Head Coach Ken Tucker acknowledged that his players – led by a strong senior class that includes Stroman, Tyler, Corley, Williamson and Kiett along with Moore and receiver Bobby Chavis – are looking forward to playing a year with confidence after suffering the down years.
The Town of Wagener received an infrastructure grant for $495,000. Funds will be used to upgrade several sections of water line in the town. We are very grateful to have received this grant and for the work the grant writer has done for us.
"Wagener was one of 24 communities to receive a chunk of $9.9 million in Community Development Block Grants distributed by the SC Dept. of Commerce....." Read the rest of the article from the Aiken Standard.
Wagener's Acting Interim Chief since the resignation of Chief Jeff Key has been selected as Wagener's new Chief of Police. Tom Gray, formerly from Aiken County Law Enforcement, has accepted the full time position as Chief of Police, presiding over Wagener's law enforcement division of five full-time and two part-time officers. And, of course, our police dog, Xantos, who has become a hero in his own right. Officer Hill is in charge of Xantos who was last used in the apprehension of noted drug personnel in town. "With the dog being around, it's too intimidating for them to flee on foot, so they gave up." Xantos is also helpful with traffic stops and for tracking.
Born in Aiken, Tom Gray has been an Aiken County resident most of his life, but he is no stranger to Wagener. He has been working with Wagener Police odd shifts, as needed, since 2007. In addition to law enforcement, Gray has also been teaching boxing and kick-boxing at Wagener's Blacksmith MMA. "I used to compete, but not so much anymore. I like dealing with and working with some of the kids in the community -- getting them involved in a sport like that and seeing them change after a period of time."
Chief Gray isn't the only new face among Wagener's law enforcement. We have a few other new officers, young, up-and-coming, eager to do hard work.
The faculty and Staff of Cyril B. Busbee Elementary/A.L. Corbett Middle Schools proudly chose Mrs. Kalary Driggers as our 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Driggers is the epitome of excellence in teaching. She is professional in every facet of the word. She is dedicated, hardworking, supportive, talented, caring, prompt, and a true team player. She genuinely cares about every student in the school. She does all that she can to support district and school initiatives, programs, and activities. She relentlessly supports the vision, mission, and fundamental values of Busbee Elementary/Corbett Middle Schools.
Mrs. Driggers uses every minute of the day to support the students of Busbee and Corbett. She has a profound love of teaching that is not always evident in teaching Without a doubt education is her true calling! Mrs. Drggers has a heart of gold! She has a way of bringing out the best in everyone, especially her students.
Mrs. Driggers shares her motivation and passion for teaching:
The Wagener Salley public schools were proud to participate in the Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda County Special Olympics held at Midland Valley High School on Friday, April 19, 2013 with over 900 athletes participating. Thank you to all the parents, teachers and volunteers that make this possible each year. Read all about it with this report from Aiken Standard.
A debate has emerged over the availability of low-cost pet care including the spay and neuter services that help eliminate unwanted pet births that result in neglected, stray pets which suffer and die unnecessarily. A bill is being considered that would cut down on low-cost or free spay and neuter programs such as the one that has recently come to Wagener, Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS). Of the 160 dogs spayed and neutered in Wagener, Mayor Mike Miller estimates that 90% of them would never have been spayed or neutered without FOTAS. Many people today cannot afford to take their pets to a veterinarian and must rely on programs like FOTAS and Pet Care-A-Van that provide low cost services in the best interest of our animals. Read more at WJBFNews6.
Umpire George Barnes is a familiar sight on the WSHS Softball field. Barnes retired in 2013 after umpiring for 36 years. Many WS softball alumni and coaches gathered on the field at Thursday night's game with current players, coaches and umpires and the opponents of the night's game, RSM, as WS Head Coach Veronica Brown presented "Mr. George" with a plaque signed by the alumni and coaches.
The room was packed last night as residents of Wagener came out to show support for the Mayor, town council, police, fire and ems departments in their effort to reduce crime and drugs in the community. From the Aiken Standard:
"The Town Council meeting featured presentations by Wagener police chief Jeff Key and Sgt. Jason Feemster of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
“The biggest thing is, we need your help,” Key said. “We can only put so many men and women out on the street. If I have all of you out on the street with us, the only action I need you to take is using the phone. Dial 911.”
Key encouraged residents to call police if something doesn’t look or feel right, and to not be afraid to “bother” them...."
