The Aiken County Council has awarded $20,000 to the Town of Wagener for a tourism development project, namely restoration of the former Kitchings Mill library building currently housed adjacent to the Wagener Volunteer Fire Department. The restoration of this historic building is intended to provide a park visitor center for Wagener and to contribute to tourism in the unincorporated areas of Aiken County.
Mayor Mike Miller applied for this grant to secure funds for a new roof and other improvements to the historic Kitchings Mill library building. Aiken County Councilwoman Kathy Rawls brought the grant to Miller’s attention. The town of Wagener appreciates all Ms. Rawls does for the area and the citizens she represents here in Northeast Aiken County. She works tirelessly on our behalf.
Restoration and revitalization of the Kitchings Mill library and the John’s Town general store buildings comprise the first phase development of the 17-acre Eunice & Dr. Henry Ponder Municipal Park located beside and behind the fire department. Plans have been proposed to establish an Aiken County EMS and Sheriff’s substation in this area as well. The EMS ambulance service previously located in Wagener was forced to relocate due to the lack of a sprinkler system in their building of occupancy. According to Aiken County fire officials, a sprinkler system is required in any building wherein a person sleeps. Miller has fought to keep the EMS in Wagener under a grandfather clause to no avail. This matter is currently under contention.
Senator Nikki Setzler recently presented the town with a $35,000 Grant for a playground at the new park as well. Read more about it in this month's Wagener Monthly.
Park improvements have begun at the Aiken County Roy Warner Park as well. An update was presented in the June issue of the Wagener Monthly.