[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 12370-12371]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         WAKONDA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 
125th anniversary of Wakonda, SD. The town calls itself ``The Good Life 
Town'' and I would have to agree. With a strong sense of community and 
a welcoming spirit, Wakonda is a wonderful place to call home.
  Wakonda was founded when the North Western Railroad expanded its line 
in northwestern Clay County. Surveyors originally planned out the town, 
calling it Summit, but when negotiations on land price fell through, 
the town was moved southwest. The building crews stayed on local farms 
and completed their work by the end of the year. GEN William Beadle is 
credited with suggesting the name of Wakonda, a Santee Sioux word 
meaning ``wonderful.'' The town quickly sprouted, with

[[Page 12371]]

many new businesses popping up in the coming years.
  To celebrate Wakonda's historical achievement, the town will join 
together for a weekend of activities. With a golf tournament, kids 
carnival, and artistic exhibits, this town is sure to have a great time 
celebrating. I am proud to recognize Wakonda on reaching this milestone 
and wish them all the best in their future.

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