An MVNU graduate returns to Mount Vernon to share her new book with the community

WNZR’s Alyssa Sidle talked with MVNU graduate and author, Courtney Turcotte Bond.
Courtney shared memories from her time at MVNU and how she is juggling multiple roles. She is a wife, mother, teacher, author and small business owner.
They discussed her new book Breathtaking and the inspirational story that inspired the book.

Click HERE to hear their conversation.

Courtney will be at Paragraph’s Bookstore, 229 S. Main St. in Mount Vernon on Friday, June 4 from 5pm – 8pm to do a book signing for her novel Breathtaking.

About Courtney Turcotte Bond
Courtney Turcotte Bond proudly grew up in both Lawrence, Kansas and Dayton, Ohio. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Language Arts Education, a master’s degree in Education, and has been a high school English teacher since 2004. In addition to being a published author, she’s also a small business owner, freelance writer, poet, blogger, and public speaker. She resides in northeast Kansas with her husband and two kids.

Breathtaking SYNOPSIS
To the outside world, Cara’s life seems perfect. The only one who knows the dark secrets inside her home is her best friend and next-door neighbor, Adam. Cara’s only escape is by writing and sharing her stories with him through their facing bedroom windows late at night. Just when everything seems to get better, Cara’s world shatters, causing her to spiral into a deep depression and writer’s block. Even though Adam promises her “everything will be okay,” she knows things will never be the same. As she clutches to the fractured wounds of the past, how will Cara ever be able to love or write again?

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The Morning Thing shares what is happening for Memorial Day in Knox County

Kevin Henthorn, Executive Director of Knox County Veteran’s Service Office shares about Memorial Day activities and the importance of this holiday. He also shares about the services that his office provides veterans in Knox County.

Click HERE to hear his conversation with WNZR’s Wesley Boston.

Click HERE to access the Veterans Service website.

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May Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

WNZR talked with Mount Vernon Mayor, Matt Starr for our May Spotlight on Mount Vernon. We covered multiple topics this month including how to stay connected to all that is happening in our City.
Click HERE to hear the informative conversation.


Topics include:

  • Construction updates on numerous projects
    • Columbia Gas Work
    • The City’s Work on Main and Chestnut Streets Improvements
    • Programmable Traffic Lights for Parades
    • Street Paving Decisions
    • Brick Street Infrastructure Improvements
  • The recent approval by City Council for a Community Advocate Position for the Police Department
  • Police Department Policy Changes
  • The recent contract with College Township for Fire and EMS Services
  • Updates from City Council
  • The arrival of scooters in Mount Vernon
  • The City’s plans for Memorial Day and other upcoming events
  • Goals and Projects for the month of June

Stay connected with Mount Vernon City Hall:

Website: www.mountvernonohio.org

Facebook: the city of Mount Vernon

Twitter: citymv1805

Podcast – Chat with Mayor Matt

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Memorial Day Activities to Remember the Meaning of the Holiday

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Maybe you’re taking your family to see the parade and have some candy tossed at you. Or maybe you’ve already got some burgers to throw on the grill and you’re looking forward to a cookout. Many of us are most likely looking forward to seeing our families as the pandemic gradually recedes and it becomes safer to do so. Or maybe you just plan on sleeping in and catching up on rest on your day off.

None of these things are bad. We should definitely take any opportunities to rest and spend time with our families. However, every holiday has a meaning and a reason. We stress the importance of Jesus’ birth as the reason for the season at Christmas, not selfishly demanding gifts and cookies. At Thanksgiving we remind ourselves of the blessings for which we are thankful rather than make it all about gluttonous devouring of a plump turkey. Likewise, there is a reason for Memorial Day, one that we shouldn’t lose track of in the midst of the other activities we have planned.

Today, the Morning Thing shared a list of activities you and your family can do this year to celebrate Memorial Day in a way to remember and honor what it is all about. They are simple, but powerful, and there are plenty of options so that you can find the best ones for your family to try out this year. And who knows? Maybe you’ll start a new tradition!

You can find the full list HERE.

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Ways to Cope with Anger and Frustration

Hunter and Alyssa continued sharing tips for mental health to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Today they shared ways and tips to help cope with anger and frustration. Such as getting organized, working out, or giving yourself some space before dealing with an issue and handling it in a way you may regret. Read all the tips by clicking HERE.

We hope these tips are helpful to you and equip with how to better handle anger and frustration for better overall mental health!

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Taking Time for Yourself

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are sharing tips for taking time for yourself. Everyone needs to take some time to make sure that they are doing okay. You are allowed to take time to yourself if you are struggling. It’s also okay to ask for help. We have people around us that want us to succeed, and if not on this earth, we have a God who wants us to thrive in his plan. We may have a different plan for our lives than the person next to us, but that’s okay! That does not make our life any less valuable.

To see the article we got these amazing tips from click HERE.

Here are some of the tips we talked about:

  • Accepting yourself as you are
  • Focus on the basics
  • Find what makes you happy
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Make small goals

Thank you to Mental Health America for this article.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – Healthy Habits

Friday Favorites:
This week, The Morning Thing Co-Hosts shared their favorite ways to stay healthy.

We hope you enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend and commit to healthy habits.

Check out our Blog Post with 60 ways to live longer, stronger and better. It is time to replace our pandemic bad habits and get back to good health! Click HERE to see these 60 Healthy Habits.

Marcy Rinehart

Wesley Boston

Alyssa Sidle

Kelsi Brake

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60 Ways to Live Longer, Stronger and Better

This morning we talked about some healthy habits to help you live longer, stronger and better. Over the pandemic lots of us have picked up some unhealthy habits. Here are some ways to help you get back on track. We didn’t get through all 60 ways this morning but you can find all of the ways to stay healthy HERE.

This article talks about…

  • Boosting Your Brain Health
  • Going to Sleep Easier
  • Pumping up Your Heart Health
  • Shaking off Stress
  • Cleaning Up Your Diet
  • Getting Back in Shape
  • Setting Boundaries with Technology
  • Improving Your Relationships
  • Conquering Loneliness
  • Becoming More Resilient
  • Taking Care of Your Skin
  • Cleaning Up Your Environment
  • Getting Your Gut in Shape
  • Staying Flexible and Improving Your Posture

Thank you AARP for this great article!

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Teaching your kids to pray

Today (5/20/21), The Morning Thing focused on prayer and parenting.

We focused on teaching your kids to pray. We shared some age level insights and how a kid’s perception of communicating with God changes as they grow.

Check out this informative article from mylifetree.com

Click HERE for the full article.

Keep these things in mind as you’re teaching kids to pray and connect with God:

Prayer is an attitude. Praying constantly means we’re always aware that God is here. We can sense God’s presence with us no matter our circumstances. We can pray about anything and everything, including other people and their needs.

Prayer is a routine. Regular times with God help shape our prayer attitude. Help children establish “check in” times with God, not out of obligation but out of love.

Prayer is a first response. When troubles and tough decisions loom, we can turn to God before trying anything else. Prayer should be our first resort, not our last.

Prayer is listening to God. Prayer is a dialogue that involves letting God speak to us through everyday life. Because prayer is two-way communication, we also should practice listening to God.

Prayer is modeled. The best way to challenge your children to pray is by letting them see and hear you praying often. Regularly share with them how you see God at work through your prayers.

 Age Level Insights

Children’s perceptions of communicating with God change as they grow:

Ages 2 to 3: Young children understand that Jesus is their friend. Say (or sing!) simple prayers that relate to children’s lives.

Ages 4 to 6: Children this age become very aware of the world around them. Let kids know that God cares about everything that happens to them and other people.

Ages 7 to 9: These children feel a need for God’s help and can verbally express thoughts. Help them look up Bible verses about prayer.

Ages 10 to 12: Preteens realize God is more personal. Let them understand that no prayers are insignificant to their heavenly Father.

Conversation Starters

Start a discussion about the importance of talking and listening to God by asking children these questions:

1. Why do you think God wants us to pray to him? How often and how should we pray?

2. Does God hear and answer all your prayers? How do you know?

3. What does it mean to listen to God’s voice? In what ways does God speak to us today?

4. What things should we pray about together as a family? How can we add more prayer time to our daily lives?

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