Community Narrative

What begins as opening your home for a school year can become a lifelong connection that spans continents and generations. In this episode of Community Narrative, host Dé sits down with Carol Duerksen, a longtime host parent, exchange program coach, and state coordinator who has spent more than 30 years helping students and families experience the life-changing power of cultural exchange. Together...

What does it take to keep fuel moving across rural Kansas? In this episode of Community Narrative, Dé sits down with Chad Kramer, third-generation owner and president of Kramer Oil,to talk about family business, the fuel industry, and the challenges of serving small communities in a constantly changing world. Chad shares memories of growing up alongside his dad in the business, how Kramer Oil expa...

In this episode of Community Narrative , Dé sits down with Courtney Porter—manager of the Marysville Aquatic Center and Assistant Professor of Management and Ethics at Manhattan Christian College. Courtney shares how her work at the pool and in the classroom are more connected than they might seem, both rooted in building trust, creating safe environments, and helping people grow into who they’re...

In this episode of Community Narrative , Dé sits down with Susie Latta, Marshall County’s longtime Extension Agent. Susie shares how she first came to the area more than 30 years ago and explains the mission of Extension—bringing research-based information from Kansas State University to local communities. From helping residents navigate Medicare and prepare taxes to supporting 4-H youth programs...

When emergencies happen in Marshall County, there’s a small but mighty team working behind the scenes long before the sirens sound. In this episode, Dé talks with Sara Naaf, Assistant Director of the Marshall County Office of Emergency Management, about what emergency management really looks like at the local level. From wildfire coordination and hazardous materials to severe weather alerts, cyber...

If you’ve ever opened your property valuation notice and wondered how that number was decided—or what to do if something doesn’t look right—this episode is for you. In this episode of Community Narrative , Dé sits down with Tami Antoine , Marshall County Appraiser, to demystify how property values are determined and what the appraiser’s office actually does behind the scenes. Tami explains the dif...

In this episode of Community Narrative , Dé talks with Amy Burr, Program Director for Meadowlark Hospice, about the heart of hospice care in North Central Kansas. Amy shares the history and mission of Meadowlark Hospice, how they serve six rural counties, and what hospice care truly offers patients and families facing a life-limiting illness. Throughout the conversation, Amy addresses common misco...

In this episode of the Community Narrative Podcast , Dé sits down with Ashley Kracht, the new Executive Director of the Marysville Community Foundation, and Jeff Crist, its longtime President, for an inspiring look at how generosity and community spirit shape the future of Marshall County. Together, they discuss how the Foundation connects donors with local causes, the grant process that supports...

In this episode of Community Narrative , Dé sits down with Mike Peschel, CEO of Twin Valley Developmental Services, to talk about the organization’s mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities in Marshall and Washington counties. Mike shares his journey in human services, the challenges and rewards of leading Twin Valley, and how the community can play a role in creating opportu...

Temps Disposal Service has been a part of the community since 1952, starting with a single farm truck and growing into a company that now serves thousands of customers each week. In this episode, Dé sits down with co-owner Shelby Temps to talk about carrying on the family business alongside his wife, Sarah. He shares the challenges of keeping trucks on the road, the hazards disposal workers face,...

In this episode of Community Narrative, Dé sits down with Woody Walstrom, funeral director and co-owner of Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. Woody’s path home was anything but predictable—he grew up sports-obsessed, studied biology, worked on rivers in Colorado, and spent time in labs before stepping into the family business. Woody opens up about the realities of funeral service in a small town: fro...

In this thought-provoking episode of Community Narrative , Dé sits down with April Todd, Executive Director of the Pony Express Partnership for Children (PEPC), to explore how one small organization is making a big impact in Marysville and the surrounding region. April shares the story behind PEPC’s founding, the essential services they offer—from rental and utility assistance to child care and ca...

In this powerful episode, Dan Richardson shares his journey from addiction, instability, and survival to faith, family, and purpose. Dan shares candid stories of his early years, the destructive patterns he fell into, and the hard-won turning points that led to lasting change. Through the love of his wife and a growing faith in God, Dan began to rebuild his life. Today, he volunteers with the Brot...

In this episode of Community Narrative , Dé sits down with Bruce Dierking, longtime owner of a local radio station group based in Marysville, KS. Bruce shares his journey from calling high school sports to owning multiple stations, and how local radio continues to adapt in an era of streaming, AI, and shifting listener habits. They discuss the enduring value of local storytelling, the evolving rol...

In this heartwarming and deeply human episode, we’rehonored to bring you the life story of Sheila Lewis — a library patron whose journey spans continents, decades, and some of the most defining events of the 20th century. From her early years growing up in wartime England, where air raidsand food shortages were a part of daily life, to a globe-trotting adulthood alongside her husband in the U.S. A...

Join host Dé on the Community Narrative Podcast with the Marysville Public Library, for an insightful conversation with Sarah Kessinger, publisher and editor of The Marysville Advocate . In this episode, Sarah shares her journey into journalism, growing up in a family of newspaper publishers and ultimately taking over The Advocate to continue its 140-year legacy of serving Marshall County. Sarah d...

In this episode of the Community Narrative podcast with the Marysville Public Library, host Dé sits down with Marian Friedrichs to explore the world of homeschooling. Marian, a former middle school English teacher, shares her journey from New York to rural Kansas, and how she transitioned into homeschooling her six (soon to be seven) children. She discusses the classical education approach she fol...

Welcome to the Community Narrative podcast with the Marysville Public Library! Hosted by library staff member, Dé, this podcast is all about connecting with the people and businesses that shape Marshall County, KS. Inspired by the Omaha Public Library’s podcast initiative, Community Narrative aims to boost engagement, support education, and showcase local voices. In this introductory episode, Dé s...