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As the calendar turns and 2025 settles into memory, the Wagner community can look back on a year filled with growth, change, celebration, and resilience. From Main Street to the back roads, from school gyms to city hall, the past twelve months reminded us once again that big moments often happen right here at home.

The year began with new beginnings and important investments, as local businesses opened their doors, community grants were awarded, and students explored future careers. Winter months brought milestones in athletics, long-standing traditions, and the closing of meaningful chapters—marking both progress and reflection for generations who have shaped Wagner.

Spring carried the energy of competition, civic engagement, and community gatherings. Local athletes made their mark on the state stage, voters headed to the polls, and familiar events like prom, Easter activities, and fundraisers brought neighbors together. Graduation season celebrated the Class of 2025, sending another group of Red Raiders into the world while leaving their own imprint on the community.

Summer saw Wagner come alive with music at the lake, ribbon cuttings, baseball tournaments, and community walks supporting important causes. As the seasons shifted, fall brought harvest time, school traditions, cultural celebrations, and memorable nights under the lights for football, volleyball, and community events downtown.

The final months of the year reflected both accomplishment and transition—facility improvements, student and school board recognition, postseason athletic runs, leadership changes, and holiday traditions that brought warmth to the coldest nights. The year closed much as it began: with community support, generosity, and anticipation for what’s next.

Inside this special section, the Wagner Post looks back month by month at the people, events, and moments that shaped 2025 in Wagner, Pickstown, and Dante. It’s a snapshot of a year written together—one filled with stories worth remembering.

Turn the page and take a walk through the year that was...

Ericka Kotab opened Flourish and Fettle, with weekly yoga classes offered in the basement of the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital.

Governor Kristi Noem awarded $920,000 for a Community Development Block Grand (CDBG) to fund community improvement projects in Wagner.

Raider boys basketball team celebrated their fifth win in a row, capped with a win against Bon Homme.

The local fire department responded to a fire at the YST recycling center on January 7.

The Wagner Community Memorial Hospital-Avera sponsored the 14th annual 8th grade Career Fair with approximately 460 students participating.

The first ever Tom Studelska Invitational wrestling meet was held February 1, honoring Tom Studelska for his dedication to the sport.

Wagner Bon Homme gymnasts earned their best season score at the Vermillion Dual, taking home 1st place as a team.

Past and present Fousek Trucking employees gathered to celebrate 42 years. After 74 years of service to the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital-Avera, the hospital auxiliary was dissolved, effective February 26.

Wagner wrestlers saw continued success in their season, qualifying Gannon Knebel, Frank Krcil, and Thayne Tjeerdsma to compete at the state tournament.

Hunter Lhotak was named 2024-2025 South Dakota Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year at the state competition in Pierre on February 26.

Jim “The Barber” Dresden ended his 40 year career as Wagner’s barber with a final haircut for Eugene Soukup on February 28.

March

Gannon Knebel and Frank Krcil wrestled their way to the podium at the State Wrestling Tournament held in Rapid City, Knebel earning 2nd, and Krcil earning 6th.

Incumbent Tammy Thornton and Alyssa Mathis were announced as mayoral candidates for the position of Wagner’s Mayor, with the Wagner City Election scheduled for April 8.

Lady Raiders faced off against the Lakota Tech Tatanka for the SoDak 16, winning 66-58, advancing the team to State, where they placed 7th.

Gatorade announced Ashlyn Koupal as the 2024-25 Gatorade South Dakota Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

The annual Farm, Home, Garden, and Sports Show was held at the Armory with over 400 people in attendance.

April

Prom was held, with Charles Kocer and Macee Stimpson named King and Queen.

Preparations were underway for Ravinia Fire Department’s 44th annual fundraiser which took place April 5.

The mayoral election was held for the City of Wagner where Alyssa Mathis emerged victorious, securing 83 votes to Tammy Thornton’s 66.

Wagner Chamber of Commerce’s annual Easter egg hunt was held at Wagner Lake.

May

Wagner Communities That Care hosted a “Rollin’ Into Summer Safely” event on May 1, promoting helmet safety while using any type of wheels.

Construction work began on SD Hwy 46 through Wagner, with initial work estimated to be completed by November 21.

Alyssa Mathis was sworn in as Mayor at the May 8 City Council Meeting. The Commencement Ceremony for Wagner Community School’s graduating class of 2025 was held, with Superintendent Matt Yost and Principal Lori Kokes presenting the graduates. President of the school board, Chad Kreeger, issued the diplomas.

Wagner tracksters that qualified for State were: Jackson Rolston, Addie Cuka, Shea Kjeldgaard, Brayden Kreber, Ashlyn Koupal, Javian Pesicka, and Jessie Zephier. Placing at state were: Ashlyn Koupal - Champion of the Class A high jump; and Javian Pesicka – 6th in Long Jump.

The 5th Annual 605 Unity Jam was held June 15 at Wagner Lake.

The Wagner Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Sioux Barber, LLC.

July

Wagner’s 12U boys baseball team placed 3rd at the VFW State Baseball

Tournament in Groton.

August

Wagner 14U Teeners defeated Elk Point and secured a spot at the State Tournament, where they went on to place 5th.

Wagner Cancer Walk held its 18th annual event on August 9, The Red Raider varsity football team kicked off the season with a 45-12 win against Chamberlain.

September

Brylie Link was crowned Labor Day queen during Wagner’s annual Labor Day celebration.

Alyssa Mathis announced her resignation as Mayor of Wagner. Lady Raiders volleyball season was in full swing with a clean sweep against the Bon Homme Cavaliers on September 23. Braxton Nedved achieved her 1000th career assist during the match.

October

Parents night was held for Football and Volleyball senior athletes. The football team put on a commanding performance, shutting out Miller/ Highmore/Harrold with a 52-0 victory. The Lady Raiders swept the AC/DC Thunder on their parents night with scores of 25-6, 25-11, and 25-18.

The City of Wagner partnered with Wagner Community School students to paint a large pumpkin in the middle of Main Street to help celebrate the fall season.

The Wagner American Legion Auxiliary donated 73 dictionaries to students at Wagner Community School and Marty Indian School.

Native American Week was celebrated at Wagner Community School with guest speakers, cultural presentations, and traditional dancers.

Fall harvest was in full swing, with reports of strong yields for both corn and soybean harvests.

November

Renovations at the Wagner Good Samaritan Society were nearing completion with residents expected to begin moving in later in the month.

Members of the Wagner School District School Board achieved a Bronze Level honor for their board work during the 24-25 school year.

The Wagner Red Raiders ended their football season with a tough loss against Deuel.

In preparation for their Regional competition, Wagner's Oral Interp team presented their Home Performance Showcase.

Brenda Jaton was sworn in as acting Mayor of Wagner. The Lady Red Raider Volleyball team had an exciting month, advancing to SoDak16, where they came out swinging against Winner to advance to state. At state, the team placed eighth.

December

Wagner's annual Parade of Lights was held, with the route reverting to the original route to pass by the Wagner Good Samaritan Society, allowing the new residents to enjoy the holiday entertainment.

The Wagner Area Cancer Fund, ROCS Dining Service, and CASA all received donations from the Ft. Randall Federal Credit Union.

In collaberation with Wagner Communities that Care and Buche Foods, Emily's Hope installed a new free naloxone distribution box at Buche Foods in Wagner.

Bryan Slaba's retirement from Wagner Community Memorial Hospital-Avera was announced after nearly two decades of dedicated service and leadership.

Yes, Let's Wine Co. announced their opening with an open house planned for January.