The Town of Wagener received a Municipal Achievement Award for its downtown redevelopment project. Town leaders were presented the award during the Municipal Association of South Carolina's 69th Annual Meeting on August 8. The town won in the 1 to 1,000 population category. Thirty-eight cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives this year. "It's an honor for our town to be recognized for its achievement in the front of our peers," said Mayor Steve Carver. "This award speaks volumes about our commitment that we constantly work to make Wagener a great place to live or visit."
Wagener's redevelopment project began with two town meetings to share the plan with residents and get their input. Residents did not hesitate to share their thoughts and opinions throughout the entire project, the redevelopment was a combined effort of town officials and town residents. New sidewalks were installed through the town and the town center came alive with thirty new streetlights, new benches and picnic tables around the rebuilt pavilion. A building once used as a police department found new life as a visitor information center. Over 150 trees were planted and the High School's FFA worked with the Wagener Garden Club to beautify the town with foliage.