OneMarysville will host Celebrate Marysville, its annual meeting and awards banquet, on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Venue 36, 1195 Pony Express Highway. The public is invited.
The evening begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. catered by Bite Me Barbecue. The program and awards presentation starts at 7:45 p.m.
Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a table of eight. Reservations are requested by Jan. 5. Tickets may be purchased online at onemarysville.com by selecting the Events section or in person at 617 Broadway on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Marysville will also highlight OneMarysville’s work over the past year through the Main Street America approach, which organizes community development efforts around four focus areas: economic vitality, design, promotion and organization.
Economic vitality work has focused on strengthening local business through professional development workshops and relationship-building opportunities like Wake Up Wednesday and the monthly Mixer, creating times for business owners and employees to connect and share ideas.
Design efforts have centered on protecting and improving the look and feel of Marysville, including guidance for signs, awnings and murals, encouragement of quality building improvements and continued momentum in key areas like the 7th Street Corridor.
Promotion work has focused on drawing people to Marysville and strengthening hometown pride through signature events and marketing efforts, including Big Blue River Days, Pony Express 120 Gravel Dash and Black Squirrel Fall Fest, along with billboards and messaging that positions Marysville as the Trails Capital of Kansas.
Organization has strengthened the partnerships that make the work possible, bringing volunteers, committees, sponsors and community partners together.
“Celebrate Marysville is about momentum and gratitude,” said Liz Warren, OneMarysville board president. “We will recognize the people and businesses who make this community stronger, and we will also celebrate what happens when a community stays focused and works together.”
The evening will conclude with community awards, with nominees drawn from public submissions gathered in recent weeks.
Business of the Year
- Citizens State Bank — Nominators highlighted the bank’s steady support for youth activities and behind-the-scenes help mentoring business leaders when needed. Customers also pointed to a consistently warm, welcoming team that makes every visit enjoyable, backed by generous community donations and sponsorships that show the bank cares about Marysville.
- Kramer Oil — Kramer Oil is recognized for strong customer service and a community-minded approach, with nominators calling the team advocates for Marysville and the kind of business that looks for ways to help the town.
- Tension — Tension is nominated as a long-standing Marysville business and major employer, recognized for providing jobs and stability through the years and for continuing to be part of the community’s economic backbone.
Small Business of the Year
- El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant — El Ranchero is nominated for attentive service, hardworking owners and staff and a reputation for great food served with consistency and care.
- Marysville Dental Care — Nominators noted the practice’s investment in Marysville, including the recent purchase of a larger property to expand. The team is also recognized for connecting with the community through social media, sharing innovations in dental care while introducing the public to the people behind the work.
- Semper Fi Electric — Semper Fi Electric is nominated for the way the team conducts business and treats others. Nominators cited the company’s quick response times, reliable service, quality work and a consistent willingness to show up when people need help.
Volunteer of the Year
- Brian Fragel — Fragel is recognized as someone who shows up and supports the community in visible and meaningful ways. Nominators noted service as a former Main Street board member, leadership with Convention and Tourism as a committee chair, involvement with the Marshall County Arts Cooperative, plus continued involvement at church and at community events.
- Sharon Phillips — Phillips is nominated for being present and active across many corners of the community, from the Evangelical United Church of Christ to the Koester House Museum and Gardens to the food pantry and OneMarysville events. Nominators also pointed to the pride taken in caring for spaces and places, often quietly making Marysville look better and feel more welcoming.
- Ben Throm — Throm is recognized for service to several local organizations, including the Masons, the Marysville High School Alumni Association and OneMarysville. Nominators highlighted a willingness to share skills in technology and design, always with a polite, positive attitude.
Business Design and Beautification
- CES Group — CES Group is nominated for a transformation that is hard to miss. Nominators praised the look, style and curb appeal of the new building and the lift it brings to the west end, noting how the project has helped the 7th Street Corridor and improved that stretch of Broadway.
- Minnie’s Kitchen — Minnie’s Kitchen is nominated for restoration work that brought fresh life to a downtown storefront. Nominators highlighted the hard work put into restoring the facade and the way the business has quickly built a following, not only for the food but for the conversations that help connect people to downtown’s stories and history.
- Pony Express Title — Pony Express Title is recognized for seeing potential and putting in the work to match it. Nominators noted the transformation of a neglected property into a cozy, welcoming office space that adds charm and curb appeal while fitting the character of Marysville.
Outstanding Customer Service
- Micala Ellenbecker, 12th Street Liquor — Ellenbecker is nominated for consistently going above and beyond and for setting the tone with kindness and professionalism. Nominators described someone who stays gracious even in tough moments, takes time to connect with people and makes customers feel welcomed and valued.
- Lukas Leis, Sunflower Medical Clinic — Leis is recognized as the steady presence at the front desk who helps make clinic visits smooth and stress-free. Nominators praised work ethic, patience and professionalism beyond his years, noting a consistent smile, clear communication and an ability to make patients feel like people, not just appointments.
- Ty Lumley, Honeyman Auto — Lumley is nominated for service that combines efficiency with genuine care. Nominators highlighted strong communication, honesty and a willingness to go the extra mile, whether arranging a ride, helping customers understand options or creating a comfortable, hometown experience.
Additional honors, including Black Squirrel of the Year, will be announced during the program. Tickets are available now, with reservations requested by Jan. 5.
For more information, contact OneMarysville at 785-562-3101.
