Prairie Village bestows Community Spirit awards on Rimann Liquors, two residents

The city of Prairie Village unveiled the winners of its annual Community Spirit awards during the opening ceremony of VillageFest Monday.

Prairie Village Mayor Ron Shaffer (left) with Mary and Marshall Rimann of Rimann Liquors after they received their Community Spirit award.

Rimann Liquors won this year’s award for a business.

VillageFest organizer Diana Ewy Sharp, a Prairie Village City Councilwoman, said Rimann Liquors got a nod from the selection committee for its involvement with the Prairie Village Arts Council and Jazz Fest, along with its dedication to the neighborhood.

“People feel like when they go in there, they’re not just a customer; they’re a neighbor,” she said. “Their trademark has become that in-depth customer service. That’s the kind of business we like to have around.”

Johnny’s Tavern won the business award last year.

Two residents received Community Spirit awards as well.

Kathy Peterson, a longtime Prairie Village volunteer, was nominated by three separate individuals. The committee recognized her for her efforts to bring the Prairie Village skate park to life, and, more recently, for her work on the Jazz Festival and as part of the Community Center study committee.

Prairie Hills resident Mark Stiles won an award as well. Stiles, who was nominated by his homes association, has spent the past ten year maintaining the traffic islands in the area with little recognition.

“Mark does it quietly, and doesn’t do it for any attention,” Ewy Sharp said. “He’s really one of the unsung heroes who makes this community great.”