Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat

What happens when we stop supporting the businesses and events that make our small town special?In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate and Kat, we're talking about why shopping local is more than just a catchy slogan. It's about keeping Wahoo, Nebraska, a thriving community where businesses, events, and opportunities continue to grow.It all started with a simple comment from a customer at a local book fair. He returned with a friend because he realized something important: if we don't support the fun things happening in our community, they might not happen again.That sparked a conversation about the power of spending locally, discovering what's right in our own backyard, and remembering that every purchase makes a difference.In this episode, we're chatting about:Why showing up for local events helps keep them coming backBeing a tourist in your own town and rediscovering downtown WahooHow shopping at local businesses keeps more money circulating in our communityWhy local sales tax dollars matter for improvements like Wahoo's parksChoosing Wahoo businesses before heading to Lincoln, Omaha, or shopping onlineFree ways to support small businesses, including leaving reviews, sharing social media posts, and spreading the wordPlus, Kate shares her recent mission to find Husker gear locally before heading to a Nebraska football game!Upcoming Wahoo Events:🛍️ Merry Market: November 13–14, 2026🎄 Christmas in Wahoo: December 5, 2026Whether you've lived in Wahoo your entire life or you're new to the area, we encourage you to take a walk downtown, explore a business you've never visited, and discover something new about our community.Because supporting local isn't just about where you spend your money. It's about supporting the people, businesses, and experiences that make Wahoo feel like home.Keep it local, friends!About Chamber Chat with Kate and KatJoin Kathryn Nygren of Found and Flora Flower Shop and Kate DeCoste of Kate DeCoste Photography as they share conversations about Wahoo Chamber of Commerce businesses, community events, local happenings, and the people who make Wahoo, Nebraska, a great place to live, work, and visit.#ChamberChat #WahooNebraska #ShopLocalWahoo #SupportSmallBusiness #WahooChamber #SmallTownCommunity

What does the Wahoo Public Schools Foundation do, and how can you get involved in supporting local students and teachers?On this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate and Kat, we're joined by Mike Hancock and Brendan LaValle from the Wahoo Public Schools Foundation to talk about the incredible impact this organization has on Wahoo Public Schools and the community.Established in 1993, the foundation helps create opportunities for students, supports innovative classroom ideas, and keeps Wahoo alumni connected to their hometown.In this episode, we chat about:Scholarships: How the foundation awards approximately $70,000–$80,000 annually to students continuing their education at two-year and four-year institutions.Innovative Teacher Grants: Helping Wahoo teachers bring creative ideas, classroom resources, and new technology to their students.Alumni Connections: Why the foundation is building its alumni database and finding new ways to reconnect graduates with Wahoo Public Schools.Special Projects: Exploring future opportunities, including a Hall of Fame and improvements to school facilities.Getting Involved: How community members, alumni, and local businesses can support the foundation, establish scholarships, or contribute to future projects.Whether you're a Wahoo Public Schools graduate, a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who believes in supporting local education, this episode is a great reminder of what makes the Wahoo community so special.Want to learn more or get involved?Visit the Wahoo Public Schools Foundation website at www.wahoopublicschoolsfoundation.org, find Wahoo Public Schools Foundation on Facebook, or contact the Wahoo Public Schools district office.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to Chamber Chat with Kate and Kat00:34 – Meet Mike Hancock and Brendan LaValle01:00 – The history and mission of the Wahoo Public Schools Foundation01:44 – Scholarships and community generosity03:12 – How to establish or support a scholarship05:22 – Innovative Teacher Grants07:41 – Connecting Wahoo Public Schools alumni09:37 – Special projects and future goals10:12 – How to get involved with the foundation10:34 – Closing thoughtsAbout Chamber Chat with Kate and KatHosted by Kathryn Nygren of Found & Flora Flower Shop and Kate DeCoste of Kate DeCoste Photography, Chamber Chat highlights the people, businesses, organizations, and stories that make Wahoo, Nebraska, a great place to live, work, and visit.We're all about celebrating our local community and the people who help it thrive!Keep it local, friends!#ChamberChat #WahooNebraska #WahooPublicSchools #WahooPublicSchoolsFoundation #WahooChamber #SupportLocal #CommunityEducation

Kate and Kat take the show on the road to the Wahoo Civic Center (from the game room, which used to be the old high school’s home ec room and later the weight room) to sit down with Kevin Stuhr, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Wahoo. Kevin walks us through Building Wahoo’s Future, the city’s three-phase plan for public facilities, and explains what’s on the ballot this November 3rd.In this episode:Phase One, already underway: City Hall and the police department have temporarily relocated, asbestos has been removed from the old City Hall, and final designs are in progress to turn it into a new public safety building for police and EMS, connected to the fire department. Renovation is expected to begin in 2027.Phase Two, the new rec center: A proposed facility on about 10.5 acres near Hackberry Park in the Dry Run Commons subdivision, land donated by JEO Investments. Plans include a larger, family-friendly aquatics area, two full-size competition courts, a fitness and wellness space about triple today’s size, an elevated walking and jogging track, and 24/7 fitness access.The November 3rd ballot question: Voters will decide whether to extend Wahoo’s existing half-cent sales tax. It’s not a new tax and not a property tax. The current tax is paying off the Chestnut Street bonds 6 to 7 years ahead of schedule, and extending it would cover roughly a third of the estimated $27 million project. It also strengthens the city’s application for state grants like the turnback tax.Why not just renovate? The city studied expanding at the current site in 2024. It wouldn’t meet the community’s needs and would cost about two-thirds as much as a new building, before any renovation of the existing space.Why now: Capacity, accessibility, and functionality. The Civic Center saw about 21,000 visits in 2000 and now averages over 50,000 a year.Connectivity: Plans to pave 10th Street with a bridge over Dry Run Creek and a sidewalk for walkers and bikers, plus a possible highway entrance.Phase Three: The historic gym, lobby, and stage would stay. The north side of the block would make way for a new senior center, thrift store, and City Hall, which would also house the chamber and economic development office.Timestamps:0:00 Welcome and intro1:02 What is Building Wahoo’s Future?3:34 Phase Two and the new rec center site4:51 The November 3rd sales tax ballot question8:41 Why not renovate the Civic Center?10:19 Capacity, accessibility, and functionality14:24 A recreation hub and connecting to the community16:10 Upcoming chamber events17:21 Where to find more information20:00 Phase Three and the future of the Civic Center23:58 Sales tax and the regional impact of the rec center25:20 50 years of the Civic Center and planning for the next 50Learn more:Visit the City of Wahoo website for renderings, FAQs, and funding detailsPick up a fact sheet at the Civic Center, the library, or City HallQuestions? Call or stop by to talk with Kevin Stuhr at the Civic Center or Melissa Harrell at City HallAsk Kevin for a quick tour of the Civic CenterUpcoming chamber events:Boo in Wahoo: Friday, October 30Merry Market: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14Christmas in Wahooville: Saturday, December 5A big thank you to Kevin Stuhr, Director of Parks and Recreation, for being our guest!Keep it local, friends!

🌯 Casa Bowl Mexican Grill is officially OPEN in Wahoo, Nebraska! 🎉Something NEW is cooking in Wahoo, and we're getting the inside scoop!On this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate and Kat, we're joined by Chuy Zaragoza to talk about Casa Bowl Mexican Grill, Wahoo's newest fast-casual Mexican restaurant!A quick note: We recorded this episode before Casa Bowl officially opened its doors, so you'll hear us chatting about opening dates and last-minute preparations. But the wait is over, and Casa Bowl is NOW OPEN!From the family behind JC Steakhouse, and Acapulco Mexican Grill, Casa Bowl brings a build-your-own Mexican dining experience to Wahoo. Think burritos, bowls, tacos, and quesadillas loaded with your favorite ingredients, all with the family's signature seasonings.And did we mention there's a DRIVE-THRU? 🙌Chuy shares the story behind the new restaurant, the renovations that had everyone in town talking, and why his family is excited to bring something different to the Wahoo community.🌮 In This Episode:What you can expect on the Casa Bowl Mexican Grill menuBuild-your-own burritos, bowls, tacos, and quesadillasDrive-thru, dine-in, and takeout optionsThe family's signature seasoning and plans to bottle itThe building transformation that created so much buzz around WahooThe family behind Casa Bowl and their love of the restaurant businessWhy quick, customizable Mexican food is a great addition to Wahoo📍 Visit Casa Bowl Mexican GrillCasa Bowl is officially open in Wahoo, Nebraska! Stop in, grab something delicious, and support another locally owned business.Follow Casa Bowl Mexican Grill on Facebook for current hours, menu information, and restaurant updates.📅 Upcoming Wahoo Chamber EventsOctober 30: Boo in WahooNovember 13–14: Merry MarketDecember 5: Christmas in Wahoo🎙️ About Chamber Chat with Kate and KatHosted by Kathryn Nygren of Found & Flora and Kate DeCoste of Kate DeCoste Photography, Chamber Chat brings you conversations with the businesses, people, and organizations that make Wahoo, Nebraska, a great place to live, work, shop, and visit.We're celebrating local businesses, sharing community happenings, and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening around Wahoo!❤️ Don't forget to keep it local, friends!#CasaBowl #WahooNebraska #ChamberChat #WahooChamber #SupportLocal

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so Kate and Kat sat down with Jade Lohr, lead mammographer at Saunders Medical Center, to talk about something women put off way too often: taking care of themselves.Jade explains what really happens during a mammogram (spoiler: it takes less than 15 minutes). She covers when to start screening and how often to go, and why the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society have slightly different guidelines. She also shares what to skip the morning of your appointment, and how close to home and quick it is to get screened right here in Wahoo. Bonus: you can fit it in on your lunch hour.In this episode:What to expect at your first mammogramScreening guidelines: when to get a baseline and how often to come backWhy to skip jewelry, deodorant, and especially powder on appointment dayWhat happens if you get called back: diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, and MRIBreast density and why regular screenings matterHow referrals work, and why sharing your prior images helps your carePink Out dates (find them on the Chamber app) and pink shirt Fridays at SMCSave the dates for upcoming Chamber events:Boo in Wahoo: Friday, October 30Merry Market: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14Christmas in Wahooville: Saturday, December 5Ready to schedule? Contact Saunders Medical Center or ask your provider for a referral.Don't forget to keep it local, friends!

Chamber Bucks are getting a BIG upgrade!Kate and Kat are joined by Wahoo Chamber of Commerce board member Shannon Hauswald to talk about the brand-new Chamber Bucks program coming in October.Say goodbye to the old paper Chamber Bucks and hello to physical gift cards and e-cards designed to make shopping local easier for everyone. Shannon shares how the new program will work, where you'll be able to purchase Chamber Bucks, and some of the surprising places you'll be able to use them.Think beyond shopping and restaurants. Chamber Bucks can also be used with participating Chamber members for things like utilities, school expenses, gas, and more.We also go behind the scenes of the years of research that went into finding a system that would be easy for customers, gift-givers, AND local businesses to use.And with the holidays right around the corner, the timing couldn't be better for a new way to give local.Plus, this episode's Chamber Champion spotlight is Scooter's Coffee in Wahoo.Keep it local, friends!

What does it really mean to be a CASA volunteer and how can just a few hours of your time make a lasting difference in a child’s life?In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Happy Aldana, Executive Director of CASA of the Midlands, to learn more about the work Court Appointed Special Advocates do for children involved in the juvenile court system.Happy walks us through what a CASA volunteer does, how volunteers build relationships with children in foster care, the training involved, and why having one consistent person who continues to show up can be so important.We also talk about the need for more CASA volunteers in Saunders County, the different ways community members can support CASA even if volunteering isn’t an option, and the CASA Giving Tree coming to the Wahoo Public Library this holiday season.In this episode:• What CASA stands for and who the organization serves• What a CASA volunteer actually does• Volunteer training and time commitment• The need for more volunteers in Saunders County• How CASA helps with extracurricular activities, car seats, clothing, and other needs• The CASA Giving Tree beginning November 1 at the Wahoo Public Library• Other ways you can donate and support local children and familiesInterested in becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting CASA of the Midlands?Visit casathemidlands.orgEmail: [email protected]: 402-816-4131CASA of the Midlands serves Dodge, Saunders, and Washington Counties.This episode also features a Chamber Champion spotlight on JEO Consulting Group, a company whose roots in Wahoo date all the way back to 1937.Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat is all about the businesses, organizations, people, and stories that make the Wahoo community what it is.Keep it local, friends!

Remember the school book fair? The flyer you studied, the books you circled and — maybe most importantly — the fancy pens, fruity erasers and scratch-and-sniff stickers?That nostalgia is coming back to Wahoo!On this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we’re joined by Ivie Brigham from Found & Flora for a sneak peek at the upcoming F&F Book Fair.We’re talking new-release fiction, fun book-fair goodies, local authors, gifts for your fellow book lovers and an old-school paper flyer — because there’s no online shopping for this one!The in-person Book Fair happens at Found & Flora on Friday, September 25 from 5–8 PM and Saturday, September 26 from 9 AM–5 PM.Can’t make it? Pick up a Book Fair flyer, circle your favorites and return your order by September 18.Listen in, unlock a few core memories and find out why this might be the grown-up Book Fair you didn’t know you needed.And remember: keep it local, friends!

ArborVentures: What Wahoo Homeowners Need to Know About Their TreesWhen should you call a tree professional? Can an ash tree still be saved? And what should you plant if you're replacing a tree in your yard?In this episode of Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we’re joined by Melanie and Tim Mongar of ArborVentures for a conversation that might have you looking at the trees in your own yard a little differently.We talk about the work ArborVentures does throughout the area, what homeowners should be watching for when it comes to the health of their trees, and why sometimes a tree that looks perfectly fine may already be dealing with a problem.A big part of our conversation focuses on emerald ash borer, which is already affecting ash trees throughout the Wahoo area. Tim and Melanie explain how the insect affects a tree over time, why the damage may not be obvious at first, and why homeowners with ash trees shouldn't wait too long to decide whether they want to treat them.We also get into the questions homeowners actually want answered: How do you know if a tree needs to come down? How is tree work priced? What happens after storms? And if you have to replace a tree, what should you plant next?And yes, we even get into which trees the experts would—and wouldn't—choose for their own yards.00:00 – Welcome to Chamber Chat00:38 – Meet Melanie and Tim Mongar of ArborVentures04:30 – Big trees, storm damage and when trees need to come down07:24 – Emerald ash borer in the Wahoo area07:38 – What happens after an ash tree becomes infested10:28 – Not every curling leaf is emerald ash borer11:52 – Why now is the time to make a decision about your ash trees12:03 – How to know if you have an ash tree and whether it can still be treated13:46 – How ArborVentures determines the cost of tree treatment15:00 – Tree treatment and the costs homeowners need to consider21:37 – What are good trees to plant in Nebraska?24:43 – Why choosing the right tree depends on your property28:12 – What to consider before planting a tree that will eventually get BIG33:00 – Wrapping up with ArborVenturesWhether you have an older tree you're worried about, an ash tree you're not sure what to do with, or you're thinking about planting something new, this episode is packed with practical information from people who work with trees every day.🎙️ Listen to the full conversation with Melanie and Tim Mongar of ArborVentures on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat.Keep it local, friends!In This Episode

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!