Around Town December 31

As we approach the beginning of a New Year, the Russell News committee wishes you well for the new year.  We have made an effort to keep you informed about community activities, sharing good news and bad, old memories and making new ones.  We can always use input in what should be included.  If you have any suggestions for articles, events, people interviews, please contact Marilyn at myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.

Around Town Dec 10th and Dec 24th

There will be no Russell News in the December 24th issue of the Chariton paper.  We will resume again on December 31st with the January calendar and other interesting tidbits of news.

Highllights of December Council Meeting

Ordinance for animal control in the City of Russell was passed and will be in effect after publication.  Copies of the new ordinance can be obtained at City Hall.
The campground sewer dump installation was discussed and it was determined a group will meet at the campground to further discuss the best option for the dump station site.
A mobile home was moved into the city without approval by the City Council according to the city ordinance.  Since they did not approve him using the trailer to make an addition to his existing home, Wayne made the motion with second by Jay for him to move the trailer out of town.  He had 20 hours to move the trailer beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday December 3rd.
Police Chief Jeff Johnson is working with a commercial property owner to comply with the laws of the city concerning junk and debris.
The Mayor asked that cleats be installed on the roof of the fire station where the old and new building meet to prevent snow and ice from sliding off the roof in large chunks and to prevent injury.
Mayor Scheel expressed his thanks to Jeremy Blue, Don Sellers and Wayne Riggs for their service to the city as council members.
Council members present were Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, Jay Pierschbacher and Wayne Riggs.  Don Sellers was absent.  Also in attendance were city employee Larry Mitchell, Police Chief Jeff Johnson and Fire Chief Craig Alexander, along with Mayor Ed Scheel and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk.
Visitors were council members-elect Susan Beecher and Dana Blue.  Other visitors were Craig Gooder, Ryan Atwell, Larry Templeton and Josh Jensen.

Around Town November 26, 2013

Russell Sportsmen’s Club Yearly Report 

Russell Sportsmen’s Club held the Annual Member Meeting November 18, 2013 .

President Ted Williams opened the meeting. The 20 members present were Andy Brink, Duane Bedford, Curt Catron, Paul Goldsmith, Christopher Holtzinger, Dean Jones, Jon Lund, Steve Mikesell, Tim Miller, Dan Morrett, Dr. Randall, Mark Richardson, Ed Scheel, Bob Sims, Stan Steenhoek, Richard Stickley, Jeff Wesley, Ted Williams, Sue Williams, and Jim Wooley.

Jon Lund reported on the progress of starting a High School trap team. 

A DNR range development specialist will inspect the property this month to give advice on a longer rifle range. Jim Wooley thanked the Club for providing youth firearms programs and presented a check for $350 from Pheasants Forever to cover the cost of the 2014 youth events. 

Mark Richardson, Scoutmaster of Troop 149, noted that the Boy Scouts used the range this month and thanked the Club for the use of the range and lodge and for their tradition of supporting Scouting.

The election of Officers and Board; President: Ted Williams Vice-president: VernVogel Secretary/Treasurer: Dan Morrett.

At Large Board Members: Curt Catron, Paul Goldsmith, Jon Lund, Steve Mikesell, Rick Moore, Stan Steenhoek, and Sue Williams.

Submitted by Dan Morrett, secretary/treasurer. 

Community Club Summary

The campground has closed for the season, but we are still working on getting a dump station installed at the campground. 

We were so pleased with the participation for trunk or treat and are looking forward to coming up with more fun ideas to draw the community together.

We are very pleased that we have had new members join in the last couple of months and look forward to having more new members join. Just a little reminder how the club works. This is not a club that you have to be asked to join. Anyone with an interest in Russell is welcome to join. With more members we have more ideas and that works out to be more good things we can do for our community. If anyone is interested or has questions they can talk with any club member or call Deb at 641-203-0681.

Russell Volunteer Firemen

Chariton Leader, November 5, 2013

Sharon Knebel, Staff Writer

Russell Volunteer firemen have 542 years of Accumulated Service

The Russell Fire Department currently has 30 dedicated volunteers who have accumulated 542 years of fighting fires and saving lives as first responders.  The Department averages 70 to 80 calls a year.  About half are grass and other fires.  The other half are EMT/First Responder calls for health emergencies.  The most recent fire extinguished by the Department was the kitchen fire at the Russell Sale Barn.

In addition to answering 911 calls, the members are busy throughout the year raising money for their various needs.  Expanding the facility has been the focus of fundraising for the last few years.  Two years ago the work began with the pouring of the cement floor.  Last year the shell of the building was erected.  This year work has begun on the inside, including electric, heating, insulation and liner steel.

Three grant awards from South Central Iowa Community Foundation helped with funding the expansion.  The Department also held a cook-off at the Fall Festival, held their annual ham supper in April and conducted several raffles throughout the year.

Department Officers:  Craig Alexander, Fire Chief; Brian Beaty, Assistant Chief; Jeff Neer, Captain; Mark McCurdy, Lieutenant; Chris Feehan, EMS Captain; Corey Paige, Secretary and Shawn Werts, Treasurer.

Wilma Reynolds Obituary

Our dear friend Wilma Reynolds passed away on November 7. We will miss her very much.

Wilma Ruth Reynolds

Wednesday April 10, 1918 - Thursday November 7, 2013

Visitation: 4-6 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2013

Fielding Funeral Home Chariton, IA

Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 11, 2013

Fielding Funeral Home Chariton, IA

Interment: Russell Cemetery

Russell, IA

Go to the obituary page for a complete Obituary.    http://russellobituaries.blogspot.com/

Around Town - November 12

Around Town

Garbage pickup for November 28 (Thanksgiving) will be on Saturday, November 30. 

Congratulations to Council member winners; Susan Beecher, Dana Blue and Crystal Moore.

A familiar face is missing from the bank in Russell.  We thank her for her service to the community and the friendly place she provided.  Deb is still visible  in the community and her smiling face now appears at Last Chance. 

More pictures and write-up of the Truck or Treat event is available on the Russell blog

russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com

Abbreviated Council minutes

The 1^st reading of an ordinance establishing animal control for the city of Russell

was approved. 

Areas concerning property owners was discussed. A resident has a week to clean up area and if no improvement is made then charges will be filed. Jeff will  talk to other property owners of  concern.

Streets -  Research will be done on pricing a snow blade for the city pickup.

Water/wastewater - Several leaks have been identified and fixed.

When weather warms next spring it will be determined if any repairs need to be made on the Community building siding.

Jay will talk with transportation officials at the school about the issue of school buses unloading in an unsafe ares across the tracks.

The Community Club has decided to put an RV dump at the south end of the campground.

The Mayor is to proceed with obtaining information about the property donation at 803 S Prairie.

Council members in attendance were Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, Jay Pierschbacher, Don Sellers, Wayne Riggs along with Mayor Ed Scheel and City Clerk Wendy Nickell. Also attending were city employee Larry Mitchell, Fire Chief Craig Alexander. Visitors were Craig Gooder and Jim Neer.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Around Town Nov 5th

City Council Elections today- Be sure to vote today for three City Council members.  Hours are from  noon-8 p.m.  Russell residents in the running are Craig Gooder, Crystal Moore, Dana Blue and Susan Beecher.

We send best wishes to Lynne Wilson as she has moved to Arizona to be with family.  Also thanks for being instrumental in her many hours of work, developing the indexing system for the Russell Historical Society and other computer instruction. She will still be doing the Russell Blog.

If you have been by 803 S. Prairie, you may have noticed the former old Garland Pyle house has been torn down and the lot leveled. Another part of history gone. 

Trunk or Treat Event

           

On a October cold and windy afternoon, the Russell Community Club held its first Trunk or Treat Event at the Russell Trojan Campground . There were approximate 20 trunks opened up and full of candy, pop, and etc. to be given away to any child who wanted to come down and go Trick or Treating. At one count there were over 40 kids who did just that. They were then divided up into age groups and judged. Prizes were given to the first three winners in each age group. 

All of a sudden a red pick-up came pulling into the campground, driven by two strange looking gentlemen and a terrible sound coming from a beast that was caged in the back and wanting out. The kids gathered around this pick-up to see if they could get a closer look at what was in the cage and all of a sudden the back window of the pick-up flew up and the beast stuck his head out and the kids scattered. The beast was finally secured back in the cage and left the campground. There were hay rides going on, hot dogs, drinks, and cupcakes were enjoyed by all. Be sure and watch the Russell News in October 2014 for another Trunk or Treat Event and to see if they will be able to contain the Beast until then.

Lucas County Girl Scouts Annual Fright Night

On Saturday, October 26th, the Lucas County Girl Scouts and their families attended the annual Fright Night that was held at the home of Pam Davis in rural Chariton.  Prior to the celebration, a few of the Girl Scout Leaders and some of their family members decorated Pam's horse barn to provide a fun and spooky place for the girls.  Eleven registered Girl Scouts and seven registered adults attended with a few family members.  The children enjoyed playing beanbag toss, ring toss on two liter soda bottles and a hay scavenger hunt with all kinds of goodies hidden as well as winning prizes.  Everyone enjoyed the meal, hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows.  When the sun went down, and the barn was dark, a few helpers hid in the barn to frighten the little and big ones when they went through.  It was a good time for everyone.

Around Town

City Council Election

The Russell Community will be voting on Tuesday, November 5, for three new City Council members.  The term is up for the following members:  Don Sellers, Jeremy Blue and Wayne Riggs. Russell residents running for these open positions are Craig Gooder, Crystal Moore, Dana Blue and Susan Beecher.  Having two more years in their terms are Ed Scheel, Mayor; Duane Bedford and Jay Pierschbacher, council members.

Russell Sportsmen's Club Board Meeting

The Sportsmen's Club Board met at 1:00 on October 20, 2013.  Present were Ted Williams, Vern Vogel, Dan Morrett, Jon Lund, Steve Mikesell, Stan Steenhoek, Bill Thompson and Sue Williams.  Paul Goldsmith and Curt Catron were absent due to Sheriff Baker;s retirement party.

Ted called the meeting to order.  The minutes and treasury report were approved as read.  

The Board set the 2014 season of events.  It will be similar to the current season.  The main changes were combining the service rifle match with the center-fire rifle event and adding two handgun instruction clinics.  These instruction clinics will be open to anyone.

2014 annual dues will remain the same at $25 for individuals and $40 for family memberships.  Non-member event fees will remain the same at $5 per event.

Instruction clinic fees were discussed.  There will be fees for instruction on top of event fees. Instruction fees will be left up to the instructors.

Jon Lund reported on the progress of a possible High School Trap Shoot Team.  He completed the shotgun certification class and encouraged others to get certified also.  He and others will meet with school administration with a proposal.

Submitted by Dan Morrett, Secretary/Treasurer

Fire Destroys Kitchen at Russell Sale Barn Cafeteria

Herald-Patriot, October 24, 2013

Bill Howes, Associate Editor

A fire destroyed the interior of the kitchen and cafeteria of the Russell Sale Barn along Highway 34 October 21.  No one was injured and the fire was contained to the kitchen and cafeteria area, it didn't spread to the sale arena.  The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and will be determined by the insurance company.

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire and the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department was called for mutual aid.

According to Russell Assistant Fire Chief, Brian Beatty, their department was dispatched to the fire at 8:15 a.m.  Beatty said that the fire started in the storage room of the kitchen.  No one was in the kitchen area at the time and when they arrived there was fire in the kitchen area..  There was heavy smoke coming from the eaves as well.   Asst. Chief Beatty said he didn't know who called the fire in.

Beatty said that they had the main fire knocked down within 10 minutes of being at the scene.  They were there for two hours.  He also said that the interior of the kitchen and cafeteria were a total loss but the outside part of the building that houses the kitchen and cafeteria wasn't damaged very much.

Around Town

Information from October 8 Council Meeting

Deb Mason representing the Community club presented their plans for the October 26 Trunk or Treat event which is listed in the left hand column of this blog. 

Jeff will get council members a copy of the City of Chariton’s new dog ordinance. 

A discussion was held on the use of 4-wheelers on the streets. These types of vehicles are not street legal and that is by state law. No action taken by the council. 

Street repairs are ongoing. Danny Pfeifer asked about tree trimming on Smith St. for clearance for his farm equipment.

It was approved for Larry to purchase a ½” drive impact wrench set and for Jeremy to purchase new tires for the city pickup and a heater will be purchased for the skidloader. 

Vicki Jordan requested guidance on events at Harley Haven.

Russell’s Beggars night will be Thursday Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. 

It was approved for the city clerk to attend software training in Des Moines on October 16 and budget training in Ottumwa on November 12. 

The property at 803 S. Prairie will be demolished by Level Construction The city will provide the dirt needed to fill the hole and level the site. The city approved to accept the land donation after all paperwork is completed, all fees and costs are paid and there is proof of no cost to the city.

Council members present were Wayne Riggs, Duane Bedford, and Jeremy Blue, along with Ed Scheel, Mayor and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk. Jay Pierschbacher and Don Sellers were absent. Also present were city employee Larry Mitchell and Police chief Jeff Johnson. Fire Chief Craig Alexander arrived later. Visitors were Deb Mason, Vicki Jordan. Craig Gooder and Delores Carroll. .

The next meeting will be Monday November 4, 2013 at 7pm. 

Community Club Activities

The 1st annual Russell Community Club Trunk or Treat event will be held on Saturday October 26 at Trojan field starting at 2 p.m. The community is invited to decorate your car trunk and hand out candy. There will be a costume contest at 3 p.m., a hay-rack ride at 4 p.m. followed by hot dogs and lemonade. The Community Club has captured a wild beast and are working hard to tame it enough to show at the Trunk or Treat event.

Contact Amanda Atwell (203-1723) or Katie Werts (203-3163) with questions. 

The regular Trick or Treat night will be held on Thursday, October 31st from 5-8 p.m.

City Council Elections

The Russell Community will be voting on Tuesday, November 5, for three new City Council members. The term is up for the following members; Don Sellers, Jeremy Blue and Wayne Riggs. Russell residents running are Craig Gooder, Crystal Moore, Dana Blue and Susan Beecher. Having two more years in their term is Ed Scheel, mayor, Duane Bedford and Jay Pierschbacher.

Community Club News

The Russell Community Club met on Sept. 26th at the Community Center with fourteen members present.  The group talked about upgrades at the campgrounds, which included the dump station hookup, picnic table repairs, restroom seat improvements, rock base slabs for campers and looking into playground equipment.

The Club has tentatively set Saturday, September 13, 2014 for the Fall Festival and BBQ Contest.  The annual Senior Citizens Christmas dinner has been set for December 7, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.

The Community Club is also planning (following discussion with the City Council) a fun time for all ages and members of the community at the First Annual Trunk or Treat Day from 2 - 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Trojan Field.  More information to follow in coming weeks.

Mystery beast found by the Community Club

They have captured a wild beast and are working hard to tame it enough to show at Trunk or Treat events planned for Saturday, October 26th.

Wayside Garden Club's September Yard of the Month

Russell's Entry into the Hay Bale Contest

Russell's entry into the Lucas County hay bale contest is the Pfeifer family.  It looks so real from a distance.  It is on the way into Russell from the south, which many won't see.

BEST IN SMOKE BBQ Competition Results

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department sponsored its 3rd Annual BEST IN SMOKE BBQ competition on Saturday, September 14th and a large crowd gathered in the park to cook, watch and enjoy the days festivities, including a parade, pie contests, BBQ contests, a tractor pull contest and later in the evening a street dance at The Southside Bar.
The Firemen did an excellent job again by bringing the community together. Thanks go to many, including the 26 sponsors; the judges; the Chariton Middle School Band; Mike and Dawn Beaty, who served as Grand Marshals, for both their contributions to the Community; Tony Irving, who sang the National Anthem; Bud Welch with his pedal tractors, which was enjoyed by many children and other parade participants; and to all who came and made it a great day.  The weather was great.  

The following are the results of the BBQ competitions:

Dessert Competition Winners:

BBQ Chicken Competition Winners:

BBQ Pork Competition Winners:

BBQ Brisket Competition Winners:

Overall BBQ Champions:

Champions not pictured:

BBQ Ribs Category Winners:

1st Place  $100 - Poling BBQ Pit - Ethan Poling, Steve Poling  of Chariton, IA
2nd Place  $50  - Gothic Town Grillers - Randy and Roxy Kern of Eldon, IA
3rd Place  $25  -  Smokin' Mike's - Mike Sherrick of Chariton, IA

Council Minutes Excerpts, Sept. 12, 2013

Council members attending were Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, Wayne Riggs and Don Sellers.  Jay Pierschbacher was absent.  Also in attendance were:  Ed Scheel, Mayor and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk; City employee Larry Mitchell; Police Chief Jeff Johnson and Fire Chief Craig Alexander.  Visitors were: Josh and Aarin Jensen, Larry Templeton, Vicki Jordan, Dustin Davis, Ed Sellers, Craig Gooder and Delores Carroll.

Aarin and Josh Jensen want to put up a 6' wood lattice fence that will be 10' back from sidewalk, and they will angle the corner so there is clearance for traffic at stop sign.  Council gives OK as long as there is no interference with public access to sidewalk and sight to stop sign and cross traffic is clear.

Signage will be put up that states no parking between signs  at the 100 block of North Prairie.

Delores Carroll was given permission to close the street for dance in front of the Southside Tavern for a street dance from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. on Saturday September 14th.

Last Chance was given approval for a liquor license.  They also approved a cigarette permit for Harley Haven.

Harley Haven will be having an event on September 21st with a band from 3-7 p.m.  Permission from property owners has been obtained.

The Russell Iowa Historical Society will be bringing in some dirt to fill in the area in front of their new building.

Congratulations to our Russell Volunteer Fire Department on their 3rd place finish at the State Fire Convention.

Council approved to accept Agriland FS propane quote at $1.25 per gallon for the 2013-2014 heating season.  The fire Department will take care of hanging the AED at the Community Building.

Funding is in process to replace the current fire rescue truck.  Work continues on the new addition to the fire station.

Lagoon Design engineer recommended removal of all the trees from the south side of the lagoon.

The issue with junk cars was discussed.  Every car has to have a junk permit from the DNR.

There was discussion as to the best site for a dump station at the campground.

Congratulations Russell Firemen

The Russell Volunteer Firemen placed third at the State Volunteer Firemen Convention the weekend of September 7-8.  Congratulations and again we thank you for your excellent, untiring dedication to helping our community feel secure if its fire, rescue, or life saving emergencies.

Farewell, Buddy and June Davis

We send our farewell wishes to Buddy and June Davis, long time Russell residents (teacher and bus driver/fireman) as they have officially moved to the Humeston area.  Daughter Annie and husband Tyler; Chloe and CJ are there also.  June said it is great to be able to walk to work every morning!  Even if it is right on Highway 651.  Buddy is still working toward getting on the kidney transplant list.  We wish them well and thank them for their services to the community.

Russell, A Smokin' Place to Be, Sept 14

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor its 3rd Annual BEST IN SMOKE BBQ competition on Saturday, September 14th at the Russell Bandstand City Park.  There is one entry fee for chicken, pork, ribs, pork or beef brisket and another entry fee for desserts.  KCBS rules will be used with certified judges.  
Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded.
Dessert Judging at 2:00 p.m.; with BBQ judging at 3:00 p.m.; parade (Grand Marshall TBA) at 4:00 p.m.; Garden Tractor Pulls at 4:30 p.m.; Free-will donation dinner at the Fire Station at 5:00 p.m.; Henry .22 Golden Boy Rifle Raffle Drawing at 6:00 p.m.; Announcement of the BBQ Winners at the Bandstand at 6:30 p.m.; Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party & Street Dance with Band "More Than This" performing at 9:00 p.m.  Fireworks at Last Chance at 10:00 p.m.  For more information  contact Shawn at 641-203-3164 or emai:
russellbestinsmoke@gmail.com

Russell Museum/Library

The Russell Museum/Library is looking for an individual to serve as a board member.  Meetings are once a month and occasionally will be asked to participate in other activities such as fund raising and decision making.  Contact Wanda at 535-4631.

Fire Dept Competition

Come and watch our firemen practice in front of the Fire Station for the upcoming Firemen's Competition at the State Volunteer Convention which will take place in Vinton/Garrison area on September 7th.  Each night through the week they set up their targets and begin aiming their hoses toward them.  Then the countdown begins.  There are lots of "ooo's", "aaah's", and "yeah's" from the spectators as the water shoots from the hoses.  Kids are taking advantage of the water streaming high in the air by running through the falling water.
Out thanks again as they quietly and faithfully keep our citizens protected.

Wayside Garden of the Month for August

Russell Wayside Garden Club has chosen the Gerald & Cindy Briggs home as the August Yard of the Month.  The front yard has many beautiful Hibiscus and Cana Lily flowers in bloom.  There are also several attractive flower beds around the yard.

First Baptist Church Evening Kids Club

The First Baptist Church is starting a Wednesday evening kids club called Kids4Truth.  Like VBS, it will have a lesson time, games, crafts and snacks as well as weekly opportunities for kids to earn awards.  It will run with the school year (August 28-May 28) and go from 6:30 - 8 p.m. with an option for younger children to leave at 7:20.  Parents may call Emily at 515-249-6651 to pre-register or arrive at 6:15 p.m. on any club night to register their children.  Kids are welcome to join the club at any point in the year.

Russell City Council Meeting Aug 5th

Council members present were: Wayne Riggs, Duane Bedford, Jay Pierschbacher, and Jeremy Blue, and Mayor Ed Scheel, City Clerk Wendy Nickell. Don Sellers was Absent. Others present were Fire Chief Craig Alexander, Police Chief Jeff Johnson, and city employee Larry Mitchell. Visitors were Justin and Amber Fitzgerald, Craig Gooder and Steve Pollard.

A Federal grant will allow an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to be placed in the Russell Community Building. The Education coordinator at the hospital will take care of checking it every month for 3 years. Then it can be placed at a different site if the city so desires. CPR classes will be offered to the public free of charge to any one that wants to become certified. A representative from the FD will attend an informational meeting concerning the AED on August 12 at LCHC.

Russell's current dog ordinance is drafted after Chariton's previous ordinance. Since the City of Chariton has recently made changes and implemented a new ordinance, Russell's Mayor brought this to the attention of the our council and passed around Chariton's new ordinance for the council to consider.

It will now cost $100 plus the cost of the water for the Fire Department to fill any pools. All payment must be made in advance before pools will be filled.

Repair work on the streets continues, with additional water repair to be done near Hundley Tire/Auto. Larry is now certified to do water and waste-water tests monthly along with the reports. Zach Bedford's contract for that will be dissolved on October 1.

The next Council meeting will be on Thursday September 12 at 7 p.m. (Note change of usual date).

2013 Lucas County 4-H Fair Queen

Congratulations, Madison Briggs, rural Russell girl who 

has become the 2013 Lucas County 4-H Fair Queen

Madison is the daughter of Kevin and Kerri Briggs.  She has two brothers, Chandler and Calvin Briggs.

She has had an active involvement in both FLBA and FFA.  She was the local treasurer for FFA for 2011-2012 and reporter/historian for 2012-2013.

Madison has also been involved in 4-H youth council for three years and currently serves on 4-H and Youth Committee.  Last year she attended the 4-H State Leadership Conference at Iowa State.

When Madison was asked why did she want to be the Lucas County Fair Queen she responded, "I think this would be a great way to be able to spread the message of the importance of 4-H in Lucas County.  As Lucas County Fair Queen I will fulfill all my responsibilities, be reliable and will show others the importance of 4-H and what it is about.

Wayside Garden Club's July Yard of the Month

The Corey and Nikki Paige's home sits at the top a hill on your way out of town on East Shaw Street. (Next to Marilyn and Butch Evans' house).  The large front yard is beautifully manicured  all the way down to the street.  Flowers surround the front of the house and are also in a flower bed near the street.  This home has been selected as Russell Wayside Garden Club's July "Yard of the Month".

Heartland Health Solutions LLC

Welcome to a new business in Russell.  Located in the old Russell Mall.  Sign went up today.  Haven't heard when they will be moving in.

Around Town July 19th

The Wayside Garden Club reminds us anyone can enter the floral arrangement or a specimen (one flower) in an open class at the Lucas County Fair.  Also, the Club does not meet in August because of their activities at the Fair.

Children's Storytime is still happening.  The kids love this event just for them.  Come to the Library on Friday's at 1:00 p.m. Children ages 4-8.

The Community Club will be holding its annual election of officers at their regularly scheduled meeting on July 25th, 6:30 p.m., at the Russell Community building.

Kelly McCurdy's Summer

Young Guatamalan Girl

Russell resident Kelly McCurdy has enjoyed some very interesting and educational experiences so far this summer.  It started with Spanish Students from Wayne Community Schools and Sigourney Community Schools taking a trip this summer.  The Spanish Students departed on June 1st and returned on June 10th.  First stop was in Guatemala.  The group visited local schools and dropped off donations of school supplies and money to support their schooling.

Pacaya Volcano, Antigua Guatamala

A hiking trip was made to Pacaya Volcano near Antigua, Guatemala.  This is an active volcano and offered a real treat overlooking the different craters.  For flatland Iowa students, the views on the hike up and down were wonderful.

San Ignacio School Children

After spending time in Guatemala the group flew to Belize.  There they visited another school in San Ignacio.  The children were so happy to see the visitors and welcomed the donations that they brought.

The trip to Guatemala was an experience that made them realize how blessed and fortunate they really are.

Gettysburg Battlefield in
Pennsylvania

Then a family trip included going to Washington, D.C.; Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania; and Manassas Battlefield in Virginia.

 The trip to Washington D.C. was a great experience and Kelly found out that there are far too many things to see in a short trip.

Manassas Battlefield in Virginia

(Blogger added the pictures:)

Russell, Our Town

I took a ride today down Prairie Street in our beautiful little town of Russell, Iowa and took some pictures along the way.  The grass and trees are so green and flowers are abundant after the rains we have had. 

The Beaty Insurance Building (Southwest corner)

Shaw and Prairie Streets catch your eye as you see the beautiful new buildings on the southeast, the southwest, and the north-east corners.  

The Russell Museum and Library, The Beaty Insurance Building, and the Justin Fitzgerald and Amber Pollard home have brought the town into the 21st century.

The Russell Museum and Library Building (Southeast corner)

Justin and Amber Ftizgerald Home (Northeast corner)

Five of the last of the "Main Street" buildings are now apartments on the northwest corner of Prairie and Shaw.

 

Apartments (Northwest cormer)

Bandstand in the park

Looking around the square, the band-stand looks like it is waiting for an event to take place.  The area where Curious Goods used to be has been leveled and grass will soon  start to fill in.  

Post Office and Great Western Bank

The Post Office and the Bank stand out with the open area on the corner.

Last Chance Convenience Store

The Last Chance Convenience store is very important to the residents of Russell, not only for the convenience store, but for the delicious lunches they serve Monday through Friday.  Social activities take place on special occasions.

Russell Development Apartments

Across the street from Last Chance are the Russell Development Apartments for the Elderly.  These apartments are made of red brick and are very well maintained.  A real asset to the town of Russell.

Bob and Kathy Willits Home

On the corner of Prairie and Ames is Bob and Kathy Willits home.  A beautiful yellow house with white trim and a beautiful cared for yard.

Duplex

Across the street from the Willits home is a brick duplex that has been continually rented for the last quarter century. Originally owned by Jack Prather.

Frances Prather's Home

On down Prairie street sits Frances Prather's home.  Her home is attractive and she works hard keeping her beautiful flowers blooming.  The lawn is always well groomed.

The First United Methodist Church sits a half block off Prairie Street to the east of Frances Prather's home.









Improvements continue to be made around town as Russell strives to improve its image.  You can't help but notice the Lucas County Maintenance building, just north of the bank, with its new coat of white paint.  Shriver Painting gets credit for the paint job they did.

I hope you enjoy this trip down Russell's main street through town.