Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat

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 mammogram
• Screening guidelines: when to get a baseline and how often to come back
• Why to skip jewelry, deodorant, and especially powder on appointment day
• What happens if you get called back: diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, and MRI
• Breast density and why regular screenings matter
• How referrals work, and why sharing your prior images helps your care
• Pink Out dates (find them on the Chamber app) and pink shirt Fridays at SMC

Save the dates for upcoming Chamber events:

• Boo in Wahoo: Friday, October 30
• Merry Market: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14
• Christmas in Wahooville: Saturday, December 5

Ready 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 families

Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting CASA of the Midlands?

Visit casathemidlands.org
Email: [email protected]
Call: 402-816-4131

CASA 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 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 Chat
00:38 – Meet Melanie and Tim Mongar of ArborVentures
04:30 – Big trees, storm damage and when trees need to come down
07:24 – Emerald ash borer in the Wahoo area
07:38 – What happens after an ash tree becomes infested
10:28 – Not every curling leaf is emerald ash borer
11:52 – Why now is the time to make a decision about your ash trees
12:03 – How to know if you have an ash tree and whether it can still be treated
13:46 – How ArborVentures determines the cost of tree treatment
15:00 – Tree treatment and the costs homeowners need to consider
21:37 – What are good trees to plant in Nebraska?
24:43 – Why choosing the right tree depends on your property
28:12 – What to consider before planting a tree that will eventually get BIG
33:00 – 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

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 Clerk
01:12 – What is a Creative Arts District?
02:10 – How the Creative Arts District idea came to Wahoo
03:28 – Creating the Wahoo Area Arts Council
05:52 – Arts Council vs. Arts District
06:25 – Where would Wahoo's Arts District be?
07:16 – Tourism and economic development opportunities
08:36 – How other Nebraska communities created their districts
10:59 – What makes Wahoo unique?
11:40 – Why community input matters
12:06 – How Wahoo residents can get involved
12:43 – Finding the community survey at WahooArts.org
14:35 – How other communities have used Arts District funding
15:13 – Grant opportunities for Wahoo
15:37 – The potential $100,000 grant
17:19 – Connecting the Arts District with downtown revitalization
18:33 – How long the designation process could take
18:49 – What's next
19:13 – 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 Wahoo
• The upcoming Chamber After Hours and Customer Appreciation event
• How the community can help shape the new space with ideas and suggestions
• The services currently offered at Saunders County Chiropractic
• A few hints about the future of the building's drive-thru
• Paul'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.

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!

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!

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 works
• What's new this year
• Free and paid experiences available throughout town
• Family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt and foam party
• Tips for planning your day
• Important registration deadlines and ticket information

Experience Wahoo
📅 Saturday, August 8

Don'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 Us

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves supporting local businesses!