Russell Library'S Summer Reading Program

The Russell Library will begin their Summer reading Program on Friday, the 7th of June at 1:00 p.m.  Our thanks go out to Joan and Craig Gooder for providing this enjoyable time for the children.  Last years session was very well received and the children really enjoyed the stories.  See what the Gooder's have planned for this summer.  See you there.

Vacation Bible School

Faith United Methodist Vacation Bible School will be from Sunday, June 23rd through Wednesday, June 26th from 6-8 p.m.  The theme will be "Going to the Fair".  All kids are welcome who have been to pre-school through 5th grade.  See you at the Fair!

Russell School Alumni Reunion

Just an update regarding the 2013 Russell Alumni reunion.  Planning is well under way and this years reunion will be an amazing celebration.  Be sure you mark your calendar for May 25, 2013.  A delicious pork loin meal will be served at the Russell Volunteer Fire Station between the hours of 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.  with the program to follow at the bandstand stage on Shaw Street.  Along with utilizing the Fire Station, we are also hosting an open house from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m at the Russell Historical Museum.  We have also reserved the Russell Community Center for the day so classes can have an additional gathering spot.

There will be a blue book CD available for purchase with all of the updated contacts of all graduates and faculty of Russell High School.  We will be mailing out the invitations to the reunion March 25th.  Cost of the meal will be $12.00 per person, please fill out the registration form and mail it back with payment by May 1st, 2013.

We are looking forward to a fun celebration in Russell.  Lets keep the Trojan Spirit alive.

If you have further questions, please contact one of the Alumni Committee, which consists of: Donise Atwell Altenhofen, Committee Chairman,
at 641-203-0993 or altenhofen@sirisonline.com; 

Kelli Miller Spencer, Vice Chairman, at 641-203-2095; 

Felicia Brown Beaty, Treasurer, at 641-203-2894; 

and Nicki Slack Hermann, Secretary, at 641-203-2063.

CIty Wide Garage Sale

Russell City Wide Garage Sale-May 11

Russell will have a city-wide garage sale on May 11, from 8-noon.  Please leave your name at the museum if you want to be included on the map.  There is no charge for being on the map.   Maps are free and available at the Museum the day of the sale.  If you don't want to have your own sale, you can donate your items to the Museum garage sale.  For more information contact Roberta at 535-4191.

Russell Post Office New Hours

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, the Russell Post Office will begin new retail window hours.  They will be open from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, hours will be from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.  After May 4th, the interior mailboxes will be available 24 hours a day.

Russell City News - April

Russell will have its annual clean-up day on April 27 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.  Fees will be as follows:  car or pickup load $10; TV's $15 each; computer monitors $15 each; tires $5 each; mattresses $5 each piece.  Refrigerators, washers/dryers; air conditioners, computer towers, anything metal will be no charge.  The City Clerk will be available and will collect fees that day.

Russell City Hall will now have a sophisticated accounting system.  New computer software has been installed to be used for the City of Russell's accounting, utility billing and payroll.  There will be no increase to residents monthly service to cover the charge for this software.  You will still receive your bill on a postcard.

The Russell Water Quality Report for 2012 is available at City Hall for viewing.

Russell City Council Meeting April 1, 2013

Council members present were Mayor Ed Scheel, Jeremy Blue, Wayne Riggs and Don Sellers. Absent were Duane Bedford and Jay Pierschbacher. Others in attendance were Police Chief Jeff Johnson, City Employees Larry Mitchell and City Clerk, Wendy Nickell. Visitors were Penny Stouwie and Dusty Butler.

Jeff Johnson is following up on junk debris, resident water and sewer issues.

Clean-up day will be April 27 from 8:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. Fees will be as follows: Car or pickup load $10, TV's $15 each, computer monitors $15 each, tires $5 each and mattresses $5 each, refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, computer towers, anything metal will be no charge. The City Clerk will be available and will collect fees that day.

Some work on the streets, including culvert work on south Prairie Street.  The Mayor has been in touch with the county regarding this repair.   Larry will get some cold patch and work on fixing streets as soon as possible.  Larry will purchase a new sweeper.  An ad will be put in the paper for hay ground rental.

An ad will be placed in the Chariton papers for a PT employee with hours not to exceed 30 per week. Applications may be picked up at City Hall and will need to be returned by April 19.

Penny Stowie was there to represent Larry Templeton regarding his go-kart track/races. On May 4th, Larry will have training personnel at the track to instruct individuals on how to operate and care for their go-karts and also to instruct on safety.  Mr. Templeton has a release of liability for drivers to sign. The City cannot keep Mr. Templeton from running the track.  We will address complaints should they arise.  We were told the track shuts down at dark.

Russell Fire Department Annual Ham Dinner

The Russell Fire Department will hold their annual ham dinner on Saturday, April 13 from 4:30-7:00 p.m at the Russell Community Center.  If you would like a home delivery, call Brian Beaty at 641-203-3217 or Jeff Neer at 641-203-2039.  This year they are also holding a raffle for a $100 pork bundle.  Tickets are available from any fireman.

Historical Society Celebrates 10 Years

The Historical Society's goal, back in 2001 in Dr. Hermann's old medical building,  was to provide a place where historic memorabilia could be maintained and displayed for future generations.  With very generous grants, contributions, fund raisers, community support and donations of labor, we achieved this goal.  On April 12, 2003 the new building was completed and an Open House was held.

Now ten years later the Russell Museum/Library will hold an Open House, and a sausage/gravy over biscuits, and scrambled eggs breakfast, on Saturday  April 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. with a free will offering.  The Open House will continue until 2:00 p.m.

The building is completely paid for with the help of the above mentioned people and organizations.  We have a facility that provides a small lending library, a computer lab with Internet access, a fabulous large museum with hundreds of historic articles from Russell's past and a meeting place.  If you haven't seen it before, now is the time!!!

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

The Southside Bar will feature fun activities in honor of St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 16th.  Activities feature an Irish breakfast from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.  A parade at noon, and a corned beef dinner starts at 5 p.m.  The Southside Bar is also now offering food Monday-Saturday from 5-9 p.m.  Available will be sandwiches, salads, appetizers, pizza and drinks.

Town Hall Meeting

The Community Club is holding a Town Hall meeting with Republican Representative Greg Heartsill at the Community Center on Friday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.  Come see our government in action.

Russell Welcomes New Business

Harley Haven and Sportsbar has opened where Whiskey Dick's had its business.  Scott and Vickie Jordan are the new owners.  They will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m.  They will sponsor a DJ & party on Saturday March 16.  Welcome!

Permit-To-Carry Class

Monday, March 18, 6:30 p.m., the Russell Sportsmen's Club will hold an Iowa Permit-to-Carry class in the new education building southwest of Russell.  The class is required by Iowa law in order to receive a permit to carry.  The course is approximately 2½ hours of classroom time.  Afterward, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can be taken by the participant to their County Sheriff, who is the permit issuing authority.  Permits are good for five years and may also be used as a substitute for a permit to acquire.  To register for the class, call Dan t 6451-203-5296.

Russell City Council Minutes, Feb. 4, 2013

The following information may be of particular interest to Russell residents.

The Council approved the agreement with Country Trash as trash hauler for the City of Russell.  Pickup will still be Thursday morning.  They request all trash be at the street by 7 a.m.  If you need a trash container, please call the Russell City Hall at 641-536-2494 or Country Trash at 641-947-6000.  If a resident is going to have trash over the allowed 60 gallons or appliances to dispose of, you will need to call Country Trash directly to arrange for pickup and payment.  The city plans to have the annual cleanup day this spring.  Be watching for further information regarding date and fees.

The Council approved a request from Scott and Vicki Jordan to move forward with starting a business in Russell and obtaining a liquor license.

It was approved to enter into a contract with Data Technologies from Omaha, Nebraska to purchase five computer software modules that have to do with State and other Federal government laws.  The other company they were doing business with went out of business.

The Council is researching the possibility of purchasing a dump truck.

Council members present were Duane Bedford, Jay Pierschbacher and Jeremy Blue.  Mayor Ed Scheel and council member Wayne Riggs were absent.  Mayor Pro-Tem Don Sellers called the meeting to order.  Also present was city employee Larry Mitchell.  Visitors in attendance were LuAnn and Jerry Alexander from Country Trash, Vicki Jordan and Craig Gooder.  Wendy Nickell served as the City Clerk.

The next budget discussion and approval will be at the next meeting on Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

Around Town

The Beaty Insurance office moved into their new building last week.  They are enjoying the spaciousness, being in a good location, with windows viewing the Russell community in action.  The heat in the floors is proving to be a success and they are pleased the building was finished so quickly.  What looks like a garage area actually contains their extensive filing system.

They will be holding an open house in the near future so they can show it off.

Russell Sportsmen's Club

February Event

Russell Sportsmen's Club will hold an Iowa Permit-to-Carry class at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 25 in the new education building southwest of Russell.  The class is required by Iowa law to receive a permit to carry.  The course is approximately 2½ hours classroom time.  There is no live firing.  After the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion signed by the certified instructor.  The certificate is taken to their County Sheriff who is the issuing authority.  Permits are good for five years and may be used as a substitute for a permit to acquire.  To register for the class, call Dan at 641-203-5296.
Heads-up to women; the Sportsmen's Club will offer a Ladies only handgun clinic twice in 2013.  The first one is Sunday June 9 at 2 p.m. and the second one is Sunday, September 8 at 2 p.m.

2013 Russell Alumni Reunion

From Facebook - January 24, 2013 - Donise Atwell Altenhofen

The 2013 Russell Alumni Reunion planning is well under way. The reunion date will be May 25, 2013 in Russell. Although we don't have access to the school anymore we have lots of ideas in the making to have an amazing celebration involving the Fire Station, the Historical Museum and the stage up town for the festivities that evening. We will be mailing out the invitations by March 15th. If you have moved within the past five years we would love to have the updated list as soon as possible. As we are on a very tight budget we are trying to do as many things through phone, email and Facebook contacts. Please contact one of the Alumni Committee, which consists of myself Donise Atwell Altenhofen, Committee Chairman at email - altenhofen@sirisonline.com, phone - 641-203-0993; and facebook.com "You Grew Up in Russell" or Kelli Miller Spencer, Vice Chairman at 641-203-2095 or Felicia Brown Beaty, Treasurer at 641-203-2894 and Nicki Slack Hermann, Secretary at 641-203-2063. We are looking forward to a fun celebration in Russell. Let's keep the Trojan Spirit alive.

Desperate for a Christmas Gift

The above is a picture of Ed Sellers' "desperate for a Christmas gift" project for his two year-old great-great nephew.

He designed and built a threshing machine along with a tractor and hay rack.

It is made mostly out of laminated wood.  The main drive belt is an emery cloth.  Other items used  were  tooth picks and rubber bands.

It appears to be much larger than it actually is, the threshing machine stands about 10 inches tall, is 6 inches wide and 18-24 inches long and weighs about 10 1/2 pounds.

He got a little carried away after he finished the tractor and hay rack which resulted in the threshing machine. 

The threshing machine will stay in Russell at the Museum,  the tractor and hay rack are at home in Texas.

He has plans to make a steam tractor, which was inspired after the first project got out of control.

Christmas Outside Decorations Winner

Wayside Garden Club's Christmas Decoration Award

 

Ron Hoover's elaborately decorated yard full of all kinds of Christmas decorations, won this year's Wayside Garden Club Outside Decoration Award.  You may have seen this yard as you drove into Russell on the main street into town.  The picture did not make the newspaper so we are mentioning it now to give recognition to Ron for his efforts in lighting up that corner of Russell with his special Christmas projects. 

Russell Council January Meeting

The Russell City council met Monday, January 7th at 7:01 p.m.  Wayne Riggs, Jay Pierschbacher and Duane Bedford were present and Jeremy Blue and Don Sellers were absent.  Fire Chief Craig Alexander, Police Chief Jeff Johnson and one visitor Craig Gooder were also in attendance.

A motion to approve Resolution 13-1 was made by Jay and a second was received from Duane.  This Resolution is to list the paid 2013 holidays for full time city employee, Larry Mitchell.  The motion was approved 3-0.

An update on junk vehicles was given by Police Chief Jeff Johnson.

Duane made a motion to approve the appointment of Craig Alexander as the new Fire Chief for the Russell Volunteer Fire Department and the motion was seconded by Jay.  The motion was carried 3-0.  Brian Beaty - Assistant Chief, Jeff Neer - Captain, Chris Feehan - Captain, Mark McCurdy - Lieutenant are the other Fire Department officers.

Wendy, the City Clerk asked for a budget hearing at the next meeting.

The Community Club will be contacted by Craig Gooder about setting up a town meeting with Greg Heartsill.

Wayne made the motion to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. with second by Jay.

The next meeting will be on February 4, 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Special Election in Russell December 4th

On Tuesday December 4, a special election for the residents of Lucas County will be held throughout the County. 

The issue is as follows:

"Shall the Indian Hills Community College (Merged Area XV) Board of Trustees be authorized to certify, as per Iowa Code Section 260C.28 (2), for the tax year beginning July 1, 2013, continuation of a tax not exceeding six (6) cents per thousand dollars of assessed value in any one year and for a period not to exceed ten (10) years, for the purposes of program sharing between community colleges or for the purchase of instructional equipment?"  Just a YES or NO vote will be taken.

History of the Curious Goods Building

The historical information in the following article appeared in the Chariton Leader on October 23, 2012 in the Russell News Section.

On September 25, 2012, residents watched as a large wrecking machine with its gigantic scoop pulled up to the old white building at the corner of Prairie and Shaw Streets (across from the Russell Museum and Library) and began knocking it down.  In less than an hour a pile of old lumber was all that remained of this old historical building in Russell.

In order for a town to grow and improve its appearance, this sort of thing must happen, but in Russell it happened twice in less than a month.  On October 15, 2012, residents waited with awe as another wrecking machine approached on the west side of the same block (east of the bank and the postoffice).  Spectators watched as the large machine touched the southwest corner of the building and it came down with a loud boom.  The entire building crumbled to the ground in a cloud of dust, throwing bricks in all directions almost hitting the by-standers and their vehicles.  (See the photos below).

The first building to fall was the old Chester Feed and Produce Store (owned and operated by Merle and Oneita for more than 30 years).  It was originally the two story Hasselquist Building which partially burned during the 1929 fire that wiped out most of the buildings on the south side of Shaw Street.  The building was rebuilt (without the second floor) and later was owned by the Hiles and the Behnkes, Sonnie's Beauty Shop and then by Hundley's Tire Shop.

H.W. Elliott originally built the building in 1875.  One well known owner was E. Dewey Hess where he had a soda fountain and a drug store from 1940 - 1961.   He purchased the store from A. J. Mettlin who had been at this location from 1901.  In 1962 Bob Long (Long's Sundries) purchased it.  In between these years, Bob and Vera Edwards (Bob and Vera's Varieties) operated their store for 13 years.  Then Bev and Jim Werts purchased it and opened an antique store, but kept the soda fountain (Bev's Corner Store).  They operated it from 1981 - 1994.  A toy train shop and the telephone office were once located on the second floor.  In October of 1998, Julie and Carl Moore owned and operated an art/craft store, but stopped using the store a few years ago.  As the bricks began bulging out and slowly falling to the ground, Carl tried patching the walls to no avail.  He then began knocking bricks out to remove the second floor.  This proved to be an immense and dangerous project, so the work stopped.  It was interesting to see the remains of an elevator at the rear of the building, which many people had forgotten was there.  No plans have been mentioned for this location.

The sadness at seeing these buildings disappear will dim as time goes by and we look forward to whatever the future might bring to the town of Russell.

Another Historical Building Comes Down in Russell

Residents watched as the Curious Goods Building in Russell came down with very little effort.  One push on the corner of the building and it completely fell to the ground in a cloud of red dust.  This building has slowly been falling during the past year and now it is completely down.  The pictures can't describe the feeling everyone was experiencing.  There were lots of memories associated with this building through the years.  At one time the telephone office in town was located on the second floor.  A pharmacy was located here over a hundred years ago, Bev and Jim Werts had a store here and most recently, Curious Goods displayed and sold there interesting wares.  There was even an elevator at the back of the store.  

Check out this site for more: 

http://www.facebook.com/groups/271290096218537/ 

(you'll need to have a login name and password to get on Facebook)

Pictures on Facebook by Carol Swigart

Comments by Charles Wright and Wanda Horn are very interesting and informative

1962 Alumni Class

The 1962 Russell Alumni Class enjoyed their reunion at the Russell Fall Festival, Saturday, September 15.  The class of 16 enjoyed riding on Mike Beaty's horsedrawn wagon at the parade.  They also enjoyed touring the Russell Museum.

Saturday evening they met for dinner and a program at Carpenter's Hall in Chariton. 

Sunday morning, six of the class and their spouses met for breakfast at the Millerton Cafe in Millerton.

Those pictured are:

Front row - Virginia (Egbert) Spillman, Donna (Collins) Byers, Helen (Dolinsek) Thompson, Mary (Osenbaugh) Parks, Marilyn (McKay) Trenary, Delores (Wright) Bufford.

Back row - Melvin Egbert, Ed Sellers, Dennis Boldt, Leo Orwig, James Noble, Jerry Jeffries, Douglas Prather.

Not pictured - Shirley (Powers) Morr, Jack Christensen, Mike Miller.

Five of the class of 32 are deceased - Tony Sweeden, Bernard Thomas, Roger Hawkins, John VerSteeg and Harley Jones.

Fall Festival Entertainment

Al Butler and his sister Cindy provided entertainment at the Russell Fall Festival.

A Piece of Russell History Taken Down

　

     The photograph above, shows the Hasselquist building (the building later occupied by Merle Chester, Chester's Grocery). This building suffered damage but was saved from destruction when the Chariton Company arrived and a hose was finally coupled on and the blaze was soon extinguished on that building, but not until the whole west side had been practically burned out. If you compare this picture to the one where Sonnie's Beauty Shop was, you will see that at one time the building was a two-story building. Because of a shortage of hose it was some time before the firemen could reach the building.
    
     At one time Lloyd LaFavre had his grocery store on the SW corner of the intersection of Prairie and Shaw, in the old Hasselquist building.

     Merle and Oneita operated the Chester Feed and Produce of Russell for approximately 30 years. Before Merle had the store, the Hiles and the Behnkes owned it. Merle bought the store from the Behnkes. Oneita said they were at someone’s funeral when the south side of Shaw Street burned back in 1929. The building where they later had their store lost the whole top floor to the fire, but the building was saved and repaired.

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Today, September 25, 2012, around 5:00p.m. a large truck pulled up in front of the building and unloaded the heavy duty piece of equipment shown in the color picture above. In less than two hours the building was torn down in order to construct a new modern building. Many people drove up and down Prairie Street to see a piece of Russell History disappear.

　

Fall Festival 2012

These pictures are from Carol Swigart

Parade prizes:

First Place - Lowell Sims and Bob Hensley for their float "Businesses, Past and Present"

Second Place - Southside Tavern for a congregation of hats "Hats Off to Russell"

Third Place - Whiskey Dick's for the giveaway ride

Thanks to the Last Chance for providing a wonderful display of food for the noon meal.  Al Butler and his sister Cindy for providing entertainment, the Chariton Middle School Band giving the parade a real touch of parade music and the community of Russell for making a success of the day.  It was great to see the 1962 and 1967 class members here to participate in their school reunions.

Activity at the Firemen's 2012 BBQ Contest in Russell

Russell BBQ Results

Chicken

1st - Warren Co. Smokers (Bryce and Tim Mitchell - Lacona), 2nd - Wide Open BBQ, Ryan Atwell and Cory Swigart - Russell), 3rd - Outhouse Smokers (Alex, Kellie Drake & Jeff Swanson - Chariton).

Ribs

1st - Poling Smokehouse (Steve Poling - Chariton), 2nd - Wide Open BBQ (Ryan Atwell and Cory Swigart - Russell), 3rd - Smoke Aholics (Rich Watson and Cecil Pruiett - Chariton)

Pork Butt

1st - Sadies BBQ (Mitch Philips - Milo), 2nd - Outhouse Smokers (Alex, Kellie Drake and Jeff Swanson - Chariton), 3rd - Poling Smokehouse (Steve Poling - Chariton).

Brisket

1st - Warren Co. Smokers (Bryce and Tim Mitchell - Lacona), 2nd - Wide Open BBQ (Ryan Atwell and Cory Swigart - Russell), 3rd - Outhouse Smokers (Alex, Kellie Drake and Jeff Swanson - Chariton).

Overall

1st - Poling Smokehouse (Steve Poling - Chariton), 2nd - Wide Open BBQ (Ryan Atwell and Cory Swigart - Chariton), 3rd - Outhouse Smokers (Alex, Kellie Drake and Jeff Swanson - Chariton).

Dutch Oven Dessert

1st - D.O. Liars (Kinser Werts - Russell and Karen Jones - Corydon), 2nd - Smoke Aholics (Rich Watson and Cecil Pruiett - Chariton), 3rd - Outhouse Smokers (Alex, Kellie Drake and Jeff Swanson - Chariton).

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Russell Class of 1967 Reunion

Russell Community High School Class of 1967 - 45th Anniversary Reunion

MEET & GREET - Friday, September 14 @ 6p.m. - BYOB - appetizers, mixers, ice provided

ALL ALUMNI WELCOME AT FRIDAY's EVENT ONLY!

CLASS DINNER - Saturday, September 15 @ 5 p.m. - BYOB - BBQ, mixers, ice provided

Both events held at the Russell Community Center

Chariton After Prom Committee host trap shoot

The Chariton After Prom Committee will host a benefit trap shoot on Sunday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Russell Sportsmen's Club range to raise funds for the After Prom Party.  No experience is required and everything needed will be supplied, including certified instructors and mentors.  To pre-register, call or text Dan at 641-203-5296.