Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement:
“To improve business opportunity and build a better community”
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Bert's Named Best Truck Stop |
PHOENIX – March 3, 2022 - Trucker Path, the most comprehensive and most used mobile app for North American commercial truck drivers, today announced the results of its annual ranking of truck stops. The Best Truck Stops winners among chain and independent facilities were based on ratings, reviews, feedback and votes by the more than one million Trucker Path app users.
The Trucker Path Top 5 Best Trucks Stops:
Independent Truck Stops
1st Place -- Bert's Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas
2nd Place -- Big Apple Travel Center, Joplin, Missouri
3rd Place – Boise Stage Stop, Boise, Idaho
4th Place -- Russell's Endee Truck and Travel Center, Glenrio, New Mexico
5th Place -- Truck World Truck Stop, Hubbard. Ohio
“When I found out we’d won I was shocked because our store just opened on May 1, 2020,” said Kim Jackson, general manager of Bert's Travel Plaza in Wellsville, Kansas. “But we’ve worked so hard to make it a great place. Being family owned, especially having owners that also operate a trucking company, really helps. They put all their trucker knowledge into our facility. The owner really wanted a place for drivers so it was built for the drivers. There’s lots of concrete, bigger spots for driver comfort and a security guard at night to help drivers. We also have free parking, a wash bay, and we have a 24-hour cleaning crew for clean showers and restrooms. I am very thankful for a great staff that also cares about the drivers. At the end of the day, I’m very proud to show my kids that hard work really pays off.”
For its annual Best Truck Stops award, Trucker Path uses in-app ratings, reviews and driver feedback to determine the top 20 chain and independent truck stops. The Top 5 lists are then created through voting on those locations by Trucker Path app users. Each Best Truck Stops facility receives a window decal honoring the location.
“Truck stop ratings by drivers reflect the locations that offer the best parking, food and a range of other amenities,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “Recognition by drivers means these facilities are the right place to stop based on their features and customer service. This year’s winners are what drivers tell us are the best chain and independent truck stops from among the more than 6,000 locations in the Trucker Path app.”
For a list of 2021 Top 20 Truck Stops by state and highway see this link.
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Las Catrinas comes to Wellsville! |
Las Catrinas is a family owned restaurant coming to Wellsville! The three owners have been in the restaurant industry for several years and finally found a space they can call their own!
Las Catrinas will offer a full Tex-Mex menu with a variety of entrees as well as a full bar with options such as margaritas, micheladas, beer, and premium cocktails. They are looking forward to accommodating the Tex-Mex needs of Wellsville and become a part of our historic downtown.
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Learn about our Wellsville Days Committee - by Natalie Patton |
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Wellsville Days is an annual community event that takes place each September. This year's date is September 24, 2022.
The Wellsville Days Committee begins planning in January of each year and meets 1-2 times per month leading up to the event. We start by determining the theme and booking our major items such as stage, sound & light, entertainers, petting zoo, and kids' zone rides and inflatables. Next we mail out approximately 100 sponsor letters each year as this event costs $25K-$30K to put on each year. We are SO grateful for our sponsors because we couldn't do this without their support.
Fundraising is another way that we bring in money for this event. Fundraisers include our annual, homemade Bierocks, which is a huge hit! The last two years we have made over 90 dozen bierocks! Other fundraisers include our cornhole tournament which we started last summer (2021) and then we partner with the Franklin County Optimists Club for a Golf Tournament each year in Osawatomie. Behind the scenes our committee manages our social media outlets including our website, www.wellsvilledaysKS.com.
Usually in March each year we update our booth application and email that is sent to all vendors that have previously reserved booth space at our event. We also have the booth application available on our website.
Other components of this event include our Epic Scavenger Hunt (always takes place the Friday evening before Wellsville Days), our 5K Run/Walk that raises money for the WHS Booster Club (this year we donated $750), and our parade. There are an infinite number of details that go into planning this event, and I could write a whole book on it!
This is my 10th year on the committee, and I truly enjoy getting to organize an event that our community enjoys so much. Everyone looks forward to Wellsville Days! The last couple of years our committee has decreased in size and while we've streamlined many things, we would love to have some new members! We are also looking for volunteers to help with our fundraising events and then volunteers for the day of the event for Kids' Zone, Parade, and 5K. If anyone is interested in joining our committee and/or volunteering, please email us at [email protected]. |
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Franklin county Career Day -
We are excited to be partnering with all of the school districts in Franklin County on our annual “Day on the Job”. We hope to get 75 industry and business partners to participate in this event by manning a booth to promote your organization and your career opportunities. We will have around 600 juniors and seniors attending this event on March 22 at the Ottawa High School.
We are not just seeking FCDC members. We want anyone that would like to participate in this event to know they are welcome and encouraged to do so! We want out youth to understand what great career opportunities are available for them right here in Franklin County. Please join us and encourage others to do the same.
FCDC is providing T-Shirts to all the participating youth. In addition, FCDC is covering the cost of lunch for all presenters that participate. Lastly, FCDC has provided $1,000 toward the purchase of prizes that will be awarded to students as well. To help cover some of these cost, we are seeking $250 sponsorships. Your company logo will be placed on the back of the 600 or so T-Shirts that the students will be given. So, please contact me, Paul Bean, if you are interested in a sponsorship.
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American Pickers is Coming to Kansas |
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American Pickers is returning to Kansas this April! They are looking for leads throughout the state, specifically interesting characters with fascinating items and lots of them!
Keep in mind, they are looking for different, unusual, and unique items - something we’ve never seen before with an extraordinary story! Also, please note that the Pickers only pick private collections, so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.
Collectors interested in being considered for the show should reach out to us by phone at 1-855-OLD-RUST (653-7878) or email at [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name, city/state, contact information, and a brief description of their collection.
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Our eleventh Chamber Spotlight for the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce is Olivia’s LLC, which is owned and operated by Bert Molenda and located at 517 Main Street, Wellsville. Olivia’s sells one of a kind upcycled clothing and accessories, along with new limited quantity clothing. Whether it be jewelry, scented candles, baby items or women’s clothing (Small to 3XL), Olivia’s has an amazing variety of items to appeal to everyone.
Molenda previously operated a pop-up shop along with the owner of the Torn Edge in Gardner, but later moved to Wellsville and had the grand opening for Olivia’s on June 30, 2021. She believes one of her best decisions was moving her business to Wellsville and operating in a stationary place, instead of continually doing events and shows.
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Our twelfth Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Spotlight focuses on Wellsville Antiques, which is owned by Nancy Lytle and Linda Barnett. The owners opened their doors in August of 2021. Located at 601 Main Street, Wellsville Antiques offers a wide variety of items from many different eras.
Both owners were attracted to opening in Wellsville because they grew up in the Wellsville community. With their passion and love for antiques, they thought it would be fun to open their own shop, while helping others share their love for antiques.
With Wellsville Antiques’ four employees, it is the only antique store in town. Because of this, they strive to make it the best shopping experience for customers by providing the best products possible. They have worked to make the business environment a place where people want to continue to visit because of their fun and friendly customer service and their amazing products.
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Wellsville Historical Society |
Our thirteenth Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Spotlight is on the Wellsville Historical Society. The Wellsville Historical Society is made up of a committee of 5 members that make decisions for the organization, while there are 3 to 4 volunteers that help to operate the non-profit business on Saturdays. The Wellsville Historical Society is set apart from every other business in town because it is not only a non-profit, but it preserves the history of Wellsville, and it tells a story about the people of Wellsville.
Located at 517 Main, the Wellsville Historical Society moved into the old Wellsville Bank building. Although it created various challenges, after two years of renovations and redecorating, the Wellsville Historical Society opened to the public in the summer of 2021. Without the help of the 30 to 40 volunteers that assisted in the move, getting everything transferred and set up would have been extremely difficult. The non-profit hosted several fundraisers to raise enough money to purchase the old Wellsville Bank building, and then held a couple more fundraisers to garner funds to renovate the building. Raising enough funds to cover these endeavors, along with obtaining donations, was by far the greatest challenge the committee has faced to date.
The Wellsville Historical Society started in 2006 because some community leaders wanted to share and keep alive the history of Wellsville, Kansas. Even though the organization came together in 2006, people had been collecting items to put into the Wellsville Historical Society for many years. Many of these items began their display journey at the Wellsville City Hall before they were later moved to their permanent location.
Every Saturday morning from 10 am to 1 pm, the Wellsville Historical Society is opened by volunteers. The volunteers catalog items, show visitors around, and explain the rich history of Wellsville. Cataloging includes taking pictures of an item, measuring the item, and describing the item. This is important for keeping track of records and for authenticity.
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Our fourteenth spotlight focuses on Hot Off the Press, owned by William (Bill) Lytle. Bill purchased the building for Hot Off the Press four years ago. He had always dreamed of opening a coffee/sandwich shops on Main Street in Wellsville. Unfortunately, a medical illness prevented him from opening until November 2019.
A native of Wellsville, Lytle values the Wellsville community and the loyalty the community feels toward the town and its schools. He appreciates the friendliness of the community and how many citizens have supported Hot Off the Press since it opened. Lytle completely remodeled the small brick building at 513 Main but left a flare of its originality for nostalgia. He knew the look and the location would be perfect for the community in its downtown location.
At Hot Off the Press, there are a variety of coffees and flavors for customers to choose from, as well as a variety of food options including sandwiches and deli meat and cheese sliced to order by the pound. Hot Off the Press also sells gift cards that can be given to anyone for any occasion.
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City of Wellsville Updates |
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Community Building Project |
The city of Wellsville and the WJRC (Wellsville Joint Recreation Commission) are working with a private investment group and local developer to facilitate the construction of a new 45,000 +/- sq. ft. Community Center. The project will be submitted for the BASE grant program. The property upon which the facility will be build is being donated to the City, and the Community Center will be owned by the City. More information will be available soon.
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Wellsville School District Projects |
USD #289 will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the bond project on March 23rd, 2022 at 5:30 pm. The ceremony will be located outside on the southwest side of the KD (red) gym. There will be cookies and beverages provided in the concession stand area immediately following the ceremony.
Construction work on the project is scheduled to begin on March 21st. The initial projects will include the new wrestling room/weight room, secure entry into the middle school office, and remodel of the old middle school library. Work on these projects will take place this spring. Additional projects will begin in May/June 2022. Projects and phases have been scheduled in a manner that allows all projects to be complete by August of 2023 while causing minimal disruption to the learning environment for students/staff.
Beginning March 28th, the middle school office entrance and office will be closed as well as the old middle school library. We will be sending additional information to students and families next week regarding logistical entrance/exit changes and communication due to the closure of the middle school entrance and the old middle school library.
This is an exciting time for USD 289! We appreciate the contribution each of you has made to get us to this point!
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BALDWIN INSURANCE SERVICES -
For more information, please call the office at 785-594-6822 or Mike Reitcheck's cell at 913-708-0711.
USD 289 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES -
Employment applications for Wellsville School District are managed electronically. Please go to:
Bert's Travel Plaza EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES -
Apply in person at Bert's
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Truck wash - Mon-Fri full-time and part-time
- Overnight Cashiers - full-time and part-time
- Kitchen - full-time and part-time closers
City of Wellsville EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES -
JOB TITLE: Public Works Laborer II
JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Under the direction of the City Superintendent, performs a variety of skilled and unskilled duties associated with the maintenance of city streets, city cemeteries, city buildings and properties, wastewater treatment plant and collection lines, water towers, water tanks and distribution lines, operation of heavy and medium duty equipment and trucks, performs on-call duties, (monthly or as necessary).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
· Serve as crew member for providing assistance in Utilities operations.
· Repair and operate water distribution mains, ground storage and elevated water towers, wastewater piping, manholes, sanitary sewer lift stations, booster stations, and storm water systems.
· Service and repair pumps, motors, hydrants and meters.
· Assist with snow removal in inclement weather.
· Assist other City departments as assigned.
· Follow department safety procedures and practices along with department policies and procedures.
· Ability to follow written and oral instruction.
· Ability to work independently with limited or infrequent supervision.
· On-call and overtime as assigned.
REQUIRED TRAINING AND /OR EXPERIENCE
- Must possess a high school diploma, or equivalent and one year of experience in the field of Municipal Maintenance.
- Must possess a valid Kansas driver’s license and class B with air CDL or the ability to obtain such within 6 months of employment.
- KDHE Certification as Class I water certification and/or Class 2 Wastewater treatment facility operator or be able to obtain within 2 years of employment.
BENEFITS INCLUDE
- KPERS, sick pay, vacation pay, Insurance, 12 paid holidays
- Applications available at City Hall, 411 Main Street, Wellsville, KS PH (785-883-2296)
JOB TITLE: City of Wellsville Pool Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION:
- The Pool Manager is under the direct supervision of the City Superintendent (facilities maintenance/mechanical operations) and City Clerk (administration, human resources and finances) and has overall responsibility for safety at the pool, as well as managerial, administrative, facility, aquatic, communications and leadership duties, including:
MANAGERIAL/ADMINISTRATIVE:
- Manage and oversee lifeguards: Plan and organize workloads and staff assignments for lifeguards; Meet regularly with staff; advise and coach lifeguards and evaluate them at the middle and end of the season; Monitor time sheets and submit to City Clerk in a timely manner for payroll processing.
- Manage all aspects of swim lessons:
- Write end of season report for the City Council
- Required to provide adult supervision (21 years or older) for the facility at all times
FACITITY:
- Prepare pool for opening and closing each season
- Oversee daily maintenance of pool and bathhouse/restroom facility, including making recommendations for repairs and capital improvement expenditures, and communicating with the City Council regarding issues and concerns, as well as progress and completion of improvements
AQUATIC/SAFETY:
- Safety is TOP Priority - Instill attention to safety with lifeguards as well as with pool members and guests; enforce safety at pool among both staff and members
- Conduct swim lessons for children throughout the summer
- Administer First Aid, CPR, emergency and other safety procedures, as required
COMMUNICATIONS:
- Communicate regularly with the City Superintendent (Facility) & City Clerk (Finance/Human Resource) regarding safety, staff, facility/maintenance, swim lessons, and membership issues
LEADERSHIP/OTHER:
- Prepare the facility for fun events such as pool parties and other special events
- Create a safe and fun atmosphere for staff and members
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification
- Current lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross
- Current certification in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR
Pool Manager Pay Structure
The Pool Manager is given a salary for the season, which is paid in increments over the pool season. In the past, this has been shared with an Assistant Pool Manager but is not mandatory and is at the total discretion of the Pool Manager. The Pool Manager also receives an hourly wage for lifeguarding.
Concessions: The Pool Manager is responsible for providing concessions and will receive all profits from the sales. (Note: Pool Manager is responsible for obtaining a sales tax number and making required reports to the State). The Pool Manager is responsible for providing and paying for any help in the selling of the concessions.
Pool Parties: The Pool Manager is responsible for establishing a fee and scheduling them. The fees are solely that of the Pool Manager and are typically given to the lifeguard(s) who work the party.
Swimming Lessons: The Pool Manager is responsible for providing swimming lessons; this includes advertising, hiring a WSI, establishing fees and schedules. The fees are solely that of the Pool Manager and are typically shared with the guards who help with the lessons.
Admissions: The Pool Manager is responsible for the collection of passes and daily admissions. Admission fees belong to the City and are to be submitted in a timely manner to the City Clerk for depositing. It is the responsibility of the Pool Manager to establish a method of collection that will ensure accountability.
The City is also hiring for summer help - mowing and lifeguards. Applications are available at City Hall.
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Chamber Monthly Meeting - April 12th at noon at Wellsville City Library |
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Annual Chamber Wine/Brew/Spirits Fest -
Stay tuned for exciting information about this new event. We are still in the planning process and working on a date for the event this summer. It's going to be fun, and it's going to 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!
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Upcoming Community Events |
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Wellsville High School Prom Walk 4/9/22-
Wellsville High School Prom Walk event will be held downtown on Saturday, April 9th at 6PM. It is customary for the teens to cruise Main street for an hour or so prior (scheduled from 5-6PM) and for parents and relatives of the Walk participants to begin to search out where to put their lawn chair for best viewing. The Walk will start at the corner of 5th and Main. Participants will walk south on Main to 6th Street where they will turn west to head toward the high school. The walk takes about 1 hour.
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Wellsville Easter Egg Hunt
4/16/22
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The tradition of our town continues as we once again plan for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Wellsville American Legion, WJRC and Wellsville Chamber of Commerce. It will be held on Saturday, April 16th at Saddle Club Park beginning at 1:00pm.
If you wish to donate, we request to have your donation no later than March 1st. This allows us ample time to collect and coordinate stuffing of the eggs. Lorrie Glass Coffman, our Chamber of Commerce Coordinator, will visit you personally the week of February 14th and the week of February 21st to pick up donations or you can drop by the WJRC office or mail directly to the WJRC at 320 Pendleton Ave, Wellsville, KS 66092 any time prior to March 1st. Please make your checks payable to WJRC and write in the memo, Easter Egg Donation.
The American Legion, WJRC and Chamber of Commerce appreciate all you do to support our community and its traditions.
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Check out all the Wellsville Recreation Commission has planned for our community seniors this month!
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Wellsville Days Bierocks Fundraiser 6/10/22 |
Wellsville Days Annual Bierocks Fundraiser will be June 10-11, with pick up on the 11th. They will begin taking orders on May 1st.
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Upcoming Community Library Events |
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Storytime -
- Every Wednesday @ 10am when school is in session.
Summer Reading -
- Will run May 25-June 29th
- Events are 10-11am on Wednesdays
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Upcoming Community Church Events |
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Sunday Service -
- Three identical in-person services at 8:00AM, 9:15AM, and 10:30AM
- Live online service at 9:15AM
Learn more about Family Church
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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
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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
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Wellsville Baptist Church |
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Sunday Service -
- One in-person service 9AM
- Sunday School for all ages at 10:30AM
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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
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Wellsville Methodist Church |
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Sunday Service -
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In person worship and Church@Home - 10:45AM
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Shared Experiences Bereavement Group -
- First and third Tuesdays at 10AM
- A place where those who have suffered a loss can come together.
- Open to anyone
- A safe place to talk and find solace with those who understand what you're going through.
- Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided
Zoom Tuesdays -
- Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30
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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
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2021/2022 Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Officers |
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Wellsville Chamber President
Susan Stueve
Sales Associate
Farm Bureau Financial Services
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Vice President
Nicole Vlcek
Owner/Chiropractor
Wellsville Chiropractic
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Secretary
Susan Larsen - Driskell
Simplot Grower Solution Location Manager
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Treasurer
Ken Larsen
CFO - Retired
Desoto School District
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Wellsville Chamber and Health Coalition Partnership Description |
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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 [email protected] 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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