Pictured left to right: Doug Busbee, Mae Busbee, Jud Busbee, Paul Salley, Betty Salley, Christopher Salley
Back row: Gwen Busbee Salley, Scott Moore
Photos and Article by Valerie Sliker, courtesy Wagener Monthly
By Valerie Sliker
Early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2015, Wagener resident, World War II hero and former WSHS FFA Advisor and Ag Teacher Mr. Spencer Smith joined nearly 100 other South Carolina World War II and Korean War Veterans in an Honor Flight to Washington DC for a day of touring their memorials, many of which these heroes have never seen before. These veterans were selected for the one day Honor Flight event and treated like royalty for the day. Smith was nominated by former student Donald Shumpert who also escorted Smith to Washington. Read more about Smith's involvement in the War and selection for the Honor Flight in Valerie Sliker's Aiken Standard article.
The Wagener First Baptist Church Children In Action class led by Debra Thomas and Marjorie Sliker attended the Honor Flight SC's Hero's Welcome at the Columbia Airport as the veterans returned home, landing at 8:01 pm. The girls lined up near the start of the veterans' walkthrough to shake hands with the veterans. Some girls shook their hands and thanked them for their service and one girl was even given a kiss on her forehead. It was a beautiful tribute.
A town meeting was held Monday, March 16, 2015 to allow Wagener residents the opportunity to offer advice towards the construction of a town Public Nuisance Ordinance. The town council read over the proposed ordinance, allowing time for resident feedback after each proposed section along with the guidance of Mr. Alton Johnson from the Aiken County Code Enforcement. As council members or town residents brought up concerns and suggestions, Johnson voiced his experience with enforcing such laws. The proposed ordinance intends to minimize the growing problem of health hazards in the town limits such as, but not limited to, outdated or neglected structures, leaking dumpsters, excessive trash and anything that accumulates scents, moisture or darkness which propagates the mosquito and rat population and leads to the spreading of disease.
The Public Nuisance Ordinance will be enforced in such a way as to help residents come into compliance. The enforcement is not meant to punish people, the intent is to make the community better. The town council added, "As long as you are operating in good faith and showing progress, we will work with you." This ordinance will also benefit the community by reducing crime. "What you are about to implement is going to have a direct correlation with crime. Once you start doing this, the criminals will move because you are disturbing their environment."
In 2014, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC will once again offer a limited number of Savannah River Site (SRS) tours for the general public. All tours are free of charge and will accommodate 50 participants. Tour participants must be 18 years of age or older and must be a US Citizens. Two forms of identification are required at check-in the day of the tour. For more information please call 803-952-8994.
Dr. Raymond Bynoe is a good man or most would say a great man, especially among the hundreds, or more like thousands of those (including many in our own community) alive today as a result of his surgical expertise. Dr. Bynoe is without a doubt one of the most skilled, competent and compassionate trauma surgeons in South Carolina and the entire USA. I feel fortunate that our paths crossed over 30 years ago, and so honored to know him as a true friend. I have many fond memories of the past, some good, some not so good, but certainly more than our share of some quite remarkable experiences. Keep up the good work and God Bless You Raymond! ~ Mike Miller
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.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, the dedication of the new S.C. Bicentennial Wagon House in Wagener was held. Many made contributions to seeing this project through to completion. We were fortunate to receive a grant from the Aiken County Accommodations Tax Fund acquired with the wonderful help of Emily Ann Turner, our grant writer. Even with this grant the wagon house would not have been possible without the hard work and contributions of our mayor and all the town employees.
In 1977, the town of Wagener received the official S.C. Conestoga wagon that participated in the 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania. Mrs. Maradelle Ray was among the townspeople who took it upon themselves to ask for the wagon to be given to Wagener. “Wagons to Wagener” was the name of our yearly festival at that time so it became the symbol of the celebration. It was her “gentle nudges and suggestions” that help spur the completion of the new wagon house.
This is not just any wagon. It represented the entire state of SC in the Wagon Train Pilgrimage. Imagine all the states working together for one purpose – to celebrate our country’s 200th birthday. The state of Pennsylvania provided one wagon to each of the fifty states. Starting in 1975, the wagons from the western states started on their trip eastward. The wagons traveled along historic trails and wagon routes and then met on July 4, 1976, in Valley Forge. Stores are told of pieces of wagons taken for souvenirs after the celebrations. Fortunately the S.C. wagon was spared.
"The only thing Mr. Knotts said was 'Boys get the doctor, I am shot through the heart.' Mr Knotts realized he was going to die.” - George C. Miller, witness, 1925
For many years, we've wanted to have a memorial for Wagener Police Chief Mike Knotts who gave his life protecting our town back in 1925. We are very honored to say we now have a Memorial for Mr. Knotts.
