On Behalf of the Wagner Labor Day Committee and the town of Wagner we would like to thank you for your years of service and commitment to bettering our community. Your years of hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we are honored that you accepted this year’s roll as Parade Marshall.

Question for Roger and Betsy

What was Labor Day like in years past, how has it changed, and what do you enjoy most about Labor Day?

There were more HS marching bands and floats by individuals or families in the parade. Arts in the Park has improved. What we enjoy most is seeing former students and friends we haven’t seen in a while. We miss our grandkids being little and coming to Wagner for Labor Day.

How long have you been a part of the Wagner community?

45 years. We came to Wagner on July 4, 1976.

What drove you to stay in Wagner for so long?

We liked it from the start. So did our girls. Wagner “grew” on us. Originally, I knew that success in the Wagner school could lead to any future school position I wanted. We planned on 2 or 3 years, but after 2 years we had no desire to leave. What makes Wagner great is the number of good people. We also liked the fact that unlike other communities, Wagner has no “self-appointed most important people.” We have made close and enduring friends. We never felt like we were being looked down upon. Personally, I enjoyed the strong support of the community in my position as a school principal. Also, not as important, I enjoy Wagner’ geographic location and the nearby Missouri River.

Questions for Roger

What are some of the things you’ve done in Wagner you’d like to highlight?

A. I feel that I contributed to making WCHS the great school it is today. I feel that being a Rotary District Governor helped Wagner gain the admiration of clubs across our district. People still talk about Wagner’s great district conference. I feel that my many years on city council contributed to making Wagner a more dynamic community.

Based on reader feedback, I know that my weekly newspaper column (50 years of columns) casts a very positive light on a Wagner community that too often receives unfavorable press. For example, after being the keynote speaker at a neighboring community’s foundation night, they tried their hardest to get me to move there. They wanted the positive image the column would give them.

Last but not least, for many years I volunteer coached, along with Ken McEntee, a girl’ softball team that competed on the highest level. Go Wagner Maniacs!

What do you still do that helps you stay involved with the community?

I still write that newspaper column. I stay on top of community issues and voice my opinion. We attend as many school functions (ball games, wrestling matches) as possible, and we remain active in our church (St. John’s). On rare occasions, I substitute teach.

What was something during your time in Wagner that you are especially proud of that most people don’t know about?

During my 21 years as 7-12 principal, I was offered bigger jobs in both schools, including Mitchell, and the private sector. By then I realized that "bigger wasn't better." Also, long before we came to Wagner, Delores Nedved hired me on occasions to play my accordion on Saturday nights at the Wagner VFW. Also, I was inducted into the SD Wrestling Coach’s Hall of Fame by my peers. Coaching was a big part of my life.

Questions for Betsy

What is your favorite thing about Wagner?

Wagner is a small town that has a wide variety of people. They care about each other and are always willing to help when needed. Wagner has a strong sense of family that you don’t find elsewhere.

What is one thing you are especially proud of that people might not know about you?

Fishing and hunting are not my favorite hobbies! I much more enjoy reading a book a week!

What is your favorite memory while living in Wagner?

I enjoyed being a teacher at Wagner Community School and making lasting friendships with the staff and students.