channel at 8pm ET on the 11th.

CeCe Winans Photo courtesy of Terry Wyatt

Tauren Wells Group photo courtesy of ©Blue Amber Photography

Forrest Frank photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Jamie Gilliam

Natalie Grant Photo courtesy of Tessa Voccola
Bill and Gloria Gaither Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Jamie Gilliam

DOVE AWARD WINNERS (Partial List) 2024

SONG OF THE YEAR – Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin.
Writers: Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham

ARTIST OF THE YEAR – CeCe Winans

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR – Forrest Frank

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST) – Brandon Lake

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (NON-ARTIST) – Jason Ingram

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Jonathan Smith

POP/CONTEMPORARY SONG OF THE YEAR – Good Day by Forrest Frank. Writer: Forrest Frank

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – Grave Robber by Crowder           
Writers: Crowder, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka

WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – Praise by Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore.
Writers: Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett and Cody Carnes.

INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – My Tribute (To God Be The Glory) by Natalie Grant (featuring CeCe Winans)  
Writer: Andrae Crouch

RAP/HIPHOP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – Love Like That by Hulvey (featurning Torey D’Shaun and Alex Jean).
Writers: Hulvey, Torey D’Shaun, ACE, Andrew Jason Prim, Juice Cuice, Jaden Owens, Stevie Rizo

BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY/ROOTS SONG OF THE YEAR – Lookin’ For You by Zach Williams featuring Dolly Parton
Writers: Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, Tony Wood

GOSPEL WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – The Story I’ll Tell by Naomi Raine
Writers: Alton Eugene, Benji Cowart and Naomi Raine

CHRISTMAS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – Manger Throne by Phil Wickham  
Writers: Phil Wickham, Jonathan Smith and Tony Wood

POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Coat of Many Colors by Brandon Lake
Producers: Jonathan Smith, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley, Micah Nichols, and Joe Laporta

WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR – I Believe by Phil Wickham       
Producer: Jonathan Smith

GOSPEL WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR – More Than This by CeCe Winans
Producer: Kyle Lee

CHRISTMAS/SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years by Casting Crowns  
Producers: Jonathan Smith, Jeff Pardo, Josh Auer, CHPTRS, Mark Miller, Keith Smith, Keith Thomas, Brad King, David Leonard, AJ Pruis, Jason Hoard, Brent Milligan, Chad Judd, Kuk Harrell, Chuck Butler, Paul Moak, Bernie Herms, Jeremy Redmon

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – Jesus Music by CAIN
Art Directors – Rachel Mulcahy and Tim Parker
Graphic Artists – Madison Cain, Taylor Cain and Tim Parker
Photographers – Maddox Fowler and Rachel Mulcahy

SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (CONCEPT) – Faithfully by TobyMac     
Director – Eric Welch
Producers – Eric Welch and Scott McDaniel

LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – Steven Curtis Chapman: The Great Adventure 
Directors/ Producers: Russ Hall, Angelea Floyd, Elizabeth Suter, Alex Whiten, Greg Ham, Kim White and Mike Termale

FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR – Unsung Hero
Directors: Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone
Producers: Joel Smallbone, Josh Walsh, Luke Smallbone and Justin Tolley

TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR – Chasing CAIN
Director/ Producer: Daric Gates, Producers:  Alexander J. Wysocki and Marcus Lopez

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WNZR presents the October 2024 MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR for our monthly MVNU Update.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Dr. Castleman shared his thoughts about how fall semester is going for MVNU.

We covered many topics including:

  • Exciting news about MVNU Stats Day, including an update on enrollment. 
  • MVNU Giving Day totals and how the donations will impact students and the overall campus. Dr. Castleman talked about the importance of each gift. You can give a gift at https://mvnu.edu/giving-day-3/ 
  • The closure of Eastern Nazarene College and how MVNU is responding and addressing the needs of those students. He also shares some stats of how many ENC students came to MVNU.
  • Recent transitions with University Advancement, Development and Alumni Relations. He announced the hiring of two new positions for MVNU – Chief Development Officer for the office of University Advancement and Executive Director of Enrollment Systems and Operations.
  • MVNU’s new Gateway Program. Dr. Castleman has prioritized strengthening church relations through this new initiative. MVNU will partner with churches, nonprofits and corporations to increase access to education.
  • He also shares his top priorities for MVNU in the month of October.
  • Dr. Carson Castleman highlights some exciting events coming up on his calendar and the MVNU calendar, including a trip to South Africa.
  • He shares special messages for MVNU students, faculty and staff.
  • He also shares how we can pray for MVNU and his family in the month of October.

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

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Experience Mount Vernon celebrates Johnny Appleseed

Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about an exciting event coming to downtown Mount Vernon.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Lacey shared all the exciting details of the annual Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival. She shared the schedule, list of entertainment, food choices, festival location, parking options and more.
The festival is Friday, 10/4 from 5pm – 8pm on East Ohio Avenue on the block between South Gay and South Main Streets.
Lacey also shared a list of upcoming events for the 2024 Christmas Holiday.
For all the details of this event and upcoming events – go to the Experience Mount Vernon webpage – HERE!

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September 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, 9/27/24.

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:
    • Mansfield Road
    • North End Bike Path
    • Update on the $500,000 critical infrastructure grant that is being used for a street improvement project for West Burgess Street and West Hamtramck Street
  • Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
    • Update from the Engineering Department on the Water Meter and Flood Plain Inventory Study.
    • Mayor Starr shares information about another grant for the City – a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant.
    • Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of an interim auditor. Samantha Ramsier has been appointed to take over for Terry Scott who has retired.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Tax Levy Rates
    • Permission to dispose of some police vehicles and other various equipment
    • One Time Community Improvement Funds through the Ohio General Assembly (surplus from the State Budget) – $2 million dollars for design and construction of the new Mount Vernon Police Station
    • Created a new TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District
    • Change of traffic direction on West Hamtramck and West Burgess Streets

  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • Calls for service
    • Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Calls for service
    • Fire Hydrant flushing
    • Swearing in 3 new full-time officers and promoting 3 officers
  • Mayor Starr talks about two referendums on the November ballot for voters. Both referendums are citizen-driven referendums based on opposition to City Council approvals earlier this year. He discusses the Edgewood Road proposed project and the rezoning project on Vernonview Drive. He shares the administration’s perspective on both issues and what has made them so controversial.
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in October.
    10/7 – Early Voting begins, and absentee ballots will be mailed out
    10/10 – Open House at the Mount Vernon Fire Department in honor of Fire Prevention Week
    10/12 – Servitas – Event hosted by the Knox County Career Center Junior ROTC Challenge. All members of the military will be represented. 29 teams will be competing in different physical challenges.
    10/29 – Comprehensive Plan Update
    10/31 – Trick or Treating for Mount Vernon, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • He shares goals for October and shares how we can pray for him and his team.
    – Splash Pad at Riverside Park
    – New year-round restroom at Harmony Park Playground
    – C A & C Depot work on the Liberty Plaza and American Heritage Park
    – Projects in West Foundation Park and on North Catherine Street
    – West End Flood Plain Elevation Study

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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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 9/20/24 – we are ready for Sonfest!

For our Friday Favorites this week, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite songs from artists coming to Sonfest 2024! We hope to see you on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday! Gates open at Noon!

Click HERE to hear from our hosts.

Xander loves Running Home by Cochren & Co.

Marcy loves Perfectly Loved by Rachael Lampa and TobyMac

Alyssa loves The Prodigal by Josiah Queen

Shawn loves Somebody to You by Rachael Lampa and Andrew Ripp

Here is the Sonfest Schedule:

  • 12 PM – Gates Open
  • 1 PM – Tyler Maddux & Co. (Main Stage)
  • 1:35 PM – Lights & Sounds (Side Stage)
  • 2:35 PM – Josiah Queen (Main Stage)
  • 3:05 PM – Cold Streets (Side Stage)
  • 4:05 PM – Rachael Lampa (Main Stage)
  • 4:50 PM – Monarchs to Oblivion (Side Stage)
  • 5:45 PM – Cochren & Co. (Main Stage)
  • 6:30 PM – SafeKept (Side Stage)
  • 7:45 PM – Hulvey (Main Stage)
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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – we love Disney musicals!

All this week on the show, we have shined the spotlight on the MTVarts Production of The Little Mermaid Jr.
In honor of opening night (tonight), our Friday Favorites took on a musical theme..
This week for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite Disney Animated Movies.
Click HERE to hear from Alyssa, Xander, Shawn and Marcy.

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