Staff report

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Waltz Ace Hardware to the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony during the store’s grand opening weekend festivities Friday morning, April 8.

The store is owned by Casey and Kayla Waltz, who were joined by family and their 18-month-old daughter “Hardware Harley” at the event. The store had a steady stream of customers and community members streaming in to wish the family well in the venture.

An Ace Hardware information release states that the store has been redesigned to reflect the needs of the Ellsworth community, “including solutions to everyday home maintenance needs, as well as an extensive array of high-quality product in categories such as paint, lawn and garden.”

Kim Beebe, a member of the Ellsworth Area Chamber Executive Team, opened the ceremony with some remarks.

“I just want to say a few words to Casey and Kayla. Thank you so much for your confidence and investment in Ellsworth. I can’t tell you how convenient it is to have a hardware store with auto parts and everything, so we don’t have to drive to the big stores. We just appreciate it so much,” said Beebe.

“We’re super excited about Ace converting from True Value to our Ace Hardware,” said Kayla Waltz. “They’ve been such a great partner with this whole conversion. One of their bigger promises is helping communities, helping them grow and thrive. That’s super important to Casey and I, to help Ellsworth.”

The newly renovated store is packed with thousands of essential products and supplies, including best brandS like Benjamin Moore, Craftsman, Ego, Milwaukee and Scotts to help people take care of their homes. Key product offerings include paint, lawn and garden, hardware, electrical, plumbing, automotive and home de ´ cor.

Weekend festivities included tool and paint demonstrations, drawings, cooking and grilling demonstrations and giveaways.

Waltz Ace Hardware is located adjacent to Nilssen’s Foods at 137 E. Main St. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Casey and Kayla Waltz cut the ribbon at an Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce ceremony officially welcoming their business to the community on Friday, April 8. Waltz Ace Hardware held its grand opening festivities over the weekend. Photo by John McLoone