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140 Years of Local Journalism:

The Marysville Advocate’s Enduring Legacy

In a world of constant change, The Marysville Advocate stands as a testament to the power of local journalism and community connection. At the helm is Sarah Kessinger, editor and publisher, who took over ownership of the family-run weekly newspaper in 2012 after the retirement of her parents, Sharon and Howard Kessinger. The Kessingers led the paper for 37 years. Their story proves how deeply journalism runs in their family. Each a proud graduate of Kansas State University, they were united by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to community.

Before returning to Marysville, Sarah built a rich career in journalism, from launching a bilingual newspaper for Spanish-speaking workers in Garden City to editing at The Monitor in McAllen, Texas, and covering the Kansas Statehouse for the Harris Group. In 2008, the ‘call of home’ brought her back to Marshall County, where she’s continued the Advocate’s mission of informing and empowering the community.

Founded in 1885 by Union Army veterans and originally named The Bugle Call, the newspaper has evolved through generations and name changes: The True Republican, The Advocate, and The Advocate-Democrat, before finally becoming The Marysville Advocate in the 1950s. This year marks the paper’s 140th anniversary, a milestone made possible by the support of strong local businesses and an engaged readership.

Today, The Marysville Advocate operates with a team of 10, including reporters, editors, advertising staff, and circulation managers. Community members also contribute writing and photography, reinforcing the paper’s deep local roots.

The internet has transformed how the newspaper operates. From researching stories and conducting interviews to uploading pages to the printer and managing subscriptions, digital tools are now essential. “It’s endless what we use the internet for today,” Sarah says. The paper now offers a full e-edition online, sends weekly email alerts, and posts breaking news stories to its website.

Currently, around 600 readers access The Marysville Advocate online, and efforts are underway to grow that number. This complements the 2,500 printed newspapers distributed weekly, underscoring the publication’s strong physical presence in the community. The dual-format approach ensures that both longtime readers and newer digital audiences stay informed.

While the digital age has brought challenges, especially in advertising revenue, The Marysville Advocate remains resilient. “Our best advertisers are locally-owned businesses and industries who see the value in a mix of media,” Sarah explains. The internet has also brought efficiency, allowing the team to cover more stories and reach more people.

The newspaper's readership still skews older, with many loyal to the printed edition. However, efforts are ongoing to engage younger readers through digital platforms. “An informed public that welcomes new ideas and civil discussion makes for a stronger county community,” she says. “With information, based on knowledge, there is power.”

A key partner in this digital evolution has been Blue Valley Technologies. “It’s fantastic,” Sarah says. “We very rarely have problems with our [fiber] internet service, and if we do, it’s fixed promptly. The quick response and ease of communication with BVT staff is amazing. It’s something we should all realize is a rarity.”

Sarah added, “I'd just like to thank BVT's great leadership and staff for all that they do to maintain such stellar service. You help make this region's quality of life really, really good.”

As The Marysville Advocate looks to the future, Sarah remains committed to fostering a strong foundation for local journalism. She’s passionate about helping new storytellers understand the importance of local journalism and its role in building strong communities. “Local news connects people to their neighbors, their history, and their future,” she says. “It’s about keeping the conversation going and making sure it’s grounded in truth.”