Tag: reviews

Small Town, USA Returns: A Wartime Film Project Brings Mount Vernon’s Past Back to Life

There’s something special about seeing your hometown on screen—especially when that footage dates back more than 80 years. That’s exactly what’s happening as Small Town USA, a restored film series, returns to the Knox Memorial Theater.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently sat down with author and historian Michael Sherfy to talk about the origins and significance of these fascinating films.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Sherfy explains that the project dates back to 1944, right in the middle of World War II. At the time, the U.S. government created these films as part of a “good neighbor” effort aimed at Latin America. The goal? Strengthen relationships and encourage support for the Allied cause. The films eventually reached far beyond that audience, translated into 17 languages and shown in 33 countries.

So why Mount Vernon? According to Sherfy, it checked all the right boxes. Filmmakers were searching for what they considered a “typical” American town, and Mount Vernon offered just that—a balanced mix of agriculture and industry, a thriving community, and a picturesque setting. From its inviting public square to its neighborhoods and local businesses, the city helped paint an idealized version of small-town American life.

One of the most unique aspects of the films is their authenticity. There were no professional actors involved. Instead, real Mount Vernon residents stepped in front of the camera, giving the films a natural and relatable feel. For audiences at the time—and especially for locals now—that authenticity adds an extra layer of connection.

The scope of what was captured is equally impressive. Filmmaker Julien Bryan shot more than 100,000 feet of film, though only a small portion made it into the final cuts. What remains offers a vivid snapshot of daily life in the 1940s. Viewers will see workers at Cooper-Bessemer, a doctor making house calls and administering vaccinations, scenes from Election Day, classrooms in action, and even agricultural work through the lens of a county extension agent. Together, these moments create a rich portrait of community, work, and everyday life.

Of course, Sherfy is quick to point out that these films weren’t just documentaries—they were patriotic propaganda. Initially created to promote America during World War II, they were later repurposed during the early Cold War to highlight the American way of life. Even so, they remain a valuable historical record, offering insight into both reality and aspiration in 1940s America.

Modern viewers may notice a bit of 1940s “hokiness,” but they’ll also likely recognize familiar streets and settings. That blend of past and present is part of what makes this screening so compelling.

The April 8th event promises more than just a film showing. It will include an introduction from Mayor Matt Starr, historical context to help frame the experience, screenings of three of the five restored films, and a panel discussion with audience interaction. It’s not just about watching history—it’s about engaging with it.

Small Town USA will be shown Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Knox Memorial Theater.

For more information, contact the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County at (740) 392-2665 or click HERE.

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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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Big Stories, Bigger Heart: MVNU’s ‘Big Fish’ Makes a Splash This Spring

MVNU Theatre Brings “Big Fish” to Life: Cast Shares Stories Behind the Magic

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s spring musical Big Fish is set to take the stage March 26–29 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium, promising an unforgettable journey filled with imagination, humor, and heart. As the cast prepares for opening night, several student performers shared their experiences bringing this larger-than-life story to reality.

Click HERE to hear ALL the interviews!

Zane Menzie: Bringing Stories to Life On and Off Stage

Senior Zane Menzie, from Marion, Ohio, plays Young Edward while also serving as the show’s director—balancing two major roles in the production. With a lifelong connection to theatre through his grandmother, a former executive director at a local theatre, Menzie has been immersed in the arts from a young age.

“Edward is the personification of these wild, hyperbolic stories,” Menzie explained. “He’s constantly creating these larger-than-life tales—he’s kind of crazy, but that’s what makes him so fun.”

As director, Menzie has spent months organizing rehearsals, giving notes, and shaping the overall vision of the show. Despite the workload, his favorite moments have come from late nights spent rehearsing with friends.

His favorite song, “Time Stops,” highlights a pivotal moment when Edward realizes he has found the woman he will marry. Menzie encourages students to get involved in theatre without hesitation: “Just give it a shot, do your best, and have fun.”

Tyler Maddux: Exploring Logic and Emotion Through Will

Senior worship arts major Tyler Maddux, from New Philadelphia, Ohio, portrays Will, Edward’s son. With roots in theatre dating back to his childhood in Arkansas—where his family managed a dinner theatre—Maddux brings both personal and professional passion to the stage.

“Will is very logical, and I had to learn how to portray that mindset,” he said. “But what I love most is how much he grows throughout the story.”

Maddux’s favorite song, “Stranger,” captures a turning point for his character as he processes becoming a father himself. Having performed in 18 productions, he hopes to continue theatre in the future, even as he steps into a new role as a worship pastor in Beavercreek, Ohio.

He emphasizes that theatre isn’t just for performers: “There are so many ways to get involved—crew, tech, set building. Just do it.”

Josiah Holloway: A Milestone Performance as Edward

For senior nursing major Josiah Holloway, Big Fish marks his 40th production—a milestone in a journey that began in fifth grade.

Holloway plays Old Edward, portraying both the 30- and 55-year-old versions of the character. “Edward is a father trying to show his son that there’s more to life,” he said. “In a lot of ways, he reminds me of my own dad.”

His favorite number, “How It Ends,” closes the show with emotional depth. Halloway hopes it resonates with audiences as strongly as it does with him.

Reflecting on his theatre experience, he highlights the friendships and humor shared backstage, including playful competitions among cast members. His advice: “Even if you’re busy, it’s worth making time for theatre.”

Kate Carter: Stepping Into Two Versions of Jenny Hill

Sophomore worship arts major Kate Carter, from Pickerington, Ohio, plays Jenny Hill—both as a young girl and later in life.

“I love getting to show both sides of her character,” Carter said. “It’s a fun challenge, especially with costume changes that make me look completely different.”

Her favorite song, “Be the Hero,” features energetic choreography she especially enjoys performing. Carter values the unique experiences theatre offers, from acting to set-building, and encourages others to experience it for themselves.

Grace Maddux: A Story of Family On and Off Stage

Junior social work major Grace Maddux plays Sandra, Edward’s wife and a central figure in the story’s emotional core. Inspired by her parents’ love of theatre, she has embraced the role’s warmth and maternal qualities.

“Sandra is very nurturing, and that feels natural to me,” she said, noting she has also worked to perfect a Southern accent for the role.

Her favorite song, “I Don’t Need a Roof,” reflects the show’s themes of love and devotion. This production is especially meaningful, as it marks her final show performing alongside her brother, Tyler.

“This show is about family, fatherhood, and redemption,” she said. “It’s a beautiful story that people should come experience.”

Don’t Miss the Show

Big Fish will be performed March 26–29 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m., in Thorne Hall at R.R. Hodges Chapel & Auditorium.

After months of preparation, the cast is eager to share a story filled with adventure, laughter, and heartfelt moments. As Menzie put it, “We’ve spent so long bringing this story to life—it’s something really special.”

Click HERE for ticket information!

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Why Still Hope Was a Story Filmmaker and MVNU Grad Richie Johns Felt Called to Tell

Filmmaker Richie Johns recently spoke with WNZR’s Eric Brown to talk about the heart behind his new film, Still Hope. A graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Richie shared how the project began after he learned about a story inspired by real survivors of human trafficking—a story that stayed with him and ultimately led to this film.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Still Hope weaves together elements from two true accounts into one character, following her journey from abduction to rescue and then into the long, often difficult road of healing. Richie explained that he and his wife, Bethany, originally joined the project as producers. He later stepped into the director’s role when the team felt the story needed to be stewarded by a filmmaker of faith who understood both the weight of the subject and the hope at its core.

What ultimately drew Richie in was the film’s mission. While raising awareness about human trafficking is important, he said Still Hope is about more than that—it’s about pointing people toward redemption, restoration, and hope.

Richie also talked about the challenge of telling such a heavy story while still holding onto that hope. The film approaches the topic with care and restraint, acknowledging the darkness of trafficking in the first half while intentionally shifting focus in the second half to recovery and healing—an aspect of survivor stories that is often overlooked.

One of the film’s central themes is forgiveness, which Richie described not as weakness, but as a courageous step toward freedom and peace. By partnering with real-life, faith-based recovery organizations, Still Hope remains grounded in authenticity and shows that healing is a process that takes time, support, and faith.

As a first-time director, Richie shared that the experience was both humbling and emotionally demanding. Balancing multiple roles alongside his wife Bethany, who served as lead producer, came with a learning curve, and the emotional weight of the story often carried beyond the set.

He also praised the cast—especially lead actress Luna Rivera—and acknowledged how challenging certain scenes were for everyone involved.

Ultimately, Richie said Still Hope is meant to be more than just a film. It’s a call to action—created to educate, mobilize, and equip people to move beyond awareness and into meaningful action against human trafficking.

Richie also spoke about partnering with Natalie Grant and Hope for Justice, sharing how their involvement strengthened the film’s message and impact. Audiences will see Natalie at the end of the movie offering practical ways to get involved and support organizations already doing vital work on the front lines.

Still Hope opens nationwide February 5–9 in more than 900 theaters, with several Columbus-area theaters hosting premiere night showings on Thursday. Richie encouraged listeners to see the film in theaters and support independent filmmaking.

Click HERE for the trailer!

Click HERE for tickets to Still Hope, showtimes, and additional resources!

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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!

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Tyler Maddux Ready to Open for MVNU’s Sonfest 2025!

Tyler Maddux is playing at Sonfest 2025 on September 20th and he talks about how he grew up in New Philadelphia.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

He’s a worship arts major and has a minor in youth and family ministry; he’s hoping to become a worship pastor when he graduates. He talks about how he got into music in 7th grade and around high school he decided to go all in on music.

Some of Tyler’s biggest influences in music are bands like ‘Colony house’ and ‘Sons of Steven Curtis Chapman’ and it inspires him for when he writes his music. For a long time, his style was acoustic guitar, it wasn’t until he started making his second album that he started to find his style of Rock music. He draws inspiration from his own personal life experiences to come up with his song lyrics, he also likes to write songs about the bible.

Tyler talks about what he’s excited to see at Sonfest, he’s excited to see people who are impacted by the music outside of his regular friends and family, it helps inspire him. Tyler Maddux is opening at 1:35pm at Sonfest on September 20th.

Tyler talks about his new album he released in late January, he’s really proud of it because of how it defined the sound that he like to use. You can stay connected to Tyler Maddux on Instagram, Facebook, and on TikTok. Tyler talks about the purpose behind writing his music, he likes to write about how he feels at the time of his writing; he’s getting married soon and so a lot of his music he’s writing is about how he feels about that. He’s got a few songs he’s been writing recently and a few songs at Sonfest and hopes to record and release them soon.

Tyler goes over some rapid-fire questions, his favorite worship song is ‘tear my house down’ by Chris Renzema. The first concert he ever went to was a ‘Colony house’ concert in college in his freshman year. He’s a night owl, he likes cats, he likes coffee and he normally gets a caramel ice late, his favorite snack is cheez-its and his favorite movie is called ‘about time’.

Click HERE to find out about Sonfest 2025!

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