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

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.

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.

Ep 70: Wahoo City-Wide Garage Sales 2026: Maps, Shopping Tips & How to Get Listed

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! 💙

Ep 69: Wahoo's Fourth of July Fireworks: How the Community Makes It Happen

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.

Ep 68: The One About Hidden History at the Saunders County Historical Society

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?