October 20, 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… Tracie Trotter

October 25, 2024

October 25, 2024

We asked the owner of Wyldewood Cellars to tell us 10 things about herself. Here are her responses. 1. What...

Giving back: PVO helps out Abernathy family with fundraiser

October 15, 2019

October 15, 2019

The Prairieview-Ogden community knows how to come together. And tonight is no exception. Corey Abernathy, who was an assistant coach...

Kelso add commercial space for rent

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Josh Kelso wants to help expand commercial space in St. Joseph. The owner of Kelso Heating and Cooling knows how...

Plotner to be honored with scholarship

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Mary Derenne decided to start the new year right. Even though she had been thinking about it for a few...

Get to know Lindsay Rubach

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lindsay is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?As an Educator...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim O’Brien

November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019

I always carry a small pewter heart that Lori, my wife, gave me. It’s a reminder of how lucky I...

St. Joseph UMC helping those in need

April 4, 2019

April 4, 2019

People needing help feeding their families are getting one more option in the St. Joseph area. Tonight, the Midwest Food...

Kids Say…

June 24, 2019

June 24, 2019

Every week we ask five students to tell us what they think a farmer does. This week it is second...

Spartan Spotlight… Kendall Ayers

April 8, 2020

April 8, 2020

Kendall Ayers has plans to travel after graduating from high school. The St. Joseph-Ogden senior plans to take a vacation...

Sign ‘em up: Wagners to change locations in downtown St. Joseph

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Jim and Jen Wagner want to invest in St. Joseph because the community has invested in them. “Community support is...

10 things you don’t know about me… Angela O’Brien Page

August 26, 2019

August 26, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to share 10 facts about themselves. This week we asked Angela O’Brien Page....

Senior Spotlight: Libby Rowland

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. First up is senior Libby Rowland. What will you be...

Upcoming Halloween Events

October 7, 2026

October 7, 2026

There are numerous Halloween events coming up in the St. Joseph-Ogden area. Area Trick or Treat hoursSt. JosephOct. 315:30 p.m....

10 things you don’t know about me… Santa Claus

December 13, 2019

December 13, 2019

This week the Record asked Santa Claus 10 questions about himself and he took time out of his very busy...

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...

Comments
Leave a Reply