2024 We Kan! Award Winners
Katrina Ringler, State Historic Preservation Office - Supporting Preservation
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
Bennington Community Library, Bennington - You did it!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
Keyta Kelly, Tonganoxie -All about community
Eric Montgomery, Lawrence - Picture of Support
Karen Sturm, Caldwell - Historically Awesome
Rosa Thomas, Whiting - Cooking up some love
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
Tammy Britt, Concordia - Good Thinker & Bright Spirit
Community of Liberal - Bringing Kansas Together 2012-2013
Marc & Alice Ferguson, Meade - Preserving the Old West Story
Marieta Hauser, Ulysses - Doing it all for Grant County
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
Cathy Albert, WaKeeney - Invaluable community promoter
Linda Clover, Cawker City - Caretake of a community asset
Kathie and Jack Crispin, Lincoln - Outstanding keepers of history
Judy Dayhoff, Boulder, CO - Champion Explorer!
Craig Hull, Crawford County - Going the extra mile
Kaye Kuhn, Medicine Lodge - Caretaker of important history
Nancy Nolte, Blue Rapids - Champion Explorer!
Glenda Purkis, Abilene - Steady and positive influence
Tom Reed, Horton - Deluxe Entrepreneur and Good Guy!
Lea Ann Seiler,
Hodgeman
County - Positive force for forward
motion
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