Newsmakers 2015: Denny Ward

While many small towns seem to be fading off the map, Denny Ward saw potential in Marquand, Missouri.

Over the years, he has written more than $3 million in successful grants, helping preserve and improve the historic town with a population of 201.

"There's so much here -- the natural beauty, the historic aspect of the community," Ward says. "It has a lot to offer, but it was missing culture. I was determined that was going to happen."

Ward has served as mayor of Marquand for nearly 12 years. The town has since built a community center, created a hiking and biking trail, added historic streetlights and cobblestone walks, opened an art gallery and preserved a historic building that is now home to the Homan Hill Performing Arts Center.

He is executive director of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service and serves as a board member of the Missouri Public Transportation Association, secretary for Marquand Development Corporation, program director for Homan Hall Performing Arts Center and also works with the Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies.

"With historic preservation and arts, I think we have impacted the community significantly," Ward says. "I grew up there, and my great-great grandparents settled there in 1804. So, there's a lot of longevity, as far as our family ties go back to the community. The little town has always meant a lot to me."