Hooray! We just received word that our application to the South Dakota Community Foundation has been approved. We will be receiving $500 to apply to our goal of constructing a permanent flower bed disiplay at our Organizational signs on the west and east end of Wagner along Highway 46/50.
The Horizons Beautification plans are moving ahead. An application for a grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation was filled out, signed, and mailed March 15th. We have applied for funds to purchase concrete blocks to put around the two organization signs on the east and west ends of Wagner. One is by the Armory, and the other one is on the west side of the Gus Stop. We are going to plant perennials and some annuals the first year to get it started. The City workers will assist us in watering and we will take care of the wedding and maintenance. We also plan on applying for a portion of the funds for this project to our Wagner Community Foundation. Deadline for that application is May 1st.
On February 27th the Community Beautification Committee had it’s first meeting. The meeting was a one hour meeting to discuss plans for this summer’s projects. 12 people were present for the meeting.
Some of the initial ideas the group had before the meeting were: To designate areas through town and along hwy 46 to plant flowers, bushes, grasses…; To encourage businesses to plant something on their grounds, or provide us with the items and we will plant it for them…; Hanging baskets at the 4-way stop…; A yard of the week, month or other, program.
Through the hour long discussion the group has decided to make the greatest impact by doing these things: Rather than doing planters here and there through town we have decided on 2 major areas to make a greater effect. One on the east edge of town and one on the west. Our city officials will still check with the State to see what we can do at the 4-way stop- as there will be regulations we would have to follow. The committee will continue to encourage businesses and homeowners to do something. Part of this encouragement will come from the Yard of the Week program. The town will be devided into 4 quadrants and a winner will be awarded each week from each of the quadrants. The FFA will make yard signs for us to use. And we will be putting their pictures in the Wagner Post. We will also be bringing businesses into the program as it will not just be homes. The guidelines will be better drawn out in the next couple of weeks.
We will be applying for some grant money through a SD Community Grant program and the Wagner Community Grant. And of course will be looking for donations of time, energy and money!
Right now when you look outside it’s hard to imagine all things green, birds singing and not wearing layers! But soon the seasons will change, as is a sure thing in South Dakota, and this project will be a great way to make our city shine! It’s taking pride and showing that we care about our community and every-person who passes through!
If you have any ideas please contact us! Linda Soukup @ 384-5575 or Dawn Bures @ 384-4175. Thanks!!
We have recently been made aware of a tremendous resource that is FREE to all communities. South Dakota Rural Enterprise. It is a non-profit organization based in Sioux Falls. Beth Davis is the President. Wagner Area Growth (our economic development organization) hosted Beth and her associate about three months ago and the Wagner Rotary Club recently had Beth for a program at their weekly meeting. SDRE has several programs available to South Dakota communitites, one of which is Leadership Plenty. Heard that phrase before? Of course! They have other training opportunities and informational sources such as Growing Opportunities and Resources from Within; Trade Secrets for Development Organizations; and Creating a Value Added Community. Every community in South Dakota and especially those of us who have gone through the Horizons Program should contact the SDRE for a visit to your community. You will be impressed with their knowledge and caring attitude. They can give your community information and direction. All you have to do is call! Here’s hoping Wagner takes advantage of their resources soon! Check out www.sdrei.org
On Tuesday, December 4th, 2007, Wagner voters approved the creation of a city-owned and operated municipal electric system with a vote of 308 to 251. This was a complete reversal of the same issue that was voted on in November of 2002. This approval will allow the City Council to pursue information and applications for power. It will be a lengthy process and one which all residents will watch closely. If at any time the City Council feels that it would not be feasible for Wagner to operate their own utility, the ordinance that allowed them to do this can simply be rescinded. There were strong feelings on both sides of the issue as to the feasibility of this utility; but there are also high hopes that everyone will accept the decision and continue to move forward with the best interests of all residents foremost in their minds.
Contact Dawn Bures @ 491-1370. I will be glad to help you use this site!
The more involved we all are now the better our community will be each day forward!!
Blog training took place in Tyndall on Thursday night at 7:00.
Blog training in Tyndall tonight. Very exciting!!!!!