Community Narrative

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 everything from historic preservation to youth education, and the incredible impact of Pony Up Marysville Match Day—an event that turns local giving into lasting change.

Ashley and Jeff share insights on building partnerships, encouraging philanthropy, and helping donors achieve their charitable goals in creative ways. They also reflect on the challenges of education and awareness, the importance of long-term planning, and their vision for the Foundation’s next decade.

It’s a thoughtful discussion about giving, gratitude, and what it means to leave a legacy in the place you call home.

Marysville Community Foundation's website: https://www.marysvillecf.org/

Marysville Community Foundation's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marysvillecf

Pony Up Marysville's website: https://www.ponyupmarysville.com/

For guest suggestions and questions about our podcast, email Dé at [email protected].

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 opportunities for inclusion and independence.

Twin Valley’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TwinValleyFriends

Twin Valley’s website: https://www.twinvalleyfriends.com/

For guest suggestions and questions about our podcast, email Dé at [email protected].

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, and the importance of safety and reliability in waste collection.

Listeners will also hear about what makes the job rewarding, from helping customers solve unusual problems to creating a positive workplace for employees. Shelby discusses community partnerships, the realities of holiday and storm schedules, and why simple steps like bagging trash or setting it out early make a big difference.

From family legacy to the day-to-day grind of serving over 3,500 stops a week, this conversation shines a light on a business we all rely on — and the dedicated people who keep it running.

Temps' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TempsDisposal.

For guest suggestions and questions about our podcast, email Dé at [email protected].

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: from the delicate art of embalming to the rise of livestreamed funerals during COVID, to the many different ways people approach death and remembrance. He shares stories about the challenges of coordinating services, the quiet humor and humanity behind the work, and why he believes most people, at their core, want to do good and help others.It’s a conversation about family, tradition, and finding meaning in one of life’s hardest but most essential callings.You can find more information about Kinsley Mortuary at https://www.kinsleymortuary.com/

For questions about our podcast, reach out to Dé at [email protected]

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 case management—and the unique challenges rural families face every day.

With honesty and heart, April opens up about the realities of poverty and homelessness in Marshall and Washington counties, the critical role of empathy in service work, and the ways community generosity has allowed PEPC to grow from a one-person effort into a thriving family resource center. You’ll also learn how local residents can support the mission—through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.

This episode is a reminder that behind every statistic is a story, and behind every need is a neighbor.

PEPC's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ponyexpresspartnership

For guest suggestions and questions about our podcast, email Dé at [email protected].

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 Brothers in Blue Reentry program, helping incarcerated men find hope and direction. Dan's story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of showing up for others — even when the path isn’t easy.

If you want to know more about the Brothers in Blue Reentry program, go to https://www.brothersinbluereentry.org/.

For guest suggestions and questions about our podcast, email Dé at [email protected].

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 role of technology in media and why community events, from county fairs to local festivals, remain a core part of their programming. Bruce also reflects on leadership, the power of volunteerism, and how trying “just one thing” can open doors to lifelong passion and purpose.

Whether you're curious about the future of radio or just love a good story about small-town resilience, this conversation offers heart, insight, and a reminder of why tuning in still matters.

If you have any questions about our podcast, or guest suggestions, feel free to email our host, Dé, at [email protected].

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. Air Force, Sheila reflects with wit, humility, and wisdom on a life fully lived.

This conversation is more than a trip down memory lane— it’s a celebration of strength, humor, and the quiet heroism found in everyday life. Whether you’re interested in history, fascinated by lived experience, or simply looking for a story that uplifts and inspires, this is one you won’t want to miss.

For questions or guest suggestions, feel free to email our host Dé at [email protected].

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 discusses the evolving role of local newspapers, the challenges of sustaining print media in the digital age, and the impact of accurate and responsible journalism on communities. From covering local government and elections to adapting to digital platforms, she emphasizes the importance of keeping residents informed and engaged.

Tune in to hear Sarah's thoughts on the future of journalism, the efforts to reach younger readers, and the vital role community newspapers play in fostering an informed and connected society. Whether you're a journalism enthusiast, a local news supporter, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of a newspaper, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

** This episode was recorded on March 13, 2025, so any articles or news mentioned may not reflect the most current events.

You can connect with Sarah Kessinger at [email protected] for any questions or story ideas.

If you have any questions about our podcast, or guest suggestions, feel free to email our host, Dé, at [email protected].

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 follows, how she manages teaching multiple kids of different ages, and the resources and support available to homeschooling families. Whether you're considering homeschooling or just curious about how it works, this episode provides valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of home education.

You can connect with Marian Friedrichs on Facebook or reach out to her via email at [email protected] for any questions or homeschooling information. For questions or guest suggestions, feel free to email our host, Dé, at [email protected].