President Elect Jordan Weber called the meeting to order for the Wagner Rotarians on November 1st at their meeting room on Main Street. Rotarian/Pastor Bill Heermann gave thanks for the food and asked for guidance for all the Rotarians as they go about their daily lives in the Wagner Community.

There were several guests present for the meeting who introduced themselves. Senior Daniel Soukup of the WCS belongs to Gene and Laura Soukup. Daniel is planning on attending Mitchell Technical School to study Electrical Installation and Maintenance. Jhett Breen is the son of Pat and Becky Breen, and he plans on attending South Dakota State University and studying Aviation. Timothy Bouza is the son of Justin and Ruth Bouza, and he also plans on attending MTI and studying Construction Management. Karstyn Lhotak is the son of Brad and Jen Lhotak, and he is going to attend Northern State University and major in Business and be in the wrestling program. Riley Robert’s parents are Mark and Linda Roberts, and he is also going to attend Mitchell Technical Institute and study Small Engines.

Other guests of Rotarian Amanda Bechen were Judene Irvine from Armour, SD who is a CASA Volunteer. Christine Ymker and Jaquelin Delval (aka Jackie) are also CASA Staff Volunteers. More on these ladies later in the article.

Song leader Gerrit Juffer led the members in singing two verses of “Home on the Range”. A delicious noon luncheon was catered in by Choteau Creek Brewing Company of Wagner, SD. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed a meal of lasagna, salad, bread, and Apple dessert. Paul and Lisa Schoenfelder never disappoint with their meals!

Rotarian Ken Cotton delivered his Membership Minute on the founding principles of Rotary. These principles reflect our core values, integrity, diversity, service, leadership and fellowship, or friendship. These core values emerge as themes in our guiding principles.

Sergeant at Arms Jamie Soukup had a longer list for the last meeting which followed: $2 to Jerry Weber for stating that he wears a size M in T-shirts; $2 to Gerrit Juffer for leaving last week’s meeting as soon as the Queen of Hearts drawing was over; $2 to Jeff Doom for his comment about a day of rest; $2 to Amanda Bechen for her pretty apron that she wore as hostess for the meal; $2 to Rachel for hurting Craig Krsnaks’ feelings at the last meeting; $2 to Jeff Doom for being the last one in the door and the first one in the food line. Happy Fines of $5 each came from Jamie for the round of applause as he walked in the door (the applause was not for him; Patty Frei for having another wedding coming up this summer; Craig Krsnak for finally attending the Grand Old Opry last week; and Gerrit Juffer for the great party last Saturday at the fund raiser for the new Wagner Swimming Pool.

The chance to win the Queen of Hearts went to Scott McAdaragh but he drew a five of Diamonds and missed winning $232.00. Secretary/ Treasurer Krsnak reported that the attendance race widened a little bit: Juffer Team has five misses and Frei Team has three misses. Football Book winners were Neil Von Eschen sold by Jerry Weber and Jesse Langdeaux sold by Scott McAdaragh.

Rotarian Amanda Bechen introduced her program which were three ladies who are active in the CASA program (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

A CASA volunteer is an ordinary person performing extraordinary duties. Court Appointed Special Advocates are community members just like you-with a heart for children choosing to help a child navigate the difficulties of the juvenile court system. After a thorough background investigation, completion of 30 hours of training and being sworn in by a Circuit Court Judge, CASAs are tasked with a vital mission: to ensure a child’s voice is heard and their best interests are represented. This involves building trust with the child, understanding their needs, interviewing professionals, and presenting informed recommendations to the Court.

You must be 21 to apply to be a volunteer. Volunteers stay committed to a child’s case until its conclusion, typically around 18 months. Each CASA undergoes 30 plus hours of initial training, with twelve hours of annual continuing education. Volunteers are vetted through an in-depth background check to ensure they are safe and trustworthy. CASAs meet their assigned youth monthly, attending crucial meetings and ensuring decisions are in the child’s best interest.

For an application or more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, please call 605-996-1212 or visit mitchellcasa.org. All three presenters spoke passionately about their involvement and urged others to consider helping to ensure our young people are getting the best chances in life.

The meeting was adjourned with our signature Four-Way Test: 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?