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The Waukon High School and Middle School participated in a lockdown drill Wednesday, October 7 in an effort to prepare for immediate threats that may occur on campus by a student or an intruder. In addition to fire drills and severe weather drills, the Allamakee Community School District routinely conducts lockdown drills to ensure that all faculty, staff and students are aware of the correct procedures in the event of such emergency situations.
In addition to the lockdown drill, the K-9 unit from the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Waukon Police Department, conducted a walk-through of the schools' campus area. "The purpose of their visit was to ensure that we are maintaining a drug-free environment and to communicate that we have a zero-tolerance for students who wish to disrupt our school’s environment by bringing illegal substances to our campus," stated Allamakee Community School District Superintendent of Schools Dave Herold.

by Kelli Boylen

National 4-H Week 2015, being observed October 4-10, offers a great opportunity to recognize both the highlights of the local 4-H program for area youth, as well as the contributions of adults in the community who contribute their efforts in support of the program. During National 4-H Week, the Allamakee County 4-H program celebrates both aspects that make the program the success that it is within the local area.

4-H SERVICE AWARDS
The 4-H Service Award has been presented this year to two individuals who have served many years on the 4-H Youth Development Committee. Their dedication to serve the 4-H youth of Allamakee County is shown through their participation as superintendents, club leaders, helping with conference judging, appreciation supper, and the livestock auction. But, above all, they are a key part of the support system available to Allamakee County 4-H youth.

The Allamakee County Conservation Board recently completed the installation of the historic sign pictured above which tells the story of Patrick Keenan and Richard Cassiday, who were early settlers in the Makee Township area, with Keenan being the first individual in Allamakee County to apply for and receive American citizenship at the Allamakee County Courthouse through the U.S. Naturalization Law. They built a log cabin on what is now the County Home property. Patrick Keenan was the first Keenan to settle in the area and many Keenan families have descended from him. The site was pointed out to the Conservation Board by Joe Palmer and Carl Christianson a number of years ago. The new sign is not located at the exact location of the old cabin site, which is located about 100 yards down the trail and is only accessible to the public by foot. The sign is located at the upper shelter house at the County Home Park just off of Highway 9 north of Waukon.

by Bob Beach

Students at Waukon High School have selected their Homecoming representatives for 2015, with the coronation of this year's Homecoming Queen and King to take place at the traditional "Burning of the 'W'" pep rally scheduled for this Thursday evening, October 1, beginning at 7 p.m. at Waukon High School. Pictured  are this year's Waukon High School Homecoming Queen and King candidates from the 2015-2016 Senior class, including: Left to right - Front row: Queen candidates Nicole Behrend, Madison Snitker, Leslie Sivesind and Alyvia Jones. Back row: King candidates Wyatt Wille, Nick Johnson, Gus Pladsen and Peyton Hesse. The parade route for this Friday's Homecoming Parade at 2 p.m.

Members of the Kee High School Homecoming Court for 2015 include the King and Queen candidates from the senior class pictured above, as well as the underclassman attendants pictured at right. Pictured left to right: Front row - Senior Class Homecoming Queen candidates Mikayla Gavin, Ellie Cooper, Erin Rud and Téa Fink. Back row - Senior Class Homecoming King candidates Nick Boland, Mitchell Weymiller, Chandler Quirk and Nate Wood. Details of this week's Homecoming events at Kee High School, along with a celebratory page, can be found on Page 10A inside this issue. Photo courtesy of the Kee High School Yearbook.
 

by Bob Beach

Don and Michelle Dee of Waukon in Allamakee County were inducted into the 2015 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines Sunday, August 23. Ninety-two Iowa counties participated this year and selected 126 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees, or their surviving family members, were presented a certificate by Iowa 4‑H Foundation President Bob Butcher and State 4-H Program Leader John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas as they were introduced on stage during the recognition ceremony.
“Don and Michelle’s contribution to 4-H is widely felt,” said Morgan Heim, Allamakee County Youth Coordinator for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The Dees have been long-time supporters of the Allamakee County 4-H Program. Their 4-H involvement has spanned many years - from their years as 4-H Club parents, to volunteering in a variety of aspects.

The First Annual NE Iowa Step Up Reach Out Suicide Awareness Walk has been scheduled for Saturday, October 10, and will begin at 10 a.m. in Decorah. This walk will benefit Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health in its efforts to continue to educate area communities on suicide awareness and prevention efforts.
The event will begin and end at Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health, located at 905 Montgomery Street in Decorah, and will travel along the scenic Upper Iowa River and Trout Run Trail. The event is open to everyone in the general public, and a free will donation is encouraged at registration.
For more information about the event, contact Allamakee County representative Sherry Welch by telephone at 319-573-7145 or by e-mail at sis2of5@mchsi.com.