May 17, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Wagners give back in a variety of ways

Jim and Jen Wagner like to help people.

They have helped people through the pandemic at their business, Wagner Signs and Graphics. They are currently selling masks and have been open to fulfill online orders and orders for uniforms during the pandemic.

Despite working daily, the Wagners still found time to create a special birthday surprise for a family friend, Brady Johnson.

“Our neighbors and friends from across the street moved back in October, and we have been missing them terribly,” Jen said.

Johnson turned 9 during the stay-at-home order.

When Jen realized Brady’s birthday was coming up and he couldn’t have a party she knew she had to do something.

“I was brainstorming one night in the garage and realized we had leftover fireworks from our family’s annual Fourth of July get together,” she said.

Jen talked to Brady’s parents, Jay and Britney, and made plans to head out to the Johnson’s house on Brady’s birthday.

“We parked next to their field, stayed by our truck, yelled and waved Happy Birthday, and had a little fun,” Jen said.

Britney said the quarantine didn’t stop the family from celebrating Brady’s birthday.

“We just had to be creative,” she said. “We really miss seeing our family and friends, but they all helped us make Brady’s birthday one that he’ll never forget.”

Brady was sent videos, cards, small gifts, banners, signs, and of course, a very special firework celebration.

“It meant so much to us that everyone stepped up to help make this special,” Britney said. “We are blessed to live in a great community that is full of family we love and friends that we cherish. Brady won’t remember the toys that he received throughout the years, but he’ll always remember the experiences. Jim and Jen’s fireworks will be a story that he’ll always be able to share for years to come. It was a perfect birthday and some light for us during this trying time.”

in People
Banner
Related Posts

10 things you don’t know about me… Jeff Van Buskirk

October 7, 2020

October 7, 2020

What is your favorite childhood memory?I took guitar lessons when I was in 4th or 5th grade and did not...

Homer resident digs his passion of paleontology

March 15, 2019

March 15, 2019

Earlier this year, Homer resident and Augustana College sophomore Quinn Powers gave a Youth TED talk. A TED talk is...

10 things you don’t know about me… Allison Wakefield

August 18, 2022

August 18, 2022

What is your favorite place to travel to? Pennsylvania What is a TV show/movie you can watch over and over?...

Senior spotlight: Chloe Duckett

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. Next up is Chloe Duckett! What will you be doing...

‘I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it’

December 28, 2022

December 28, 2022

Girl Scout Emily Elsbernd knew what she wanted to learn while working on her Gold Award. “I knew all along...

Kids’ recycling project leads to three new benches at local parks

September 11, 2019

September 11, 2019

The residents of St. Joseph will have three new benches to sit on. The village has bought three benches for...

Ceremony to honor Edwards scheduled for Thursday

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

A Gift of Hope Flag raising ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St, Joseph-Ogden...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim Cotter

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

My favorite childhood memory is going to Kings Island with my family every summer on vacation My first pet was...

Appl can hear the good news, and that’s a good thing

May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Ten years ago, Candi Appl was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disease that usually affects...

Bringing Boston to St. Joseph: Jones to complete virtual marathon Monday throughout villages

September 5, 2020

September 5, 2020

Alison Jones has competed in the Boston Marathon before. On Monday, she will participate in the storied event — just...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jason Retz

November 7, 2019

November 7, 2019

In honor of SJO Cross Country going to state this week we asked head coach Jason Retz to tell us...

Krall joins Longview Bank

April 22, 2021

April 22, 2021

Brad Krall is coming home. Krall is now the Loan Officer and Mortgage Lender at Longview Bank in St. Joseph....

Senior Spotlight… Jillian Plotner

January 23, 2020

January 23, 2020

What are your plans after you leave SJO?I plan on studying forensic anthropology. I haven’t decided what school yet! If...

Kids say…

July 19, 2019

July 19, 2019

Second graders from PVO South tell us what they would have on their farm. This post is sponsored by Longview...

‘I love feeling a part of the community’

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

Almost a year ago exactly, The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the naming and grand opening of...

Comments
Leave a Reply