Wagner, SD Rotary Club

08/31/2026

Wagner Rotarians were greeted at their weekly Wednesday meeting by a familiar face from last year. President Jamie Soukup was standing in for President Jeff Doom. Soukup welcomed everyone and two guests especially. District 5610 Governor Mike Gibson and his wife Vasthi were visiting the Wagner club from their home in Rapid City. District Governors are required to visit every Rotary club in their district during the year that they fill the position.

Song leader Jordan Weber gave members a chance to get up and get some movement going with his choice of “If You’re Happy and You Know it.” If you are familiar with this song, you know that it is three verses long and you clap, stomp your feet, and shout Rotary!

The Membership Minute given by Jeannie Crowe was a tribute focused on Dolly Parton who recently passed away. She was a country music legend. Crowe’s “minute” focused not only on Parton’s music and personality but also on her commitment to children’s literacy. Not everyone is familiar with this aspect of Dolly’s life.

In 1995 Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, inspired in part by her father, who had never learned to read or write. The idea was simple: to provide young children with free, age-appropriate books and encourage a lifelong love of reading. The program has reached millions of children and families, making literacy and educational opportunities one of the most lasting parts of Dolly Parton’s legacy.

Jeannie noted how closely Rotary’s values of education, opportunity, and service mirrored Parton’s. Dolly demonstrated that service does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes making a difference begins by using whatever gifts, talents, and opportunities we have to improve someone else’s life. Although Parton will always be remembered by her music, one of her greatest legacies may be the child who opened a book, discovered a love of reading, and begins to imagine what is possible.

“Master Sergeant” Jerry Weber then went to the podium with his list of fines. President Jeff Doom received the largest fine of the day $10, for choosing a Canadian fishing trip over the District Governor’s visit. Jamie

Soukukp received a fine for interfering with Jerry’s SAA materials, pen, papers, and lists followed by Gerrit Juffer being fined for picking on one of the program guests!

The Happy Fines outnumbered the regular fines for a change. Jordan Weber started it with a Happy Fine of $2 that was increased by $9 after the membership discovered how many years they had been married! Jerry Weber gave a happy fine for seeing the tribute to Walt Nedved and Howard B**h at the new Wagner football stadium where they are honored with a beautiful display inside the stadium. Becky Brunsing held the winning ticket for the Queen of Hearts but only found the two of Spades. Secretary Treasurer Craig Krsnak reported that the drawing has now reached $213.00 The quarterly attendance race is close for the first time in a couple of years! The Ted Honke and Deb Houseman teams are tied at sixteen misses each.

Krsnak reminded all Rotarians to finish selling their football books before the first game on September 14th. If you are looking to buy a ticket, contact any Rotarian.

Program leader Jamie Soukup introduced his program, Rotary District 5610 Governor Mike Gibson and his wife Vasthi Gibson. Governor Mike began his program by presently Jamie Soukup with this year’s Rotary banner featuring the theme “Create Lasting Impact.”

Governor Mike said one of the first things that impressed him about Wagner Rotary was the camaraderie among members. Gibson said that what he enjoys most about visiting Rotary clubs is hearing about their service projects, and seeing the connections created between members and their communities. He joked that throughout his District Governor training he found himself surrounded by extremely organized, highly motivated Rotarians with long lists of responsibilities to live up to. He jokingly said, “I’m not going to do that.” He described himself as an “accredited underachiever” and shared stories from his career. He gave some great examples of overachieving, worrying more than necessary, and dwelling on projects and people that take a lot of energy and time and accomplish less. His primary message was “Connection” is important!

Service projects that become routine for club members can have tremendous value to a community. Rotary “works” because members “choose” to show up, form relationships and take responsibility for projects that otherwise may never happen.

District Governor Gibson invited members to the District Conference planned for October 22-24 at Crazy Horse Memorial. He compared all the work at Crazy Horse which has gone on for years, to the work that people do on an everyday basis who may not think of themselves as doing something hugely important. Workers contribute to something much larger than themselves and he sees this as a connection to our Rotary service. The District Conference will feature a founder of the School of St. Jude in Tanzania and another speaker who has worked internationally on large water and sanitation projects. Governor Mike also encouraged Rotarians to consider Rotary Friendship Exchanges. He and his wife have participated in exchanges and traveled with Rotary groups internationally, including trips to Sweden and India. The Wagne r Rotary Club is expecting a Friendship Exchange group to visit the Wagner area later this year. “Rotary is built on connections between people.” Each local club must decide for itself how it will serve its community. The club thanked the District Governor and his wife for making the trip and sharing the program.

The meeting adjourned with members reciting Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

08/26/2026

Wagner Rotary convened it’s regular Wednesday meeting with President Doom presiding. After Rotary Grace, Song “Master” Jordan Weber selected Clementine and members managed two verses.

The Membership Minute by Jeannie Crowe focused on an interesting question. What has Rotary done for Wagner? Crowe is a new Rotarian, and she is doing an excellent job of exploring what Rotary is all about for her weekly report. She did some research by looking back at some of the projects the club has supported through the years. One of the most visible is the Rotary Shelter (2005) at Wagner Lake and the continuing work around the entire lake. Rotary partnered with WCS students to place mulch around the landscaping at the Shelter a few years ago.

Another long-running project is the aluminum can recycling. This project originally belonged to the Wagner Lions Club but was taken over by Rotary after the Lions disbanded in 2017. A recent load from the can bin generated more than $500. Proceeds from these aluminum cans are used to award Rotary Scholarships to WCS students, Rotary Youth Exchange and other programs deemed worthy. The club also participates in the Adopt-A-Highway cleanup efforts and cleans several local ditches.

Members added several projects from their own memories such as helping with projects at the Good Samaritan Center which included working on a garage, painting and installation of fencing and participating in an international clean-water project that helped provide a well in Africa.

Wagner Rotary has also developed a strong reputation for supporting the Rotary Foundation. The club has always participated in the district fundraiser of Every Rotarian, Every Year Club through District 5610 and will receive $262.50 back from District 5610. Members discussed placing the money into the club’s grant fund for future projects.

Crowe ended with a reminder that Rotary’s history is not simply a list of projects or dollars raised. It is a history of people willing to give their time, talents, and resources because they believed their community was worth supporting.

President Doom began working on the meeting agenda by reminding club members that the District Governor and his wife will attend next week’s meeting and asked that members arrive fifteen minutes early. Doom asked the club to consider bringing back the club’s annual Labor Day float for the parade. He is still storing all the old decorations and asked members to consider if they would like to participate again.

At this moment Sergeant at Arms Jerry Weber reminded the President that Rotary business is supposed to come AFTER the SAA portion of the meeting. He promptly fined the President and continued with fining Katie Henke over a phone issue during a recent meeting, Patty Frei and Amanda Bechen for looking guilty when they entered the meeting; Jordan Weber for “finally” selecting a song other than “Smile” and Bill and Patty Frei for looking unusually dressed up. Sergeant Weber gave a friendly reminder to the President about limits to personal space between the Sergeant and the Craig Krsnak, Secretary-Treasurer at the Head table. Carson Koehn was fined for wearing clothing that looked like a golf coach and Gerrit Juffer was fined for continuing the exercise habits of his father. The fines ended with President Doom find for a phone call during the meeting.

There were several Happy Fines including school being back in session, family accomplishments for the Frei family attending a white coat ceremony and having a recent wedding anniversary. Rachel Woods drew the most attention for securing six new advertisements for Rotary football books. All the Wagner Rotarians received their football books so seek out a Rotarian to buy a book. You will be supporting the Wagner Rotary Club and have a chance to win $$$$$!!! The first game listed in the books is September 14th, and members were encouraged to sell out the books as soon as possible.

Rotarian Carson Koehn drew the Two of Hearts from the card deck and missed $196.00 Secretary-Treasurer Craig Krsnak reported that after two weeks into the new quarter the Ted Honke Team had fifteen misses and the Deb Houseman Team had sixteen.

Rotarian Linda Soukup delivered the day’s program talking about one of her longtime interests-genealogy, and her recent membership in the

Daughters of the American Revolution, commonly known as DAR. Her interest grew as the country approached its 250th anniversary. She has always wondered about the organization and started researching whether her family qualified. Her research was focused on her paternal line—the DeWalds. To become a member of DAR an applicant must be able to document a direct ancestral connection to a person who provided qualifying service during the American Revolution.

Linda began working backward through her line, beginning with her father, and continuing through several generations leading to an ancestor who had come to America and served with the militia during the Revolutionary War. DAR refers to such an ancestor as a “Patriot.” The connection must then be “proved” through records documenting each generation with birth, marriage, death, cemetery, and military records. At one point her application stalled because DAR needed additional proof that one ancestral couple had been married. Records dating back to the late 1700’s and early 1800’s can be very incomplete and searching county records in Pennsylvania and Indiana proved fruitless. She eventually submitted additional family genealogy and a photograph of the couple’s tombstone.

Approximately a month ago Linda received confirmation of her membership with the help of assistance from a DAR Registrar assigned to help with her application. She now belongs to the Daniel Newcomb Chapter and had a choice between chapters in Yankton and Mitchell, and she chose Yankton as monthly meetings rotate between members communities.

One of the interesting parts of genealogy she discovered was how families moved across the country and how names changed through generations. Her DeWald family moved from Pennsylvania to Indiana and four different spellings of the family name developed over time. Her interest has taken her to cemeteries and historic locations. Her DAR group recently visited the Greenwood Cemetery where many early missionaries and area residents are buried.

Rotarians began comparing their own family histories. Some had genealogy books passed down through families and discussions were held about the dates and times of the Revolutionary period in America. Linda

said one of the most fascinating parts of the project has been discovering how many historical records are now available online. Finding the information you need takes time and patience. Learning about her Patriot and discovering records from the earliest generations of her family was especially interesting.

The meeting adjourned with the recitation of Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

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08/18/2026

President Jeff Doom welcomed only thirteen Rotary members to the August 12th meeting. Summer activities and jobs are taking a toll on membership this year. There was one guest present, Alex Woods, son of Rachel Woods and Judeane Irvine from Amanda Bechens business.

Following the Rotary Grace, Song Master Jordan Weber led the club in our old standard “Smile.” President Doom then presented a special recognition to Rotarian Jerry Weber who received his Paul Harris Fellow+2 pin. Weber was given a round of applause and a picture of himself and President Jeff making the presentation.

Club members received copies of our Rotary Committees for 2026-2027, Rotary attendance Teams for 2026-2027, and a complete list of Rotarians responsible for the programs for each week.

President Doom provided an update on the Rotary fountain project at Wagner Lake. The fountain has arrived, utility locaters have been completed, and installation is expected to begin soon. The plans include relocating the existing hydrant closer to the fountain and the Rotary landscaping. The new hydrant will supply the fountain with water as needed and will also make it easier for watering the bushes and flowers around the Rotary shelter.

Jeannie Crowe gave an excellent Membership Minute that focused on one of Rotary’s best-known principles: Service Above Self. This is the motto of Rotary, but it really represents the belief that our lives become more meaningful when we use our time, talents, and resources to make a difference in the lives of others. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a large project. Crowe used a recent example close to home: Allison Wood’s small children helping pull weeds at the Wagner Rotary Shelter. This is something that everyone has memories of---growing up in a community where parents often volunteered their children to help with projects, sometimes without asking them to do it! These kinds of experiences teach them the importance of giving time and effort to something larger than ourselves.

Rotary members were challenged to consider not only what they accomplish for themselves, but whose life might be better because they chose to serve.

Service also teaches us something about ourselves. When we give our time to others, we often discover talents and strengths we did not know we possessed. We develop friendships, gain new perspectives, become more connected to our communities and we receive something valuable in return, not money or recognition, but purpose and fulfillment!

The Rotary Motto, Service Above Self, is a call to action. We do not serve because we expect recognition. We serve because someone needs our help. That is the Spirit of Rotary.

Sergeant at Arms Jerry Weber approached the podium with his “Master Sergeant” button proudly displayed. A fine of $2 was given to Jeff Doom for hanging out at the Pioneer building, to Jerry Henke and Linda Soukup for comparing rainfall amounts, Jamie Soukup for his construction project; Rachel Woods was fined $4 for having a favorite child of the day; her son Alex, and for getting Hunter Hewitt back into the Rotary building after ten years. Jordan Weber’s fine was for being “in the way” of the Sergeant; Deb Houseman for keeping Jeff Doom “in line’”; Tedd Honke for wearing red to the meeting as did other members which drew the National Red Shirt Day question from the Sergeant. Carson Koehn was fined for looking for a winning ticket. Jamie Soukup and Jordan Weber were fined for performing a little dance during the song session; and Tim Thaler for not inviting the Sergeant to a party on Tim’s deck.

President Doom paid a $5 Happy Fine for the terrific Membership Minute given by Jeannie Crowe; and Linda Soukup gave a $5 Happy Fine for her niece, Hadley Hart receiving her first Paul Harris Fellowship. Hadley just recently graduated from Pierre High School and has been active in RYLA.

Doom then gave an update on a former exchange student who recently visited Wagner and is now 30 years old and a lawyer in Columbia. Several Wagner Rotarians who fostered Juan when he was in Wagner and other guests experienced an informal reception at the President’s home. Former

Counselor Dana Sanderson and his family worked to get Juan’s visit to Wagner completed.

Rotarian Rachel Woods introduced her program for the day which was Hunter Hewitt. Hewitt graduated from Wagner Community School in 2016 and then attended SDSU where he earned his degree in physical education. He began his teaching career in Sioux Falls and then returned to the Wagner area and worked at the Boys and Girls Club before teaching in Lake Andes. When a physical education position opened in Wagner, he jumped at the opportunity to come home. He is now beginning his fourth year back in the WCS system.

Hewitt said the newly renovated football stadium is an impressive addition to Wagner’s athletic facilities. Now that he has seen the finished project and learned more about the congestion and facility issues with the old stadium, he realized that Wagner is extremely fortunate to have the facilities that we do compared to most other Class A schools. He noted that when he has taken football players to other schools the students have noticed that Wagner’s locker rooms and facilities are a vast improvement compared to other schools.

The Red Raiders are coming off from an outstanding season that ended with a quarterfinal loss to Deuel. This year’s team, however, will look considerably different. Wagner graduated six seniors who started on both offense and defense, including standout Gannon Knebel. Hewitt described the graduating group as unusually talented, experienced, and physically strong, with several players who earned All-State recognition. While Knebel received considerable attention for his accomplishments, Hewitt emphasized that replacing the entire Senior class will be the bigger challenge. The group had played together for years and provided much of the team’s leadership.

This year, Wagner returns only a few experienced upper classmen. Seniors Carlos Galindo and Trasin Dilts will be counted on heavily for experience and leadership. Galindo has been a long-time contributor in the secondary, while Dilts returns as one of the team’s strongest linemen. Junior Michael “Cruze” Koupal is expected to take over at quarterback after

playing receiver and contributing significantly last season. He is “athletic and tough” but developing him as a passer will be part of the process. Hewitt said with a younger and smaller roster the staff is simplifying things and concentrating heavily on fundamentals “We are good at blocking and tackling.”

There are 37 to 42 players currently participating, depending on the day. Hewitt would like to consistently have around fifty players in the football program. He credited the Wagner Boys and Girls Club with playing a vital role in building young athletes and developing their interest in football. The B&G Club gives them positive role models and helps younger players become comfortable with fundamentals before entering junior high football.

Wagner also hosted its second individual football camp this summer with ninety athletes from six communities. Around 50 Wagner students in grades 7-12 participated. Hewitt invited accomplished former players and coaches to this camp so local athletes can learn from voices other than their own coaching staff. Trevor Gregor and Solomon St. Pierre along with NFL offensive lineman and Parkston native Riley Reiff recently helped this summer.

The purpose of the summer camp is not to make money. The registration fees cover coaching and shirt expenses. The larger goal is to bring athletes to Wagner, highlight the community and its facilities, and give these young players as much individual instruction as possible.

The Red Raiders officially began practice this past August 6 and their first home game will be against Wessington Springs. “They have some growing to do, but the focus will remain on competing hard, improving throughout the season and developing the young players who will form the foundation of the program in the years ahead.”

The meeting adjourned with everyone reciting The Four-Way Rotary Test of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

08/12/2026

The Wagner Rotary Club met for its regular weekly meeting with President Jeff Doom giving such a strong ring of the bell that it hurt ears, and he confessed it even hurt his arm. Rotarians recited the Rotary Grace and Assistant Song “Master” Jordan Weber led the club in “Stodola Pumpa” using only the first and third verses.

Rotarian Patty Frei gave the Membership Minute, which focused on Rotary’s Membership and New Club Development Month. The message challenged clubs to review their strongest years for membership growth and retention and then work to do even better. The goal is to become the best version of a Rotary club and build lasting momentum.

President Jeff announced that Juan, a former exchange student from Colombia, may be visiting Wagner during the coming week. Juan previously stayed with Wagner host families and is now approximately 36 years old and working as a lawyer in Colombia.

The Assistant Sergeant at Arms Jordan Weber levied the following fines: $1 to Tim Thaler for his impressive mustache, $2 to Kathe Henke for giving Jordan the song “Master” title last week; Gerrit Juffer was fined $1 for wearing what appeared to be a sailing outfit, but he explained that he was really dressed for a Canaries baseball game later in the day. $2 was assessed to Deb Houseman for complimenting the Sergeant at Arms, which was quickly labeled as an attempt to gain favor. $2 was assessed to Jamie Soukup for putting an excessive number of sprinkles on his ice cream; Jeff Doom was fined $2 for ringing the Rotary bell loudly enough to affect everyone’s hearing. Bill Frei received a $2 fine for criticizing Jordan Weber’s parking. Jorden defended his parking spot which was to avoid another encounter with the pole in the alley.

It was a good day for Happy Fines: Rachel Woods contributed $5 to announce that her son Jackson had started a new automobile detailing business and Jordan and Jerry Weber both contributed $10 each in celebration of a new pastor being installed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wagner. The congregation had waited approximately two years to receive a new pastor.

The Queen of Hearts drawing almost went to the guest speaker for the day, but Mr. Buchholtz only managed to draw a King of spades. The Queen drawing is now worth $156.00.

Secretary-Treasurer Craig Krsnak reported on the attendance race. The Ted Honke Team had only one miss for the day while the Deb Houseman Team had four. This brings the totals up to eleven misses for the Houseman Team and eight misses for the Honke Team.

The program last week for Rotary was given by Dan Buchholtz, Construction Administrator for the Highway 46 project going through Wagner this year. Rotarian Becky Brunsing brought him back for another presentation as there were still so many questions that members wanted to ask. Buchholtz gave a video presentation which was extremely helpful for the membership. We were able to view the project from the air on the video and ask questions about certain areas. Crews are currently working on the third and fourth phases of the project as much of the major storm sewer work has been completed and paving and sidewalk construction are moving forward.

Traffic will be shifting later in August as work changes from the south side of the highway to the North. The highway WILL remain open, but drivers should continue to expect reduced speeds, two-way traffic, changing access points, and construction workers throughout the project area. Buchholtz said the contractor is still working toward completion in November with some permanent pavement markings and final work expected later and possibly into next year.

Mr. Buchholtz stated that the Main Street intersection is expected to have a permanent four-way traffic signal. The signal will use sensors instead of relying only on a fixed timer, to allow more efficiency to actual traffic. The system will also include a feature that will assist emergency vehicles.

There will be a push-button flashing pedestrian beacon that is planned near Casey’s to help people cross the highway safely, especially those walking toward the school. New sidewalks will extend through much of the project. On the South side, the sidewalk will continue to Wagner Building Supply

and on the north side it will extend to the Family Dollar intersection. There will be additional grading completed, and there are several commercial driveway entrances that are being adjusted or designed to improve traffic flow and visibility, for instance by the Dollar Store, the East entrance of Wagner Building Supply, and the Wagner Fire Department. There will some grading of the empty lots west of the Dollar Store and entrances will be built to allow for future commercial building. The intersection going South on the West side of the WCS will also be adjusted to allow for safer turning for traffic and school buses.

The completed highway will gradually narrow father west as it moves away from the more developed area. Differences in roadway width are based on traffic patterns, available right-of-way, development potential, and the need to accommodate agricultural and commercial vehicles. The project will also include new lighting, improving drainage, landscaping, grass seeding and repairs to some fences and property entrances.

Much of the long-term life of a highway depends on what is beneath the concrete. Crews are removing and compacting approximately two feet of soil below portions of the roadway. The soil is tested for moisture density, and consistency. Material that is unsuitable must be removed and replaced. A gravel layer is then placed beneath the concrete to distribute the weight of traffic and help control moisture.

Concrete being used on the project is regularly tested for temperature, moisture, air content, and consistency. Buchholtz said paving will stop if the concrete becomes too hot. Concrete that does not meet the required standard can result in financial deductions for the contractor. Buchholtz estimated that the new highway should provide several decades of service, because of the improved base preparation, drainage, and testing being used during construction.

If you wish to receive project updates you can text “WAGNER 46” to 605-566-4041, or you can connect to the South Dakota Department of Transportation on their project website and SD 511.

Time ran out again which reflected how interesting this community project is to Wagner. Buchholtz was thanked for returning and providing another informative update.

The meeting adjourned with the recitation of THE Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

08/04/2026

The Wagner Rotary Club had almost a full house on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, for its weekly meeting. Members were in a good mood, and conversation was lively as a meal from Two Spurs was enjoyed. The Two Spurs, Booms, and Valley Pump provide rotary meals. Members order their meal via a group text each Tuesday so that the President knows how many meals to order from the suppliers. Members can also order a tossed salad instead of the special of the day simply by request. Members take turns each week picking up the meals, delivering them to the Rotary building, and then returning the food bags to each business. If you have the program for the day, you are responsible for getting the meals and returning the bags to the respective restaurants. Members are also responsible for providing a dessert if it is their turn to do a meal run. Gone are the days when Rotary had a fully equipped kitchen and excellent cooks who provided the groceries, made the meal and a dessert, and did the dishes!

President Doom rang the bell a little earlier than usual after some Rotarians suggested beginning the meeting at least between ten and twenty minutes after twelve noon. This will give the program presenters more time and they will not feel rushed with their program.

President Jeff Doom called members to order, and the Rotary Grace was given. Song leader Jordan Weber was up next but before singing Weber requested that he be referred to as “Master” Song Leader. Before our song he requested that we sing the birthday song for July birthdays. Rotarians Bill Frei and Jerry Weber were honored with a serenade of Happy Birthday followed by a spirited Row, Row, Your boat table by table.

Rotarian Jeannie Crowe chose the Four-Way Test for our weekly Membership Minute.

It’s going to be a long Rotary Year with Sergeant at Arms Jerry Weber on duty. He is always prepared with a lengthy list of misdeeds, a clothing critique, or pointing out someone’s mistake for the week or the day. The following Rotarians were each fined $2 for offenses ranging from Geritt Juffer being fined after being spotted driving a Corvette on Highway 37 with the top down; Weber thought perhaps Christie Brinkley might be approaching! Josh Christensen was welcomed back following time spent at the hospital and for experiencing “epic times” there and “epic fines” upon returning to Rotary. Jordan Weber was fined for advising his father Jerry not to bring a dessert for the meeting, and Jerry fined himself for listening to his son. President Doom was fined for taking up more than his share of leg room at the head table. Jamie Soukup was fined in absentia after texting that he couldn’t make it to Rotary because he had to “check on some seed.” Katie Henke was fined for bringing the ice cream, because the container looked sad by the time it reached the dessert table. Craig Krsnak was fined for wearing red clothing to match his sunburn; Bill Frei was fined for wearing what appeared to be slippers. Weber questioned how a cowboy could wear slippers and added more money to the fine, especially when Bill asked someone to bring him some tea! Rachel Woods was fined for using Artificial Intelligence to help make life easier for her and Linda Soukup.

The sergeant collected several Happy Fines. Rachel Woods issued her own Happy Fine for teaching President Doom about proper “emoji” etiquette in the Rotary group text thread; Debbie Housemann offered her Happy Fine following the recent election, expressing relief that property tax revenue would continue to support local schools, cities, and counties. Gerrit Juffer offered up a $5 fine for his nephew breaking swim meet records and competing in the Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa and finding out that his family continues to hold another meet record that was established by his oldest daughter about twelve years ago.

The Queen of Hearts drawing is holding strong. Kathe Henke tried to find the Queen of Hearts at her “lucky table” but sadly missed a $150.00 pot. Secretary/Treasurer Craig Krsnak reported that the attendance competition remains tied. The Ted Honke Team and the Deb Houseman Teams each have seven misses. Krsnak also reported that the club had received advertising money connected with work being coordinated by Becky Brunsing for our annual football books. The club even received a payment from a donor thanking the Rotary Club for everything it does for the community. The membership appreciated that thought.

Club members next discussed the weeds that are thriving around the Rotary Shelter at Wagner Lake. Volunteers plan to meet Friday morning to pull weeds by hand. Members also discussed loading up the horse trailer with all the cans overflowing in the Can Bin.

President Doom then provided an update on the Rotary fountain and the buffalo project at Wagner Lake. Concrete pads still need to be poured for mounting the buffalo and his goal is to have both projects finalized by Labor Day. The buffalo is expected to be placed southeast of the playground at Wagner Lake and Doom advised that he may contact some Rotary members for help.

Rotarian Jerry Weber introduced his program presenters, Jazmyn Soukup and Courtney Hanson from the Wagner Labor Day Committee. Soukup and Hanson explained that the Labor Day Committee is a three-year commitment with three members going off each year after their term is finished. Other committee members include Jeremy Leibel, Tony Bruguier, Chance Blaha, Kelby Kafka, Stephanie Mason, Dawson Lensing, and Preston Nedved. Committee members divide responsibilities involving advertising, planning, contracts, entertainment, fundraising, and coordination with community groups. Serving on the Labor Day Committee is a lot of work but everyone who has served has fond memories of their time spent working with friends and contributing to the success of Wagner’s long-standing Labor Day traditions. They announced that an alumni sign recognizing everyone who has served on the Wagner Labor Day Committee has been completed. The sign will be installed at Wagner Lake sometime soon.

This year’s celebration will begin earlier than in previous years. A nine-hole golf tournament is planned for Friday in Pickstown. The traditional Labor Day Queen contest and bingo night will also return to Friday evening. Mud volleyball, children’s sand money pile, and water fights are among some of the events from years ago being returned. Water fights by the Wagner Fire Department will also be making an appearance.

The committee has been invited to participate in a live interview with Dakota News Now in Sioux Falls during August. The celebration is also being featured in a South Dakota travel publication. This year’s theme is “250 Years and Glowing Strong” in neon colors. The committee selected this theme after using the red, white, and blue colors last year for Wagner’s 125th anniversary celebration last year.

Highway construction will require changes to the annual parade route which will begin near the Good Samaritan Home and travel several blocks on the highway before turning South. Carnival rides will remain in the usual areas, and barricades will be used to keep the parade route open. The location of the grandstand is still being determined. Jim and Pam Bastemeyer were selected as this year’s parade marshals. The committee said the couple is very deserving of the honor having worked and participated in Wagner all their lives.

Sunday evening entertainment at the Armory will feature dueling pianos with reserved tables, food and beverages being provided with the ticket purchase. The children’s parade on Saturday morning will continue but divisions rather than age groups will be used such as floats, pets, wheeled entries, and costumes. It was felt that this will make it easier for families with children of different ages to participate together. Other returning events include the poker run, bean bag tournament, rib cook-off, rodeo, figure-eight races, carnival activities, and a concert after the rodeo.

Soukup and Hanson said one of their largest challenges is the increasing cost of every activity. The LCD does not exist to make a profit. Its goal is to bring people into Wagner and help local businesses and organizations benefit from the weekend. Entertainers, equipment, insurance, contractors, and rental fees are only some of the costs involved.

The committee members thanked the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations for their continued financial support and assistance. This celebration requires months of planning, many volunteers, and the cooperation of organizations throughout the Wagner Community. You will be seeing posters and complete schedules soon. President Doom thanked Jazmyn and Courtney for accepting the program invitation and for

all the work they and their entire committee contribute to Wagner’s Labor Day celebration. The meeting adjourned with the recitation of The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?