Tag: writing

Sierra Shields Says the Knox County Fair Is About Leadership, Responsibility and Serving Others

While fairgoers often see the shows and competitions, there’s another group working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Sierra Shields wears several hats on the Knox County Junior Fair Board, serving as a liaison, Dairy Ambassador, and leader for fellow exhibitors.

WNZR’s Sue McDonald recently sat down with Sierra to discuss her many responsibilities, her livestock projects, and the lessons she’s learned through years of involvement with 4-H and FFA.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Sierra, of Howard, is a senior at Danville High School and also attends the Knox County Career Center in the College U Business program. She’s a member of the Creative Kids 4-H Club and Danville FFA. She has been involved in 4-H for eight years, FFA for four years, and has spent the past three years serving on the Junior Fair Board. She has also served as Dairy Ambassador and a liaison for four years.

As a liaison, Sierra acts as a communication link between exhibitors, parents, and visitors, helping answer questions and keep events running smoothly. As Dairy Ambassador, she represents the dairy industry while encouraging younger members to become involved in agriculture.

This year, Sierra said the Junior Fair Board has placed extra emphasis on animal care and safety by providing exhibitors with clear guidelines for barn walkthroughs and making sure livestock receive proper care throughout the week.

Beyond her leadership roles, Sierra is busy in the show ring. At the Knox County Fair she’s exhibiting market dairy steers, market dairy feeders, and a market hog. She’ll continue her summer at the Ohio State Fair, where she’ll also show sheep and additional cattle.

Preparing animals for competition is a year-round commitment. Sierra explained that exhibitors spend months helping animals become comfortable around people while making sure they’re healthy and ready for the show ring. She credits her younger siblings for helping with chores and daily responsibilities throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Sierra plans to return to the Career Center’s College U Business program while pursuing internship opportunities. Her long-term goal is to attend Wilmington College and earn a master’s degree in animal science.

Reflecting on her years in 4-H and the Junior Fair Board, Sierra said one of the biggest lessons she’s learned is the importance of staying true to yourself and treating others with authenticity. One of her favorite fair memories is competing in showmanship alongside her older brother.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

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

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Hayley Unger Finds Leadership and Friendship Through 4-H and the Knox County Fair

Showing market hogs wasn’t always part of Hayley Unger’s plans. In fact, she said she became involved with the project because of a friend. Today, it’s one of the highlights of her fair experience.

Hayley recently joined WNZR’s Josiah Styer to talk about preparing for the Knox County Fair, serving as a 2026 Junior Fair Queen nominee, and the lessons she has learned through six years in 4-H.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A Utica native, Hayley is a senior at Utica High School and a member of the Animals R Us 4-H Club. Along with preparing for her livestock projects, she has also taken on the responsibilities that come with being a Junior Fair Queen candidate.

Hayley explained that getting ready for the fair takes plenty of planning. In addition to preparing for the Queen competition, she spends time training and washing her market hogs to have them ready for the show ring.

When fair week comes to an end, Hayley doesn’t plan on slowing down. She serves as president of the Utica FFA Chapter and expects to stay busy with those responsibilities before spending time with family and friends.

Looking back on her years in 4-H, Hayley said one of the biggest lessons she’s learned is that making mistakes is part of the process. She also said the program has taught her how to rely on the people around her when challenges arise.

Some of her favorite memories have come from the friendships she’s made. Hayley said one memory that stands out is meeting new people when she first joined the 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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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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Ryleigh Scarpitti Reflects on Leadership, 4-H, and the Knox County Fair

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger recently sat down with Ryleigh Scarpitti, a member of the 2026 Knox County Junior Fair Board, to talk about her involvement in 4-H, her projects for this year’s fair, and the lessons she has learned through the program.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Ryleigh is from Centerburg and is homeschooled. She also shared how her brother plays football for Centerburg.

She is a member of Liberty Livestock and is in her third year with the club. Ryleigh has been involved in 4-H for eight years and is serving her second year on the Knox County Junior Fair Board.

During the interview, she talked about the responsibilities that come with serving on the Junior Fair Board while also preparing her own projects for fair week.

This year, Ryleigh is looking forward to taking both quilting and turkey projects to the Ohio State Fair. She is also exhibiting turkeys at the Knox County Fair and explained some of the work that goes into preparing them for the show ring, including flipping the birds for judging.

She said she is especially excited about her quilting project because she has invested a great deal of time and effort into it. This will be her second year exhibiting quilting at the Ohio State Fair.

Once the Knox County Fair wraps up, Ryleigh plans to exhibit at the Hartford Fair before spending time with friends.

Looking back on her years in 4-H, Ryleigh said one of the biggest lessons she has learned is responsibility. She also said the program has taught her how to stay calm while working with animals, be reliable, make new friends, and become more confident by stepping outside of her comfort zone.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Fair!

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

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Art, History, and Community Come Together for Knox County’s America 250 Celebration

Knox County is already looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, and the celebration is bringing together history, art, and community in some creative ways.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Olivia Toth, Executive Director of the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, about several projects designed to celebrate both the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Knox County’s rich history.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

One of the newest initiatives is the Common Thread project, which combines art and history while highlighting the unique character of Knox County and its communities. Toth says the project is inspired by traditional Americana quilts, using the idea of a common thread to connect the people, places, and stories that make the county special.

Each installation includes QR codes that allow visitors to learn more while also connecting directly to the Knox County events calendar. Toth says the goal is not only to encourage people to explore multiple communities throughout the county but also to inspire them to stay longer or plan another visit.

Another initiative is the Knox Voices Project, a collaboration between the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Knox County Public Library. The project is collecting personal stories from residents to help preserve the everyday history of Knox County as the community prepares to celebrate its 225th birthday.

Toth says history isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s found in the memories and experiences of the people who have lived, worked, and raised families here. Residents are encouraged to submit their own stories through the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website, creating a living collection of local history for future generations.

The America 250 celebration also includes new street banners appearing throughout Knox County communities. Toth says the banners help share local history, celebrate America’s freedom, and build excitement for the national celebration.

Looking ahead to the summer, Toth also highlighted the new Picnic in the Park events taking place throughout July. She says the gatherings give families and friends another reason to get outside, enjoy local parks, and spend time together while exploring different communities across Knox County.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau!

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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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WNZR presents the May 2026 MVNU Presidential Update

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sits down with Dr. Carson Castleman for the latest MVNU Update, and as the semester winds down, there’s a mix of celebration, momentum, and a look ahead.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman shares a personal highlight to start—the arrival of his new granddaughter, Nora Gene—while also looking forward to wrapping up the spring semester and a well-earned break for students and staff.

Before that, MVNU is preparing for a full graduation weekend on May 8th and 9th, including a ribbon cutting, baccalaureate, the President’s Dessert Reception, and commencement. Reverend Nathan Ward will speak at baccalaureate, and Dr. Randle Davie will deliver the commencement address. The weekend will also include special recognitions like honorary doctorates and the Service Above Self award.

Dr. Castleman says the university continues to see encouraging growth, with strong enrollment trends and a welcoming campus environment. Academically, MVNU is exploring new graduate programs through CAPS, including a Doctor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Education, while the College of Arts and Sciences looks ahead to a possible Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Over the summer, several campus projects are planned—from apartment air conditioning upgrades to continued chapel renovations and general maintenance—alongside camps and district events.

Looking ahead, MVNU is also preparing for future enrollment cycles and an upcoming 2028 accreditation review, with Dr. Castleman noting continued progress in fulfilling the university’s mission.

He closes with a simple message: “Well done” to students, encouragement for faculty and staff to rest, and a reminder to graduates from Habakkuk 1:5 to stay open to what God is doing next.

Click HERE to find out more about MVNU!

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Seph Schlueter Shares His Heart Behind the Music Ahead of Crowder’s Spring Tour Stop in Akron

If you’ve spent any time around Centerburg or Mount Vernon, there’s a good chance you might’ve crossed paths—at least indirectly—with Christian artist Seph Schlueter.

Before stepping onto stages across the country, Seph spent time working in ministry in Centerburg, and he still has a soft spot for the area… especially stops like Happy Bean and the local bookstore in Mount Vernon. In fact, he even shared his go-to Happy Bean order during a recent conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

At the time of the interview, Seph was out on his “Counting My Blessings” Tour—a season he describes as nothing short of fun and meaningful. Touring is something he genuinely loves, not just for the music, but for the people. There’s a strong sense of connection that forms on the road, both with his team and the audiences he meets night after night.

That said, life on tour isn’t always easy. Sleeping on a bus and being away from loved ones can take a toll. But for Seph, the purpose behind the music keeps everything grounded. He says it simply—it’s all about being part of moments where people encounter Jesus.

That message hits especially close to home when it comes to his song “Counting My Blessings.” It’s not just a song for listeners—it’s one that’s spoken back into his own life. As he continues writing, Seph says his focus has been on full surrender and what it really means to give your life completely to God.

He also has a deep appreciation for Christian radio, sharing how powerful it is to hear stories from listeners. Whether it’s lifting someone’s day or even helping save a life, he believes there’s something incredibly real about encountering Jesus through a song on the radio.

Now, Seph is getting ready to hit the road again—this time joining Crowder for a spring tour that promises to be something special.

Crowder’s shows are known for their energy and authenticity, blending grit, joy, and his signature “let’s get swampy” style. Fans can expect favorites like “Good God Almighty” and “Grave Robber,” all delivered in venues that feel like they were made for nights like these.

Seph will be joining the tour alongside Patrick Mayberry, creating a lineup that brings warmth, honesty, and hope to the stage. Seph’s “Counting My Blessings” pairs naturally with Mayberry’s uplifting songs like “Lead On Good Shepherd,” making each night feel less like a concert and more like a shared experience.

One of those stops is coming up close to home at E.J. Thomas Performance Hall, located on the campus of the University of Akron.

The concert is set for Sunday, May 3rd, with doors opening at 6PM and the music getting underway at 7PM.

Click HERE to check out our concert page and how you can get tickets to this amazing show!

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“The More You Listen, The More You Hear”: WNZR’s Journey of Growth and Connection

Back in the early 2000s, radio was starting to look a little different. Technology was changing quickly, and stations everywhere were asking the same question—how do we keep up? At WNZR, that question turned into an opportunity.

WNZR’s Olivia Skillings recently sat down with Marcy and Joe Rinehart to talk about one of the station’s most pivotal moments: the launch of online streaming. At the time, WNZR was limited to its local signal, but leadership recognized something important—listeners weren’t just in Knox County anymore. Families, alumni, and supporters were spread out across the country and even around the world.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

So, on October 1st, 2003, the station took a big leap. A one-day fundraiser was held to make online streaming a reality. By the end of the day, more than $8,000 had been raised—enough to cover the equipment, software, and licensing needed to get started. That moment didn’t just add a new feature. It changed everything.

Streaming broke down geographic barriers. Suddenly, parents could hear their students on the air no matter where they lived. Alumni could reconnect. Listeners could tune in from across the globe. It laid the foundation for what WNZR would become in the years ahead—more accessible, more connected, and more far-reaching than ever before.

But technology wasn’t the only thing growing. The heart of the station remained the same. As Marcy and Joe explained, WNZR’s positioning statement—“The more you listen, the more you hear”—captures something deeper. It’s not just about music or entertainment. It’s about hearing messages that matter. It’s about encouragement, hope, and ultimately pointing listeners toward the love of Christ.

Another major milestone came in 2010, when the station increased its broadcast power from 130 watts to 1,300 watts. For years, signal interference had been a challenge. This expansion changed that in a big way, improving coverage across Knox County and reaching into surrounding areas. It was a technical upgrade, yes—but also a meaningful moment for the people behind the mic. Students were part of the journey, witnessing firsthand how the station was growing its impact.

And as listening habits continued to evolve, WNZR kept moving forward.

With smartphones becoming a central part of everyday life, the station knew it needed to meet listeners where they are. That led to the development of the WNZR mobile app—making it easier than ever to tune in. Whether through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a quick tap on a phone, listeners can now stay connected wherever they go.

Today, the app has become a daily companion for many—at home, at work, and on the road. It’s simple, accessible, and always within reach.

Looking back, it’s clear each step—streaming, increased signal power, mobile access—was part of a bigger picture. WNZR didn’t just keep up with change. It used each moment as a way to strengthen its mission and expand its reach.

And through it all, one thing remains constant: the connection between the station and its listeners, made possible by faithful support year after year.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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From Humble Beginnings to Something Bigger: The WNZR Story Across Generations

There’s something meaningful about watching a vision grow, especially when it carries across generations. That’s the story of WNZR through Jim McMillan and his son, Jayme.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jim McMillan, now principal at Grove City Christian, has spent nearly 29 years in education. But his connection to media goes back much further. As a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Class of 1983), he helped build WNZR from the ground up.

In the early days, the “station” was a cleared-out 4×8 closet with a turntable, a microphone, and a four-channel board. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get started. What mattered more was the energy around it. Students believed in what it could become.

During his sophomore year, Jim went through the application process to formally join the station. It meant research, preparation, and commitment. A turning point came during a weekend trip to the NRB Convention in Minnesota with Professor Dr. Smith. Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like just a project and started to feel like a calling.

Jim eventually served as production director and later station manager while WNZR was still taking shape. As construction on a real studio began, the anticipation across campus grew. Students broadcast over the breezeway so others could listen in passing. By his senior year, they were calling play-by-play for sports. It felt real.

At the time, WNZR operated on a limited carrier current system, but the goal was always to become a full FM station. Being there at the beginning made it even more meaningful to see that vision come to life.

Years later, that story continued with his son.

Jayme McMillan, Class of 2012, grew up hearing about WNZR, but living it was different. By the time he arrived, the station had grown, but it was still evolving. Sports broadcasting was central, and much of the work was hands-on. Running cables, setting up equipment, figuring things out as you went.

Video production started gaining traction during his later years, helping shift WNZR into something broader than radio. The station expanded its FM reach, and while online streaming existed, it was still finding its place. Even so, there was a clear sense of momentum. Leadership’s excitement, especially from Marcy, carried through the entire team.

One major step forward was “Big Blue,” the mobile broadcast unit. Before that, students packed gear into cars and vans for every event. Big Blue gave WNZR a visible presence and made the operation feel more established.

Some of the most memorable moments, though, were personal.

During Jayme’s freshman year, station leaders trusted two freshmen to keep things running while they were away. When the other student couldn’t make it, Jayme stepped in and ended up hosting an afternoon drive show with his dad. At the time, it was about handling responsibility. Looking back, it was something more.

For Jim, it was nerve-wracking. Even with experience, he didn’t want to let anyone down, especially Jayme. But it also gave him something he never had as a student, the chance to be on air, and to share it with his son.

Moments like that reflect what WNZR has always been about. It’s grown into radio, TV, and live streaming, but at its core, it’s about people and shared purpose.

There’s even a bit of friendly competition in the story. Jayme was named employee of the year twice. Jim earned it once. Jim jokes that someone had to build the foundation first. From a small student-built studio to a full media operation, the difference is hard to miss.

Through all that growth, one thing hasn’t changed.

Both Jim and Jayme point to the role faith has played in WNZR’s journey. Built in a small market with limited resources, the station has grown beyond what anyone expected, supported by both campus and community.

Jayme hopes that support continues, along with prayers for the station’s future. As technology changes, he wants WNZR to keep growing while staying true to its mission of serving and uplifting others.

Looking back, Jim doesn’t remember doubt in those early days. What stands out is the excitement. The belief that something meaningful was being built.

Decades later, that belief still holds.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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