What is a Creative Arts District, and what could becoming one mean for Wahoo?In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Christina Fazel, City Clerk for the City of Wahoo, to talk about the work underway to pursue a Creative Arts District designation for Wahoo.Christina explains how the idea came to Wahoo, the role of the Wahoo Area Arts Council, and why a Creative Arts District is about much more than art. These districts can help create a stronger community identity, encourage tourism, support economic development, and bring new opportunities and funding into a community.We also talk about what Wahoo's district could look like, how it could work alongside downtown revitalization efforts, and the grant opportunities that could help turn ideas into actual projects.But first, Wahoo has to answer a pretty important question:What makes Wahoo… Wahoo?That's where community input comes in.Christina shares how Wahoo residents can get involved, what the Arts Council wants to hear from the community, and why the future of the district shouldn't be decided by just a handful of people.In This Episode:00:35 – Meet Christina Fazel, Wahoo City Clerk01:12 – What is a Creative Arts District?02:10 – How the Creative Arts District idea came to Wahoo03:28 – Creating the Wahoo Area Arts Council05:52 – Arts Council vs. Arts District06:25 – Where would Wahoo's Arts District be?07:16 – Tourism and economic development opportunities08:36 – How other Nebraska communities created their districts10:59 – What makes Wahoo unique?11:40 – Why community input matters12:06 – How Wahoo residents can get involved12:43 – Finding the community survey at WahooArts.org14:35 – How other communities have used Arts District funding15:13 – Grant opportunities for Wahoo15:37 – The potential $100,000 grant17:19 – Connecting the Arts District with downtown revitalization18:33 – How long the designation process could take18:49 – What's next19:13 – Keep it local, friends!Want to have a voice in what Wahoo's Creative Arts District could become? Visit WahooArts.org and complete the community survey.And, as always, keep it local, friends!

Big changes are coming to downtown Wahoo!In this episode of Chamber Chat, Kate and Kat sit down with Paul Sutton, owner of Saunders County Chiropractic, to talk about his exciting plans to relocate his practice into Wahoo's former Burger King building. Paul shares why he's making the move, what renovations are planned, and how this new location will allow his practice to continue growing while serving the community in new ways. You'll also hear about:Why Paul is excited to return to downtown WahooThe upcoming Chamber After Hours and Customer Appreciation eventHow the community can help shape the new space with ideas and suggestionsThe services currently offered at Saunders County ChiropracticA few hints about the future of the building's drive-thruPaul's journey to becoming a chiropractor and what keeps him passionate about his work. Whether you're curious about the future of one of Wahoo's most recognizable buildings or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind local businesses, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Connect with Saunders County Chiropractic🌐 https://saunderscountychiro.comEnjoying Chamber Chat? Be sure to follow the podcast on your favorite listening platform and leave us a 5-star review. Your support helps us continue sharing the stories of the businesses, organizations, and people who make the Wahoo community such a great place to live, work, and do business.

Building the Future of Downtown Wahoo: Your Voice MattersWhat if you had the chance to help shape the future of Downtown Wahoo?In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we're joined by Melissa Harrell, City Administrator for the City of Wahoo, and Kristin Ohnoutka, planner with JEO Consulting Group, to talk about the exciting Downtown Revitalization Plan currently underway. From the planning process to community surveys and future design concepts, this episode is all about how residents and business owners can help create the next chapter for downtown Wahoo.This isn't just about sidewalks and streets—it's about creating a downtown that's vibrant, walkable, welcoming, and a destination for both residents and visitors.In this episode: How Wahoo secured funding for its Downtown Revitalization PlanWhy infrastructure improvements had to happen before beautification projectsThe role JEO Consulting Group is playing in creating the community's visionThe three phases of the planning processWhy community feedback is essential to the project's successThe difference between the community survey and the downtown business surveyHow residents can share ideas—big or smallThe timeline for the project and when preliminary concepts will be availableHow public art, events, walkability, and local businesses all play a role in revitalizing Downtown WahooWhether you're a lifelong Wahoo resident, own a downtown business, or simply love seeing communities grow, this episode offers an inside look at one of the biggest projects shaping Wahoo's future and how you can be part of it.The planning team wants to hear from you! Community feedback will directly influence the future vision for Downtown Wahoo.We discussed:✔️ Complete the community survey before the end of September.✔️ If you own a downtown business, be sure to complete the business-specific survey.✔️ Visit the planning team at the Saunders County Fair or Experience Wahoo to ask questions and share your ideas.For the community survey, project timeline, maps, and additional information, visit the City of Wahoo's Downtown Revitalization page:https://www.wahoo.ne.us/vnews/display.v/SEC/Economic%20Development%7CWahoo%20Downtown%20Revitalization%20PlanIf you enjoy Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves seeing small communities thrive.Keep it local, friends!

What do face painting, pancake breakfasts, baseball, and books all have in common? They're all part of the incredible work the Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club does to support kids in our community.In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we're joined by Lisa Brichacek, secretary of the Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club, to learn more about this volunteer organization whose mission is simple: helping children grow up happy, healthy, and loved.Lisa shares the history of the Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club, explains how they support local schools and families, and gives us a preview of several exciting events happening this summer—including opportunities for the entire community to get involved.In this episode:What the Kiwanis Club is and how it serves communities around the worldThe Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club's 25th anniversary celebrationThe Kids Need Books raffle and how it helps every elementary student take home a book from school book fairsThe annual Saunders County Fair Pancake BreakfastA new mental health awareness initiative for kids at the county fairThe 24th Annual All-Star Baseball Classic and why it's such a meaningful event for Nebraska athletesVolunteer opportunities and how to become a Kiwanis memberThe impact local service organizations have on making Wahoo a stronger communityWhether you're looking for a way to volunteer, support local youth, or simply learn more about one of Wahoo's longest-running service organizations, this episode is full of inspiring stories and ways to get involved.Connect with the Wahoo Area Kiwanis ClubVisit their Facebook page for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.Guests are always welcome at meetings held on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month at the Wahoo Public Library.If you enjoy Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves supporting local communities.Keep it local, friends!

What makes Experience Wahoo one of the Chamber's most anticipated events of the year?In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we're joined by Kim Forbes, owner of Husband's Approval Boutique and Wahoo Chamber board member, to give you the inside scoop on Experience Wahoo 2026.From shopping and self-care to food, family activities, fitness classes, and free community events, Experience Wahoo is designed to showcase everything our community has to offer. Whether you're a longtime local or planning a visit, you'll discover new businesses, unique experiences, and plenty of reasons to spend the day exploring Wahoo.In this episode, you'll learn:What Experience Wahoo is and how it worksWhat's new this yearFree and paid experiences available throughout townFamily-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt and foam partyTips for planning your dayImportant registration deadlines and ticket informationExperience Wahoo📅 Saturday, August 8Don't wait! Paid experiences must be purchased by Sunday, August 2, so participating businesses can prepare.For more information and to register, visit the Wahoo Chamber website.Connect with UsIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves supporting local businesses!

Public art has the power to tell a community's story, and Wahoo's newest downtown mural is already doing just that!In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we're recording on location in front of Wahoo's newest landmark as we chat with mural artist Taryn Janke about the inspiration, creativity, and collaboration behind this colorful community project.Taryn shares how a mural in her hometown of Cedar Bluffs launched her unexpected journey into mural painting while balancing her career as a K-12 art teacher. We talk about the growing popularity of public art across Nebraska, the unique challenges of painting on a massive brick wall, and what it takes to transform an idea into a piece of art the entire community can enjoy.You'll hear:How Taryn discovered her passion for creating murals.The collaborative design process behind Wahoo's new mural.Why public art is making a comeback in communities across Nebraska.The differences between painting on canvas and painting on a building.How creativity, community input, and a little trial and error helped bring this project to life.Whether you're an artist, a small-town enthusiast, or simply love seeing communities invest in beautiful public spaces, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into creating something that will be enjoyed for years to come.Take a stroll down Maple Street, check out the mural in person, and then join us for this colorful conversation!Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat is brought to you by the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the businesses, people, and projects that make our community thrive.

Wahoo Restaurant Week 2026: 10 Restaurants, Special Menus & Local FlavorGet ready to bring your appetite because Wahoo Restaurant Week is officially happening!In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we share all the details about the very first Wahoo Restaurant Week, happening July 6–12, 2026.Whether you're a longtime local, a visitor looking for a reason to explore Wahoo, or simply someone who loves trying new restaurants, this week is designed to celebrate the amazing food scene in our community.🍽️ What Wahoo Restaurant Week is all about🍽️ Why the Chamber launched this new community event🍽️ The participating restaurants and businesses🍽️ Special menus, discounts, and dinner-for-two deals🍽️ How local restaurants are creating unique offers for guests🍽️ Tips for planning your Restaurant Week dining adventureJC's SteakhouseAcapulco Mexican GrillMocha C'sRoute 77Branding IronRumors TavernChips Restaurant & BarDairy QueenPizza HutFariner The Wine Bar📅 July 6–12, 2026Throughout the week, participating restaurants will feature special offers, fixed-price meals, discounts, and unique menu items created just for Restaurant Week.Watch the Wahoo Chamber Facebook page and the We Are Wahoo app as participating restaurants and their specials are announced throughout the month leading up to Restaurant Week.Whether you're planning a date night, family dinner, lunch with friends, or simply looking for an excuse to try someplace new, Wahoo Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy some fantastic food.🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to subscribe for more conversations about the people, businesses, and events that make Wahoo a great place to live, work, and visit.

The countdown is on for one of Wahoo's favorite summer traditions—City-Wide Garage Sales!In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we're joined by Jen Foster from the Wahoo Chamber to talk about everything you need to know before the June 25–27 garage sale weekend.Whether you're planning to host a sale, searching for hidden treasures, or simply wondering where to find the official map, we've got you covered.Dates for the 2026 Wahoo City-Wide Garage SalesHow to get your garage sale listed on the official mapHow to add your sale to the We Are Wahoo appWhy including a description of your items can help attract more shoppersWhere to pick up printed mapsHow the Chamber helps organize the maps and listingsTips for garage sale shoppers looking for specific itemsWhy this annual event continues to be one of Wahoo's most anticipated weekends📅 Wahoo City-Wide Garage SalesJune 25–27, 2026If you're hosting a garage sale and want to be included on the official map and the We Are Wahoo app, be sure to complete the garage sale registration form available through the app and Wahoo Weekly.Printed maps will be available at the Wahoo Chamber office beginning Thursday morning, June 25. Digital maps and sale information will also be available through the We Are Wahoo app.This episode also features a Chamber Champion spotlight on JEO Consulting Group, a company that got its start in Wahoo in 1937 and has grown to serve communities across Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas.Be sure to follow Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe on YouTube for more conversations about local businesses, community events, and everything happening in Wahoo.Keep it local, friends! 💙

The Fourth of July is one of Wahoo's favorite traditions, and it takes an entire community to make it happen.In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Wahoo Chamber board member Jill Maly to talk about the annual fireworks show at Lake Wanahoo, how it's funded, and the many ways community members and local businesses help keep this tradition alive. From fundraiser shirts and Dine & Donate events to sponsorships and donations, every contribution helps light up the sky on July 4th. We also cover:Fourth of July fundraiser shirtsWays to donate and support the fireworks fundPizza Hut's upcoming Dine & Donate fundraiserFireworks location and parking informationLake Wanahoo viewing tipsBusinesses sponsoring this year's showIf you're planning to celebrate Independence Day in Wahoo, this episode has everything you need to know before heading to the lake.

What do Oscar statues, railroad outhouses, World War I propaganda posters, and 150-year-old graduation photos have in common?You can find them all at the Saunders County Historical Society.In this episode of Chamber Chat, Kate and Kat record from their brand-new "home office" inside the Saunders County Historical Society Museum and sit down with Erin Hauser, curator of the Saunders County Historical Society, to talk about preserving local history, uncovering fascinating artifacts, and why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your summer bucket list.Whether you're a lifelong Saunders County resident or new to the area, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for the stories hiding right in our own backyard.The history of the Saunders County Historical SocietyWhy the museum has grown to 10 buildingsCurrent exhibits and what’s new this summerHow artifacts are donated and catalogedThe surprising stories behind everyday objectsA look at World War I exhibits and local connectionsWeston’s 150th Anniversary displayThe blueprint for a railroad outhouse (yes, really!)Upcoming events including the annual BBQ fundraiser, Lunch & Listen programs, and more📅 Annual BBQ FundraiserJune 19 | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM📅 Lunch & Listen: World War I in Saunders CountyFourth Thursday of June | Noon📅 Coming SoonMovie Night at the Museum (July)Car & Tractor Show (September)The museum is completely FREE to visit.There are 10 buildings to explore.The Chicago Northwestern Railroad depot once stood near where Family Dollar is today.Wahoo didn’t have street addresses until around 1920.Some liquor licenses in the 1800s helped fund local schools.If you've never stopped by the Saunders County Historical Society, this episode will make you want to put it on your summer to-do list.In This Episode:Upcoming Events Mentioned:Did You Know?