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KDWPT Mobile Aquarium coming to Osage City, July 7-10, 2021, Osage County Fair

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism  own and operate a mobile aquarium (MA). The purpose of the MA is to increase public awareness and appreciation of Kansas’ fisheries resources, increase interest and participation in recreational fishing, and aid KDWPT in staying connected with the citizens of Kansas. The MA is 40 foot long and holds 3,200 gallons of water.

The Milford Fish Hatchery is home to the MA and the MA display fish. At events across the state of Kansas, the MA displays many Kansas sportfish and non-game fish. Species typically on display include; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass (wiper), bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, buffalo, common carp, walleye, sauger, saugeye, redear sunfish, black crappie, white crappie, longnose gar, spotted gar, freshwater drum and many more. Fisheries biologists are on hand at MA events passing out literature and talking with you the public about the state’s fish resources.

Osage City Community Fireworks Celebration, July 10, 2021

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The date for the annual community fireworks show hosted by the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10 p.m. There is going to be a full day of activities for all ages prior to the fireworks.

The event is one of the more expensive events that is offered to the community and it takes a joint effort of financial resources to help supplement the cost of the merchandise (fireworks).  The Chamber was very pleased with the positive response of the sponsorship from businesses and individuals for this year and was able to meet the projected goal of $8,500.00 for this year.

Local Business Receives National Recognition

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Colton and Danielle Hallgren, owners of Osage Hardware were recently honored among the independent home improvement industry’s 2021 Young Retailer of the Year by the North American Hardware and Paint Association. The Young Retailer of the Year program identifies and promotes the next generation of aspiring independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers, age 35 and younger throughout the U.S. and Canada.  The award normally only recognizes an individual; however, Colton and Danielle were recognized as a couple for the award.

Colton and Danielle both grew up in Osage City. During high school, Colton worked for Willie and Mary Sue Atchison, then owners of Osage Hardware. After high school, Colton served in the Marine Corps, the couple got married and were stationed in California for four years. Upon finishing his career with the Marine Corps, they decided to move back to Osage City in 2016. Willie jokingly told Colton he would sell him the store and his home and they would retire. After two years of learning the business, they saved enough money to make a down payment and bought Osage Hardware in September 2018.

They have made their business a family-oriented staple of the community.  Their sons, ages 3 and 5 come to the store every day and also the family dog, Sadie is the store mascot.

During their first years, they have made many updates to the interior of the store and have made a garden center in the adjacent vacant lot. The space has allowed them to offer an expanded selection of live plants, trees, mulch, bagged soil, outdoor furniture and décor, grills and more.  Danielle has also started a community farmer’s market.

The Hallgrens have seen a 12 percent increase in sales their first year in business and a 41 percent increase during their second year.  They continue to introduce new product lines and continue to add inventory.  In 2020, they were recognized as an Emerging Business of the Year by the Kansas Small Business Development Center.  They have achieved success and establishing their store without the benefit of a formal business education.  Initially, after working and learning from the former store owners for two years, they have taken advantage of seminars on marketing, merchandising and sales  as well as doing research and learning many of the basics of hardware retailing.  Danielle has future plans to increase the store’s social media marketing efforts and store merchandising.

They take great pride in serving their community.  Danielle coaches gymnastics with the local Parks and Recreation program and Colton currently is a volunteer firefighter.  They are members of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce and volunteer their time serving the community through various local events hosted at their store, including hands-on children’s activities for Mother’s Day, the annual Christmas on Market event and they also host local second graders each year for an educational program on small business.

Recently, they donated a Blackstone grill to a silent auction, which helped raise funds to cover a local man’s medical bills after he developed a brain tumor.  They continually find ways to give back to the community and help those who are struggling.

According to the Executive Director for NHPA, being chosen as a “Young Retailer of the Year” is a high honor and Colton and Danielle exemplify the determination and innovation that keeps the manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers industry growing.

ORBIS names Osage City facility as company’s 2020 plant of the year

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ORBIS Corporation recently named the Osage City facility the “2020 Plant of the Year”. The award honors one of its 14 North American manufacturing facilities. The Osage City plant employs 100 associates. Osage City facility had zero recordable injury incidents for the last two years. They achieved operational efficiency in 2020 as a top performer.  Every association is dedicated to employee safety and customer satisfaction.

The Osage City plant is recognized for its strong performance in areas such as safety, quality, service, community relations and overall operational efficiency.   The Osage City ORBIS facility was deemed an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic and was in full production throughout the entire year.

Osage City ORBIS plant take pride in serving the community.  They belong to the Osage City Chamber of Commerce, are very supportive throughout the year including among a few, the Smoke In The Spring, Cruis’n and Cook’n Car Show, Chamber of Commerce and Osage County Senior Center events.

Peterson Assisted Living celebrates new ownership with Chamber After Hours

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April 28, 2021, Tricia Gundy, owner of Peterson Assisted Living, hosted a Chamber of Commerce Member “After Hours Mixer” and Ribbon Cutting ceremony recognizing the new ownership which transpired last year; however, due to the COVID pandemic, was unable to have the ceremony.

Peterson Assisted Living, LLC is an Adult Care Home specializing in the needs of seniors transitioning from home to living in an environment that feels like home, but has 24-hour nursing care available, and assists with activities of daily living.  We are licensed by the State of Kansas and owned and operated by State licensed operator, Tricia Gundy.

Peterson Assisted Living was purchased March 1, 2020, by Tricia from previous owner, Crystal Peterson. Built in 1996, Peterson Assisted Living has 20 apartments and licensed for 22 beds. Current occupancy is 21. Staff includes: Tricia Gundy-Operator, Kaitlin Vandevord-Operator, Tammie Butler-LPN/DON, Mona Smith-CMA, Payton Strohm-CMA, Jordan Hon-CMA, Sonya Whitmore-CMA, Zona Tucker-Dietary Manager, Rylea Hon-Dietary Aide/CAN, Greta Crawford-Dietary Aide, Wanda Graybeal-Housekeeping.

2021 Osage City Fair Parade – Friday July 9, 2021

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Ladies, Gentlemen, Clubs, Organizations, Businesses, & Others:

The Chamber would like to invite you to participate in our annual summer parade on Friday July 9th at 6:30 pm!  We are seeking float, truck, car, and ATV/Golf Cart entries. Participants must be at least 17 years old to drive a motorized entry and no water balloons please.  Other entries like bands, clubs, horses, and marching units are also welcome! The Chamber offers prize money in two different categories: floats and ATV/Golf Carts.  Float winners receive $125 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd, $75 for 3rd, and $50 for 4th.  ATV/Golf Cart payouts are $30 for 1st, $20 for 2nd, and $10 for 3rd.

The theme this year is “Honoring Hometown Heroes.” Pay tribute to those who serve others by decorating and displaying a float or other entry in their honor.

Judging of entries will be done between 5:15 and 5:45 pm at Flint Hills Beverage. Participants will then proceed to line up at the west end of Market Street near BP Station and Bullseye Liquor. Parade line up/parking numbers will not be assigned.  Click here for full 2021 parade information.

This year’s parade will begin promptly at 6:30 pm.

The parade is always an annual highlight of the summer. Thank you to all the businesses, organizations, clubs, schools and individuals in this area that have supported it. We look forward to all the parade entries and hope spectators will enjoy another memorable, safe, and fun event.

Please email or text your parade entry form information to the contact below.

Adam Burnett
785-76O-O621
adamlorax@hotmail.com

2021 Community Fireworks Celebration

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The date for the annual community fireworks show hosted by the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be Saturday, July 10, 2021. A committee will be selected and will start working on plans that will include activities for the families to enjoy.

The event is one of the more expensive events that is offered to the community and it takes a joint effort of financial resources to help supplement the cost of the merchandise (fireworks).  The Chamber was very pleased with the positive response of the sponsorship from businesses and individuals for last year and hope to meet the projected goal of $8,500.00 for this year.

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their support to cover the cost of the fireworks display.  AG Choice, AuBurn Pharmacy, Bank of Burlingame, Bank of Osage City, Body Shop/Buenger Automotive, Branine Chevrolet-Buick, Citizens Insurance Service, City of Osage City, David Jacoby, OD, Edward Jones Investments, First National Bank, H & H Appraisals, Harmon Dental, Jerry’s Thriftway, Jodi Lohmeyer-Stark Agency, Kirk Bath Farm Bureau Financial Services, Landmark National Bank, Marilynn’s Restaurant, McCoy’s RadioShack, ORBIS, Osage Building Materials, Osage City Chamber of Commerce, Osage Garden & Produce, Osage City Kiwanis Club, Osage City Lions Club, Osage City Municipal Golf course, Osage City Area Community Foundation, Osage County Farm Bureau, Osage County Herald-Chronicle, Peterson Assisted Living, Porter Cattle Co., Quality Built Construction, Casey & Cheryl Mussatto, Rod & Kim Bergquist, Dan & Linda Mollnow, Richard & Jeanette Swarts, Larry & Jeannine Colstrom, Maurice & Cindy Koch, Michael & Darlene Biddle, Shirley Smulling.

2021 Osage County Fair and Parade

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July 7-10, 2021, will mark the dates for the Osage County Fair in Osage City.  The theme for the fair and the parade will be “Honoring Hometown Heroes”. The parade will be Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. The entertainment committee of the Fair held their first meeting and are in the beginning stages of some fun and exciting activities throughout the Fair Week. Plans are to have the annual Talent Show, organized by Bob & Ronda Harmon. Information regarding sign up will be available soon. Plans are to bring back the Demo Derby which will be held Friday evening after the traditional Parade. A new feature to the fair this year is going to be a “Bed Race”. The date and time have not been determined yet; however, you might start thinking about building a bed to enter in the contest. Hopefully it will be a “rolling success!!”  Rules and regulations will be announced soon. Stayed tuned as there are several events that are in the planning stages to be announced soon.

Adam Burnett, parade chairman is in the process of creating some new & innovative concepts for the parade for this year.  Adam will provide information regarding the parade and a parade form will be available soon to submit an entry for the parade. The Chamber of Commerce will be offering $350 in cash prizes for 4 places of float entries & $60 in cash prizes for 3 places of Golf Cart/ATV entries.  Please contact Adam at 785-760-0621 if you have any questions or comments regarding the event.

Veteran’s Banner Project Continues

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The Osage City Chamber of Commerce continue to receive a positive response with the Veteran’s Banner Project. We are continuing to add new banners and still have room for more. The Chamber would like to thank the families that have submitted their nominee. The Chamber look forward to the opportunity to display these banners in recognition of the individuals that have served or are presently serving to protect our Country. The banners are displayed during the months of May and November in recognition of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

If any family member or friend of a Veteran is interested in sponsoring their name, banner project information and application forms are available at the Jodi Lohmeyer-Stark-State Farm Office, 618 Market St. or Osage City Chamber website, www.osagecitychamber.com; email osagecitychamber@gmail.com or please feel free to contact Jeanette Swarts, 785/249-5451. The banners will cost $150.00 for a large banner (26” x 50”).

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce are dedicated to making sure our Veterans are appreciated and honored.  Osage City has many veterans deserving of the recognition so we would like to encourage families or friends to fill out the application and submit their name.

Community Fireworks Celebration planned for July 10, 2021

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The date for the annual community fireworks show hosted by the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be Saturday, July 10, 2021. A committee will be selected and will start working on plans that will include activities for the families to enjoy.

The event is one of the more expensive events that is offered to the community and it takes a joint effort of financial resources to help supplement the cost of the merchandise (fireworks).  The Chamber was very pleased with the positive response of the sponsorship from businesses and individuals for last year and hope to meet the projected goal of $8,500.00 for this year.   A 15% discount is offered if the order is submitted by mid-February, 2021. The Chamber would like to take advantage of this discount; therefore, we would like to ask your support of your donation this year.

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce would like to ask your support for 2021 and donate toward the 2021 budget to cover the cost of the fireworks display.  If you would like to make a donation for the fireworks event, please make your donation to the Osage City Chamber of Commerce and mail to PO Box 56, Osage City, KS  66523.

The community continues to support the major events that occur throughout the year and the Chamber would like to be able to continue to offer the fireworks celebration.  We appreciate your consideration and enthusiasm for our event.  Your support contributes to the growth of our community.  Thank you.

Osage County Fair and Parade, July 7-10, 2021

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July 7-10, 2021 will mark the dates for the Osage County Fair, in Osage City. The theme for the fair and the parade will be “Honoring Hometown Heroes”. The parade will be Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. The entertainment committee of the Fair held their first meeting and are in the beginning stages of some fun and exciting activities throughout the Fair Week. Plans are to have the annual Talent Show, organized by Bob & Ronda Harmon. Information regarding sign up will be available soon. Plans are to bring back the Demo Derby which will be held Friday evening after the traditional Parade. A new feature to the fair this year is going to be a “Bed Race”. The date and time have not been determined yet; however, you might start thinking about building a bed to enter in the contest. Hopefully it will be a “rolling success!!”  Rules and regulations will be announced soon. Stayed tuned as there are several events that are in the planning stages to be announced soon.

Adam Burnett, parade chairman is in the process of creating some new & innovative concepts for the parade for this year.  Adam will provide information regarding the parade and a parade form will be available soon to submit an entry for the parade. The Chamber of Commerce will be offering $350 in cash prizes for 4 places of float entries & $60 in cash prizes for 3 places of Golf Cart/ATV entries.  Please contact Adam at 785-760-0621 if you have any questions or comments regarding the event.

Osage City Spring Citywide Garage Sale, April 16-17, 2021

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The holidays have been over for a couple months, the ground hog saw his shadow; however, spring time is just around the corner and it is time to get ready to do some spring cleaning.   It will soon be that time of the year to sign up for the Spring Osage City Citywide Garage Sale.  This is a great opportunity to get rid of some of that “stuff” you never use and free up some space.  The Citywide Garage Sale is set for April 16 and 17.

To sign up, contact Tricia Gundy at 785-528-3301 or 785-219-9727. Tricia has revised the area map and is more user friendly, providing a chart for the type of items at the garage sales.  She will need your name—as you want it listed on the map, address, a phone number in case of questions about the sale, if you are having the sale Friday and Saturday or Saturday only, what area you are on the map, type of items that you will be selling, for example: children clothing; adult clothing; furniture; collectibles; kitchen items; household items; craft items; miscellaneous and a $5 donation fee. Tricia is also working to make the map available per the Chamber of Commerce Facebook and website.  The proceeds go towards a scholarship awarded every year to two Osage City High School graduates that are furthering their education.  The 2020 scholarships were awarded to Dylan Shaffer and Kaitlyn Heiserman   The deadline for adding a sale to the garage sale map is April 13th  at 5:00 p.m.

17th annual Cruis’n & Cook’n Auto Show, Saturday, April 10, 2021

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The 17th annual Cruis’n & Cook’n Auto Show will be Saturday, April 10, 2021, in downtown Osage City.  Come to town and enjoy walking down main street, looking at some beautiful vehicles and reminiscing about the vehicle that you had years ago. This year, the Twin Lakes Cruisers will be having additional attractions along with the auto show. including the Manhatchet Axe Throw, a Craft Show which will be held at St. Brigid’s Hall and also the Senior Center will be kicking off the Citywide Garage Sale a week early, having the Center open for bargains of many treasures.

Edward Jones Investments relocates to new office

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December 22, 2020, marked the first day of relocation for the Osage City Edward Jones office. Financial Advisor, Robyn Williams, and her team moved east up Market Street one block.  They moved from 516 Market Street, where the office had been located for 27 years, to a new location at 622 Market Street.

Robyn has been an Edward Jones financial advisor for more than 24 years and works to understand the individual goals of her clients prior to assisting them with their financial needs. Robyn’s primary goal is to help individual investors develop an investment strategy geared toward their family’s long-term goals.  Her team has built their business by treating their clients as they would want to be treated.

Robyn graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Communications, a Finance minor and a Leadership Studies Certification. She began her career with Edward Jones in 1996 in Beloit, KS, then moved to Emporia, KS, before taking over as the financial advisor in Osage City in June of 2001. Robyn will celebrate her 25 year anniversary of employment this week with Edward Jones on March 4th.

In August 2008, she earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist Designation from the College of Financial Planning. In her Osage City office, she is fortunate to be joined by two branch office administrators. Senior BOA, Mandi Potter, has over 22 years of experience, all in the Osage City branch, and the newest BOA is Jen Koch who has three and a half years of experience. Both ladies are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service possible.

Robyn and husband, David Williams, have two sons, and have lived in the Osage City area since 2008. She has enjoyed serving the community by being a long-standing member of our Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club and OC Economic Development.

Robyn and her team are planning to have a Grand Opening as soon as it is safe for everyone to attend, and the Corporate Office approves the event according to their COVID guidelines.

Osage City Chamber of Commerce Seeking 2021 Scholarship Applications

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The Osage City Chamber of Commerce offers a scholarship to one senior girl & one senior boy graduating from Osage City High School.  High School graduation is just around the corner and the Chamber would like to encourage any senior girl & boy that are furthering their education to get with Kathy Camarena, the High School Counselor and ask for application information. Specifically for the Osage City Chamber of Commerce application, data needed to apply is a transcript, two letters of reference and an essay from the student on importance of owning and operating a business in a small town.  Submit to the address listed on the application.  Deadline to submit application must be postmarked by April 23, 2021. The announcement of the winners will be dependent upon the status of the school allowing visitor participation upon said events.

Christmas on Market Parade, 6 p.m. Saturday Nov. 14, 2020

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It is time once again for the holidays to be upon us and for our community to come together and make it an awesome “Christmas on Market” event. This year the theme for the parade is “Holly Jolly Celebration.”

There is prize money for Float entries, Decorated Golf Carts and ATV’s. (Remember you must be 17 years old to drive either Golf Carts or ATV’s).

  • Prize money for float entries: 1st – $125.00, 2nd – $100.00, 3rd – $75.00, 4th – $50.00
  • Prize money for Golf Cart/ATV: 1st – $30.00, 2nd – $20.00, 3rd – $10.00

Please help to make this year’s Christmas on Market Parade a great success by entering something fun, lighted and memorable. The Christmas on Market Parade is on November 14th and the parade starts at 6:00 pm.

All floats, Golf Carts and ATV’s who want to be judged must arrive between 4:45 pm and 5:15 pm at Flint Hills Beverage. After your entry is judged, proceed to line-up at the west end of Market Street (around Bullseye Liquor and BP Station).  Line up this year is not assigned by number.  1.) Get your entry judged (optional)  2.) Park on Market or north & south of Market on 1st Street  3.) Wait for the parade to begin.

Thank you in advance for your participation in our “Holly Jolly Celebration” parade. It is you, the community that make it a success by participating! If you have any questions or want to register contact Adam at 785.760.0621.  Be sure to register your entry so you will have a number for judging!  A printable parade entry form is here.

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