The WNZR staff shares what they are thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day!

Today on the Morning Thing we got the chance to talk with many of our fellow staff members!

The Big Blue Crew shared what they are thankful for on this special holiday. We are thankful for YOU! Thanks for listening and supporting WNZR! Happy Thanksgiving!

The WNZR staff shares their favorite Thanksgiving foods!

Today on the Morning Thing we got the chance to talk with many of our fellow staff members!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the WNZR staff thought it’d be fun to share some of their favorite foods that they will be eating!

WNZR Alumni Celebrate 39th Anniversary!

Alumni showed their love for WNZR and its ministry to the Knox County Community Saturday as they returned for our 39th anniversary!

Click HERE to hear all the conversations!

Some turned radio into a profession while others used the tools they learned to help them in the professional world outside the communications industry.

It was heartwarming to hear how this radio station and its ministry have impacted their lives.

Even the man who made sacrifices to help start WNZR, Bill Bridges (pictured with Joe and Marcy Rinehart) gave a short testimony.

Others who stopped by:

  • Ben Alexander
  • Dana Hicks
  • Doug Speicher
  • Grayson Willis
  • Jane Mikulec
  • MacKenzie Holder
  • Mia Reid
  • NayNay Parker
  • Ray Bridges (Bill’s son)
  • Victor Veigel
  • Zoe Middaugh

Click HERE to check out WNZR’s website!

WNZR talks with MVNU Alumni – Josh Hooper, Josh Pollock, Mike Basko and Judah Keith from River Radio

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with four MVNU graduates: Josh Hooper, Class of 2002; Josh Pollock, Class of 2014; Mike Basko, Class of 2024; and Judah Keith, Class of 2025.
They shared about what brought them to MVNU and how they made their way to the WNZR Staff.
We shared memories and lessons learned while being at WNZR and MVNU.
They talked about what it meant to be part of WNZR’s 39-year legacy.
They also gave advice for students what are currently studying in the communication and media field.
All 4 gentlemen are working at The River in Columbus.

Enjoy the Conversation.

Hey WNZR Alumni, we would love to have you join us this Saturday, 11/15 at our Reunion!
Click HERE for all the details and to find an online form. Tell us about your experience with WNZR, when you graduated and if you plan to stop by. We would love to hear from you and see you! 

WNZR talks with MVNU Alumni – Alyssa Sidle and Nay Nay Parker from Radio U

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with two MVNU graduates: Alyssa Sidle, Class of 2021 and Nay Nay Parker, Class of 2020. They shared about what brought them to MVNU and how they made their way to the WNZR Staff. We shared memories and lessons learned while being at WNZR and MVNU. They talked about what it meant to be part of WNZR’s 39 year legacy. They also gave advice for students what are currently studying in the communication and media field. Both Alyssa and Nay Nay are working at Radio U in Columbus.

Enjoy the Conversation.

Hey WNZR Alumni, we would love to have you join us this Saturday, 11/15 at our Reunion!
Click HERE for all the details and to find an online form. Tell us about your experience with WNZR, when you graduated and if you plan to stop by. We would love to hear from you and see you! 

One of WNZR’s Founding Fathers Helps Celebrate 39th Anniversary!

One of WNZR’s Founding Fathers, Bill Bridges who was a part of the original Mount Vernon Nazarene College Staff in 1968, stopped by to celebrate the 39th anniversary of WNZR!

Click HERE to hear the entire conversation with Bill and Station Manager, Marcy Rinehart!

Bill helped found the Speech and Communications Department. Bill says that Founders Hall wasn’t ready, so they met in October in various places throughout Mount Vernon.

Bill said that the dream of having a radio station started around 1978. He said that they interviewed Dr. Henry Smith (who was one of Marcy’s professors) and he joined the staff.

Bill said he taught a radio class before they even had a radio station. He says WMVO in Mount Vernon gave them an old sound board, so they were able to have radio classes. They would broadcast to those in the breezeway between Founders and Faculty Halls.

Bill says that he and Dr. Smith started researching what it would take to start a “real” radio station. Bill stayed until 1980 and passed the department to Dr. Smith while he returned to the ministry.

Bill says the staff at WNZR is living out his dream. He talks about what he thinks that God has done to make his dream come true. He says the current ministry of WNZR is more than just a radio station. It is a Lifeline. WNZR does more than just play good Christian music and read the news, but what kind of impact it has on the community.

Bill gives some wisdom to WNZR staff members, “Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid of failing. You never truly succeed unless you really try and take chances. He says trust God and trust your fellow workers.”

Click HERE to check out WNZR’s awesome website and learn more about our ministry!

It is NEW Student Move In Day at MVNU!

WNZR joins MVNU’s celebration of New Student Move In Day.
We talked with Campus leaders about this special day and their goals for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

MVNU’s Director of Residence Life, Sarah Mowry

MVNU’s NEW Executive Director of Enrollment, Jon Nicholas

MVNU’s VP of Student Life, Dr. Matt Spraker

MVNU’s VP of Spiritual Life and Church Relations, Dave Mills

MVNU’s Assistant Director of Traditional Enrollment, Ben Slater

WNZR brings you the 2025 Sale of Champions Broadcast

WNZR was proud to broadcast live at the Knox County Fair Sale of Champions

Did you miss WNZR’s broadcast of the 2025 Sale of Champions? Good News!
You can find the full broadcast HERE or click on the Link below.
Listen in as WNZR’s Joe Rinehart talks with the Grand Champions and Reserve Champion winners from this year’s Knox County Fair. You can also hear Marcy Rinehart give results from each animal sold. Thanks to all the buyers that participated.

The unofficial total from the Sale of Champions was over $85,850!

(These are preliminary results. We apologize if any buyers are not included. We will be getting final results from the Knox County Junior Fair soon. Please keep checking back for updates).

Market Beef

  • The Grand Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Austin Frazier of Fredericktown, part of Fredericktown FFA.  
    • A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $6,500
      • They include Elite Insurance, CJS, Boyd Brothers and Alumni Roofing
  • The Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Charley Beheler of Fredericktown. She is part of the Knox County Career Center FFA. Charley was also the Senior Showman and Master Showman.
    • Didinger and Son Crop Service bought the animal for a price of $7,000.

Dairy Market Feeders

  • The Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Logan Whitney of Danville. Logan is part of the Creative Kids 4H Club.
    • Small’s Asphalt & Paving and John Hinderer bought the animal for a price of $4,500
  • The Reserve Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Taylor Tyson of Mount Vernon. Taylor is part of the KC Draft Horse & Pony Club.
    • John Hinderer and Small’s Sand & Gravel bought the animal for a price of $5,000.

Pen of 3 Market Lambs

  • The Grand Champion Pen of 3 Market Lambs was shown by Charley Beheler of Fredericktown with the Knox County Career Center FFA.
    • Beheler Excavating and Alumni Roofing bought the animals for a price of $5,000.
  • The Reserve Champion Pen was shown by Joseph Ball from Danville with Better Livestock 4H Club. Ashton was also the Grand Champion Bred, Born & Raised and Reserve Senior Showman.
    • A group of buyers purchased the animals for a price of $5,000
      • They included: Tim VanDyke, Knox Community Hospital, Park National Bank, CJS, Small’s Farms and Small’s Sand & Gravel.

Market Lambs

  • The Grand Champion Market Lamb was shown by Ashton Anderson of Mount Vernon with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Ashton was also the Grand Champion Bred, Born and Raised and Reserve Senior Showman
    • TD Landscape bought the animal for a price of $3,000
  • The Reserve Champion Market Lamb was shown by Kellen Algire of Fredericktown with the Country Critters 4H Club.  
    • Andy Brenner, State Senator bought the animal for a price of $2,250

Turkeys

  • The Grand Champion Turkey was shown by Carl Dickerson from Fredericktown with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club.
    • Beheler Excavating and Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $2,500
  • The Reserve Champion Turkey was shown by Tucker Tedrow from Mount Vernon with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club.
    • TD Landscape bought the animal for a price of $3,750

Market Dairy Steers

  • The Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Greg Wilson of Danville with Creative Kids 4H Club.
    • Granville Milling, Levi Hostetler and THR Home Inspection bought the animal for a price of $5,750
  • The Reserve Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Connor Shields of Danville with the Creative Kids 4H Club. Connor was also the Reserve Champion Carcass and Reserve Junior Showman 
    • Didinger and Son Crop Service bought the animal for a price of $2,500

Market Goats

  • The Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Sophia Carpenter of Howard. She is part of the Country Critters 4H Club. 
    • Alumni Roofing and Beheler Excavating bought the animal for a price of $3,000!
  • The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Nash Stull of Fredericktown. Nash is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.
    • A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $7,350
      • They included: NC Energy, Small’s Farm, Knox Community Hospital, Kari Ball Insurance and Revere Roofing Company

Broilers (Chicken)

  • The Grand Champion Broilers (pen of 3) were shown by Ally Bonvillain of Mount Vernon with the Anything Goes 4H Club.
    • Trillium Farms bought the animals for a price of $3,500
  • The Reserve Champion broilers were shown by Adrian Clutter of Howard with the Fur Feathers and Friends 4H Club.
    • Kari Ball Insurance, Small’s Sand & Gravel and Didinger and Son Crop Service bought the animals for a price of $3,000

Market Hogs

  • The Grand Champion hog was shown by Matilda Sulzer of Mount Vernon with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club. Matilda was also the Heavy Weight Division Champion and Junior Showman for Ages 9 & 10
    • Owl Creek Title Agency purchased the hog for a price of $7,000
  • The Reserve Champion hog was shown by Hannah Creasap of Fredericktown with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Hannah was also the Reserve Heavy Weight Division Champion, Junior Master Showman for Age 11, and Age 11 Skillathon Winner.
    • John Hinderer Honda bought the animal for a price of $3,500.

Market Rabbits

  • The Grand Champion Rabbits (Market Fryers) were shown by Annalia Wolf of Mount Vernon with the Down On The Farm 4H Club.
    • The Ruckman Group Auctions and Appraisals and Park National Bank bought the animals for a price of $3,000
  • The Reserve Champion Rabbits were shown by Dawson Staley of Fredericktown from the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club.
    • Clearfork Buyers Club bought the animals for a price of $2,750

Congratulations to these special award winners that were announced at the Sale of Champions:

The Junior Fair Sales Committee presented a Hall of Fame award this year.

This award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond normal efforts to benefit the sale, the Junior Fair and most importantly the Knox County Youth involved in 4H and FFA.

The 2025 recipient is: Tom Holten, East Knox Vocational Agriculture and FFA Instructor

David Greer Award from Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club:
1st place for a $500 scholarship – Logan Whitney

2nd place for a $250 scholarship – Ansley Daubenmier

3rd place for a $100 scholarship – Dalton Bailey

Knox County Junior Fair Outstanding Exhibitors:

Market Beef – Lane Dugan

Beef Feeder – Jayce Enix

Dairy Market Feeder – Taylor Tyson

Market Dairy Steer – Kadence Magers

Market Goat – Ana Steel

Rabbit – Annalia Wolf

Sheep – Mason Reynolds

Swine – Hannah Creasap

Poultry – Grant Vance

Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors:

Senior Beef Ambassador – Brandon Hogg
Junior Beef Ambassador – Leah Weiser

Senior Dairy Ambassador – Sierra Shields
Junior Dairy Ambassador – Alexia Wine

Senior Goat Ambassador – Lauren Neighbarger
Junior Goat Ambassador – __________________________

Senior Rabbit Ambassador – Sophie Wolf
Junior Rabbit Ambassador – Annalia Wolf

Senior Sheep Ambassador – Caitlin Ball
Junior Sheep Ambassador – Brooklyn Bruff

Senior Swine Ambassador – Kennedy Auker
Junior Swine Ambassador – Briley Cline

Senior Poultry Ambassador – Adysson Gearhart
Junior Poultry Ambassador – Taylor Vance

2025 Horse Queen – Madison Ruhl

2025 Horse Princess – Lily Laufer

2025 Junior Fair Queen – Kennedy Auker

2025 Junior Fair King – Michael Brady

2025 Little Miss Knox County -Kiaria Hammons

2025 Little Mr. Knox County – Will Meyers

Cattleman’s Awards:
Dairy Beef Herdsman: Greg Wilson
Beef Herdsman: Lane Mussard

Market Dairy Steer Grand Champion Carcass: Alayna Wittel
Market Dairy Steer Reserve Champion Carcass: Connor Shields

Beef Grand Champion Carcass: Ava Snively
Beef Reserve Champion Carcass: Bailee Smith

Beef Feeder – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Malachi Goodwin
Beef Feeder – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Bailee Smith

Dairy Market Feeder – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Dairy Market Feeder – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson

Market Beef – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Brandon Hogg
Market Beef – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Lane Mussard

Market Dairy Steer – Bred, Born, and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Market Dairy Steer – Bred, Born and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson

Senior Fair Board Scholarships:
The Senior Fair Board presented two $200 scholarships. These scholarships are for 2025 graduates and had an essay-driven application.

2025 Winners: Catlin Ball and Taylor Thorne

Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award:
This award is sponsored by JDC Livestock and is dedicated to Gage Moody’s memory. It aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Daily effort and commitment
    • Setting a positive example for others
    • Showing passion for their project despite being perceived as the underdog.

Macee Samples and Logan Daubenmier each were recognized with the Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award, and each received a $750 scholarship.

The Junior Fair Board also received a check for $500 from Farm Credit Mid-America. This check was given for their Stock the Trailer collection for a local food pantry. They are still collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations. You can drop off donations at the main Fair Board Office. Our Knox County Junior Fair Board is competing against other Junior Fair Boards across Ohio.

Love Like Linda Scholarship:

The family of Linda Dowalter is pleased to announce the establishment of the “Love Like Linda Scholarship.” “Love Like Linda” is an inspiring concept encouraging individuals to embrace a life filled with compassion, kindness, and selflessness. It embodies the idea of living with an open heart, much like Linda – she was a mom, sister, aunt, and grandma, who was known for her unwavering love and generosity. Loving like Linda means actively listening to others, showing empathy, and offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s about positively impacting the lives of those around you, whether through small acts of kindness or significant gestures of support. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate deeper connections and create a more compassionate world, one interaction at a time. The Dowalter Family is honored and pleased to present this scholarship to someone who embodies the personality Linda exhibited every day of her life and encouraged others to exhibit as well.

This nonrenewable scholarship will be issued to one individual meeting the following criteria.

• 2025 High School Graduate OR
• Exhibitor that 2025 is their last year of eligibility
• Good Standing 4H or FFA Member
• Will be or is currently attending a two- or four-year technical school or university/college

The applicant was required to write an essay answering the following prompt: “What the characteristic selflessness means to me”.

They were also required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from non-family members explaining how the applicant exhibits selflessness.  

Ansley Daubenmier was recognized with the “Love Like Linda Scholarship” and received a $1,000 scholarship.

Thanks to our partners for helping us bring you live results from this year’s Sale of Champions.

– The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Knox County Career Center
– Revere Roofing Company
– The Ruckman Group Auctions and Appraisals

Valley ATV
– Wendys of Mount Vernon

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