The Wagner Rotary club held a weekly meeting on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. President Rachel Woods called the meeting to order with a rap on the Rotary Bell. Pastor Bill Herman offered a prayer of blessing upon the meal and for our blessings abound.

Song Leader Gerrit Juffer chose “R O T A R Y” and Clubbers pitched in (pun intended). Rotarian Ken Cotton offered a Membership Minute regarding Rotary Fellows, a concept which gained popularity in 1970's. Paul Harris Fellows total over 1 million individuals world-wide. A Paul Harris Fellow is an individual who has made cumulative gifts to Rotary of at least $1,000. The 'fellows recognition' provides incentive to members to donate to the Rotary cause.

Sergeant at Arms Jordan Weber requested HAPPY FINES, snagging the following: Jerry Henke is happy about the Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl ($1); Jeff Doom is happy about a recent Hawaian vacation ($5). Sergeant Weber then levied the following fines: Scott McAdaragh for being gone sick last week ($3); Jaime Soukup, Becky Brunsing, and Gerrit Juffer for excessive giggling ($2 each); Bill Frei for sending the Sergeant a 'spring is coming picture' ($3); Jaime Soukup for stealing from the Sergeant a Mick-Hanan program ($3); Craig Krsnak and Rachel Woods for wearing Platte Panthers colors ($2 each); Jeff Doom for selecting a certain seat ($2); Bryan Slaba for not sitting near Jeff ($2); Patti Frei for sitting at an elite table ($3); and Amanda Bechen for having a bossy (good Samaritan) husband ($2).

Guest Mick Hanan drew ticket number 64, possessed by Patti Frei. Frei had a chance at the Queen of Hearts, but she drew only the Ace of Clubs, forfeiting $269.

Secretary/Treasurer Craig Krsnak shared an attendance report, noting 9 misses for the Jordan Weber team, 5 misses for the Jaime Soukup team.

Other announcements: In Hawaii recently, Jeff Doom met a few Rotarians from Marshall, MN. Doom's new friends shared a project of their Club's: the re-building of a fishing pier! Other announcements included the scheduling of a business meeting for next week, whereby discussion will include selection of the Club's next-term officers and Board members.

Program Chair Jaime Soukup introduced his guest speaker, Mick Hanan. Hanan has lived and worked in the area for ten years, now. Hanan is a Biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates a Wildlife Refuge near Lake Andes. Mick's career has been spent on the migratory-bird side of things. During the summer of 2022, Hanan assumed the duties of Refuge manager. After a brief self-introduction, Hanan requested questions from the Club.

Discussion included the area's recent bird flu, which may have some effect on increased rabbit population. This strain of the bird flu was hard (particularly) on Canada geese; but, ducks are fairing well. The bird flu does not generally pass to humans and the existence of this bird flu has not deterred Hanan from preparing and consuming the harvest of his own hunts, especially (his preferred meal) snow geese.

Eagles do migrate and, in recent years, are thriving. (Historically, eagles have suffered from human application of DDT, a pesticide that is now illegal.)

This winter, Lake Andes will possibly experience winter kill, given the ice and snow cover. Carp and bass are currently found in the lake. In 2019, the State of South Dakota stocked walleye. However, this effort has not produced the desired harvest, given no trace of walleye in the lake today.

Other related discussion ensued. Alas, the Club adjourned in its usual fashion.

OF THE THINGS we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned.