Harrington Citizen of Year named for 2024

HARRINGTON - In a town where community service is highly valued, the Harrington Lions Club has selected a local resident for this year's community service award, celebrating her many contributions and dedication to the town.

Linda Wagner, 71, of Harrington, was chosen as this year's honoree after a thorough voting process by the Lions Club.

According to Alan Tanke, Lions Club member and 2024 Citizen of the Year coordinator, the recognition comes as a testament to her significant involvement in various community activities, including her work with the Harrington Opera House, the local hospital, and her church group.

Tanke explained the selection process, noting how the decision was made.

"It's real plain and simple. About six months or more, sometimes after the first of the year, like February to March, it gets brought up at the meetings. I ask them to think of people, and then I make up a ballot of half a dozen names that people mention. This year we did two votes and narrowed it down from six to three to the one that won," he said.

This year, the honoree is Wagner.

"Linda has done a great deal in the community," Tanke said. "She is the one that won the popular vote this time. She is very humble and a very nice person."

Wagner, who will ride in the parade during the upcoming Harrington Fall Festival, expressed her gratitude and humility upon learning of the honor.

"I am pretty embarrassed. There are so many other people who do so much more. I am humbled. It is totally humbling," Wagner said. "I don't do things for recognition-that's just the way I was raised. You do things because it's the right thing to do."

Born and raised in Davenport, Wagner graduated in the class of 1971 before attending Washington State University, where she earned a degree in office administration.

In 1975, she and her husband, John Wagner, moved to Harrington to return to the family farm. They have two children, Jordan and Matthew, both of whom live nearby with their families.

"Matthew lives in Davenport with his family and wife Desirae, they have two children, Ryker and Bennet. Jordan lives with his wife, Heather, west of Harrington, with their two children, Colden and Jace," she said.

Wagner recently retired after 34 years as the Director of the Foundation at Lincoln Hospital.

Reflecting on her time in Harrington, she said, "The best part about Harrington is that I made some wonderful friends. It's a great community. I had an opportunity to be a part of organizations and community churches. I think my favorite thing has been playing music-whether it's for community choirs, school events, or church... I have had some wonderful opportunities to work with some amazing musicians."

Wagner remains active in the community through her involvement with the Harrington Opera House Society, the United Methodist Church, and the Harrington Homemakers. She also works at Harrington School and helps with farm record-keeping.

"To be chosen is, like I said, humbling. There are a lot of people who deserve to be recognized for their volunteer work in the community. To be included in that group is really an honor. It's embarrassing, but in a good way," she said. "There are a lot of people who started some great businesses in Harrington, and I am just so proud of what the community has accomplished in the past few years. It was really sweet for the Lions Club to think of me."

Wagner's recognition will be celebrated at the Harrington Fall Festival on Saturday, September 22, where she will ride in the parade and receive a plaque with her name engraved on it. The plaque will be on display in the community.

The Harrington Fall Festival will kick off at 9 a.m. with the FBLA Fun Run, followed by a rummage sale supporting Opera House renovations.

Attendees can tour the Opera House and Hotel Lincoln to see restoration progress.

At 10 a.m., the FFA will host a pancake feed, leading into the 11 a.m. parade organized by Fire District #6. The Lions Club BBQ, along with raffles, bingo, vendors, and activities like the FFA Trap Shooting snow cone machine and kids' games, will be held in the city park.

New this year is the Studebaker Garage's Pinewood Derby at 4 p.m., with the day wrapping up with the Harrington Alumni Dinner.