2022 We Kan! AWARD WINNERS (presented in 2023)

Susan Atchison, Arvonia - Keeping Arvonia alive

Central Branch Railroad (Marshall County Railroad Historical Society) - For Extra Effort

El Dean Holthus, Smith Center - Preserving a Kansas icon

Bryan Lisbona, Basehor - Designing Kansas

Jack & Edith McClain, Gaylord - Taking care of Liberty

Dave Webb, Protection - Bringing history to light

Terry Tietjens, Abilene - For heart-and-soul efforts

Annarose White, Wellington - Retail magic sauce

2021 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Karla Fleming, Mankato - Changing the tide

Marilyn Jones, Peabody - You've made a difference

Grant Neuhold, Kiowa County Media Center, Greensburg - Media Guru and Good Guy

Sharolyn Wagner, Bennington - For treating us all so superbly

Ron Wilson, Manhattan - Rural says thank you!

2020 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS 

Elizabeth Burger, Sunflower Foundation, Topeka - Giving her all for Kansas

Andrea Etzel, KANSAS! magazine editor, state tourism staff, Topeka - Best at curating Kansas

Heather Fuesz, Eureka - Community Champion

Julie Lyon, Stafford - Visionary doer 

Lynn Smith, Executive Director, Pioneer Bluffs, Matfield Green - Doing it all, impressively 

Shirley Higgins, McCracken - You're my touchstone 

Tim Rues, Constitution Hall, Lecompton - More than a curator

Tara Vance, Norton County Community Foundation, Norton - Spirited Force for Progress

Connie Werner, Horton - Community champion

2019 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Michelle Crisler, Wamego - Quietly delivering quality

Helen Dobbs, St. Francis - Dedicated doer

Carolyn Dunn, St. John - Ardent Achiever

Dan & Jan Epp, Tribune - Best kind of newspaper

Kathleen Holt, Cimarron - Answering the call

Joy Jensen, Eureka - Years of Good

2018 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

B and Mandy Fincham, Beloit - Giving Beloit a cool factor

Shaley George, Concordia - Sharing stories with heart

Jeanne Fisher Roberts, Plains - Plains Awesome

Kelli Hilliard, Topeka - Tourism friend to all of Kansas

Kelly Larson, Lincoln - Passion for "building"

Lori Lennen, Coolidge - Putting Coolidge on the map

Luciano and Nancy Mottola, Mulvane – Providing great taste and class

Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring, St. Francis - Breath of fresh air

Jenny Russell, Courtland - Passionate rural by choice doer

Rosslyn Schultz, Lucas - Sharing art in extraordinary fashion

Jim Stukey, Burlington - Painting the town

Note - We accidentally did eleven this year.  How wonderful!

2017 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Rosanna Bauman, Garnett - Farming the future

Community of Winfield - Bringing Kansas Together 2016-2017

Kristi Lee, Leavenworth - Making things happen

Chris McCord, Ellinwood - Shining light on the underground

Julie Mulvihill, Topeka - Connecting Communities

Jayne Humphrey Pearce, Wallace - Making Wallace County Historic

Jacque Pregont, Atchison - Being attentive to Atchison

Kathy Richardson, Lindsborg - Making Ad Hoc into an art form

Len Schamber, Damar - Preserving Kansas, ala Len, Schamber Historic Preservation

Roxie Yonkey, Goodland - Complementing Sherman Co.

2016 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Jane Brophy, Chanute - Cheering for Chanute

Shari Butler, Elkhart - Passion for the Grassland

Sarah Green, Wichita - Doing Democracy

Bridgette Jobe, Kansas City - Seeing the Big Picture

Liz King, Park City, UT (Marci's sister) - Designed generosity

Ken & Shirley McClintock, Council Grove - Making History Delicious

Larry & Jan Olson, Hill City - Stumpin' for RV Parks & Campgrounds

Sue Stringer, Topeka - Toutin' Kansas

Andrea Springer & Steve Snook, Hutchinson - Good Thinkers for Kansas

Adam Wagner, Greensburg - You've Been Good for Kansas

2015 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Patty Clark, Topeka - Leadership that strengthens rural Kansas

Simone Elder, Leoti - Good energy for the county

Dave Kendall, Dover - You're simply the best...in a vest

Holly Lofton, Lindsborg - Making things happen in Lindsborg

Luke Mahin, Courtland - PowerUp for all ages

Nancy Ohnick, Meade - Dedication to Meade County History

Tom Parker, Blue Rapids - Putting Kansas in a good light

Dena Patee, Ellis - Doing everything, all out

Jan Stevens, Dodge City - Difference-making leadership

Community of Wamego - Bringing Kansas Together 2014-2015

2014 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Stacy Barnes, Greensburg - Good for Greensburg, through thick and thin

Phyllis Bitner, Franklin (Crawford Co.) - Irresistible force for Franklin

Jim and Sandi Coast, Cimarron - Community difference-maker

Jettie Condray, Minneapolis - Passion for Ottawa County History

Janelle Dockendorf, Dickinson County - Bringing the county together

Don Harness, Garden City - Keeping the Windsor Dream Alive

Katie Herrick, Johnson - Dedication to Stanton County history education

John Howard, Marysville - Marshall County Enthusiast

Paul Kallman, Scandia - Great support for North Central Kansas

Susan Wettstein, Garnett - Working for the good of Garnett

2013 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Abby Amick, Alma - Powering Up agri-women and Kansas

Don Lampe, Piqua - Always-there-to-help Guy

Liz Sosa, Garden City - Leading the way to PowerUp Kansas

Brenda Staggenborg, Marysville - Making it happen in Marysville

U.S. Highway 36 Association - Century of promoting East to West

Sarah Werner, Winfield - Valuable PowerUp voice accross Kansas

2012 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Myrna Barnes, Elkhart - Commitment to county history

Amy Bickel, Hutchinson News - Perfectly penning about past Kansas towns

Vicki Gillett, Larned - Longtime community promoter

Connie Grafel, Oberlin - Steady regional influence

Keystone Gallery, Logan County - Fabulous fossil stewards

Connie Kimsey, Arkansas City - Rock solid regional partner

Dick Mosier, Herington - Valuable volunteer and Kansas Explorer

Fred Peterson, Marquette - Determined community booster

Julie Roller, Wamego - Awesome supporter of her towns

Ruben Schuckman, Hays - Devoted promoter of Ellis County towns

2011 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Grady Atwater, Osawatomie - Dedicated advocate for John Brown

Sally Frame, Kinsley - Great Kansas Spirit!

Teresa Huffman, Marion - Positive force for rural communities

Leavenworth County - Thanks for bringing Kansas together in 2010-2011

Community of Muscotah - The Little Town that Could

Debra Nelson, Little River - Progressive difference maker

Yvette Schlegel, Ness City - Positive influence in southwest Kansas

Jeff Sheets, Abilene - Champion for cattle town history

Lonnie Stieben, Clearwater - Dedicated advocate for rural towns

Beccy Tanner, Wichita - Lifting rural Kansas with her pen

2010 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

2009 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Tom Braddy, Paxico - Mr. Promoter of Wine and Kansas

Concordia - Bringing Kansas Together in 2008-2009

John Divine, Salina - Longtime and loyal support

Sharla Krenzel, Leoti - Making a difference for Wichita County

Kristel Lewis, Lawrence - Extra effort for entrepreneurs

Joan Nothern, Glasco - Thoughtful leadership

Susan Rathke, Emporia - Excellent for Emporia

Glenda Trecek, Agenda - Believing in Agenda

Kristina Vaughn, Canute, OK - Extra Effort

Pat Veesart, Garden City - Champion for many

2008 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Belinda & Mike Adams, New Albany - Passionate at Sharing History

Cris Collier, Great Bend - Superior Nature Promoter

Collyer Community Alliance - The Little Town That Could

Linda Craghead, Alma - Leadership and Creating Community

Cuba Booster Club - Keeping a Town Alive

Sally Fuller, Liberal - Making a Difference

Cathy Haney, Clay Center - Commitment to History (and hats!)

Jon Hotaling, Burlington - Dedication to County

Erika Nelson, Lucas - Visionary Artist, Thinker, and Speaker

Linda Wilson, Dodge City - Lending a Helping Hand

2007 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Mary Arlington, Oakely - Great booster for RV's & Campgrounds

Mary Asher, Mound City - Outstanding upholder of county history

Jason Camis, Ottawa - Great communicator & cuisine connoisseur

Connie Dougherty, Lucas - Champion of Explorer Tourism

Craig & Kelle Goodman, Ness City - Top-notch county promoters

Christy Hopkins, Tribune - Positive communicator and visionary

Andrew Mahoney, Garden City - Golden Voice for Kansas

Carolyn Pendleton, Baxter Springs - Invaluable community promoter

Jim Richardson, Lindsborg - Helping us See Kansas with New Eyes

Sunflower Journeys, KTWU, Topeka - Distinctive Kansas Documentarians

2006 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Judy Casey, McPherson - Steady and positive influence

Tiffani Kirk, Goodland - Enthusiasm for region

Shelia Lampe, Piqua - Regional difference-maker

WenDee LaPlant, Garden City - Networker deluxe

Gene Merry, Burlington -Rural supporter extraordinare

Bobbi Miles, Smith Center - Commitment to community

Gloria Moore, Barnes - Making things happen

Norma Mosier, Herington - Keeping history alive

Scott Nichols, Ulysses - Leadership and cooperative spirit

Cheryl Unruh, Emporia - Beautiful Kansas writings

2005 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Community of Burns - The little town that could

Joann Combs, Liberal - Community promoter

Emma Crites, Fredonia - Community service

Ola May Earnest, Pleasanton - Commitment to history

Debbie Divine, Salina - Helping people see with new eyes

Deborah Kennamore, Burlington - Commitment to excellence

Laura McClure, Osborne - Progressive difference-maker

Barbara Mehuron, Winfield - Pitch in and help

Jeanette Siemens, Pratt - Leadership and vision

Bob & Jan Topping, Leavenworth - Valuable perspective

2004 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Paul Bahnmaier, Lecompton - Keeping history alive

Suzan Barnes, Cottonwood Falls - Making it the best it can be

Judy Billings, Lawrence - Bringing communities together

Sally Hatcher, Leavenworth - Support for rural Kansas

Susie Haver, Concordia - Making a difference

Kim Legleiter, Montezuma - Community support

Dollie Mathes, Harper - Community difference-maker

Community of Newton - Bringing Kansas together

Donna Price, Goodland - Being the glue

Sue Smith, Cottonwood Falls - Making it fun!

2003 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Chris Bauman, Neodesha - Community service

Paul Boyer & family, Belleville - Support of creative genius

Robert Cole, Wamego - Dedication to commerce & history

Fancy T's and More, Waterville - Community support

Roger Hrabe, Stockton - Making a difference

Dennis Katzenmeier, Ellsworth - Extra effort

Osborne County Tourism - Seeing county with new eyes

Wild West Country (SW Kansas Tourism region) - Attention to towns of all sizes

Margo Yates, Marion - Plugging away

Ann Zimmerman, Salina - Music to our ears

2002 WE KAN! AWARDS

Amazing 100 Miles - Cooperative spirit

Fred Burgess & Jim Mathes, Lewis - Making a difference

Community of Independence - Bringing Kansas together

Brenda Johnson, McDonald - Hometown champion

Charley Klamm, Cottonwood Falls - Making a difference

Margaret Kraisinger, Halstead - Community service

Diane Niehoff, Baldwin City - Community service

Eileen Roberston, Humboldt - Generous spirit

Sara Fair Sleeper, Alden - Believing in community

Solomon Valley Heritage Alliance - Creative energy

2001 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Ann Walter, Waterville - Making things happen

Ellen Morgan, Salina - Uniting arts and tourism

Ellen Snell, Arkansas City - Uniting culture and tourism

Jessica Gilbert & Pat Wick, Ramona - Enthusaism & spirit

John & Debbie Breeden, Morland - Extra effort

Karen Tanner, Garden City - Cooperative effort

Leo Oliva, Woodston - Bringing communities together

Mike Mayberry, Kiowa - Countywide support

Paxico Merchants - For reviving Paxico

SEKTR (Southeast Kansas Tourism Region) - Enthusiasm & unity

2000 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Community of Ottawa - Bringing Kansas together

Connie Essington, Council Grove - Commitment to excellence

Country Boys Carriage & Prairie Adventures, Newton - Keeping the pioneer story alive

Dave Procter, Manhattan - Telling the Kansas story

Downs Art Council - Making a difference

Glasco Arts Council - Believing in community

Martha Slater, Hutchinson - For believing...

Megan Evans, Halstead - Commitment to excellence

Territorial Kansas Heritage Alliance - Cooperative promotion

Tom & Marcella Ryan, Valley Falls - Dedication to rural Kansas

1999 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Clifton-Vining Music Festival - The little train that could

Community of Pratt - Cooperative spirit

Darrell Albright, Pretty Prairie - Historical preservation

Janice Walker, Elwood - Dedication & Commitment

Kelly Goss, Garden City - The 220 award

Linda Hart, Coldwater - Dedication & commitment

Lisa Weigt, Melvern - Making a difference

Peabody Historical Society - Preserving the local story

Shannon Thom, Isabel - Spirit and support

Von Rothenberger, Osborne - Preserving the local story

1998 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Deanne & Earl Wright, Council Grove - Dedication & commitment

Dorene Anderson, Lindsborg - Outstanding community service

Gary Satter, Valley Falls - Seeing Kansas with new eyes

John & Susan Howell, Wichita - Telling the Kansas story

Ken & Jeri Harder, Cottonwood Falls - Telling the Kansas story

Leilani Thomas, Colby - Leading the way

Mary & Marva Holt, Columbus - Hospitality

Owen & Della Meier, Canton - Dedication & commitment

Patrycia Herndon, Dighton - Restoration & artistry

Prairie Spirit Trail, Anderson County - Blazing the way

1997 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Gary Anderson, Oberlin - Follow your dream

Community of Beaumont - The little train that could

Dane G. Hansen Museum, Logan - The little train that could

Edwards County Tourism - Cooperative spirit

Marilyn Helmer, Lincoln/Tescott - Outstanding community service

Community of Lucas - Extra effort

Barbara Stoecklein, Emporia - Hostess with the Mostest

Betty Van Osdol, Inman - Unsung hero

Vonada Stone Quarry, Sylvan Grove - Leading the way

Jonathan Wimer, Jackson County - Making it happen

1996 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Country Junction/Lizard Lips, Toronto - Making a difference

Stan Finger, Wichita Eagle - Media support for rural Kansas

Lynda Fort, Ulysses - Leading the way

Dave & Mary Hendricks, WaKeeney - Leading the way

Lester (Buffalo Man) Lawrence, Clifton/Clyde - Enthusiasm for region

Michael & Ivona Pickering, Lincoln - Outstanding cooperative spirit

Ride into History, Admire - Extra effort

Jay Yoder, Partridge - Follow your dream

Zenda Lumberyard Restaurant - The little train that could

1995 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Scott Dietz, KSNW-TV, Wichita - Media support for rural Kansas

George & Marjorie Gantz, Holton - Outstanding community service

Wally & Marian Glotta, Stafford - Outstanding community support

Vicky Johnson, Scammon - Outstanding cooperative spirit

Kansas Originals Market, Wilson - Outstanding retail support

Dolores Landry, Ames - Leading the way

Roger Masenthin, Harper - Seeing Kansas with new eyes

Charley & Faye Minium, Morland - Making a difference

B.J. Smart, Washington - Enthusiasm for county

1994 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Abilene Area Bed-and-Breakfasts - Cooperative Effort

Christmas Wonderland, Stafford

Community of Caldwell

Early Bird Feeders, Augusta

Community of Ellsworth

Nita Jones, Sedan

Jane Koger, Matfield Green

Prairie People Tourism Association

Susie & the LuWonda's, Cloud County - Seeing Kansas with new eyes

Victorian Promenades, Fort Scott

1993 WE KAN! AWARD WINNERS

Angela Bates, Nicodemus - Dedication to historical preservation

Peggy Blackman, Marion - Enthusiasm for county

Cloud County Stained Glass Task Force - Countywide promotion

Friends of Elk Falls - The little train that could

Jim Gray, Ellsworth - Superior knowledge of area

Eda Jean Hildreth, Alton - #1 Kansas Explorer

David Lewis, Southern Kansas Telephone, Clearwater - Corporate support for rural Kansas

Linda Niemeyer, Woodson County - Dedication to historical preservation

Annette White, Kanopolis - Dedication to historical preservation

Tobe Zweygardt, Cheyenne County - Dedication to historical preservation