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.