Town Council Elections

Two seats are open on the Wagener town council for this election period. Mr. George Smith and Mrs. Ann Widener’s seats are open and both candidates are running for re-election.

As this goes to print, there are five candidates running for council. George Smith, Ann Widener, Jennie Marshall, Kelvin Mitchell and George Day.

Voting will take place Tuesday, November 5th, 2019 at the fire department in Wagener. If you are registered to vote, verify what precinct at which you are permitted to vote. You can find your precinct information on your voter’s registration card or by calling voter registration.

Wagener council meetings, open to the public, are usually held on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 at the town hall, 100 Railroad Ave. (former Christ Central building next door to Tyler Brother’s). On the occasion that the town meeting has to reschedule, a note is placed on the door and on the digital sign.

Tina Salley Retires from Town Hall

Tina, center, with her family
Photo, Article by Valerie Sliker, Courtesy Wagener Monthly

After twenty years working in three town hall locations and with two mayors, Tina Salley has retired as town clerk. Charlene Washington has moved into the town clerk position and the town is hiring someone to fill Charlene’s former position, assistant clerk.

“I have learned so much working here and I’ve come to love the community.” Salley said at her retirement party held at the Christ Central Coffeehouse on August 27, 2019. “I have made great friends working here and they are like family. I’ve worked with so many great people here at the town hall, two mayors, several different council members and a lot of employees.

“This community was awesome praying for my family during my husband’s illness, those prayers were needed and we truly felt every one. The community has let me brag on my children and two sweet grandchildren, Nate and Della over the years.

“I love the conversations I’ve had with Mr. George (Smith, councilman). He would come in and share his knowledge of the Bible or get our thoughts on a verse he would be studying. Charlene and I would share our daily devotions, as well, and her faith has been a God-send for me.

“Charlene and I have a great relationship, I will truly miss her. She has been a blessing to me.”

“I will miss Tina so much, we’ve gotten very close. We laugh and cry together.” Charlene said. Tina has been training Charlene for a few months to take over the position. Charlene added, “I’m over the separation anxiety and I’m ready now.”

Hollow Creek Fire Department Receives 2nd Grant

Good things are happening at the Hollow Creek Fire Department and that means good things for the community.

The fire department received the AFG, a federal grant, their second grant this year. This is a four-year grant that distributes to each firefighter a small stipend per call to help with their expenses for that call.

“We’re trying to attract more young people to volunteer,” Chief Glenn Poole said. “Being a volunteer firefighter is a great way to give back to your community. We can always use more long-term, dedicated volunteers.”

For more information, stop by the fire department any Tuesday evening between 7:30 and 8:30 or contact Chief Glenn Poole. After submitting an application, accepted applicants attend training and then begin work for a 90-day probation period. In the state of South Carolina, volunteer firefighters have to be 16 years of age to join, but are restricted from many jobs until the age of 18.

Wolfpack 2019 Coaches are Working Hard

Valerie Sliker, Courtesy Wagener Monthly

The 2019 Wolfpack season, a football program for ages 6 - 12 is off to a great start. With 75 boys playing football, 13 coaches, 17 cheerleaders, 2 cheerleading coaches and 1 secretary, the program runs efficiently under the leadership of Athletic Directors Anthony Swedenburg and Albert Landy.

New this year, the team has transferred to an Aiken league and plays all games on Monday or Tuesday evenings at South Aiken High or Aiken High. Beginning next year, they will have home games here in Wagener at Roy Warner Park. You can see them practice on weeknights at Roy Warner Park. If you’d like to see a game, the schedule can be found on their Facebook group: “Wagener Salley Wolfpack Fan Page.”

The team operates on the $65/per child registration fee, fundraisers, volunteers and sponsors. Sponsors this year include the Wagener Fire Dept, Nancy Roberson, Clyde Nettles LLC, Dr. Trey Vereen, DMD, and Chandler Law Firm. Also, Aiken County PRT does not charge for the use of the field at Roy Warner Park. The Wolfpack truly appreciates this support.

Donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Volunteers can help run the concession booth. Donations can be made to sponsor a player, cover the cost of snacks and drinks, and help pay for equipment. If you’d like to volunteer or make a donation, you can send a message on either of their Facebook Group pages:  Wagener Salley Wolfpack Fan Page or the parents and coaches page, Wolfpack Wagener – Salley SC. You can also speak with Swedenburg, Landy or secretary Amity Stone.

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