Dear Chamber Supporters:
What an awesome week! One of the busiest so far this year with great things happening in every corner of the community. Let’s get right into it!
Ottawa's Vintage Tractor Show
Last Saturday those in Ottawa were transported back in time to celebrate the relics of the past, machines big and small, all with loads of history between each one (picture here). What started as just a handful of tractors coming together back in 1995… is now one of the largest events of the year in town. Forest Park was filled to the brim with displays of vintage tractors, many prominently showcasing the iconic John Deere brand, this year’s featured farming instrument of choice. Along with tractors and engines to see, there were also booths galore offering a treasure trove of vintage items throughout the park. Among those driving in the parade were tractor aficionados as well as modern-day farmers, perhaps no longer reliant on the antiques they were riding in around the park, but still deeply connected to the agricultural heritage they represented. It was also important to attend on an empty stomach as there were dozens of snacks and meal trucks, whether you wanted some ice cream or a turkey leg, you were covered. Lots of planning goes into making this educational and family-friendly event take place, thanks to all the many hands that create the opportunity.
NASCAR Experience
Attending a NASCAR race was always something on the to-do list, but Makayla and I never thought we’d get to see it quite like this. AdventHealth, the official healthcare provider of the Kansas Speedway, offered the two of us an exclusive vantage point this past Sunday for their Cup Series race. We had the thrilling opportunity to watch the race from their booth above, but the real adrenaline rush came from being down next to the track in the pit box for a portion of the race. Witnessing a pit stop up close was nothing short of mesmerizing… just a handful of seconds and they have 4 new tires and are refueled (pictures here). It was here that we cheered on Ross Chastain, AdventHealth's driver, with newfound enthusiasm. The size of the track is hard to capture in a picture, you get struck when you find yourself in the middle, what feels like a commercial area rather than a stadium when you glance around. I can fully understand the following of the sport as we both left thoroughly enjoying the competition even though we still don’t know many of the intricacies or rules… if at all. One of the funny bits about our visit was that the AdventHealth box described dress to be business casual, on our way to the booth it is fair to say we felt very overdressed and even out of place amongst the crowd (picture here). Not too many individuals wearing slacks and dress shoes in the stands that day. But all in all what a great experience, thanks AdventHealth for caring for the health of those at the Speedway and here in Ottawa.
Remembering 9/11
This past Monday morning there was a ceremony that took place outside the Ottawa Fire Department’s 2nd Street location, a solemn reminder of the day that forever changed America. Chief Matthias, Chief Weingartner, Representative Rebecca Schmoe, and Sherriff Richards all shared perspectives on how our community, state, and nation have changed as a result (pictures here). Prompting contemplation on the world our children are growing up has been irrevocably altered. With that being said, our strength lies in our community being unified, looking out for one another. The tragic loss of so many lives on that fateful day was commemorated, our greatest respects to those who continue to work in fields where their lives are at risk. I was unaware until Monday, but Ottawa holds a piece of the tower that was struck down on 9/11/2001 (picture here). This sits in the lobby of OFD, Chief Matthias mentioned it has never been dusted or cleaned, it sits just as it was gifted. We are one of only 1,500 or so cities that have a physical reminder of that day.
Farm Bureau Legislative Dinner
I wanted to share about the delightful evening that took place at Aunt B’s Blossoms Farm just outside of Ottawa on Sand Creek Road this past Tuesday evening. Each year our Franklin County Farm Bureau Association organizes a tour and meal for elected officials, including City, County and State representatives alongside individuals associated with the state Farm Bureau Association (picture here). The gathering serves a crucial purpose… to foster connections among elected officials, engage in meaningful discussions about pertinent issues, and collaborate to enhance the lives of Ottawa, Franklin County, and Kansas farmers. Topics ranged from energy, water, housing, childcare and foreign ownership of land.
The tour was led by Brenda Hayden, the horticulturist/entrepreneur whose farm we were able to enjoy (pictures here). She showed us where she grows her flowers, shared the challenges she faces, and how she looks to grow as she continues this passion. She talked about the difference between growing flowers outside vs. in her hoophouse, and the continued learning she finds herself experiencing as she perfects her craft. Along with the flowers she grows for sale, the farm is also home to a 10-acre sunflower field which she opens up for people to come and take pictures and experience being surrounded by the tall Kansas state flowers. Following the tour, we all were offered a spot at the table which was eloquently prepared by Cherry Coen and the Farm Bureau ladies. The meal showcased Franklin County’s agricultural richness as the meal was almost completly crafted with local ingredients. I believe it was unanimously enjoyed by all who sat outside that evening. Bringing unique voices to the table (whether metaphorically or in this case, quite literally) is how change often occurs. Thank you FCFB for connecting us all in this special way.
Celebrating Outstanding OHS Alumni
Four nominations came through the OHS Wall of Honor in glowing fashion, all incredibly deserving of the Ottawa High School’s grandest honor. As of last night, this list of 80+ inductees now includes Al Keefer (class of 1948), Mike Skidmore (class of 1974), Derek Chappell (class of 1983), and Ryan Henningsworth Henningsen (class of 1997), you can read the bios that are accompanied on their plaque here. All four had large support from family, friends and former classmates in attendance (pictures of the event here). We had the opportunity to hear from each inductee that evening, it is obvious that all four gentlemen are incredibly humble and all so deserving. Along with that, we are so lucky not only to have them as OHS graduates but to have them all living/working in our community still… we are a better community with them in it. In case you missed last night, they will also be recognized tonight at the OHS football game vs. Paola at halftime. You’re able to see these plaques in person at the Performing Arts Center attached to the high school.
The Wall of Honor is a program that has been taking place since 1997, started by Gary Kuntz, former math teacher at Ottawa High. Spurred forward with his leadership on the OHS Renaissance program, he pursued to enact this honor to make sure OHS alums were adequately recognized. Though Mr. Kuntz no longer works or lives in this community, he continues to be present each year at the induction. His charge to those in attendance… nominate your classmates, your teachers and your neighbors. Make sure those who are worthy of celebration are offered the opportunity (you can nominate an individual here). Thank you OHS & USD290 for cultivating some incredible graduates every year, as well as recognizing individuals annually to be celebrated.
785 Décor: A Hidden Gem No More
Chamber members were invited to the new home of 785 Décor for a Ribbon Cutting this morning. 118 S Main has most recently been known as Rex’s Barber Shop, but with construction inside and a facelift outside, it’s hard to tell as it looks perfectly built for the adornment store (pictures here). Laura Love and Megan McMahan would have created 785 Décor just a handful of years ago, originally without a physical location selling merchandise online. Just 3 years ago they changed that by opening up on 118 N Poplar Street, allowing customers to interact and shop in person while still also offering their e-commerce abilities. Laura mentioned they loved the ability to have a brick-and-mortar store, but many referred to them before as a “hidden gem” given their location just outside the commercial district downtown. With the acquisition of 118 S Main St, they are now right in the middle of it all! Both Laura and Megan shared their appreciation for the warm welcome from other businesses downtown, really a great win for all involved.
The work these ladies put behind running the in-person store and online store is no easy feat, but it allows them to reach a larger market and appeal to a generation who shop in the comfort of their own homes online. This model allows for orders to be placed for shipping/pickup, or if you’d rather peruse in person you can visit them at their store hours which have now been extended (view those hours here). I am so pleased with the entrepreneurial spirit that 785 Décor exhibits. They have been adaptable and allowed for incremental growth, both of these values take patience and consistency. Congratulations on your new location, I know you will utilize it to its fullest. Today is the official “grand opening” event which will entail deals and hidden surprises throughout their store, it’s a great time to give them a visit!
785 are ready just in time for the biggest community event of the year. You can view the full schedule for the river run here. Great time to be in Ottawa and Franklin County, see you at the cruise!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
