Around Town

As you drive through Russell, especially the length of Prairie Street, you can see many beautiful, well-kept yards with an abundance and wide variety of flowers.  From the triangle as you enter from the north all the way to the south, it is evident people care.  There are many other yards in Russell that are equally appealing.  We wish to thank those who make Russell beautiful and especially those who do the Russell sign areas and the triangle.  It is noticed.

Russell City Council Meeting July 8th

   The city approved the motion by Dana with second by Susan to advertise for sale the property at 803 S. Prairie by sealed bid with reserve price on the property.  Motion carried 5-0.  The ad will be run in the July 15 and 22 issues of the Chariton Newspaper.

   On a motion by Dana with second by Jay the cigarette licenses for Harley Haven, Last Chance and the Southside were approved.  Motion carried 5-0.

   Duane made the motion with second by Jay to approve the request from the resident at 213 W. Ames to have a tree removed by Paige Tree Services west of the hall.  Motion Carried 5-0.  The city requires a copy of the liability insurance from Paige Tree Services, which the clerk will obtain from Beaty Insurance.

   Police Chief Jeff Johnson reports that the city police car is having some electrical issues.  He will have it looked at to determine if a new battery is needed.  The council approved that purchase if needed.  Jeff will do a follow up on the five properties that received junk and debris letters and will proceed with filing charges if warranted.

   Larry will get prices on new chains for the dump truck.  Scott McGee will be repairing the pavement on S. Prairie sometime this month, weather permitting.  Larry will get another load of cold patch when time permits.

   Dana made the motion with second by Jay for Larry to attend a free water operations class on July 16th in Newton.  Motion carried 5-0.

   On a motion by Duane with second by Crystal, it was approved to send a letter to a resident that we will certify his unpaid utility bill to his property taxes, if not paid within 30 days.  Motion carried 5-0.

   A resident is willing to offer a sum of money to help take down a property in town.

  Craig Gooder is still looking into grants for resurfacing the tennis court.

  The city will request a local business bring a schedule of events to city hall.

   New business - Crystal talked with Michelle Moore at the USDA regarding possible funds for sewer improvements.  The council approved for her to pursue this issue.  

   The Mayor asked Susan to check into grants to purchase a generator for the community building and get prices on propane generators.

   The neighborhood watch committee purchased and donated 2 new plastic tables for the community building.  A newer wood table was also donated.  Larry took three of the worst tables down to the shop to see if they can be repaired.

   A resident needs to make monthly payments of $300 a month until he is caught up on his agreement with the city.

   City Council members in attendance:  Duane Bedford, Susan Beecher, Dana Blue, Crystal Moore and Jay Pierschbacher.  Also in attendance were  Police Chief Jeff Johnson, Fire Chief Craig Alexander and City employee Larry Mitchell.  Visitor:  Craig Gooder arrived at 7:50 p.m.

   Jay made a motion the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

   The next scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, August 4th at 7:00 p.m.

Russell Wayside Garden Club

   The Garden Club changed their plans and didn't have a picnic for their outing in July.  Instead, they went to eat lunch at the Charitone Hotel.  Pat Blue joined them and they had a nice visit.  After lunch Pat showed them her new apartment in the hotel.

   There is no meeting in August, as the 4-H Fair will be going on then.  Our September meeting will be at Jackie Andrews' home on September 2 at 2:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome at our meetings.  Call Ginger at

 535-2023 if you would like to join the Garden Club or attend a meeting.