Announcement of Candidacy for Mayor of Marionville

My name is Jim Brangenberg, and I am running for Mayor of Marionville.

I love Marionville. This is an amazing small town with great people, strong schools, and a great location. We have dedicated organizations, committed volunteers, and all the right ingredients to thrive as a city.

At the same time, Marionville faces serious financial challenges that must be addressed. The 2026 budget recently passed by the Board of Aldermen includes a projected deficit of approximately $175,000. Under the current plan, that shortfall would be covered by drawing from the city’s savings. If nothing changes, those savings could be exhausted within just a few years.

Our city needs leadership that is innovative, energetic, and connected to all parts of the community. We need a mayor who is willing to ask tough questions and offer bold, practical solutions to strengthen city revenue. My vision is to move Marionville out of financial strain and into a place of stability and growth—so we can fix our roads, repair and add sidewalks, and invest in the infrastructure that keeps our town safe and welcoming.

We must also attract new businesses that generate sustainable revenue while ensuring the city collects the revenue it has earned and deserves to provide quality services.

My wife, Martha, and I have demonstrated our commitment to Marionville through physical and financial investments in downtown, including Central Place, The Gathering, and the LoJ. We have also worked to support and encourage local businesses through Marionville Business Connect.

I live in Marionville. I work here, volunteer here, attend church here, and regularly attend Board of Aldermen meetings. I have served our community in many ways, including as:

• Co-host of the Good Place Marionville Podcast

• Co-founder of Marionville Business Connect

• Chair of the Marionville Economic Development Advisory Committee

• Member of the Planning & Zoning Committee

• Active member and Chaplain of the Marionville Fire Department

• Member of the Ministerial Alliance and Lions Club

• Advisor to Marionville High School FBLA students

In addition, I bring over 40 years of experience running businesses, managing people, and solving complex problems, along with a background in communications, radio, podcasting, and public speaking.

I believe I can help Marionville see clearly where we are, where we need to go, and how we can grow while preserving what makes this town special in southwest Missouri. As mayor, I will work collaboratively with a newly elected Board of Aldermen, our dedicated city employees and citizens to serve Marionville well.

I would be honored to earn your vote on April 7, 2026.

— Jim Brangenberg

My work in downtown Marionville and support for our local businesses
show my commitment to this community. 

I live here, work here, worship here, and volunteer here.

I’m ready to step in as a mayor who listens, stays involved, and stands up for Marionville’s future. 

It all started when…

Jim & Martha Brangenberg bought a house in Marionville to live near one of their kids.  Once that house was renovated, they learned about the “Old Library,” saw the beauty in its history, and fell in love.  For 12 months, the couple worked to gut the building completely and worked hard to preserve as many materials as they could.  A new roof install assured them that the inside would be protected, and they moved forward to uncover the old charm.  Opening the rafters and exposing the exterior brick was just two of the ways they chose to celebrate the life of this old building. 

They updated everything: plumbing, electrical, walls, insulation, design, painting…and today we have a beautiful 2,200 sq. ft building named Central Place. 

and then there was more…..24 E Washington St

When Jim and Martha purchased Central Place, the building next door stood empty and in need of significant cleanup and renovation. They reached out to the owner multiple times, sending letters in hopes of restoring the space, but received no response. Nearly twenty months later, through the diligent work of Alicia at Great American Title, the liens were released, and 24 E. Washington St. became their next downtown project.

After much prayer and reflection, Jim and Martha felt a clear calling to create a space Marionville needed—a place for community to gather downtown, to sit at the table together, and to truly belong.

Today, that vision is a reality.

The Gathering is now open, housing Elevate Coffee, a locally owned coffee shop, along with a welcoming venue for live events, meetings, and small private parties. It has become a place where neighbors connect over coffee, conversations happen naturally, and local talent and creativity are shared.

The space reflects Martha’s original dream: a warm environment with room to linger, support local makers, host meaningful events, and provide a listening ear to anyone who walks through the door. What began as an empty building has been transformed into a vibrant part of downtown Marionville.

Below are a few photos capturing the early days of the project and the progress that brought The Gathering to life.

What’s next?

While construction was still underway at The Gathering, another need in downtown Marionville became clear. Following the passing of Bruce Schatzer in 2024, the building that had long housed the Marionville Clothing Bank sat unused, and the once-beautiful structure began to fall into serious disrepair.

Recognizing both the history of the building and its importance to the community, Jim and Martha, alongside Marionville Fire Chief Kris Bowling and his wife Sydney, stepped forward to purchase the property and preserve it for the future.

As of early 2026, the building remains under construction. Restoration work is ongoing as plans continue to take shape for how this historic space can once again serve Marionville. 

The History of the Old Lodge

The Old Lodge in Marionville is a building with a rich and layered history. This nearly 7,000-square-foot, two-story structure was originally built in 1923 by the Masons and served as a Masonic Lodge for its first twelve years.

Over the decades, the building continually adapted to meet the needs of the community. It became a music emporium, where people could learn, play, and purchase instruments. Later, it operated as both a movie theater and a bowling alley, offering entertainment and gathering space for local families. In the 1950s, the building found new life as Bible Baptist Church, and in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s it served as a VFW, complete with a very active Women’s Auxiliary. Many historical artifacts from this era still remain.

Around the turn of the century, the building became home to the Marionville Clothing Distribution Center, a nonprofit ministry where community members could donate and receive clothing and household items. Eventually, stewardship of the building passed to Bruce Schatzer, who faithfully kept the ministry alive for over a decade—often without electricity or heat—distributing hundreds of thousands of items to those in need. After Bruce’s passing in 2024, the building quickly fell into serious disrepair, including a large roof failure that allowed animals to take refuge inside.

In late 2024, the Old Lodge was purchased from the Marionville Clothing Distribution nonprofit by Fire Chief Kris Bowling and his wife Sydney, along with Marionville Fire Chaplain Jim Brangenberg and his wife Martha. Throughout 2025, extensive stabilization work was completed: the roof was replaced, every window and door was replaced and wrapped in aluminum, major masonry repairs were made, and the building was fully emptied. In April 2025, a large community garage sale returned more than 10,000 items back to Marionville at 25¢ each, helping fund window replacement.

As we enter 2026, Jim and Martha continue interior demolition and begin the process of restoring utilities—something the building has not had in more than 25 years. Kris and Sydney stepped away, as their family expanded.

While the future use of the Old Lodge is still unfolding, the heart behind the restoration is clear: to honor its legacy, serve the community once again, and ultimately transform the building into a blessing for Marionville and a potential revenue-generating asset for the city.

Jim and Martha aren't done yet!!!