Message From Mayor Mike Miller, Jan. '11

This past November our Water Works Operator, Mr. Kenneth Smith retired after 10 years of hard work and much appreciated service to the citizens of Wagener.  Mr. Smith began his tenure with Wagener by accepting the challenge of a rapidly deteriorating water and sewer system, which he maintained and greatly improved.  Recently, Mr. Smith determined our areas of greatest need and was very instrumental in our obtaining the half million dollar grant for water upgrades that will soon be under way.  Already we miss his presence and sound advice but have his telephone number on speed dial, and he is always willing and very able to generously continue his contributions to Wagener.

We thank you, Mr. Smith, for your dedication in the past and continued support to the Town of Wagener.  Mr. Smith has passed this torch to Mr. Jamie Preacher who is now our full time water/sewer operator and director of Public Utilities.  In his short time working in Wagener, Mr. Preacher has already faced many difficult situations with our aging utility infrastructure which he has managed well and remedied quickly.  We are fortunate to have Mr. Preacher as a member of our team and welcome his knowledge and expertise as an asset to our community.

We all know "Mr. Ed" Labine who, like Mr. Kenneth, has worked with the town for many years and whose contributions are immeasurable.  We have asked Mr. Ed and Mr. Preacher to jointly supervise a "Buildings and Grounds" Department, which will be responsible for all maintenance of buildings, grounds and equipment operated and maintained by the Town of Wagener.  This will lessen the burden of the responsibility placed on the Police and Fire Departments and will assure that all needs are closely monitored and attended to in a timely manner.  I know this newly formed department will make a positive impact, as I believe that if we ask Mr. Ed to make a tractor fly, in a few days we would see it soaring through the sky over the Town Hall.

In the next few months if all goes as planned, we will be breaking ground on several projects which may take some time to complete.  This will include some major construction work along the Highway 39 and 302 corridors, Landy Drive, and the resurfacing of Main Street, all set to begin in March and continue for several months.  We can all expect to encounter minor inconveniences during this construction and ask you to please be patient, considerate and respectful towards those involved and working on these projects.