An award in the name of the town’s founder
Walhalla’s first-year mayor, Tim Hall, received city council support to create an annual award for someone or some organization that contributes to the advancement of the city and its populace. It’s to be named the John A. Wagener Award, for the member of a German colonization society that trekked from Charleston and established Walhalla in the mid-19th century. The Wagener award will be recommended for another vote at council’s regular June meeting. Last night it was endorsed, with one exception. Councilman Grant Keehn said he’s uncomfortable, as he put it, “to give someone else’s money away” – a reference to the fact that the winner each year is to receive $1 thousand, along with a plaque. Here are criteria to win the John A. Wagener Award for Civic Achievement: “An individual or group whose actions have provided a demonstrable benefit to the advancement of the City of Walhalla and the well-being of its residents. Nominees do not necessarily have to reside within the city of Walhalla. Prior winners will not be eligible for a period of five years.”