Your Local Vote Is Your Superpower — Use It!
There are only three more days (including today) left of early voting. The County Clerk's office will be open today, Saturday, and Monday for those who want to cast their ballots prior to Election Day (view the hours here). For those voting on Tuesday, check out your polling location here (view that here).
Kansas Leadership Center journalist Chris Green shared an article highlighting the greater impact of your vote in local elections compared to national/state elections (view the full article here). He frames this opportunity as a superpower for American citizens. He shares that voting in a local election may not be as glamorous as a presidential race. But when you do vote, it’s a supercharged decision because the smaller the number of total ballots cast, the more magnified a single vote becomes. Outside of that voting power, local elections are an opportunity to directly impact the community in which you live, work, and play. Don’t take it for granted!
Celebrating 10 Years of Angels Care
This week, we had two networking events on the schedule, starting with the Angels Care Home Health Chamber After Hours on Tuesday evening (pictures here). It was a great time celebrating Angels, as this year marks a special milestone, 10 years of serving the Ottawa community (and 10 years as a valued Chamber member). With locations in several eastern Kansas communities, Angels quickly made Ottawa a part of its family by serving the community with home health options.
When we met at their downtown location at 318 S. Main Street, those in attendance engaged with their dedicated office staff and learn more about the essential in-home healthcare services they provide. This can resemble traditional home health visits, as well as specialized programs such as behavioral health support and care for individuals with chronic illnesses. Angels Care offers high-quality support for individuals nineteen and up, directly in their homes. They do see a large portion of their clients over the age of 65. The reason for that is that if you, or someone you love, is on Medicare, they can receive fully funded support for at-home care through Angels. Because each patient has different needs, care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. If there is a need for their team to be engaged long-term, or even just for a short while during a transitional period/health challenge, their team will be there, in your home.
For those struggling to navigate the challenging Medicare landscape, they want to be a conduit for information and guidance. Whether that’s enrolling in services, renewing your coverage, or simply answering questions about the best options for the patient, Angels offers a helping hand. Congratulations to the Angels Care team on 10 amazing years! Thank you for the compassionate care you bring to our community every day.
Community Steps Up as SNAP Benefits Face Disruption
There has been extensive media coverage nationwide following the federal government shutdown. As this process drags on, various federal programs continue to be halted. One area that has caught the attention of many Kansans is the upcoming disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, which helps low-income individuals and families afford groceries. In Franklin County, about 6.4% of our residents (more than 1,600 people) rely on SNAP benefits to help meet their most basic food needs. Across Kansas, that percentage is similar to the state average, while nationally about 12.7% of Americans will be affected by the halting of this program.
When benefits are delayed or reduced, families can quickly find themselves without the resources to provide consistent meals. In response to this challenge, a group of more than 20 local leaders and organizations met this week (picture here). This included school districts, churches, nonprofits, elected officials, and businesses that came together to coordinate a countywide effort to support those affected. Food collected through this initiative will be distributed to ECKAN, Hope House, and local Blessing Boxes, ensuring families have nutrition access throughout the disruption (more info here). There will be a drive-thru food drop-off this coming Sunday (11/2) from 12-2pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church (Elm Street side). While the shutdown’s duration remains uncertain, our community continues to demonstrate what neighborly love looks like in action—caring, coordinated, and ready to make progress on challenges together.
Keeping Ottawa Moving: Kansas Tread and Tire Opens Its Doors
This morning, we went west on Wilson Street to visit Kansas Tread and Tire, one of Ottawa’s newest businesses. Behind the name are Sarah and Braydon Ansel, a husband-and-wife team with a shared passion for helping people stay safe on the road. This full-service automotive repair shop is ready to help keep you and your ride moving. Anything from routine maintenance to tackling unexpected troubles.
Their entrepreneurial journey began this past June, when they purchased the former UPS building at 319 W. Wilson. What started as an idea quickly became a very real possibility. The process came together so smoothly that Sarah said it felt like it was meant to be. Fast forward a few months, and their dreams have become a reality, with the opening of their beautiful new shop (photos here). From day one, they’ve felt welcomed. Sarah shared how, within minutes of moving in, a neighbor stopped by to congratulate them and offer a warm welcome to Ottawa.
Though the business is new, the Ansels are far from newcomers to the automotive world. Braydon continues to work with his family’s diesel mechanic business, bringing a wealth of experience to their new venture. Despite its name, Kansas Tread and Tire offers far more than tire repair. Whether it’s a transmission issue, brake replacement, or a simple oil change, their goal is to ensure every car they touch runs safely and efficiently. Their team also consists of two full-time mechanics. You’ll find them in the shop and also on the move, as their mobile service truck is ready to come to you. If you find yourself on the roadside, in your driveway, or anywhere in between, their team is just a call away.
For Sarah and Braydon, Kansas Tread and Tire is more than a business—it’s a way to give back to their community. As residents of Franklin County, they’re eager to serve their neighbors and contribute to making Ottawa an even better place to live and work. A place where neighbors support each other, one repair at a time.
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Happy Halloween to all the chamber ghosts, goblins, (or pieces of toast) out there! Whether you spend today trick-or-treating, watching a festive movie, or treating it just like any other day, I hope you have a great weekend!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
