Tag: Life

Whether She’s Announcing, Singing, or Helping Exhibitors, Jenelle Doup Enjoys Staying Involved

There aren’t many places around the Knox County Fair where you won’t find Jenelle Doup. From helping exhibitors and managing social media to announcing shows and preparing her own livestock projects, she enjoys being involved wherever she’s needed.

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently caught up with Jenelle to talk about her many roles at the fair and the experiences that have made them so meaningful.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A senior at Fredericktown High School, Jenelle is also taking College Credit Plus classes through Ashland University. She is a member of the Furr, Feathers, and Friends 4-H Club and is serving her second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

In addition to her board responsibilities, Jenelle serves on the Queen’s Court, is the Poultry Liaison, and is one of the fair’s social media officers. She explained that as Poultry Liaison, she helps answer questions and connects exhibitors with the people who can help if she doesn’t have the answer herself. As a social media officer, she helps plan and schedule posts to keep the community informed throughout fair season. She also spends time announcing shows during the fair.

One event she’s especially looking forward to this year is singing the National Anthem before Wednesday’s goat show. Jenelle said preparing for that performance has helped her continue building confidence.

She’ll also be exhibiting market broilers and described the work that goes into preparing the birds, including the process of washing them before competition.

After the fair, Jenelle plans to enjoy the remaining weeks of summer before heading back to school.

When asked what 4-H has taught her, Jenelle said one of the biggest lessons has been the importance of building relationships. She said the friendships she’s developed through the Junior Fair Board have become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

Looking back on last year’s fair, Jenelle shared a favorite memory that brought the board members closer together and reminded her just how special those friendships have become.

Click HERE the learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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First-Year Junior Fair Board Member Haley Page Embraces New Opportunities

For Haley Page, the Knox County Fair is about more than showing rabbits. It’s a place where she’s learning to lead, building friendships, and creating memories with family along the way.

WNZR’s Sue McDonald recently caught up with Haley to talk about her first year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, preparing for this year’s fair, and what 4-H has meant to her.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Haley, who is from Bladensburg, will be a freshman at East Knox High School this fall. She is a member of the Outsiders 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for five years.

Although this is her first year serving on the Junior Fair Board, Haley has already taken on an important role. She helps make sure volunteers and exhibitors are where they’re needed while assisting with the operation of the livestock shows throughout fair week.

When she isn’t helping behind the scenes, Haley is preparing her breeder rabbits for competition. She said getting them ready for the show ring includes regular grooming and trimming their nails so they’re ready for judging. After the Knox County Fair, she’ll continue her fair season by exhibiting at the Ohio State Fair.

Earlier this year, Haley also had the opportunity to travel to Alaska with her family, making for a memorable summer before fair preparations began.

Reflecting on her years in 4-H, Haley said the organization has taught her responsibility, leadership, and how to accept failure as part of learning and growing.

When asked about her favorite fair memories, Haley didn’t point to a ribbon or award. Instead, she said some of her favorite moments have simply been spending time at the fair with her sister and friends—and, of course, enjoying the fair food.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Ellie Boggs Balances Leadership, Livestock, and a Love for Writing

Ellie Boggs enjoys being involved in many different parts of the Knox County Fair. Whether she’s helping exhibitors in the goat barn, showing her own projects, or working on a writing project, she likes finding new ways to grow through 4-H.

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently talked with Ellie about serving as a Knox County Junior Fair Board liaison, her fair projects, and the experiences that have shaped her along the way.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Ellie is from Mount Vernon and will be a sophomore at Mount Vernon High School this fall. She is a member of the Down on the Farm 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for four years. After serving as a fair ambassador last year, she is now in her second year on the Junior Fair Board and is serving as the Goat Liaison.

In that role, Ellie helps keep the goat barn running smoothly by assisting with shows, making sure things stay organized, and helping exhibitors throughout the week. She’ll also be exhibiting a pack goat, a project that she said has become one of her favorites. During the interview, she also reflected on winning Grand Champion with her goat in a previous year.

Ellie said she’s especially looking forward to helping on sale day and spending time around the cattle shows during this year’s fair.

In addition to her livestock projects, Ellie is entering a writing project. She explained that she’s writing a book and plans to submit its first two chapters for the fair. She said a BookTuber inspired her to begin writing, and her work-in-progress currently carries the title I Love You Forever?

Outside of the fair, Ellie stays active as the reporter for her school’s FFA chapter, where she helps with photography and social media. She also works at a local swimming pool and is working toward becoming a manager.

Looking back on her time in 4-H, Ellie said the program has helped her become more confident and develop leadership skills. One of her favorite memories came when she won Grand Champion with her goat, a day she said brought her a great deal of joy.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Reece Landers Looks Forward to Fair Week While Giving Back Through the Junior Fair Board

Planning for the Knox County Fair isn’t just about preparing his own projects for Reece Landers. As a first-year member of the Knox County Junior Fair Board, he’s also helping prepare for one of the county’s biggest events of the year.

WNZR’s Josiah Styer recently sat down with Reece to talk about his involvement in 4-H, his responsibilities on the Junior Fair Board, and what he’s looking forward to during fair week.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Reece, who is from Centerburg, attends the Knox County Career Center, where he is studying precision machining. He is a member of the Liberty Livestock 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H for nine years.

As a Junior Fair Board member, Reece helps plan and prepare for the fair by attending meetings and assisting with projects leading up to fair week. He said he’s especially looking forward to the rodeo, helping with the pig shows, and being involved with the turkey show.

Preparing his turkey for competition takes time and consistency. Reece said he gets his bird ready for the show by spending time walking it and making sure it’s well fed throughout the summer.

Once the fair is over, Reece plans to continue working, make new connections, and enjoy the rest of his summer before returning to school. He said one of the biggest lessons 4-H has taught him is responsibility, especially when it comes to caring for animals.

Reece also shared one of his funniest fair memories. While showing a rabbit one year, it jumped off the table and took off running around the show ring.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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Ava Page Prepares for Fair Week as an Exhibitor and Junior Fair Board Member

While many people see the Knox County Fair through the eyes of an exhibitor or spectator, Ava Page also gets to experience it behind the scenes.

Ava recently joined WNZR’s Sue McDonald to talk about serving on the Knox County Junior Fair Board while preparing her own projects for this year’s fair.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

A Bladensburg native, Ava is a senior at East Knox High School and is enrolled in the College Credit Plus program through Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She is active in the Outsiders 4-H Club and East Knox FFA, has participated in 4-H for five years and FFA for three years, and is now serving her second year on the Junior Fair Board.

As a board member, Ava helps keep events organized throughout fair week. She said her responsibilities include making sure shows run smoothly, helping people get where they need to be, and assisting with the overall management of fair activities.

In the show ring, Ava will be exhibiting Dutch and Dwarf Pavilion breeding rabbits. She is also entering a woodworking project after building a stool. She said preparing her rabbits includes making sure they are well-fed and properly groomed before competition, while her woodworking project required many hours of hard work.

Although much of her summer has been spent preparing for the fair, Ava said her family was able to take a trip to Alaska before the busy season began.

She is especially looking forward to this year’s rabbit show and enjoys seeing the hard work of exhibitors come together during fair week.

Reflecting on her years in 4-H, Ava said the program has taught her responsibility. She also shared that one of her favorite memories has been spending time at the fair with her sister, who also serves on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

(Photo Credit: Jenelle Doup, Saved by Grace Photography)

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Abby Almodovar

It’s Senior’s Week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and WNZR is celebrating the graduates who have been part of the station.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, a senior and longtime voice behind the scenes and on the air.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Abby’s path to MVNU came after moving from Augusta, Georgia to Ohio during high school. After visiting campus and connecting with faculty, she knew MVNU was the right fit—moving into her dorm the same day her family moved into their Ohio home.

She arrived undeclared but found her direction, becoming a double major in Communications and Digital Media while also adding English. Along the way, she became deeply involved with WNZR—working afternoon drive, summer staff, marketing photography, and serving as Station Operations Assistant. She also played a key role with the Lakeholm Viewer as editor, helping shape its creative direction.

Abby says one of her biggest takeaways has been learning how to build one-on-one connections and step into leadership, even as someone who considers herself naturally shy. Through her work, she’s grown in confidence and learned to trust both her ideas and her team.

Some of her favorite memories include Lifeline and the strong support from the community, along with unique classroom experiences like an honors “Zombies” course that brought creativity to life in a fun way.

As graduation approaches, Abby says it’s bittersweet. She was recently named Outstanding Staff Member of the Lakeholm Viewer and is grateful for the impact MVNU has had on her life. After graduation, she plans to stay in Mount Vernon and work in ministry with Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center.

She asks for prayer as she steps into this next season—seeking clarity and a continued opportunity to honor God in all she does.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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You’re Not Alone: How Common Ground Is Bringing Hope to Those Facing Loss

Grief has a way of changing everything—and for many families in our community, it’s a reality they’re learning to live with each day. In the middle of that journey, a group called Common Ground is offering something simple but powerful: a place to come together, share, and be reminded that no one has to walk through loss alone.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently sat down with Kathy Wantland, Kathleen Swanger, and Wendi Lahmon—three women who know that journey firsthand and are now helping others navigate it together.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Common Ground is a support group that meets the second Tuesday of every month, focused on those grieving the loss of loved ones—especially parents who have lost children. The group began last year after Kathy Wantland lost her son. In the midst of her own grief, she felt a calling to create a space where others could come together, share, and simply not feel alone.

Kathleen Swanger, a licensed social worker with a background in hospice care, helped shape that vision. Having walked through the loss of her own son, Kevin, nearly 5 years ago, she understood the importance of connection. She shared that one of the biggest needs in grief is knowing that someone else understands—because every story is different, but the pain is something many share.

Wendi Lahmon echoed that sentiment. After losing both her husband, Tim, and her son Ryan, she says the support she’s found has been essential. She shared Ryan’s story—how he pushed through life after a devastating construction accident left him paralyzed, how he rebuilt his life in Florida, and how unexpectedly, a pulmonary embolism took him far too soon. Wendi was there through those final moments, and she says the days that followed were filled with both heartbreak and incredible support from others.

That’s what Common Ground is all about.

It’s a place where people can come as they are—where it’s okay to cry, okay to be vulnerable, and okay to not have all the answers. The group emphasizes confidentiality and compassion. There’s no pressure to speak—just the opportunity to listen, to share, and to be surrounded by people who truly understand.

Faith has also played a role for many in the group. Kathleen shared how prayer and reading the Psalms helped carry her through the darkest days, reminding her that even in loss, there is still purpose. Wendi admitted there were moments of anger in her grief—but even in those moments, she found that God never left her.

The support doesn’t stop at the monthly meetings. Kathy also offers additional connection opportunities, including a summer restaurant gathering (currently on break) and personal conversations for anyone who needs to talk. She emphasizes that grief can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.

The next Common Ground meeting is set for May 12th at 6 p.m. at Newlife Community Church, located at 9955 Mount Gilead Road in Fredericktown. There’s no sign-up required—just show up.

Beyond the group, these women are also helping bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. A 5K/10K run is planned for September 12th at 5 p.m. at Ariel Park, followed by a memorial to honor lives lost and remind others that help is available. They’re also involved in community outreach events like First Fridays and the Rod Masters Car Show, where proceeds go toward suicide awareness efforts.

At its heart, Common Ground is exactly what the name suggests—a place where people can meet in the middle of their grief, find connection, and begin to heal together.

Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can hear is this: you’re not alone.

Click HERE on how you can find out more through the New Life Community Church in Fredericktown.

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Odessa Wellman

One of 13 new voices joining the WNZR airwaves this year is Odessa Wellman.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A sophomore at MVNU majoring in Communications and Digital Media, Odessa is stepping into the world of radio with enthusiasm and a growing passion for connecting with listeners.

Originally from Bucyrus, Ohio, Odessa’s decision to attend MVNU felt like a natural fit. Having grown up in the Nazarene church, coming to a university within her district just made sense. Since arriving on campus, that sense of belonging has only deepened—especially through the friendships she’s formed while living in the residence halls. One of her favorite memories from this past year has simply been the joy of being surrounded by close friends and doing everyday life together.

Odessa first got involved in radio as part of her major, but it quickly became something more than just a class requirement. She’s found it to be a fun and meaningful way to express herself, build skills, and engage with the WNZR audience. That excitement carries into other areas of her campus life as well. She serves on the student class council and has already been selected as next year’s Junior Class President, where she’ll help plan events and create memorable experiences for her classmates.

When she’s not in the studio or focused on school, Odessa enjoys spending time with friends, taking trips off campus, and making the most of her weekends. She also loves basketball—especially the WNBA—and enjoys watching players like Caitlin Clark. While she admits she’s not the most athletic herself, her enthusiasm for the game is undeniable.

Music is another big part of Odessa’s life. She’s a fan of TobyMac, with Heaven On My Mind ranking as one of her favorite songs. And when it comes to comfort food, you can’t go wrong with her top choice: mac and cheese.

There are also a few fun facts that make Odessa stand out. Her name is inspired by Odysseus from The Odyssey, and she holds a close relationship with her mom, who she calls her built-in best friend. She also has a younger brother who keeps life interesting.

As Odessa continues to grow in her time at MVNU and WNZR, she’s already making an impact both on and off the air—and clearly enjoying every step of the journey.

You can catch Odessa on WNZR Wednesdays from 1–2pm and Thursdays from 11am–12pm.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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From Hopelessness to Hope: The Story Behind Afterglow Christian Mission House

There are some stories that stop you in your tracks—and this is one of them.

Dave and Stephenie Maggert, co-founders of the Afterglow Christian Mission House, recently sat down to share their testimony during Prayer and Praise Wednesday on Lifeline 2026.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart and Ethan Hershberger!

It’s a story told in three parts: a journey through deep hopelessness, a turning point of hope, and ultimately a calling to serve others right here in the community.

Dave’s story begins in a place many people quietly understand but rarely talk about—feeling different, alone, and unworthy from a very young age.

He remembers sitting in a classroom as a child, looking around and thinking, “I’m nothing like them. They belong… I don’t.” That feeling followed him through childhood and into adulthood. He tried everything he could think of to fix it—changing himself to fit in, chasing success, even turning to alcohol to numb the pain.

But nothing worked.

“I thought if I became a husband, that would fix it… if I became a father, that would fix it,” Dave shared. “But it didn’t.”

Behind it all was deep trauma and years of internal struggle. Despite seeking help through counseling, medications, and multiple treatment centers, the hopelessness only grew. Eventually, it led him to a breaking point—lying in a hospital bed, convinced there was no way out.

And that’s where everything changed.

In what he describes as a moment he’ll never forget, Dave cried out to God—not even fully sure what would happen next. But something did.

“For the first time in my life, I felt hope,” he said.

That moment didn’t instantly fix everything, but it started a new path. With the support of his wife Stephenie—who says God called her not to fix Dave, but simply to love him—he entered a Christ-centered recovery program where he began confronting the pain he had carried for years.

When he returned home, Dave spent nearly a year immersed in Scripture, searching for truth, healing, and understanding.

And what he found changed everything.

“I came out of that year completely healed and delivered,” Dave said. “Only Jesus could do that.”

Stephenie’s journey, while different, also carried its own challenges. After walking through a difficult first marriage and becoming a single mom, she met Dave in what she describes as a “love at first sight” moment in December of 2013.

Even in Dave’s darkest seasons, she saw something different—hope.

“He always spoke words of life,” Stephenie said. “Even when his own life was hurting.”

Together, their shared experiences and faith began shaping something bigger than themselves.

That calling eventually led to the creation of the Afterglow Christian Mission House.

What started as a simple weekly meal at their church has now grown into a full-time ministry based in Mount Vernon. In December of 2024, they opened the doors to a home on East Gambier Street—a place designed for one simple purpose: loving people.

Today, Afterglow is open throughout the week, offering meals, community, and connection to anyone who walks through the door.

It’s not just about meeting physical needs—it’s about something deeper.

“We always say it’s a place where you have a meal to eat and somebody to eat it with,” Stephenie explained. “And honestly, that second part is the most important.”

The ministry welcomes people from all walks of life—those facing homelessness, addiction, grief, or simply loneliness. There’s no pressure, no expectations—just genuine connection and care.

And that’s exactly the point.

“We’re not hitting people with the gospel,” Stephenie said. “We’re just loving them—and they see something different.”

From Sunday dinners that feel like “going to grandma’s house,” to weekday breakfasts and community gatherings, Afterglow has become a place where people can belong.

And as Dave puts it, that’s what he was searching for all along.

Now, it’s what they’re helping others find.

If there’s one message they want people to hear, it’s simple: no matter how broken or hopeless life may feel, there is still hope.

And sometimes, that hope starts with something as simple as a meal—and someone to share it with.

Click HERE to learn more about Afterglow Christian Mission House!

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How MVNU and WNZR Helped Launch Mike Basko into Christian Radio

Mike Basko’s journey into radio didn’t start in a studio—it started as a kid listening to Christian radio and imagining what it might be like to be behind the mic.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Fast forward a few years, and that curiosity turned into something much bigger during his time at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. As a 2024 graduate, Mike became part of something special at WNZR, including being on the team when the station earned Station of the Year in 2023.

What stands out most about Mike’s experience is just how hands-on it was from the very beginning. He didn’t have to wait years to get real experience—he was on air during his first year. That early exposure made a huge difference. By the time he started looking for jobs, he already had practical skills and confidence that set him apart. It’s a big reason why he’s now working at River Radio, a Christian station reaching listeners across much of Ohio.

Even though Mike says he wasn’t heavily involved in the official CMB entry for Station of the Year, he clearly remembers the energy surrounding it. His classmates poured themselves into the project, working together to tell the story of WNZR. Being there to accept the award was a meaningful moment, not just because of the recognition, but because it represented the collective effort of students and faculty. For Mike, events like Momentum go beyond radio—they’re about building connections across the entire Christian media landscape.

He’s also quick to point out the people who made a lasting impact. Faculty members like Marcy and Joe invested deeply in their students, and Mike sees the Station of the Year award as a reflection of that dedication. It wasn’t just a win for the station—it was a spotlight on the culture of mentorship and excellence that defines WNZR.

Of course, not every moment was smooth. Mike still laughs about his first time on air, remembering just how nervous he felt. Thankfully, his mentor was right there with him, offering calm guidance and reassurance. By the end of that first shift, everything was still standing—and Mike had taken his first real step into broadcasting.

Beyond the studio, it’s the relationships that stick with him the most. The class of 2024 was one of the largest WNZR had seen, and it created a tight-knit, energetic group. Whether they were working, learning, or just hanging out, those shared experiences made his time unforgettable.

Looking back, Mike’s story is one of growth, opportunity, and community. From a kid listening to Christian radio to a professional voice on the airwaves, his journey shows what can happen when passion meets the right environment.

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