Mary Louise Reeves

December 30 -- Mary passed away the evening of December 30th. We will all miss her so much. We were all blessed by her friendship -- by the joy she showed when sharing good news with her, her compassion for us when we were in pain -- her loyal loving spirit, which she shared everytime we were together. Thank you God, for giving us such a good friend.

Frank's blog -
http://lucascountyan.blogspot.com/2011/12/mary-louise.html

From Darlene and Sheryl:

We have losted a great friend and sister: Mary Louise‏ went with the angels at around 10:30 Friday Dec 30, 2011 May she send all of the answers to our genealogy problems.  God rest her soul. More later on services.

Sheryl

Note: She is being cremated. I think they are planning the services for Saturday, Jan. 7, 11:00am, at the Christian Church with lunch to follow. If this is not correct, I will e-mail you back. The family has asked that there be no flowers, instead Mary Louise had many projects going so they would like the memorials to go in her memory to one of these projects. One that she was working hard on recently was the furnace fund for the Christian Church. She was appointed curator at the Russell Museum so there are projects there. We now have another "Genie Angel" to look over us.

Darlene

The New Russell History Book Progress

The Russell Historical Society regrets to inform you that because of the sudden illness of Mary L. Reeves, the new Russell History Book that she has been working on is on hold until further notice.

Christmas Lighting Awards

Wayside Garden Club's 2011 Christmas Decoration Winner

Marilyn and Butch Evans won the award for this year with the beautiful blue lighting on the front of their home at 411 E. Shaw St.  There was a light drizzle the evening I went out to judge the lights throughout Russell.  There were not a lot of decorated homes this year.  

Christmas in the Park a Success

Thanks to all, both Community Club members and those attending for making the Christmas in the Park a success.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made their annual appearance to the delight of the little ones.  Cookies were decorated and each child was able to take their creation home with them.  A coloring contest was a fun thing for all the kids to do.  A soup supper was enjoyed by everyone.  Prizes were awarded after the drawing was held.

See you next year!

Sims Garage Update - New Picture

The end of October we posted a picture of the Sims Garage on West Ames Street in Russell.  The American Flag waving was spectacular, but now we see Ron Bingham has been busy with his creativity and the result is even more heart warming.  You must drive by and take a look to get the full effect.  This picture doesn't produce the same emotions as when you see it up close.  100 W. Ames in Russell is the address in case you have not seen it before. 

This tribute is to all of our troops who are still deployed and to those who have returned from fighting to preserve our freedom.  Thank You!

Christmas in the Park

Saturday evening, December 10th, Christmas in the Park will be held at the Russell Community Center. A soup supper will start at 5 p.m. with chili and potato soup for a free will offering. There will be sugar cookies the children can decorate and take home and they can enter a coloring contest.

We will offer wagon rides, either pulled by horses or a pick-up depending on the weather. Santa will be there and the children can let him know their want list for Christmas. There will be 3 drawings for adults; a $25.00 gift card, a $15.00 gift card, and a $10.00 gift card. Also, the children may sign up for drawings of some toys that will be displayed under the tree. All are invited so come out and help us start off the Christmas Season in Russell. The event will wind up around 8 p.m.

Russell Firefighters

Article and photo by Bill Howes Chariton Herald Patriot Newspaper, November 3, 2011

New 40' x 60' addition being built on to the
Russell Fire Station

A new three-phase addition is being built on to the Russell Fire Station. The 40'x60' addition will add on two more truck bays and it's funded through grants and the department.

The first phase of the addition, the pouring of the concrete has been completed.  One phase will be done per year, so it's likely to be completed in two years.

The Russell Fire Department has 31 members including 11 EMS personnel.  Nearly all of the members have Fireman 1 status.  Five are EMT first responders and six are EMT-B or highter.  EMT-B stands for Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.

Jim Neer is the chief and Craig Alexander is the assistant chief.  Jeff Neer is the captain and Mark McCurdy is the lieutenant.  The department has added two new members in the past year in Kenny Gwinn and Brant Paige.

The vehicles that the department has include two grass attack trucks, a rescue unit, a pumper, and a tanker.  The department has handled 60 fire and EMS calls so far this year, which is a little below normal.

The Russell Fire Department regularly participates in the annual State Firemen's Convention.  This year the department took third place overall at the convention in Monticello.

The department had its first barbecue cook off this past September and it was a success.  The Russell Fire Department holds an annual Poker Tournament in February and an annual ham supper each April.  The funds raised from the supper go back to the department towards different things that are needed such as supplies.  Part of the proceeds from the Poker Tournament go back to the department as well.


Thank you Russell Firefighters, the residents of Russell are very lucky to have you and we just want you to know how much we appreciate your help.  Your promptness and skilled training has saved us pain and suffering in both illness and a dangerous fire. 

Sims-God Bless America

The next time you are in the 100 block of West Ames Street in Russell, you might notice on the Lowell Sims Property the beautiful American flag flying on the north end of their metal building.  When Lowell put up this building a couple of years ago, he wanted something painted on the building, so he hired Ron Bingham to go to work.  This project isn't complete yet.  Next summer Lowell would like to have something painted on the building about firemen, police, or different branches of the Military.  A farm scene would be another possibility.

This is something we can keep watching for when the snow is melting and summer is approaching.  Lowell and Ron's minds will be working on this project this winter, trying to come up with the right pictures.

(See if you can spot the bird-house).

Mike Beaty's Award Winning Horses

Mike Beaty of Russell (left) holds up a horse draft bridle while standing next to his two Belgian horses, Bert and Ernie.  Bert and Ernie are named after the famous Sesame Street duo and were award-winning horses at the Iowa State Fair in 2008, 2009 an 2011.

In the picture to the right, cousins Elizabeth Wright (left) of Indianola and Amelia Phillips of Williamson stand with Bert and Ernie that were at the Lucas County Historical Society Museum's open house on October 15th.  Beaty gave people demonstrations on the horses and told about harnesses and bridles used on them as well. 

Russell Recycle Bin Rules

CRUCIAL REMINDER !!!!

We are in danger of losing the recyle bin in Russell.  It's a shame that some abusers are going to take the bin away from the Russell residents who care enough to recycle.  The rules for this bin are posted on a large sign situated behind the bin.  It is very clear what articles can be placed in the bin.  Sadly, Russell has the reputation as being the worst offender for placing unacceptable items into it.  The hauler of the bin must dispose of all items that are not acceptable and at times has come back with a pick-up full of items (our garbage) that were not accepted, including all of the plastic grocery bags (Hy-Vee, Walmart, or black garbage bags) that were not supposed to be put in the bin.  Let's do our job and make it easier for him.  The trailer is unloaded from the bottom and then sorted by hand. 

The purpose of recycling is to lessen the load on landfills. Why place it in your garbage can when with a little effort on our part, we can see that some items can be separated to be recycled.  If the abuse continues, he will either remove the bin or start charging to have it in Russell.  ABUSERS, Please stop your uncaring actions.  Thank you to the users who are so considerate.

The red sign behind the recycle bin states the following:


1.  Place items in the proper bin, nothing on the ground.  If it doesn't fit, it doesn't get recycled.
2.  Use both sides of the trailer for space.
3.  Rinse and empty containers - clean items only.
4.  Take all items out of the plastic grocery bags, note the message about plastic bags.
5.  Acceptable plastic is - Plastic food, beverage and detergent containers ONLY!  Flatten the containers so there is room for more.  No Plastic toys, or pesticide, herbicide or chemical containers.
6.  Glass -  Nothing but container glass, glass bottles and jars only, no light bulbs or window glass.
7.  Tin and Aluminum - All tin and aluminum cans (crush if possible), foil and tin pie plates, lids from glass jars are acceptable.
8.  Paper Products - Newspapers, magazines, and phone books, cardboard boxes (flattened), Clean paper only.  No waxed or coated paper.

Judi Wright Retires After 43 Years with Farm Bureau

This article appeared in the October 4, 2011 Chariton Leader, written by Bill Howes.

Judi Wright has been a positive constant with the Lucas County Farm Bureau while other people change professions more often than farmers rotate their crops. 

An Open House was held for Judy on Monday, October 10, from 4-6 at the Lucas County Farm Bureau office.  

Judy began working for both the Lucas County Farm Bureau and the Farm Bureau Insurance in August 1971.  Four years ago she began working for Lucas County Farm Bureau only.

Judi and her husband, Jim, live on a farm northeast of Russell.  It's a century farm that's existed well over 100 years and it's where Jim was born and raised.  They had purchased the farm from Jim's folks and they live in the house that Jim's grandfather built.  They have lived there for 44 years.

Jim was a farmer and is mostly retired now.  He still does farming chores and helps out his son, Gene, as needed.  Gene has hay and cattle and also runs his own carpet cleaning business called "On the Spot Floor Care".  Gene and his wife, Paula (she is the superintendent of Chariton Schools), live just a mile and a half down the road from Jim and Judi.  They have three children,  Alison, Ashley and Alex.

Jim currently mows lawns for the Chariton school district.  He was a county supervisor for Lucas County for 18 years and after retiring from that he has worked for the school district.  When Jim farmed he farmed cattle, corn, beans and hay.  He and Judi rent all their farmland out now, which consists of 200 acres.  They both have a "green thumb" and love to garden.

Judi says she has seen many changes since she started in 1971.  She says she has had the opportunity to work with the greatest people in Lucas County.  She thanks the Farm Bureau for keeping her around so long.  She says it's been a pleasure to work for such an outstanding farm organization these past 40-plus years.

Blood Drive in Russell

Attention:  For all those interested in donating blood, the Russell Blood Drive will take place at the Russell Community Center on October 13 between 3-7pm.  If you have any questions you may contact Deb Mason at 641-203-0681.

Meg Prange, Work Selected for Trade Mission

Local Artist Selected for Governor Branstad's Trade Mission to Korea, China and Japan

Perhaps you have seen hand-appliqued fabric pictures done by Russell artist, meg Prange, in the lab waiting room at the Lucas County Hospital, Meyer Law Office, Piper's (and on card racks) and Dr. Rips Dental Office.  Meg who had images of her fabric pictures reproduced on 4-inch square ceramic tiles, received the following message from the Iowa Economic Development for Governor Brandstad's office:

"When we walked into the 'From Our Hands' gallery in the East Village in Des Moines, our attention was immediately drawn to your beautiful tiles.  As you may know, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is currently on a trade mission to Korea, China and Japan in an effort to encourage trade and investment in Iowa.  The trade mission is from September 18-28.   Your tiles are being presented as official Iowa gifts from Governor Branstad to business and government leaders in both Korea and China as a symbol of our wish and commitment for a fruitful and successful business relationship.  Thank you for providing us with such vivid and beautiful art pieces.  We are sure that the recipients of these gifts will truly enjoy them."

Six framed barn tiles, reproductions of her original hand-appliqued fabric pictures were selected.  They expect to work with Meg in the future.

Meg is delighted and feels honored to have her barn designs representing our wonderful state.

Russell Fall Festival Highlights

Thank you to the following businesses, contractors and service people who donated to the cash drawing at the Russell Fall Festival: Alpha Omicron Master Sorority; Beaty Insurance; Bingham Signs; Davison Cycle; Great Western Bank; Harry Reed Construction; Hundley Tire and Auto Service; Kevin McCullough Construction; Last Chance Convenience Store; Lowell Sims; Mark's Pop A Lock & Lawn and Gardening; Narber Construction; Pollard Salvage; Russell Livestock Market; Southern Iowa Oil; Southside Restaurant and Pub; Tanner Racing and Auto Repair and Whiskey Dick's Roadhouse.

The parade participant winners were:  Alpha Omicron Sorority float - 1st place; Faith United Methodist Church float - 2nd place; and Beaty Insurance float - 3rd place.

Betty Cross won 1st place in the pie contest with her raisin pie; Loudene Penney won 2nd place with her apple pie.

The Bar and Cookie judging at the fire station produced 3 winners: 1st place to Connie McKinley; 2nd place to Deb Mason and 3rd place to Ashley Bedford.

The quilt show winner (chosen by the vote of the people) was awarded to Jean Mathias for her Civil War Quilt.

Pedal Tractor Pull winners:  1st place winners were - Cayden Schlutz, Paige Hundley, Baylee Pollard, Ryder McGee.

Russell Fire Department Best in Smoke BBQ competition 1st place winner:  Kenny Gwinn and Todd Atwell and Cory Swigart and Tim Carruthers.

A big thank you goes to the Russell Firemen for their contest; to the Last Chance for the good meal they served at noon and to the Ladies who worked with the quilt show.  Thanks to the entertainment in the afternoon:  Albert Butler; Jessie Clark; Mr. & Mrs. Joe Allwood; and The Lineville Teen Band.  A special thank you to Kevin and Michelle Langlinais for setting up the speaker system and working with it all day; to Marie Hensley, for singing the National Anthem and to Mike McCurdy for announcing the parade; to the judges of the parade,pie and bar and cookie contest.  Also a thank you to parade participants and the Chariton Middle School Band.  Thanks to everyone who presented music and fire works in the evening and to the Community Club for making this years Festival happen.  It was very cold and wet, but all in all a very good day.

Prize winners will be in next week's paper.

June and Buddy Davis
Annie Kint and CJ

This is the correct third place Fall Festival Winner.  Sorry for the error.

Great Western Bank
Mike Mason Driving,
Debbie and Ken in the back

American Legion
Joe Gookin Driving

Russell's Wayside Garden Club

Russell's Wayside Garden Club meets eight times a year, April through July, September through December.  No meetings are held January through March due to weather conditions and no meeting is held in August due to the State Fair.  This organization has been meeting since the mid-1930's.  Our membership is not large, and we would like to invite anyone who is interested in gardening and flowers to join us, even if you don't live in Russell.  Meetings are held in different members homes and a couple of times a year we have an outing and have lunch at nearby restaurants.  In July we have a picnic in one of the parks in Russell.  Everyone has a great time at the meetings, catching up on lives and different interests with our yards and gardens.  We have one "Master Gardener" in our group and she keeps us updated on any new happenings with plants and flowers.

The sign and pretty flowers at the entrance to town were placed there by this organization, but this area is now maintained by the sorority girls in town and the city does the mowing. 

The Yard of the Month award is done June through September to someone who has taken special interest in showing off their expertise in gardening and lawn care.  A sign is posted in the winner's yard to show their yard is special and it remains in their yard for one month.  The award might be for the prettiest flowers, the neatest lawn, the most unique yard or the most improved yard.  At Christmas time a monetary award is given to the best outside Christmas display.  For a small town there are lots of beautifully decorated houses and lawn displays.  

If you are interested in joining us, you may call 1-641-203-6139 for more information.   Our next meeting, October 4th, will be held at Martha Allen's home on Transformer Road.  Her fall Chrysanthemums are beautiful.  We would love to have you come to one of our meetings to check us out.  

Chariton School Board Election

195 people out of 5,545 registered voters voted in the Chariton School Board election on September 13.  Russell's own Kellie Gookin ran (and won) for a position on the Board.  The polls were open in Russell from noon - 8pm at the Russell Community Center.

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Voter turnout was low as only 3.5 percent of registered or possible voters in the county voted.  Even though turnout was low, it was still a lot higher than last year with 66 more people voting.  All three candidates who ran for the School Board in Lucas County ran unopposed.  Of the three candidates, two are current board members, Dr. Craig Scott, and Brian M. Davis.  The third candidate running was Kellie Gookin of Russell, who ran (and won) for the seat held by Duane Steenhoek, who decided not to seek re-election.  Dr. Scott won the District 2 seat, Gookin won the Director District 3 seat, and Davis won the At Large District 4 seat.  Sharon Kline won the Indian Hills Community College Director District 7 seat.

State Convention for Firemen

September 7-10, the Russell Firemen competed in the Firemen's State Convention in Montecello.  If you haven't noticed, these men have been practicing almost every evening for this event.  Their hard work payed off at this competition. 

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Russell Firemen came home with third place overall from the State Convention in Monticello.  The Firemen began their training in July. 

Competition was tough but they prevailed.  Besides the third overall, they won two second place trophies and three third place ones.

Second place on the Thief Drill went to Jim Neer, Jeff Neer, Corey Paige and Brian Beaty.

Second place on Replacing Section of Hose went to Chad Phippen, Rick Krutsinger, Jeff Neer and Scott Bingham.

Third place on Replacing Section of Hose went to Jim Neer, Steve Neer, Todd Atwell and Craig Alexander.

Third place in Extending Hydrant Line went to Chad Phippen, Corey Paige and Steve Neer.

Third Place in Advanced Leader Line went to Chris Feehan, Jeff Neer and Todd Atwell.

Russell appreciates their dedication to duty and loving care they provide our community.  Thank You and Congratulations.

Russell Museum Board Meeting for September

Please make a note of the date change for the Russell Museum Board Meeting.

Monday, September 12, 5pm at the museum.

Fall Festival

The group met on August 25th and decided on a theme for this years Fall Festival.  "Hometown Iowa". The Chariton Middle School Band will be leading the parade this year along with the Legion Color Guard.  The Fall Festival this year will be held on Saturday, September 17th.

Prizes will be awarded in the different catagories including parade, pie judging contest, cookie and bar judging contest, quilt show, and a kid's tractor pull.    The quilt show will be displayed in the old Russell Mall building next to Mike Beaty's Insurance office.

Pies must be brought to Last Chance between 8:30 and 9:00 Saturday morning.  The cookies and bars will be turned it to the Fire Station at the same times.  Quilts will be brought to the Russell Mall building, (time to be announced later).

The 4-H group will be in charge of Kid's Games this year.  Bud Welch will bring the tractor and weights for the Kid's Tractor Pull.  Donnie Hundley will be the helper for this event.  Prizes will be given for the Kid's Tractor Pull.

Entertainment will be brought to you on the bandstand, between 1pm and 4pm after the parade.  Albert Butler, Jessie Clark, Joe Allwood, Kevin and Michelle Langlinais and the Lineville Teen Band will be performing.

The community club snack wagon will be open for quick snacks and drinks (with very reasonable prices) all day.

The Community Building has been reserved for all day if anyone is interested in doing their flea market in that building.  The Russell Museum will also have space for displaying and selling items.  Or if you want to do your selling outdoors, the lot next to the Russell Mall will be available.

The small garden tractor sign-in will be at 4:00pm with the pull to start at 5:00pm.  This event should be over by 8:00pm at which time a live band, Stress Opposite, will be playing outside the Last Chance building.

We have heard that Whiskey Dick's is also planning to have a DJ the evening of the Fall Festival.

There will be drawings during the live entertainment in the afternoon.  A couple of monetary prizes will be awarded, but you have to be present in order to win.  Be sure you sign up for these drawings.

This promises to be one of the best Fall Festivals Russell has ever had.  Something to do all day long.  Be sure you bring along a comfortable lawn chair.  Seating is limited.  The area around the bandstand is well shaded and there are a few picnic tables to sit at and enjoy the show while eating your snacks.
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A noon meal will be available at the Last Chance.  Ice cream cones will be offered all day at 50¢.  Ice tea and lemonade will sell for 25¢ a glass all day long.

The Russell Firemen are planning a BBQ contest in place of the water fights with the cooking going into a free-will Beef, Chicken and Ribs dinner at the fire station.

Please call Beaty Insurance at 535-2585 or Deb Mason at 203-0681 with your questions, comments or suggestions and how you can help.

Russell Sportsmen's Club Activities for September-October-November

The Russell Sportsmen's Club voted to add bi-weekly Thursday evening trap shoots to the schedule this fall beginning September 1 at 7:00pm.  The remainder of the current schedule will stay the same.  The public is invited and youth are welcome at all events.  The range is located at 41570 280th Avenue southwest of Russell.  For more information, contact Dan at 641-203-5296. 

SHARE Sign Up for September

Tuesday, September 6, from 1-4p.m. is SHARE sign-up at the Museum.  Pickup is September 24.  Save up to 50% on your groceries.  Lots of meat choices, fruits, vegetables and much more, all reasonably priced.

Horseshoe Tournament in Russell

On Saturday, September 24, at 9am, there will be a horseshoe tournament at the Russell Community Center.  Come join the fun.

Beaty Family Score Big at Both Fairs

The Lucas County Fair Grand Champion Market Steer division was won this year by ten-year-old Mikenzy Beaty, daughter of Brian and Dawn Beaty of Russell, on August 3rd.  The steer was also named the heavyweight division champion as well.  

Mike Beaty, Mikenzy's grandfather, with Bert and Ernie pulling the Russell Oil tank wagon owned by the Phippen family of Russell, competed in the draft horse farm division at the Iowa State Fair on August 16th and won 1st place in the antique machinery class, the obstacle course class and the barn yard pull class.  He also won 2nd place in the log pull, 3rd in the cultivating class, and 5th place in the feed team race class.

Mike's team was named 1st in the best matched team class and was named the high point performer for the days activities. 

Harold Garner wins big in Horseshoe Competition

Congratulations to Harold Garner on the following placements in the horseshoe competition at the Iowa State Fair:

Open Class - 3rd place (3 wins, 2 losses)

Farmer Class A - 3rd place (3 wins, 2 losses)

Senior Class, 60 years and older, 1st place (5 wins)

Elder Class A - 3rd place (4 wins, 1 loss)

Third School Board Candidate

Kelly Gookin of Russell is the third Chariton School Board candidate.  Kelly feels education is important to her because she has two sons in the Chariton school system.  Tyler is in fifth grade and Joe is a freshman.

"The most important thing you can do for a kid is to give them a a good education, and I care about kids," said Gookin.  Kelly used to work as a teachers associate in the Russell School and wanted students from Russell to have Russell representation.  She wants kids to be able to come to her with their problems and she will listen to them.  "If I can do something to make things better for kids, then I will feel like I accomplished what I am setting out to do," Kelly said.  The election is on Tuesday, September 13.  Voting in Russell is done at the Russell Community Building from 12-8pm.

Russell's Yard of the Month for August

Nestled under a beautiful evergreen tree, the Joe Moore house and yard, with very unique decorations displayed in the yard, won the August Yard of the Month in Russell.  A miniature windmill, a miniature rooster and red, white and blue flags are just some of the ornaments that are standing around the place.  Potted flowers on the porch and blooming ones in a pot under the tree catch your eye.  A smiling face greets you from the trunk of the evergreen as you drive by. 

Museum Will be Open on Two Sundays in August

The Russell Museum will be open for two special Sundays, August 7 & 14,  from 3-5 p.m.  for usual business. Joan Gooder will offer to teach anyone during those hours how to crochet or knit small prayer squares for the troops. Contact Joan  at 702-806-7682 if you need more information.  Also bring any neutral-colored yarn if you have it.

Russell Sportsmen's Club Events

The Russell Sportsmen's Club will hold a charity trap shoot on Thursday, August 4 at 7:00pm to benefit Lucas County Relay for Life.  Shooters may register as individuals or as teams of five.  There will be a novice division for those with little or no experience, as well as a veteran division.  Certified coaches and other mentors will be on site.  Entry fees cover everything; shells, clay targets, eye and ear protection, instruction, and mentoring.  Firearms will be available to lend.  Participants must be 12 years or older.  Russell Sportsmen's Club is located at 41570 280th Avenue, southwest of Russell.  Entry forms are available at the Chariton Chamber Office, Chariton True Value, Beaty Insurance in Russell, and the Albia Newspaper Office.  For more information, call Dan Morrett at 641-203-5296.
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Saturday, August 6 from 8-5, the Sportsmen's Club will host an Iowa DNR Hunter Safety Course.  If you have kids or grandkids who need it, sign them up.  Participants must be 12 years or older or turn 12 during the season they plan to hunt.  The course is provided by the DNR.  Register online by clicking the following link: Iowa DNR Training .  Lunches and drinks will be available for a nominal fee or students may bring sack lunches.

Following the course, participants will have the opportunity to stay to shoot clay targets, with everything provided by the Sportsmen's Club.

For more information call Delbert at 641-766-6539.
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Sunday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m.  Russell Sportsmen’s Club will hold a recreational pistol match. Two firearms are required: any .22 rim fire semi-auto or revolver and any center-fire semi-auto or revolver .32 or larger.  There will be divisions for optical and iron sights.  The course of fire calls for 60 rounds; 30 rounds from each gun.  A second optional match will be conducted immediately following the first.  The public is invited.  Call Dan at 641-203-5296 for more information.
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Russell History - the book

Ooops!  We've fallen behind in keeping you in touch with how the Russell history book is progressing.  It is coming together slowly.  We have received many wonderful stories from all of you.  Now we're coordinating what you have sent us with what we have here in the museum that needs to be included to make the book as complete as possible.  It will have to be proofread and indexed, of course, but we hope to have all that done in time for sale at Fall Festival.  What will the price be?  That has yet to be determined and will depend largely on how large the book ends up being.  We will try to keep you better informed in the future.  Thanks for your patience.

Fried Chicken Dinner - Fund Raiser

Sunday, July 17, 11:30-1 pm, the Russell Historical Society is putting on a Fried Chicken Dinner with all the trimmings to help them raise funds for completing the new addition on their building.  If you remember these dinners in the past, they are delicious with generous proportions.  This is a good way to spend your afternoon after church, so we will see you there.

High Winds Take out 100 Year Old Tree

Todd McCombs had gone outside his Russell home around 1a.m. Monday, June 18, to move one of his two cars because it was near a 100-year-old oak tree and he feared branches of the tree might come down on the car.  He had just moved it when he heard what he thought was a train and then heard the massive tree tumble onto the northwest corner of his house and smash the back window of another car.  "The sound I heard had to have been a tornado overhead," he said.  Friends and neighbors were out Monday cutting the tree off his house.  Dozens of trees in Russell were damaged and several cars had trees and branches fall on them.  Tree damage was also visible along Highway 34 in both directions from the Russell turn-off.

Russell Community Club - Fall Festival and Camping

Does the community wish to have a Fall Festival this year?  If you are interested in making this possible, join us at the Russell Community Building for a meeting and a meal at 5:30pm on Thursday July 21.

Did you enjoy Fall Festival in Russell last September?  Was there something missing?  Now is your chance to let the Community Club know what you would like to have at Fall Festival and to get involved.

To be involved in Community Club or Fall Festival you do not need to have any special talents.  The only thing that we ask is that you are willing to share your ideas and time to help better the community.  We would like to make Fall Festival bigger and better, but we need more help.

The Community Club is also working on making a camping area down by the football field.  The Club has invited the Russell Firemen to park their campers at the new campground the weekend beginning on July 22nd at no charge.  The Club wishes to determine how well the old athletic field can handle the water and power needs for a group of campers.

Reminder Concerning Garbage Disposal

Two 30 gallon bags of garbage fills one 60 gallon brown container.  This is what each resident is allowed per week to be picked up.  Baird has reported that Russell residents are setting out more than the allotted amount of garbage each week.  If you are going  to have more than the allowable 60 gallons of garbage, you need to call Baird Sanitation (862-3734) to make arrangements to pay an additional fee.

The Jerry Wells Cabin

Have you seen the story about the Jerry Wells Cabin that is posted on the Lucas County Genealogical Society Blog?  You might enjoy it.  Take a look at it:  (click on the following link):  The Jerry Wells Cabin

Russell Blood Drive

Russell Community Club Blood Drive will be on Monday, July 18, from 3-7pm.  Please call 800-452-1097 for an appointment.

Yard of the Month - July

Joe and Kelly Gookin have a beautiful yard in Russell and consequently they won the Russell Yard of the Month for July.  The grass and the flowers look like a professional gardener has designed and manicured them.  Beautiful colors are arranged around the base of the house, with purple Clematis Plants climbing up the wooden porch on the east side.  You can see this display at 201 W. Ames St. in Russell, next door to last month's winners, Ron and Robin Thompson.

We had a terrible storm come through our area a couple of weeks ago and it is good to see so many of our neighbors and friends out cleaning up the broken tree branches and the damage done by this storm.  Russell residents are proud of their little town and have shown it by working hard on their yards.

SHARE Sign-Up

The month of July SHARE sign-up will be July 5 from 1-4pm at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building and pickup will be July 23rd. Save 50% on your groceries.  There are many different packages to choose from; Meat, lunch meat, fruits and vegetables, frozen strawberries and much more.  Stop by the museum and look at the list or check the newspaper on Tuesday the  5th.

New Business in Town! Welcome Whiskey Dick's Roadhouse

Russell welcomes a new business in town where the Pub used to be on Prairie Street near the railroad track.  Check it out. 

Thanks to the Russell Reivers

Click on picture to enlarge

The Russell Reivers 4-H Club recently landscaped around the Russell Cemetery sign as a 4-H Community Service project.  The club planned and budgeted for the project at their club meetings and then purchased the bricks, flowers and solar lights.  With the help of the 4-H club members, parents and leaders, they leveled and laid the landscaping bricks, filled in with dirt, and planted the flowers (knock-out roses, hostas, lilies, and creeping phlox).  They then applied the mulch and solar lights.  The project was complete in time for Memorial Day.

The Russel Cemetery Association was very pleased with the finished project and would like to thank the Russell Reivers 4-H Club, parents and leaders for all their hard work and expense for this wonderful project. 

If you weren't out to the cemetery around the Memorial Day Weekend, you might want to drive out and enter the cemetery at the top of the hill and enjoy the beautiful results of their hard work.

Russell's June Yard of the Month

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The first yard to be chosen this summer is Ron and Robin Thompson's at 312 W. Ames St.  You don't always need flowers to make a yard look nice.  The clean-cut look of finely trimmed bushes and a lawn that is well manicured can make a yard stand out.  This is why the Wayside Garden Club in Russell has chosen this yard as it's June Yard of the Month.

If you are in Russell looking at the Thompson home, you might enjoy driving by the Lowell Sims home on Ames St..  He has been planting beautiful roses across the front of his house for a couple of years now and the result is beautiful.  The roses again weathered the very cold winter and abundant blooms are all over the rose bushes.

Special Thank You

What a surprise the residents of the Russell Development apartments had when they stepped out and found a potted tomato plant sitting on their doorstep.  We all want to thank the Horizon Club for this thoughtful gesture.  The plants are all growing and doing well in their five gallon pots.

Vacation Bible School in Russell

June 20-24, 6-8pm, Russell Faith United Methodist Vacation Bible School will be meeting.  The theme is "Shake It Up Cafe: Where Kids Carry Out God's Recipe."  On Friday night there will be a concluding program in the Sanctuary at 7:30pm - public invited.  We are encouraging the children to bring non-perishable food items for the food pantry operated by the Inter-church Council in Chariton.  Snacks will be served to the children Monday through Thursday, with a meal on Friday.  We will have classes for pre-school (age 4) through 6th grade.

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SHARE Sign up

The month of June SHARE sign-up will be June 7 from 1-4pm at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building and pickup will be June 25th. Save 50% on your groceries.  There are many different packages to choose from; Meat, lunch meat, fruits and vegetables, frozen strawberries and much more.  Stop by the museum and look at the list or check the newspaper on Tuesday the  7th.

Russell Sportsmen's Club

Saturday, June 11 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, a Permit-to-Carry class will be held at the Chariton Public Library.  Pre-registration is required.  The class is sponsored by this club.  call 641-203-5296 to register.

There will be another trap shoot on June 12.  All events now through the summer months will be held evenings at 7pm to avoid the heat of the day.

Russell Sportsmen's Club offers its facilities to church youth groups, Scouts, or other organized youth groups for supervised recreational shooting sports activities.  The Club has certified coaches and experienced mentors willing to help conduct youth group outings.

Activities begin with safety fundamentals and continue to discipline-specific instruction and target shooting.  

Russell Sportsmen's Club range is located five miles southwest of Russell, 41570 280th Ave.  The Club has a rifle range and a shotgun range and offers instruction in either discipline.  Outings may be scheduled during spring, summer or fall, contact Dan Morrett at 641-203-5296.

The public is invited to all events and youth are welcome. 

Saturday June 26, 7pm Russell Sportsmens Club, Center-fire pistol.

Russell Veterans Memorial Service

Written by Marilyn Yoakum

    A group of Veterans from the American Legion Post 108 and loyal citizens gathered on Friday, May 27, in a beautifully decorated cemetery to memorialize the efforts of many Veterans and to establish the Circle of Honor to all Veterans who served the wars.

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     The Circle of Honor includes a plaque for each of five wars: Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam Conflict. They are meant to honor all veterans who served the wars as memorials of their service.

   

     Bob McCurdy, the Legion Post Commander led the service, along with Veterans Don Sellers, Jim Werts, Ervin Burton and Roy Mathias in remembering all military personnel and loved ones.  The group was urged to pray for the safety of troops, our nation, its people and peace.  "Prayers are the most powerful assets we have."

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     The American Legion and the Auxiliary put up the Avenue of Flags three times a year. They also put small flags on all burial sites of Veterans.

   

     It takes a mindful America to help its citizenry remember the price some of our citizen's pay for freedom at this time of year.

    Please take time to check out the cemetery while the flags are still flying.

   

Memorial to Private Lyle Shelton

A Veterans Day Memorial appears in the  "Russell People Blog Page 5 Selection to the far right on this blog.  Or click on the following link:  Veterans Remembered .  It is dedicated to Private Lyle Shelton and was submitted by Wanda Kells Calderon.

Get-Well

Get-Well wishes go out to Pastor Harris of the Baptist Church who is recovering from heart surgery. 

Horizons Tour

By Karen Werts

On May 10, 2011, Joann and Russ Harris and Karen Werts met a bus load of other Horizon members from Iowa at the Chariton Carpenter's Hall for a day long trip to several towns in Southern Iowa.  The purpose of the trip was to learn what other communities had done in the Horizon's Program.

When everyone gathered at Carpenter's Hall, we had refreshments.  We then learned about Chariton's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and Russ Harris spoke about the Russell Horizon's group.  We then all boarded the bus for Corydon and there found out about the Housing Trust Fund and visited the Welcome We Help and Iowa Career Access Point.

We boarded the bus once again and left for Leon where we had lunch at From The Ground.  Then we visited the Leon Clothing Consignment Store that was established as a result of Horizons.  Leaving Leon we headed to Humeston.  Our tour began at the Public Library to learn about Humeston's projects and their community owned grocery store, and the Front Street market and other specialty shops.  We enjoyed dessert at the Grassroots Café and then started for home.  While we were on the bus we viewed videos from several Horizon's Groups.  It was a fun filled day and we thought it was very interesting learning about other communities and what Horizons doing. 

Horseshoe Tournament at Russell Community Center

May 21, Saturday at 9:30am there will be a Horseshoe Tournament at the Russell Community Center.  Everyone is welcome.  There is an entry fee.  If anyone is interested in pitching horsehoes on Tuesday nights at 6pm, contact Harold Garner at 641-203-2719.

Open House for Joann Harris

Joann will be celebrating her graduation from Faith Baptist Bible College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies with an open house being held at the Russell Community Center.  Please join her on Saturday, May 7th from 2-4pm, for this special occasion.

Russell Blood Drive

The Russell Blood Drive will be held Thursday, May 19 from 3-7pm at the Russell Community Center, sponsored by the Russell Community Club.  This has been changed due o the building being used by someone else.  Call Deb at 203-0681 or a member of the Community Club with questions.  If you don't have time or know what their schedule is going to be , you can stop in and be worked into the schedule.

Russell Cleanup Day - May 14

The annual Russell Cleanup Day this year will be held on May 14th from 8am to noon.  Dumpsters will be located on West Shaw St.  The cost will be $10 per car or pickup load.  Tires 17" and smaller will be accepted at $5 each.  The City clerk will be there to collect fees and make out receipts.  For large appliances (such as TV's, refrigerators, microwaves, computers, dehumidifiers that use Freon, washers/dryers, copiers, fax machines, etc.) the charge will be $15 per item.  You must come to the City Hall to list the large appliances you wish to dispose of and pay the fee  for those items before May 14.  It will be the individuals responsibility to bring those large appliances to the pickup site.  Direct questions to City Hall 8am - noon, Monday-Friday, 641-535-2494.

Wayside Garden Club will Hold Annual Flower Sale

The Russell Wayside Garden Club will hold it's annual Flower Sale on April 30 (same day as the City wide Garage Sale) starting at 9:00am in front of the Russell Museum/Library.  Be sue to get your spring flowers at this great sale.  This is the only fund raiser the garden club hosts.  The proceeds are used to help promote Russell activities such as Yard of the Month and the Christmas Decoration Awards. 

Russell City Wide Garage Sale

The city wide garage sale will be on Saturday, April 30 from 8-12.  Call Roberta 535-4191 to get your name on the map.  The Museum has space available in the new addition for $5 a table (bring your own table/display.)  The Museum is also accepting donations for their garage/bake sale (proceeds to go towards finishing touches on the inside). 

Russell Firemen Ham Supper

On April 9 from 4:30 - 7p.m. at the Russell Community Building, the Russell Firemen will be holding their annual Ham Supper.  This is a great chance to help out our local fire department by supporting them in this fund raiser.  Without these volunteers our town would be vulnerable to fire and safety.  They are here for us, now it is our turn to be there for them.

The Russell Fire Department is appreciative of the support given to them by the entire community recently at their annual ham supper.  They are much more able to carry out their responsibilities with the support of the community.

Russell News Committee Meeting at the Museum

On April 26th, at 4:30pm the Russell News Committee will hold a meeting at the Museum/Library.  Anyone is welcome to attend and present any news items to the committee.

Faith United Methodist Church

Church Lent and Easter Activities:

A Good Friday service  will be held on 4/22 at 7:00p.m.  We will have our Palm Sunday service on 4/17 and Easter service on 4/24 at the regular 10:30a.m. time.

Easter Church Activities for the Russell Baptist Church

First Baptist Church will hold it's Easter Breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30am Easter Sunday.  The public is invited.  Morning Service "The King is Coming" will begin at 10:45am.  Join us for a great time of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Free Income Tax Preparation

March 19th, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, free income tax preparation will be offered at the Russell Museum.  Your income must be $48,362 or less and E-Filing must be done.  There are only 14 time slots available, so hurry and take advantage of this free service.  Call 774-3226 for an appointment.  This program is sponsored in part by the Russell Horizons, the LCHS Volunteer Program and the IA State Extension Program.

SHARE Sign-up

March 1, from 1-4pm SHARE will hold it's March sign-up at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building.  Pick up for these items will be March 19.  Purchase one, all or any combination.  Best value package is $22.  Grocery Package is $12.  Meat Only Package is $12.  Chicken Cordon Bleu is $14.50.  Steak Package is $16.50.  Choice Item to be purchased along with any of the other packages. 

Spring Flower Sale

With all the melting snow and a little warmer weather, our thoughts are turning toward possibly having an early spring.  Wouldn't that be nice.  Maybe the groundhog was right.  Anyway, the Russell Historical Society is holding a March Flower Sale at the museum.  Stop and see the brochure or call Marilyn at 535-2402 to see the selection and help a worthy cause.  The flowers you order will be delivered to your home.

Russell Community Club

The Russell Community Club wants to let everyone know how it came into existence.  When the Russell Lions Club disbanded, members and others of the community wanted to keep the tradition going of helping the community be a proud place to live.  Following in the footsteps of the Lions, the purpose of the organization is to support and promote our community.  At this time we have 3 main projects that we sponsor each year.  The projects are the Fall Festival, held on the 3rd Saturday of September each year; the senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner, held on the first Saturday in December each year; and Christmas in the Park, which always follows on one of the Saturday evenings in December.

This past year members have been working at the Russell Athletic Fields.  Electricity and water hook-ups, for 30 campers, have been completed.  Our plans are to have the camping facilities up and going this spring.  Other events, such as a Music Festival, and sports activities are also in the planning stages.  If you have ideas of other activities that could be held either at the Athletic Fields or around town, please let us know.  We are always willing to listen to any ideas.  

As far as becoming a member, the only requirement we have is that you must be at least 18 years of age.  Even if you're not 18 years old, you can still have great ideas.  You are always welcome to come and share them with us.  Because of liability issues there will be some activities you would not be able to participate in.

Our regular meetings are held the 4th Thursday of each month.  Watch the newspaper for the time and the place of these meetings.  We would love to see all of our members every meeting, but we understand that in today's busy world that is not a reality.  If you would like to become a member, but can only make 1 or 2 meetings a year that is fine.  We just want to get as many people involved as possible.  More people mean more ideas.

The last meeting held on January 27, 6 visitors were present and they all joined the group.  At the meeting it was brought to our attention that it is not common knowledge how you can become a member, or even what exactly the Community Club does.  Hopefully the above information has answered any questions. 

If you have any other questions, ideas or would like to become a member, please contact Deb Mason (203-0681),  Pastor Russ Harris, (535-2601), Mike Beaty (535-2585) or Dolores Carroll.  Our next meeting will be held on February 24th.