After a few days of unseasonably cool weather, mild weather returned to the area Friday, Oct. 21. It brought favorable conditions late that afternoon for the fourth annual Red Ribbon Fun Run/Walk.

Fifteen runners competed in the five-kilometer run that began at the Auburn High School parking lot and continued on surrounding country roads. Five participated in the one mile run/walk around the Bulldog Stadium track.
One mile participants were:
Melody Billings, 10:33; Carolyn Billings, 13:14; John Billings, 14:20; Kristen Billings, 14:20 and Linda Ellison, 18:52.
Five kilometer participants were:
Cody Bradley, 20:41; Katy Billings, 20:49; Kade Stanley, 25:35; Brandon Rogers, 26:56; Dave Fletcher, 27:02; Dan Swartaduber 27:48; Anthony Noel, 29:10; Jessica Stanley, 30:00; Jackson Boeve, 34:45; Allison Anderson, 36:58; Tristan Davis, 38:47; Sara Franklund, 38:51; Lisa Davis, 38:55; Jessica Gentert, 42:48 and Cora Flynn, 42:48.
Rogers and Boeve were the top two runners age 18 years and under. Bradley and Stanley were the top two runners ages 19-30 years. Noel and Franklund were the top two runners ages 31-40 years. Fletcher and Flynn were the top two runners ages 41 and older.
Ronald McDonald started the run/walk. He was brought to Auburn by the staff of the McDonald’s restaurants of Nebraska City and Rock Port, Mo. The run/walk was sponsored by the Nemaha Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse Coalition. Proceeds will benefit the coalition’s work to prevent substance abuse. At the same time, the Red Ribbon Week Family Festival occurred inside Auburn High School. Family oriented activities were presented by the coalition and many community partners.

Other Red Ribbon Week events included an after hours at the coalition’s office; and efforts by Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol (YADA) and school guidance counselors. Elementary students made posters about what it means to be drug free. YADA students visited Calvert Elementary School students to promote signing a drug-free pledge.