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The Waukon bowling team got its 2017-2018 season underway against one of its more experienced opponents on this season’s schedule when the Indians traveled to Waverly-Shell Rock Tuesday, November 21. The Waukon girls fell to the host Go-Hawks by a 1680-1862 final count, while the boys surrendered a 1768-2322 result.

The bowling Indians were next scheduled to compete at Tripoli Friday, December 1 before bowling their first home matches of the new season. The Tribe will actually be at home the next two Fridays to finish out the 2017 portion of their schedule, hosting North Iowa December 8 and then Decorah December 15.

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The 2017-2018 season got underway for both the Waukon and Kee girls basketball teams when the intra-county foes met at Waukon Tuesday, November 21 in a non-conference season-opener for both squads. The experience and charisma of the veteran visiting Hawk squad proved to be too much for the hustling and scrappy effort put forth by the overall younger host Indians, as the Kee hoopsters played to a 56-40 victory.

Kee was next scheduled to travel to Central Elkader Tuesday, November 28 to open Upper Iowa Conference play before then traveling to Starmont Friday, December 1. The Hawks will then play at Class 3A second-rated Crestwood Monday, December 4 before traveling to West Central Friday, December 8 and finally getting to open their home varsity schedule Tuesday, December 12 by hosting two-time defending Class 1A State Tournament Runner-Up Turkey Valley.

Lyla Marie Olson, age 62, of Dorchester died peacefully November 25, 2017 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. She was cremated through Martin Funeral Home of Waukon and it was her wish for no public memorial service. Immediate family members will hold a private celebration of life. Cards of sympathy can be sent to Lyla’s sisters.
Lyla was born November 23, 1955 in Caledonia, MN to Edward and Gladys (Ranzenberger) Olson. She was a 1974 graduate of Caledonia High School. She loved the farm and country life, and also was a long distance semi-truck driver.

Ruth Charlene (Stirn) Rea, 91, of Lansing passed away November 24, 2017 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, November 28 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing with Rev. John Moser as the Celebrant. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing.

Ruth Stirn was born September 19, 1926 at home on the farm in Lansing to George Stirn and Catherine (Wendler) Stirn. She graduated from the Waterloo School of Beauty in 1947 and opened a beauty shop in Lansing.

Ruth Stirn was married to William Rea October 24, 1950 in Lansing. They farmed for over 50 years near Churchtown. Ruth was a CNA at Thornton Manor for 18 years. She was also a 4-H leader, a volunteer with the church and an election official. Ruth liked to make quilts for the grandkids, crocheting and embroidery, and was also an avid card player in several card clubs. She enjoyed many family celebrations, traveling and spending time with her growing family.

Phyllis L. Snitker, 85, of Rossville died Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Monday, November 27 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, with Pastor Tim Rupert officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Phyllis LaVonne Snitker was born December 18, 1931 in the Hickory Creek area of rural Monona, the daughter of Henry and Iva (Ames) Snitker. She attended Rossville Country School, Waukon High School and later received her GED.

February 18, 1948, she married Leonard Junior Snitker at the First Presbyterian Parsonage in Waukon. They farmed together on a farm a quarter of a mile west of Rossville. Phyllis also worked at Northern Engraving in Waukon for 39-1/2 years, until it closed in 2008.

Shirleen "Sam" A. Rosendahl, 66, of Waukon went home to be with our Lord Tuesday, November 21, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer; she passed away at home surrounded by her family. Funeral services were held Monday, November 27 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bill Odermann officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Shirleen “Sam” Ann Fritz Moe Rosendahl was born April 9, 1951 in Marshalltown, the daughter of Leo and Ida (Johnson) Fritz of Cresco. She was baptized and confirmed at the Notre Dame Catholic Parish and in 1969 graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cresco.

Mary E. Blake, 97, of Waukon died Sunday, November 19, 2017 at her home. Funeral services were held Saturday, November 25 at St. Mary's Catholic Church Hanover in rural Waukon with Rev. Jerry Blake officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Mary Blake Memorial, 1972 State Highway 76 N, Waukon, IA 52172.

Mary E. Hammell was born February 16, 1920 on the family farm on the Sand Cove in rural New Albin, the daughter of Cornelius “Con” and Mary T. (Wall) Hammell. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Albin and graduated from high school in Lansing. She completed teacher training in La Crosse, WI and taught in rural Allamakee County schools for several years.

by Jeremy Leitz, Allamakee County Executive Director  (563) 568-2148

Upcoming Deadlines and Important Dates
• November 23: Office closed in observance of Thanksgiving
• December 15: Report acreages intended to be used for forage and pasture in 2018
• December 15: Sign up for, or opt out of, the 2018 Margin Protection Program

by Joe Moses

Syndicated radio host Trent Loos, a sixth generation farmer from central Nebraska, visited Waukon High School November 10 to speak with FFA students regarding a variety of agriculture related topics.

Loos, famous for his nationally syndicated radio show “Rural Route” and his podcast “Loos Tales,” discussed misconceptions related to farming and agriculture. Loos questioned the FFA students about how they would define agriculture and received a range of answers dealing with the production of crops and livestock and in general terms, the use of nature for the continuation of mankind.

Loos expanded upon the general definition by commenting that agriculture is involved with or benefits most aspects of our lives. Loos discussed that beyond the food that we eat, agriculture is involved in most of the products that we use on a daily basis with components of many things coming from animals and agriculture.

Practical Farmers of Iowa is organizing its 10th annual overnight retreat for beginning farmers, taking place this year December 1-2 at the Wesley Woods Retreat Center in Indianola (10896 Nixon St., about 8.5 miles south of town). The event starts at 1 p.m. Friday, December 1 and runs through 2 p.m. Saturday, December 2. The annual event welcomes individuals who aspire to farm as well as beginning farmers from all farm enterprises.

Registration fees include all materials and workshop costs, breakfast and lunch Saturday, snacks throughout and bunk-style lodging on-site. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share for the Friday night potluck; Practical Farmers will provide the main dish.

Registration is required by Monday, November 27. Register at practicalfarmers.org or by calling Practical Farmers of Iowa at (515) 232-5661. Attendance is limited, so sign-up soon.