ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce is moving full speed ahead with new members, new events and visits from civil authorities.
 Members of the retail community met on Tuesday night discuss a number of topics, among them were events. The product of the meeting was three events on Oct. 5: the City Wide Garage Sale and the return of the Peddler’s Market, Nov. 10, The Annual Holiday Open House, and Dec. 1: The Christkindlmarket and Community Tree Lighting.
 On Labor Day Governor Sam Brownback made a casual visit to Ellinwood, arranged by the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce. During his one hour visit, Brownback visited the Ellinwood Tunnels and the Historic Wolf Hotel.
 “The Governor had mentioned that he had never seen the tunnels and would enjoy the opportunity for a tour,” said Chamber Administrator J. Basil Dannebohm.
 Rick Casagrande, curator of the Ellinwood Tunnels offered an informative program for the entourage and took time to answer a number of questions asked by the Governor. There were a few light-hearted moments on the tour when the Governor tried out some of the equipment in the Blacksmith Shop and took a seat in the barber’s chair. Brownback was especially fascinated at the ingenuity of those who first carved the tunnels below the community.
 Following the tunnels, Dannebohm and Brownback and his entourage across the street to the Wolf Hotel where he was able to tour the building as well as the tunnels below. Christopher McCord, owner of the Wolf Hotel shared his vision for the hotel, it’s history and even a few ghost stories.
 “The Governor was very interested in the history of our community and was grateful that we took time on Labor Day to give him a tour,” said Dannebohm. “I think it was beneficial to our community that our top state official have a chance to visit our town.”
 Before visiting Ellinwood, Brownback made a stop at the Cheyenne Bottoms and Hoisington. After leaving town he visited the Quivira Wildlife Refuge.