Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat

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!

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 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.

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 Sales

• How to get your garage sale listed on the official map

• How to add your sale to the We Are Wahoo app

• Why including a description of your items can help attract more shoppers

• Where to pick up printed maps

• How the Chamber helps organize the maps and listings

• Tips for garage sale shoppers looking for specific items

• Why this annual event continues to be one of Wahoo's most anticipated weekends

📅 Wahoo City-Wide Garage Sales
June 25–27, 2026

If 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 shirts
• Ways to donate and support the fireworks fund
• Pizza Hut's upcoming Dine & Donate fundraiser
• Fireworks location and parking information
• Lake Wanahoo viewing tips
• Businesses sponsoring this year's show

If 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 Society

• Why the museum has grown to 10 buildings

• Current exhibits and what’s new this summer

• How artifacts are donated and cataloged

• The surprising stories behind everyday objects

• A look at World War I exhibits and local connections

• Weston’s 150th Anniversary display

• The blueprint for a railroad outhouse (yes, really!)

• Upcoming events including the annual BBQ fundraiser, Lunch & Listen programs, and more

📅 Annual BBQ Fundraiser
June 19 | 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

📅 Lunch & Listen: World War I in Saunders County
Fourth Thursday of June | Noon

📅 Coming Soon

• Movie 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?

Why is Wahoo growing so quickly — and what actually happens behind the scenes to make that growth possible?This week on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Theresa Klein from the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Office, and Wahoo Community Foundation to talk about business development, new projects, commercial growth, community investment, and the work happening every day to help Wahoo continue moving forward.From answering calls about rental housing and business space to helping connect people with trusted local services, Theresa explains why the Chamber is often the “human hyperlink” for the community.We also dive into:• How the Wahoo Chamber has evolved since 1923• What economic development actually means• Why business recruitment and commercial space matter• The challenges of growth in small towns• Why some business projects have to stay confidential• The future of development in Wahoo• The role of the We Are Wahoo app and Wahoo Weekly• Why reliable local information matters more than ever• How the Wahoo Community Foundation supports Saunders County• Scholarships, workforce development, and investing in local students• The Friends of the Chamber program and workforce scholarship fundPlus, Theresa shares stories about helping connect residents with trusted businesses, supporting local organizations, and why community relationships still matter in a digital world.If you’ve ever wondered how projects happen in Wahoo, why certain announcements can’t be shared immediately, or what the Chamber actually does day-to-day — this episode is for you.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream podcasts.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:36 Meet Theresa Klein01:03 The Old Casey’s Building & New Development Updates02:00 What the Wahoo Chamber Actually Does03:20 The History of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce04:45 What Happens Inside the Chamber Office Every Day06:20 Helping Residents Find Trusted Local Businesses08:40 Businesses Wahoo Still Needs10:00 Recruiting Businesses & Finding Commercial Space11:40 Economic Growth & Downtown Development15:12 First Bank of Nebraska Sponsor Break15:56 Questions the Chamber Can’t Always Answer17:20 Utilities, Zoning & Business Development18:30 Theresa the “Human Hyperlink”20:30 Why Human Connection Still Matters21:20 The We Are Wahoo App & Wahoo Weekly24:20 Social Media, Local News & Reliable Information25:05 Why Some Development News Stays Confidential27:30 The Real Cost & Risk of Development Projects29:55 The Wahoo Community Foundation Explained31:30 Supporting Local Projects Through Giving33:00 Scholarship Programs in Saunders County35:00 The Chamber Workforce Scholarship37:40 How to Become a Friend of the Chamber38:50 Final Thoughts & Future Wahoo Growth40:15 Outro

Looking for a dentist in Wahoo, Nebraska? This week on Chamber Chat with Kate & Kat, we sit down with Dr. Foland from Wahoo Creek Dental to talk about modern dentistry, dental implants, same-day crowns, clear aligners, and the future of dental care in Wahoo.Dr. Foland shares how Wahoo Creek Dental has grown over the last four and a half years, why personalized patient care matters, and how their office is helping bring more advanced dental services to Saunders County and the surrounding communities.We also dive into some of the services many people may not realize are available locally — including dental implants, same-day crowns, smile makeovers, and clear aligner orthodontics for both teens and adults.In this episode we cover:• Smile makeovers and restoring confidence through dentistry• Dental implants and why they feel more natural than traditional options• Clear aligners and orthodontic treatment available in Wahoo• The “Platinum Rule” and how their office personalizes patient care• Why oral health affects your overall health• Tips for reducing cavities and protecting your teeth• Why snacking all day may be hurting your teeth• The truth about mouthwash and what Dr. Foland actually recommends• Growing a business and building a team culture in a small town• Expansion plans for Wahoo Creek Dental• Why local orthodontic options matter for busy familiesWe also chat about how important it is for people to feel comfortable going to the dentist — even if it’s been a while since their last appointment.Plus, Wahoo Creek Dental is currently looking to add another hygienist to their growing team!📍 Wahoo Creek Dental📞 402-443-4989Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream your podcasts.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:40 Meet Dr. Foland from Wahoo Creek Dental01:58 Growing a Dental Practice in Wahoo02:50 Smile Makeovers & Restoring Confidence03:45 Dental Implants Explained05:15 Building Relationships with Patients06:30 The “Platinum Rule” in Patient Care07:50 Expansion Plans for Wahoo Creek Dental10:40 Services You May Not Know Wahoo Creek Dental Offers11:00 Clear Aligners & Orthodontics in Wahoo13:30 Why Local Orthodontic Care Matters14:00 Accepting New Patients in Wahoo16:00 Dental Anxiety & Making Patients Comfortable18:20 Dr. Foland’s Best Dental Tips20:50 Mouthwash Myths & Oral Health22:10 Wahoo Creek Dental is Hiring23:20 Curious Kids Podcast & Family Life24:00 Outro