Tag: #community

Local Seniors Can Now Sign Up for Monthly Food Assistance Through Interchurch Social Services of Knox County!

As food costs continue to rise, a new partnership in Knox County is working to provide extra support for local seniors.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Carolyn Fergus about a new food assistance opportunity available through Interchurch Social Services of Knox County.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Interchurch is partnering with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to offer the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides monthly food boxes to income-qualified adults age 60 and older.

According to Carolyn, the program is designed to help seniors stretch their food budgets while still receiving nutritious food items each month. Seniors who qualify will receive boxes filled with a variety of staple foods, including cereal, oats, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein sources. The contents of the boxes will vary from month to month, but the goal remains the same: helping supplement a senior’s diet with reliable food assistance.

Carolyn explained that participants will need to provide identification and proof of residency during the sign-up process, while income is self-reported on the application. She encouraged seniors who may qualify to begin signing up now ahead of the first shipment, which is expected to arrive in early June.

While the first delivery is expected to include around 90 food boxes, Carolyn says there is room for growth if community demand increases. She emphasized that the program is meant to serve as an additional resource for seniors and does not replace Interchurch’s regular pantry services.

In fact, she encouraged eligible seniors to continue utilizing the Interchurch food pantry, which offers fresh foods, frozen meats, and other grocery items throughout the month. The organization hopes the new program will provide even more stability for seniors facing rising grocery costs and financial pressures.

Food distribution will be available not only at the Mount Vernon office, but also through Interchurch locations in Centerburg, Fredericktown, and Danville, making the program more accessible to seniors across Knox County.

Carolyn also asked the community to continue praying for Interchurch, its staff, volunteers, and the families they serve as food assistance needs continue to grow throughout the county. She noted that volunteers are always needed to help distribute food and support daily operations.

For more information about the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or other Interchurch services, residents can call 740-397-4825 or click HERE!

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Velvet Ice Cream and Utica Ice Cream Festival Celebrate 50th Anniversary!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart speaks with Velvet Ice Cream President Luconda Dager and Brand Manager Ben Mitchell.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Luconda shares the history of Velvet Ice Cream, which began more than 112 years ago when her great-grandfather immigrated from Lebanon and started making ice cream in downtown Utica.

She says the company expanded into grocery stores during the 1950s and now distributes products across five states. Luconda also talks about the importance of family within the business, explaining that several members of the Dager family still work together at the company today.

She says one of the things she enjoys most is working alongside longtime employees and staying connected to the communities of Utica, Licking County, and Knox County.

Luconda says Velvet Ice Cream now employs about 150 people and continues expanding into grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, colleges, and healthcare facilities throughout the region.

She also shares the history of Ye Olde Mill, which opened in 1970 after travelers began stopping by to sample ice cream at the company’s production facility.

Today, Ye Olde Mill includes a restaurant, candy shop, museum, and outdoor grounds where families can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Luconda says the attraction is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart speaks with Velvet Ice Cream President Luconda Dager about the 50th anniversary of the Utica Ice Cream Festival.

Luconda explains the festival originally began as a fundraiser for the local Sertoma Club, which wanted to create one large community event instead of hosting several smaller fundraisers throughout the year.

She says the festival has always focused on family-friendly fun and community involvement. Over the years, proceeds from the festival have helped fund scholarships, hearing aids, and other local projects throughout the Utica area.

Ben says the festival will once again take place on the grounds of Ye Olde Mill at 11324 Mount Vernon Road in Utica. He explains that while some layout changes are happening this year, attendees can still expect the same family-friendly atmosphere.

Festival hours will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with Monday’s hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ben also says parking and shuttle services will continue to operate similarly to previous years.

Ben says two new ice cream flavors — blueberry pie and coconut almond — will debut during the festival. He also highlights returning attractions including live entertainment, the popular ice cream eating contest, inflatables, Highland cows, and the Performance Dogs of Ohio shows.

He says organizers are excited to continue offering activities for families and visitors of all ages throughout the weekend.

Ben says the parade will travel through downtown Utica beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday morning and encourages visitors to arrive early for parking and viewing spots.

He says Velvet Ice Cream will once again hand out thousands of ice cream novelties during the parade, with more than 75 floats expected to participate this year. Ben also says dozens of Velvet employees and volunteers help distribute treats and support festival operations throughout the weekend.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart continues with Velvet Ice Cream Brand Manager Ben Mitchell, who thanks the volunteers, community organizations, and sponsors that help make the Utica Ice Cream Festival possible each year.

Ben says local sports teams, civic groups, and businesses all play important roles in helping with parking, concessions, trash collection, and other festival activities.

He also recognizes sponsors including The Energy Cooperative, Ariel Corporation, Park National Bank, CES Credit Union, and Peoples Bank for supporting the longtime community tradition.

The two discuss favorite Velvet flavors, including Dutch Chocolate, Triple Chocolate Chunk, Buckeye Classic, salted caramel toffee, and the festival’s new blueberry pie and coconut almond flavors.

Ben says organizers are hoping for good weather, strong community turnout, and another successful weekend benefiting local organizations and volunteer groups. Luconda says she especially looks forward to enjoying the live entertainment and festival atmosphere.

Click HERE for more information!

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What Mount Vernon City Schools Is Planning Next — and Why a May Levy Is Part of the Conversation

Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent Bill Seder recently sat down with WNZR’s Eric Brown to walk through the district’s long-term facilities plan and a proposed 1-percent earned income tax levy expected to appear on the May 2026 ballot.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

According to Seder, the proposal is the result of more than a year of planning, community input, and financial analysis aimed at addressing aging buildings, outdated learning spaces, rising maintenance costs, safety concerns, and limited accommodations for students with special needs.

Seder explained that the district’s master facilities plan includes building three new elementary schools, renovating the high school, and adding a new auditorium to better support growing participation in arts and extracurricular programs. The total estimated cost of the project is $118 million, reflecting current construction prices. About $38 million would come from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, with the remaining costs covered locally under strict state guidelines. While renovations were explored, Seder said rebuilding most elementary schools proved more cost-effective under Ohio’s two-thirds funding rule.

The proposed levy would be a 1-percent earned income tax, which Seder said was chosen to create a more balanced and sustainable funding model while protecting residents on fixed incomes. Property tax revenue is capped by state law, making income-based funding a more reliable long-term option. He also noted the district delayed placing the levy on the November ballot due to uncertainty surrounding the state budget and property tax changes, later determining May would provide more clarity.

Acknowledging the emotional and generational ties families have to existing school buildings, Seder emphasized the district’s desire to honor that history. Elements from older schools could be incorporated into new designs, blending tradition with modern learning environments. Plans also call for four elementary schools strategically placed across the city to meet safety, transportation, and site-size requirements.

If approved, the project would follow a multi-year timeline, beginning with design and planning before construction starts. If the levy does not pass, Seder said there would be no immediate cuts since this is a capital project, but the district would continue maintaining current buildings and consider future options. Residents will have multiple opportunities to learn more through district resources, building tours, and a citizen-led levy committee.

Click HERE to visit the Mount Vernon City School District

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How United Way of Knox County Is Making a Difference—One Donation at a Time

Katie Ellis, Director of the United Way of Knox County, recently sat down with WNZR’s Eric Brown to share an update on this year’s United Way campaign—and the impact it continues to have across the county.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Katie says the community response has been encouraging. Support continues to come in through individual donations and employer matching programs, helping push the campaign close to the $400,000 mark. The overall goal this year is $1.1 million, and while there’s still work to do, the momentum is strong.

She also took time to explain the heart behind the United Way’s mission. With so many organizations working together under one umbrella, United Way helps strengthen local nonprofits while supporting each group’s individual goals. Many of these organizations serve Knox County families in different ways, and the need for their services continues to grow.

One common misconception, Katie says, is that the United Way campaign ends at the close of the calendar year. In reality, the campaign runs through March 31st, giving supporters more time to get involved and make an impact.

Several United Way partner organizations have been serving the community for generations. Thanks to continued support, many have been able to expand their services and reach even more people in need.

Katie highlighted United Way’s three focus areas: education, healthy living, and financial stability. The goal isn’t just to help families survive, but to help them truly thrive. By addressing the greatest needs in the community, United Way works to create long-term, meaningful change.

She also emphasized education around healthy living and financial stability, noting that many programs supported by United Way help people “turn the corner” and, in some cases, completely change their lives.

For those who haven’t given before, Katie encourages taking that first step. Every donation matters—large or small. She notes that even $2.50 a month can help make a difference for someone in Knox County.

To learn more about the United Way of Knox County and its partner organizations, you can find them on Facebook at Live United Knox County or visit UWayKnox.org.

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Interchurch Social Services’ Director Talks Surging Need, Community Support, and Hope in Knox County

Interchurch Social Services Executive Director Carolyn Fergus recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about the growing need they’re seeing across Knox County.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Fergus, who has been with Interchurch for three and a half years and oversees all four branches, says the number of families asking for help has more than tripled since last year. So far in 2025, Interchurch has already provided more than 189,000 meals, a number she says shows just how challenging things have become for many local families.

Right now, Fergus says volunteers are their biggest need. Some days, the Mount Vernon pantry alone serves up to 50 families, which puts a huge strain on their team. Mount Vernon has seen the largest spike in need, but thankfully the other branches have been able to step in and support where they can.

Fergus also shared the story behind the two pop-up food distributions they held this fall. These events were created to help people who couldn’t get to their main locations but still needed immediate support.

Donations continue to be important, especially canned goods like beans, which always seem to run out quickly. Fergus pointed out that even small financial gifts go a long way—every $1 donated turns into about $4.56 worth of food through their partnerships.

Interchurch offers more than food, too. Fergus talked about the other services they provide, including rental and deposit assistance, help with utilities and prescriptions, gas vouchers, and more. She’s already looking ahead to 2026 and hopes they’ll be able to expand their storage space to meet the rising demand.

When asked how people can pray for them, Fergus mentioned rest for their volunteers, patience, and the ability to show Christ’s love to everyone who walks through their doors. She’s been connected with Food For The Hungry almost since its beginning and says she’s passionate about serving local missions.

Fergus ended the conversation with a story that gives a glimpse into the lives of the people Interchurch serves. She hopes more people will get involved, reminding listeners that everyone deserves a good meal—and to know that someone cares. She says Food For The Hungry’s slogan, “Working together to care for our neighbors,” perfectly captures why this work matters so much to her.

Click HERE to learn more about Interchurch Social Services!

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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What’s your family doing for Independence Day?

Today on The Morning Thing we shared some highlights of local activities happening in the community this upcoming Independence Day. Check out the details below. If you know of other events and activities happening in our community, please email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu

We hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July!

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