Deputy Sam Smith Memorial Highway Introduced at Statehouse

This week in Topeka, community members, law enforcement, and family came together in support of legislation that would designate a portion of I-35 around Ottawa as the Deputy Sam Smith Memorial Highway (picture here). Deputy Samuel Smith was just 22 years old when he was killed in 2010 in an automobile accident on California Road while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A lifelong Franklin County resident, Sam was part of this community long before he wore the badge, and his service as a sheriff’s deputy reflected a commitment to serving others. Though his time in service was brief, that commitment left a lasting impact in Franklin County.

State Representative Rebecca Schmoe introduced this bill to the House Transportation Committee (you can find it under HB2471) on Monday, and it is currently working its way through that committee. If you would like to watch the hearing, you can do so here (view it here). The proposed memorial would honor Deputy Smith on the very roads he once patrolled. If the designation is approved, the signage itself would not be funded with taxpayer dollars. Instead, the cost of the memorial signs would be covered through private donations, which is standard practice for these types of designations. While it’s still early in the process, that would mean a community-led fundraising effort would take place to help cover the cost. Just another example of how these memorials are made possible by those who choose to step forward to honor service, sacrifice, and legacy.

Ottawa University Debate Team Hosts Kansas Day Exhibition

Yesterday morning, the Ottawa University Debate team gathered at the Franklin County Courthouse for a special Kansas Day Exhibition Debate (pictures here). I had the honor of serving on the panel of judges for the event and got blown away by the professionalism, articulation skills, and overall constructive conversation that was had between the two parties. This was my first experience with a debate, as I was not involved in high school or college. But after watching them, I kind of wish I had! It looked like a lot of fun, and it is clear they are developing crucial soft skills in their communication with others.

The topic of the conversation was one that hits extremely close to home for Franklin County: renewable energy. This adaptive challenge is currently swirling around our community and region. On one side of the exhibition, students were tasked with taking the stance that renewables should be expanded upon in Kansas. On the other side of the exhibition, students were given the role of defending why Kansas shouldn’t. Teams of four took turns sharing their thoughts, research, and opinions on the matter. After 30-40 minutes of discussion, they concluded their thoughts and made their argument on why the crowd and judges should side with their cause.

For the entire half hour, I kept thinking about how well these 18 to 22-year-olds handled a highly charged discussion. This is the exact topic that has neighbors at odds, sparks online fights, and can tear apart relationships. With that in mind, these students handled this passionate conversation with grace. Although they might not be property owners in Franklin County or have a personal vested interest in real life, their competitiveness was evident as they sought to showcase their team's argument, all while remaining cordial. I hope that as this community discussion continues locally, advocates on both sides take a cue from the OU Debate Team and not let their passion for the subject shield them from the fact that the person on the other side of an issue is exactly that, another person. And in all reality, another community member. If you want to stay up to date with the Ottawa University Debate Team, check out their Instagram page here (view that here).

Chamber Banquet Brings Business Community Together

What a whirlwind of a week it has been! All hands on deck prior to last night's banquet, and then it is over in a flash. Though the event went fast, memories will surely last (pictures of the event here). When I looked out at the crowd from the podium yesterday, I saw so many friends filling all 30 tables. I mentioned it time and time again from the stage, but the Chamber is so blessed! We would not have seen the success we did in 2025 if it weren't for our business community stepping up as it does. All of us working together produce what seems like an unstoppable force for good! I also want to share a document placed on each table last night outlining some of our accomplishments in 2025 (2025 Year in Review here). This is just the tip of the iceberg, as there was so much to celebrate in 2025, including some well-deserving award winners. Before sharing the winners, I do need to shout out all those who made last night possible.

Our banquet sponsors can be found here (click here to view). Along with having record attendance, we also saw an outpouring of sponsors for the event. Thank you to all who gave financially! Also, thank you to our volunteers, those who serve on the committee, and even some who don't. All of them stepped up to make last night possible. Without further ado, here are last night's award winners!

Chamber Annual Award Winners

The first award presented last night was the Favorite Smile Award. The winner was Betty Birzer, Realtor for Reece Nichols and avid community supporter (picture here)! This was said about Betty, "If you ask Betty how she is doing, you know you’ll receive a big smile and an ‘I’m blessed!’ Whether she’s delivering donuts to do-gooders, putting on free movie days at the theatre, or trying to help someone find their forever home, Betty is smiling.” It only takes a few minutes in the same room with Betty to know that she is more than deserving of this award. Betty helps make others feel welcome and, for years, has been smiling and making others smile, too. Congratulations Betty!

The Horizon Award winner is Amy Carlson, with the Ottawa Recreation Commission (picture here)! This was said about Amy last night: "Amy has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting up-and-coming leaders in Ottawa and Franklin County. Through a strong commitment to leadership development, she has completed multiple local and statewide leadership programs and now gives back by helping guide and mentor others—continuing to learn while also helping shape the next generation of leaders.” Amy demonstrates diligence behind the scenes, pulling the strings to ensure programs run smoothly and people are communicated with. I’ve seen her, time and time again, come up with good ideas. She is one of the few people who can run with them and make them a reality. We are lucky to have Amy in our community; I have no doubt she has many more years of leadership ahead of her. Congrats Amy!

The Entrepreneur Award highlights a small business in our community. This year's recipient is Traci Hower and the Wet Lillies (picture here)! This was said about Traci and the Wet Lillies, "Traci has built something truly distinctive to our community. Her ability to traverse difficult challenges since opening shows the grit that she has as a small business owner. In her few years of running the Wet Lillies, she’s seen her footprint and production grow under her passionate guidance. Her attention to detail for water lilies is matched by her attention to supporting her customers." Traci is so deserving of this honor as she truly exhibits what it takes to be a small business owner. Her professionalism, vision, and love for her craft are apparent to all! Congratulations, Traci and the Wet Lillies.

The Community Builder Award recipient for 2025 is none other than local Ottawa Police Chief, Adam Weingartner (picture here)! This was said about Adam last night, "For more than three decades, Adam has been a dependable presence of leadership over our community. He has devoted his career, and heart, to the safety and well-being of others. His thoughtful leadership, calm, solution-driven mindset is brought to all the tables he serves at." Chief Wengartner was not born in our community but has a deep-rooted passion for the people, businesses, and reputation of Ottawa and Franklin County. He constantly puts others' needs above his own and never turns down an opportunity to support others. I firmly believe our community is safer, stronger, and more connected with Adam’s leadership at the Ottawa Police Department. Congratulations Chief!

The biggest award we give out each year is the Russell Crites Award. Only to be given to those who have dedicated themselves to the Ottawa community and possess these qualities:

Have a vision and commitment to Ottawa
Strive for excellence
Have achieved success through effort and determination
Show a devotion to a better quality of life
Be unselfish with time to effect change
Have a desire to build for the future
Dream BIG and seek ways to achieve those dreams
Live with a positive attitude
Have a commitment to business expansion
And show personal persistence

This year's winner of the 2025 Russell Crites Award is Pam Harris (picture here)! This was said about Pam, "Pam has spent her entire adult life answering that call to serve. For more than 45 years, she has cared for neighbors through her work in health care and through volunteer efforts throughout the community. She has led with compassion, steadiness, and an unwavering commitment to our community's well-being. A giving heart, encouraging presence, and unforgettable laugh have lifted not just patients, but families and coworkers as well." I have had the pleasure of working with Pam while she has led Onward Ottawa's Board, and through several other events and programs. 'Giving heart' is spot on. Pam has devoted her career and life to our community, with the goal of caring for others first. Her passion for this community shines through her work, both past and present. She is a perfect choice for the Russell Crites Award. Congratulations Pam!

Final Days to bid!

Don't forget that the Chamber's virtual auction is still underway, and will continue until Monday evening at 8pm (link here). All of these proceeds go to the betterment of our community by supporting Chamber initiatives. If you don't see something you'd like to take home yourself (which would be surprising), please share the link with your friends/family or on your personal social media page. Thanks to all those who bid! Happy bidding and talk to you soon,

Ryland Miller

President/CEO

Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce

ryland@ottawakansas.org

785-242-1000