Volume 11 | September 2022

September Chamber News

Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement: 
“To improve business opportunity and build a better community”
Visit our Website

Host a Meeting - Showcase Your Business

If you would like to showcase your business by hosting a Chamber meeting and/or luncheon at your location, please let us know. This is a great way to familiarize other business owners with all you have going on at your space.  

Schedule a Meeting/Luncheon

It's that time of year again:


2022-2023 Wellsville Chamber Membership Tiers

 

ð     Platinum Corporation - $500.00 – (includes rotating banner on home page of Chamber website of your business logo linked to your website; listing on Business Directory page with direct link to your website; events displayed on Calendar page; monthly representation at City Council meetings [$300 value], monthly highlights of events/specials on KOFO during Wellsville Chamber segment).

 

ð     Platinum Business - $500.00 – limited to 20 members  (includes rotating banner on Home page of Chamber website of your business logo linked to your website; listing on Business Directory page with direct link to your website; events displayed on Calendar page; one article about your business per year in the Chamber newsletter [$100 value], one 2-week slot on Chamber sign each year [$200 value];opportunity for one monthly 60-minute meeting per month to partner on marketing for articles, promotions, feedback, community partnerships, etc. [$300 value]; monthly representation at City Council meetings [$300 value], monthly highlights of events/specials on KOFO during Wellsville Chamber segment). 


ð     Gold Business - $300.00 (includes rotating banner on Home page of Chamber website of your business logo linked to your website; listing on Business Directory page with direct link to your website; events displayed on Calendar page; one article per year in the Chamber newsletter [$100 value]; opportunity for one quarterly 60-minute meeting per month to partner on marketing for articles, promotions, feedback, community partnerships, etc. [$100 value]; monthly representation at City Council meetings [$300 value]; monthly highlights of events/specials on KOFO during Wellsville Chamber segment). 


ð     Silver Business - $150.00 (Phone/email information only on Business Directory page; promotion of all events in the Chamber newsletter; monthly representation at City Council meetings [$300 value]).


ð     Non-profit - $100.00 (Phone/email information on Business Directory page; promotion of organization and all events in the Chamber newsletter; monthly representation at City Council meetings [$300 value]).


ð     Church - $100.00 (Phone/email information on Business Directory page; promotion of Church and all events in the Chamber newsletter; monthly representation at City Council meetings [$300 value]).



ð     Associate Member* - $50.00 (Phone/email information only on Business Directory page)

*Associate member status shall be reserved for non-business individuals wishing to be part of the Chamber.


MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 9/30/22.  Thank you for your support!

Chamber Membership Details and Application

Wellsville Car Show

The 2022 Wellsville Car Show was an incredible success. We had 330 cars registered and the chief of police estimated that we had 3000 spectators! This was the largest show we have ever had in the history of the event. The show would not be possible without the generous support of our wonderful sponsors. Thank you to everyone that donated!


We would also like to thank Clayton and Heather Neel and their incredible team of volunteers. The car show isn’t just an evening event for them, it’s a long, hot day from setup to clean up.  Thank you for the past 10 years of growing this event, contributing to our economy and donating to the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce.  


Wellsville Farmer's Market is OPEN
Wednesdays –June to October 5-7pm
Saturdays-May to October 8am-11am
City of Wellsville Facebook page
Wellsville Days Updates - September 24


The 2022 Theme - It's a Pirate's Life for Me!


We need volunteers for our Kids Zone! Please sign up from the homepage on our website: www.wellsvilledaysKS.com


Wellsville Days 5K -Registration: https://wellsvilledaysks.com/5k-runwalk/


Wellsville Days Parade -

Registration: https://wellsvilledaysks.com/parade/


To qualify for the $500 Crowd Favorite Award, your parade registration must be submitted by Sept. 17th.


The Epic Clue Scavenger Hunt will be Friday Sept. 23rd and will start at 6pm at City Hall with the first clue.


Lastly, a reminder that ALL VOLUNTEERS need to attend a very brief volunteer meeting on Sunday Sept. 18th at 7pm at City Hall.


We appreciate all of our sponsors so very much. We could not do this event without you! If you're interested in sponsoring, please visit our website.

The library has 2 fundraisers for Wellsville Days:


  • Quilt raffle tickets are $1 each or 6/$5.00. Can be purchased at the library or from any library friends member. 
  • 10 girls are in the running for sweet 16.  Votes can be cast at the library or online on library web site.


Also, there will be an art show at the library during Wellsville Days and anyone who would like to show off a piece of artwork can bring it to library by Wednesday September 21st. All artists are welcome!

Wellsville Days Parade Grand Marshall - Bea Hughes


It has been announced that the Grand Marshal for the 2022 Wellsville Days Parade will be Bea Hughes!


Bea Hughes was born in Bowman, North Dakota, on January 15th, 1933. She graduated from Bowman High School in 1951. Bea worked as a checker at the local grocery store and that is where she met her husband, Roger Hughes. He moved her to Kansas and they married in December of 1954.


Roger and Bea had 3 boys that graduated from Wellsville High School and a daughter that passed away at age 6 due to an illness. They farmed and then in 1979 they started the Hughes Drilling Company that still produces oil today.


Bea has 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren with another one on the way, and 1 great, great grandchild! To her grandkids, she is GiGi.


Bea likes embroidery, putting puzzles together, and enjoys the company of many visitors and family that come by the house. She is a member of the Wellsville Historical Society and she has helped with the American Legion Easter Egg Hunt for many years.

“I feel honored to be chosen as the 2022 Wellsville Days Grand Marshal.” - Bea Hughes


Congratulations Bea from the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, and thank you for all that you have done for the community of Wellsville!

Wellsville Days website
Wellsville FBLA Needs Your Help

The Wellsville FBLA is in need of many NEW or GENTLY USED Happy Meal or Food Meal-type toys. Any small toys work. These toys will be used for the FBLA Fish Pond at the Wellsville Days Festivities and at our Trunk or Treat event.

The Wellsville Days booth is a community service project. Many FBLA members volunteer to help with our Wellsville Days booth. They use the money that is raised to pay off their dues (which are charged by FBLA National Headquarters--$10 per student).

If you or someone you know has any small toys like this, please drop them off at the elementary or high school office anytime, preferably before the first part of September. FBLA members will pick them up from there. If you have any questions, please email drottinghaus@usd289.org orcall 785.418.0033.

The FBLA appreciates any help you can provide. hank you for considering helping FBLA with this event.

Halfway Point - Biking Across America


Michael Yu is currently biking from California to Massachusetts. When asked about his travels, he revealed that as of Friday, September 9th, he had been biking for 3 weeks. His goal is to get to Boston by October 1st for a wedding. 


He is biking approximately 100 miles each day and stays at hotels along the way. He said he hadn't planned to stop in Wellsville because his intention was to make it to Overland Park. When Yu came through Wellsville, he was overcome by it's charm and decided to stop at Hot Off the Press for one of their amazing homemade cinnamon rolls. He couldn't help himself from eating he entire thing before he was off on his journey again

Wellsville Chamber Sign Advertising program
Have you noticed the beautiful banners displayed every two weeks on the Wellsville Chamber sign sitting on Highway 33 in the field next to Bert's and across from Auburn Pharmacy? If not, take a look next time you are driving by. We have received lots of positive feedback about the program. Here are a few of the banners we've displayed recently:

If you would like to advertise to the thousands of cars passing by on Highway 33 each day, we can help produce and display a banner just for your business. This Chamber sign is especially important to your business if you are a business located somewhere other than off 33 highway. Many people who live outside Wellsville or are coming off the highway to stop at Bert's or Casey's don't know what other businesses Wellsville has to offer. They might make it a point to use your services each time they are in town!


Our 2022 spots are already filled, but if you would like one (or a few) in 2023, now is the time to book your dates! Those choosing the platinum-tier Chamber membership will get first choice on 2023 dates. Formal communication will be coming out after the membership drive ends on 9/30/22. 

Email the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce

Charitable Organization Spotlight

What's Happening at the WJRC


Wellsville Joint Recreation Commission (WJRC) is an organization that provides our community with educational and physical activities for all ages. From our youth sports activities to our Seniors on the Go, WJRC wants to provide fitness and/or social activities for our community.

 

At WJRC we are committed to providing our community with a park we can all be proud of. Our goal is to create an environment where families can come and be active whether it be on our sidewalk trail or at our playground. We strive to maintain baseball and softball fields that teams of all ages and skills can play on. 

 

To accomplish these goals WJRC is committed to making the changes and upgrades necessary. Just last spring we added a new 5-12 age playground, and this fall we are beginning construction on a second new 2-5 age playground, including some additional components to compliment both new structures.

 

Secondly, we have been awarded an OWLS Grant (Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites) from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. With this grant we are creating two sites at the entrances of Saddle Club Park. The first site will be at the south entrance to the west of field #2. This site will include a water feature, Kansas Native Grasses, wildflowers, rocks structures, and butterfly boxes. The second site will be located at the north entrance to the west of field #1. This site will include Kansas Native Grasses, wildflowers, rocks structures, and butterfly boxes. These OWLS sites will offer an educational experience to our youth and help beautify our park. 

WJRC website

Special Chamber Member Promos

Self-Care September is HERE, and there’s never been a better time to choose YOU! Join Wellsville Family Dental for Invisalign Day on Friday, Sept. 23rd and Save $1,000 on clear aligners. Featuring Free Consults, Free X-rays & Scans, Free Teeth Whitening (with started treatment), Special 0% Financing, YETI Giveaway & More. Limited spots available. Click to schedule your free consult today!

Franklin County Info

KOFO Travel Cub to Branson


The KOFO Travel Club is heading to Branson for a weekend getaway, December 2nd through 4th. Crossroad Tours will make pickups in Ottawa and Louisburg, then head to Branson for an Ozark Mountain Christmas.  They will check into the Grand Oaks Hotel and enjoy a three-day whirlwind of shows, shopping, dining, and more!


Per person pricing is $589 for a double, $669 for a single, with triple and quad options available. The tour includes round trip transportation, two nights’ hotel, five meals, drive-through light display, shopping at Branson Craft Mall, Branson Landing, Osceola Cheese, and the Amish Trading Post, and driver gratuity.


And the shows! You’ll see the Clay Cooper Christmas Show, SIX!, the Brett Family Christmas Show, and The Shepherd of the Hills Christmas Story. Insurance is available. Your 50% deposit is due September 20th, so call 785-242-1220 or email kofo@kofo.com to reserve your spot.

Email Clint Robertson

Franklin County Optimist Club


The Franklin County Optimists Club is pleased to present our first group of Students of the Month at the Wellsville Middle School. Ava Lyman 6th Grade, Tatum Courter 7th Grade and Emmy Lytle 8th Grade. Each Student of the Month receives a certificate from the Optimist Club and a gift card from Hot Off the Press.


Franklin County Optimists Club will be meeting at the Wellsville Library September 19 at 6 pm. Topics for discussion will be volunteers for Wellsville Days and the Optimist Club Golf Tournament on October 8.

Size Up Franklin County

This is a new software program provided by FCDC to anyone. It is a program for businesses new and existing. It can help new businesses build a business plan and existing ones tweak their plan. It provides access to location of competition, suppliers, workforce, and much more.
Size Up Franklin County website
Franklin County Development Council

FCDC is working closely with the City of Ottawa and the City of Wellsville on promotion and application for the new Moderate Income Housing funds that the state allocated during the last session to help rural communities build workforce housing. There is $60million in the bucket that will provide support to builders, developers, and home buyers. It is a great tool to help us address this issue.

The Franklin County Career Day is coming! The FCDC will be hosting all the high school juniors in Franklin County, approximately 370 students, at Ottawa High School. This is your chance to have a table in the gym to introduce your business and career opportunities to these juniors. 


Last year they had juniors and seniors to catch up after COVID. This year, we will only have the juniors, and it will only be a half day event. 


Here is the important information:


Date: November 10, 2022

Time: 8:30 – 12:00

Where: Ottawa High School Gymnasium

Why: So our students learn the opportunities for employment here in Franklin County

Cost: FREE


If you and your company would like to participate please let me know. Please email the following to Paul Bean:


Company:

Number of Chairs:

Electricity: Y or N

Email Paul Bean

USD #289 Info

Wellsville School District Projects
Bond Project Update

The USD 289 bond project continues to move forward. Below are updated pictures of our project. I also included some new pictures of the elementary playground, which is not part of the bond project but will be a great resource for our PreK students!

Wellsville High School Library
PreK Playground
USD #289 website

Community Chamber Events

Monthly Meeting - October 11th at noon at Wellsville City Library

Annual Chamber Wine/Brew/Spirits Fest

The Chamber has requested and been granted a permit from the City and is still planning on the date. Please stay tuned for exciting information about this new, fun event guaranteed to bring in people from all around!

This will be an opportunity for the downtown businesses to showcase themselves and for all our Wellsville businesses to benefit. Let us know if you'd like to be part of the planning process!

Community WJRC Events

Check out all the Wellsville Recreation Commission has planned for our community seniors this month!


Learn more about WJRC events

Community Library Events

Library Updates
  • The Wellsville City Library is looking for a new board member that resides within the city limits.
  • If you are interested please call the library at 785-883-2870.

  • The Wellsville City Library is excited to announce that they are moving forward with the building project.
  • The architect, Emig & Hauff Associates Architects, and contractor will be going over the plans and then they will be looking for subcontract workers.

  • Friends of the Library will be having a meeting Tuesday, August 9th @ 6:45pm
Storytime -
  • Every Wednesday @ 10am beginning August 17th
Wellsville Public Library website

Chamber Member Church Events

Family Church

Sunday Service -

  • Three identical in-person services at 8:00AM, 9:30AM, and 11AM
  • Live online service at 9:30AM


Family Fest - 

  • Sunday Sept 18th 12:15 (following 11:00AM service)
  • Hot dogs, inflatables for kids, tailgate and lawn games 


Helping Hands Food Pantry Grocery Distribution -

  • Fri September 16
  • Sat September 17
Learn more about Family Church
GriefShare -
  • A faith-based, friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
  • How GriefShare works: Support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help.
  • You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you cope with your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. Grieving is a process and not meant to last forever.
  • Mondays at 7pm at Family Church
  • For more info contact Debra McCullough (913) 206-5372

Celebrate Recovery
  • A 12-step program to help you find freedom and healing from hurts, habits, and hang-ups
  • Meets weekly at Family Church on Thursday's at 7PM
  • For more info contact Mike Holtwick 913-710-6255
Wellsville Baptist Church
Sunday Service -
  • One in-person service 9AM
  • Sunday School for all ages at 10:30AM

Learn more about Wellsville Baptist Church
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Ladies Craft Nights -
  • Every 3rd Sunday of the month, 6-8PM
  • Women are invited to gather and bring any craft project they are working on
  • Once each quarter we’ll do a guided group activity such as making a painting, ornament, or decoration for the home

Bible Study -
  • Every Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30AM
  • No matter how little or how much you know about the Bible, we guarantee you’ll learn something new at this study
  • All are welcome to join us for an hour of study followed by a visit to Hot Off the Press for snacks

Pioneer Club -
  • Every Wednesday evening (Sept-April) from 6:30-8PM
  • Club will be canceled if there is no public school that day
  • PC is essentially Christian scouting
  • Kids between the ages of 3-18 are invited to join in learning more about God while simultaneously engaging in practical life skills and hobbies

Play Group -
  • Every Thursday from 9:30-11:30AM
  • Moms and kids of all ages are invited to play in the WBC gym
  • Kids can bring skates, bikes, scooters, or any other toys they’d like
  • A great way for kids to get their energy out, while the mom’s can sit and chat

Men’s Breakfast -
  • Every Saturday morning from 8-10AM
  • Don’t worry about bringing anything other than your appetite
  • Breakfast and fellowship are both provided

Wellsville Methodist Church
Sunday Service -
  •  In person worship and Church@Home - 10:45AM
Learn more about Wellsville Methodist Church
Shared Experiences Bereavement Group -
  • First and third Tuesdays at 10:30AM
  • Open to anyone
  • Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided

Zoom Tuesdays -
  • Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30
  • March 1 we will begin a Lenten study until Easter using the book A Time to Grow by Kara Eidson. 
  • Normally runs just over an hour.
  • Participants will need a Zoom invitation; they just need to email the Church

Upcoming Community Events

Commercial Space Available

If you are a Chamber Member with a commercial space for rent, contact us with details and we will post it on the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce website and in our next newsletter.

2021/2022 Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Officers
Wellsville Chamber President
Susan Stueve
Sales Associate
Farm Bureau Financial Services 
Vice President
Nicole Vlcek
Owner/Chiropractor
Wellsville Chiropractic
Secretary
Susan Larsen - Driskell
Simplot Grower Solution Location Manager
Treasurer
Ken Larsen
CFO - Retired
Desoto School District

Wellsville Chamber and Health Coalition Partnership Description
Many interested parties have asked for clarification regarding the relationship/partnership between the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce and the Wellsville Health Coalition. In 2021, the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce (WCC) and Wellsville Health Coalition (WHC) embarked on a collaboration to share resources where appropriate in order to boost both organizations’ efforts in areas of overlapping interest. The organizations are separate entities, but they often meet concurrently and share in other ways. The mission of the Chamber of Commerce remains "“To improve business opportunity and build a better community.” The Chamber exists to serve and build business in our community. The Wellsville Health Coalition exists to serve as a local health policy coalition that connects people working on such shared goals, facilitates cooperative and streamlined efforts as appropriate, and ultimately improves all aspects of health, civic engagement, community partnerships, and overall resident and community wellbeing. To accomplish this, the coalition seeks to monitor community-specific data, help prioritize ideas, share resources, promote activities, seek funding, and make a greater impact together. Additionally, the WHC aims to prepare the community for healthy growth through attention to social factors affecting health, to serve as an example for other rural communities, and to coordinate with the Franklin County Health Department on community health assessment and planning.

As always, if you have events or job postings you'd like included, please send the information and any fliers or pictures to wellsvillechamberofcommerce@hotmail.com prior to the beginning of the month of your event. We welcome any feedback and suggestions about what to include and the layout. It's a creative process together. We wish you and your family an amazing 2022!
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