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HALLOWEEN FUN

photos by Krista Pietruszewski

The photo of the girls is Left to Right: Iyra Larson, Ulla Pietruszewski, Lola Larson, Harper Hjelle, & Josee Larson.
The photo of the girls is Left to Right: Iyra Larson, Ulla Pietruszewski, Lola Larson, Harper Hjelle, & Josee Larson.
Among those taking part were Karlstad Senior Living, with a circus-themed display featuring social worker Jena Duray and activities director Jackie McCash and her daughter Lettie Bayn
Among those taking part were Karlstad Senior Living, with a circus-themed display featuring social worker Jena Duray and activities director Jackie McCash and her daughter Lettie Bayn
Andrena Andersen of Kindled Seed Mercantile and her daughter, Emmy Andersen, with a Hocus Pocus theme.
Andrena Andersen of Kindled Seed Mercantile and her daughter, Emmy Andersen, with a Hocus Pocus theme. 
It highlighted the Trunk or Treat Carnival hosted by Karlstad American Legion Post #445 on October 25. Despite brisk late-October weather, the event served around 85 children and family members, with hot dogs, chips and hot chocolate available. Ten differently themed trunks offered candy and treats to costumed visitors.

Karlstad Chamber looks ahead to careers, education, and the holidays

Krista Pietruszewski nsnreporter@wiktel.com

photo by Krista Pietruszewski - The October KCoC gathering began with a visit to YuTyme Wellness & Chiropractic on Karlstad’s Main Street. Dr. Jana Riley, who has practiced in Karlstad since 2010, shared how the business got its start. A loan from the Karlstad EDA helped her open her doors straight out of school, and she credited the community’s support for keeping her here. Dr. Riley was joined by Dr. Marin Eeg, who started with the practice in February and recently earned her animal chiropractic certification. Together they gave members a look at the full range of care offered under one roof. Dr. Eeg now travels the area adjusting horses, cattle, dogs and cats, saving local owners from waiting on a visiting provider. - Beyond chiropractic care, the clinic offers massage therapy, IV therapy and injections through a visiting RN, food sensitivity testing, and thermography. Members also toured the hyperbaric chamber, a niche service that draws athletes and clients from outside the community. The practice moved to Main Street about three to four years ago. The team enjoys the walkability and being in the center of town. The visit was a reminder of how many wellness options are available right here at home.
photo by Krista Pietruszewski - The October KCoC gathering began with a visit to YuTyme Wellness & Chiropractic on Karlstad’s Main Street. Dr. Jana Riley, who has practiced in Karlstad since 2010, shared how the business got its start. A loan from the Karlstad EDA helped her open her doors straight out of school, and she credited the community’s support for keeping her here. Dr. Riley was joined by Dr. Marin Eeg, who started with the practice in February and recently earned her animal chiropractic certification. Together they gave members a look at the full range of care offered under one roof. Dr. Eeg now travels the area adjusting horses, cattle, dogs and cats, saving local owners from waiting on a visiting provider. - Beyond chiropractic care, the clinic offers massage therapy, IV therapy and injections through a visiting RN, food sensitivity testing, and thermography. Members also toured the hyperbaric chamber, a niche service that draws athletes and clients from outside the community. The practice moved to Main Street about three to four years ago. The team enjoys the walkability and being in the center of town. The visit was a reminder of how many wellness options are available right here at home. 
The KCoC met on October 13th at the Karlstad City Office, with Chair Matt Steien calling the meeting to order. Members discussed presenting framed membership certificates to Chamber businesses. They noted that ribbon-cutting supplies are available for both new and established businesses, and Collins Funeral Home was suggested as a future business spotlight.

Much of the meeting focused on a career exploration event planned with Tri-County School. Rather than a traditional job fair, the event would invite up to 10 area businesses to give short presentations and possibly hands-on demonstrations to students in small rotating groups. Organizers are aiming for late November or early December, and the local Post Office has already expressed interest. Next steps are confirming the date and recruiting participating businesses.

Marketing efforts continue to show strong results. About 65% of the Chamber’s social media audience are nonfollowers, a sign that posts are reaching well beyond the existing audience. Newsletters go out about every two weeks, and winners from the Subscribe & Win promotion will be drawn soon. Members were encouraged to send in events, promotions and announcements to share.

The group also discussed ways to support local businesses through education and networking. Ideas included rural social media marketing, business planning, continuous improvement, and free business mentoring through SCORE. A member interest survey will be sent out, and lunch-and-learn sessions are being considered. Members also talked about Kittson Healthcare’s community education sessions and a countywide senior transportation service that is looking for volunteers.

Several community events are coming up:

     • Trunk or Treat: October 25, at the Karlstad American Legion, following First Lutheran’s Harvest Festival earlier that afternoon.
     • Small Business Saturday: November 28.
     • Santa Day: December 12.
     • Holiday Light Contest: members hope to continue the tradition.

The next meeting will be held November 10 at 9 AM, with Collins Funeral Home tentatively set as the featured business spotlight. As always, if you are interested in being part of the KCoC, come to our next meeting. All are welcome.