Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat

Wahoo Chamber of Commerce

A podcast to bring you all of the happenings at the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce in Wahoo Nebraska. www.wahoochamber.com

  1. 5d ago

    Ep 78: ArborVentures: Emerald Ash Borer, Tree Removal & What to Plant in Nebraska

    ArborVentures: What Wahoo Homeowners Need to Know About Their Trees When 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 ArborVentures Whether 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

  2. Aug 13

    Ep 77: Wahoo, Nebraska Creative Arts District: What It Means for Our Community

    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!

  3. Aug 6

    Ep 76: What's Next for Wahoo's Former Burger King? Inside Saunders County Chiropractic's Big Move

    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.com Enjoying 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.

  4. Jul 30

    Ep 75: Inside the Downtown Wahoo Revitalization Plan

    Building the Future of Downtown Wahoo: Your Voice Matters What 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 Plan Why infrastructure improvements had to happen before beautification projects The role JEO Consulting Group is playing in creating the community's vision The three phases of the planning process Why community feedback is essential to the project's success The difference between the community survey and the downtown business survey How residents can share ideas—big or small The timeline for the project and when preliminary concepts will be available How public art, events, walkability, and local businesses all play a role in revitalizing Downtown Wahoo Whether 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%20Plan If 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!

  5. Jul 23

    Ep 74: Pancakes, Baseball & Books: How Wahoo Area Kiwanis Makes a Difference

    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 world The Wahoo Area Kiwanis Club's 25th anniversary celebration The Kids Need Books raffle and how it helps every elementary student take home a book from school book fairs The annual Saunders County Fair Pancake Breakfast A new mental health awareness initiative for kids at the county fair The 24th Annual All-Star Baseball Classic and why it's such a meaningful event for Nebraska athletes Volunteer opportunities and how to become a Kiwanis member The impact local service organizations have on making Wahoo a stronger community Whether 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 Club Visit 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!

  6. Jul 9

    Ep 72: Wahoo, Nebraska's New Downtown Mural | Artist Taryn Janke on Chamber Chat

    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.

  7. Jun 25

    Ep 71: Wahoo Restaurant Week 2026: 10 Restaurants, Special Menus & Local Flavor

    Wahoo Restaurant Week 2026: 10 Restaurants, Special Menus & Local Flavor Get 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 adventure JC's Steakhouse Acapulco Mexican Grill Mocha C's Route 77 Branding Iron Rumors Tavern Chips Restaurant & Bar Dairy Queen Pizza Hut Fariner The Wine Bar 📅 July 6–12, 2026 Throughout 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.

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A podcast to bring you all of the happenings at the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce in Wahoo Nebraska. www.wahoochamber.com

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