Friday, September 26, 2014

Around Town September 30th

   The September Garden Club meeting was held at the home of Jackie and Betty . Betty showed some pictures of the wonderful landscaping and some unique decorations on her daughter, Cathy's, property in Bella Vista Arkansas.  Russell continues to see improvements in the landscaping as another house has been removed on South Prairie St. next to Feehans. Tennis players can look forward to the resurfacing of the tennis court, courtesy of a Vredenburg grant, and work is in process to see about replacing the shelter roof at the volleyball court. The Museum/Library is also pleased to be a recipient of two new computers and a printer also awarded with a Vredenburg grant. 

   Further comments on the Fall Festival-More thank you's to the Chariton Middle Band who did a fine job in the parade, Mike Mason who splendidly handled the master of ceremonies for the parade, and to the Community Club for providing for the first, second and third place trophies for the parade.
October Calendar

Wed, Oct 1, 6:30 p.m. Night Owls will meet at Faith United Methodist Church with Ronda Harrison as hostess and giving the lesson.

Sun, Oct 5, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club, Trap shoot (youth shoot free)

Mon, Oct 6, 7 p.m. Russell City Council 

Tue, Oct 7, 2 p.m. Garden Club meeting at Martha Allen's, south of Russell 

Tue, Oct 7, 6:00 p.m. American Legion/Auxiliary 

Sat, Oct 18, 5-7 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church Fall Soup Supper . Homemade soups, salads and desserts. Everyone is welcome. 

Sun, Oct 19, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club, Deer gun sight-in and match

Mon, Oct 20. 5:15 p.m. Russell Museum/Library Board meeting 

Thu, Oct 23, 6:30 p.m. Community Club at the Community Center 

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For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog http://russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/

For Lucas County information try their blog at 

If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Russell Fall Festival Best In Smoke BBQ Results

To the left is The Overall Grand Champion Matt Ouverson
To the right is The Overall Reserve Grand Champion Randy Kern
Photos by Jewell Martin
The Russell Fire Department had a Best in Smoke BBQ Contest on Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13.  They had seven entries.  Here are the results of the competitions.  In the Chicken category: 1st, The Wicked Pig, Matt Ouverson, Norwalk; 2nd, Outhouse Smokers, Alex and Kellie Drake, Chariton; 3rd, Wide Open BBQ, Cory Swigart and Ryan Atwell, Russell; 4th, Smokin' Mikes, Mike Sherrick, Chariton; 5th, Gothic Town Grillers, Randy Kern, Eldon; 6th, Poling's BBQ, Steve Poling, Chariton; 7th Keep It Simple BBQ, Tim and Cindy Kelly, Allerton.  In the Ribs category, The Wicked Pig, Matt Ouverson, Norwalk; 2nd, Outhouse Smokers, Alex and Kellie Drake, Chariton; 3rd, Keep It Simple BBQ, Tim and Cindy Kelly, Allerton; 4th, Gothic Town Grillers, Randy Kern, Eldon; 5th, Wide Open BBQ, Cory Swigart and Ryan Atwell, Russell; 6th, Polings BBQ, Steve Poling, Chariton; 7th, Smokin' Mikes, Mike Sherrick, Chariton.  In the Pork category: 1st, The Wicked Pig, Matt Ouverson, Norwalk; 2nd Wide Open BBQ, Cory Swigart and Ryan Atwell, Russell; 3rd, Gothic Town Grillers, Randy Kern, Eldon; 4th, Poling BBQ, Steve Poling, Chariton; 5th, Smokin' Mikes, Mike Sherrick, Chariton; 6th, Outhouse Smokers, Alex and Kellie Drake, Chariton; 7th, Keep it Simple BBQ, Tim and Cindy Kelly, Allerton.  In the Brisket category:  1st, The Wicked Pig, Matt Ouverson, Norwalk; 2nd, Gothic Town Grillers, Randy Kern, Eldon; 3rd, Smokin' Mikes, Mike Sherrick, Chariton; 4th, Outhouse Smokers, Alex and Kellie Drake, Chariton; 5th, Wide Open BBQ, Cory Swigart and Ryan Atwell, Russell; 6th, Polings BBQ, Steve Poling, Chariton; 7th, Keep it Simple BBQ, Tim and Cindy Kelly, Allerton.  In the Dessert category:  1st, Polings BBQ, Steve Poling, Chariton; 2nd, Wide Open Dessert Kings, Kinser Werts and Karin Jones, Russell; 3rd, Outhouse Smokers, Alex and Kellie Drake, Chariton.  In the overall, the Grand Champion was The Wicked Pig and they received $500 and a trophy.  The Reserve Champion was Gothic Town Grillers and they received $250 and a trophy.  3rd place went to Wide Open BBQ and 4th went to Outhouse Smokers.  5th place went to Smokin' Mikes, and 6th went to Polings BBQ.  7th place went to Keep it Simple BBQ.  In each category, 1st place received $100, 2nd place received $50 and 3rd place received $25, plus they received trophys.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Around Town September 23

Russell Fall Festival Featured Best in Smoke Competition


  On Friday, September 12, entertainment at the bandstand started the Russell 2014 Fall Festival at 8 p.m. and lasted until midnight. 
   On Saturday, the following day, the Russell Museum and Library provided a breakfast to 90 people for a free will offering from 7-9:30 a.m. People were able to start their day by enjoying biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, coffee, juice and milk, along with enjoying good company before the events of the day got started.  People who had never been to the building before were surprised to find the many interesting books in the library and then even more surprised when they stepped into the past when they entered the incredible museum the Museum staff has maintained for anyone to visit and learn about Russell's past history.
   The Russell Volunteer Fire Department sponsored the "Best in Smoke" BBQ competition on Saturday.  Winners will be announced in this blog later.
   Live music was played on the bandstand from 2 p.m until 4 p.m.
 The Fall Festival Parade "Russell is Smokin' Hot" started at 4 p.m. with Marilyn and Butch Evans as Parade Marshals.
Butch and Marilyn Evans were parade marshals at
the Russell Fall Festival Parade.
Photo by Carol Swigart.
 They have been very prominent in their community.  The 1st place entry award went to Beaty Insurance, 2nd place entry to Methodist Church and 3rd place to Southside bar.
 
   The car show was held from 6 p.m. to midnight.  Russell's 1st Annual "Take Pride in Your Ride Show N' Shine" brought a variety of cars, tractors, a vintage race car, lawn tractors and more.  Many participated in the parade as well.  Calling all rides:  No matter what it was, show up and show it off was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to the bandstand.  Cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, hot rods.  If it had wheels and a motor it was welcome.
  The Fireman's Dinner BBQ aromas filled the area and people enjoyed the delicious food at 5 p.m. with a free will offering.

    There was a gun raffle, a Henry 30/30 Golden Boy.  Participants had to be over 18 and winners will be announced in a later blog.
   The Southside held a street dance from 9 p.m. to midnight.  It benefited the Fire Department and had music by the band "Ruination Day".
   The weather was perfect and everyone had a lot of fun.  The planners are to be commended for the good job of including a variety of activities for all ages.
photos above submitted by Carol Swigart


In the photo above to the left in the front is: Kasyn Paige, Blayne Beaty, Baylor Atwell, Back: Kinzlee Paige and Brian Beaty  with Beaty Insurance the 1st place float winners in the Russell Fall Festival.  The 2nd place winner was Faith United Methodist Church and the 3rd place winner was Southside Bar (photo by: Jewel Martin).

In the photo to the right are children: Derek Coker, Brocklynn Ruble and Mckenna Andersen, enjoying the beautiful day while watching the Russell Fall Festival Parade. (photo by: Jewel Martin).

September Calendar 

Tue, Sept 23, 3-7 p.m. Blood Drive at the Community Center, sponsored by the Community Club. Call 1-800-452-1097 to schedule a time. 

Sun, Sept 28, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Ladies only handgun clinic. NRA instructors will conduct a handgun instruction clinic for ladies only at the Russell Sportsmen’s Club, 41570 280th Avenue southwest of Russell. Participants must be 14 or older. For more information or to register, call Ted at 641-340-1022

Mon, Sept 29, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap shoot 

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For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog Russell Iowa Historical Society

For Lucas County information try their blog at

If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Wayside Garden Club September Yard of the Month

The Russell Wayside Garden Club has chosen the Russell Baptist Church parsonage, home of Pastor and Mrs. Marshall Felderman, as the September Yard of the Month.  Their front flower beds are filled with many beautiful impatients and coleus.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Around Town September 16th

Russell City Council Mini-minutes
September 8, 2014
   Ownership changes at Harley Haven were made from Scott Jordan 100% owner to Scott Jordan 50% owner and Vicki Jordan 50% owner.
   Permission was denied to allow the street closure (Harley Haven) for their event on September 20, due to earlier music problems.
   Wendy, City Clerk, is to attend the fall Data Technologies software training session in Des Moines on Wednesday October 15.
    Approval was granted to close the street in front of the Southside all day on September 13 for the parade and street dance from 9 p.m. -12 a.m. 
   Water/ditch issues regarding Shaw St and Highland St. and others were discussed.
   Congratulations to RVFD on 3rd place finish at the state convention. The City of Russell is extremely fortunate to have such a stellar fire department keeping us safe. 
   It was approved the city paying for one Kybo and the fire department will pay for a second for the Fall Festival. Shawn Werts will be cleaning Maple and Shaw streets sometime during the week of Sept. 8-13.
   Larry is going to get several estimates on fixing the switch on the pickup and estimates for emergency lighting for the dump truck/skid loader/backhoe and to get more cold-patch to fix potholes.
   Smoke testing the sewer system was mentioned and having Larry do the work. Storm drains are in bad shape. Some clay tile drains were found that are not on the maps of the city system.
   The City of Russell received $20,000 in grant money from the Vredenburg Foundation to resurface the tennis court. Norris Asphalt bid on the project and that bid amount is good through the end of this year. Duane will seek a bid from another asphalt company before a decision is made.
    Along with posting the City Council agenda at city hall it will also be posted at the post office and bank.
    It was decided not to proceed at this time with finding funds for a generator at the community building.
    Permission was granted to move the bus stop to West Shaw St. at the bandstand. Dana will meet with the school officials to inform them of this change.
    Duane had obtained bids from Menards (shingles) and Lockridge (metal) for replacing the shelter house roof at the volleyball court. The metal roofing bid was comparable to the bid for shingles. Susan will take a copy of the metal roofing quote to Gingerich metal roofing for a bid.
    The council asks to be thinking about money-making ideas for the city. 
   There is a need for an employee handbook implemented for the city. The clerk will ask EMC insurance to see if they can assist.  Susan has an old handbook from the City of Chariton to use as a guideline. Employee reviews should be done every year. None have been implemented since the clerk or the city employee has been hired. 
     Discussion followed about the tax increase.
    Marvin Neer received a bill for mowing that was assessed to the previous owner’s taxes.  He was told charges remain with the property. The city can waive these charges. It was requested the clerk find out if there were any charges to waive the mowing charges.
    Larry brought his log-book in that he uses to document his daily work. He is requested to bring the log-book to every meeting.
    Council members in attendance were Dana Blue, Crystal Moore and Susan Beecher along with Mayor Pro Tem Duane Bedford and Wendy Nickell, city clerk.  Mayor Ed Scheel was absent as was council member Jay Pierschbacher. Others attending were City employee Larry Mitchell, Jim Neer was in attendance representing the fire department. Visitors were Ken Mumford, Dolores Carroll, Kevin Tanner, Sue Neer, Marvin Neer, Chris Knust, Brenda Knust, Becki Neer, Pat Conway, Butch Evans and Jeff Neer. The next meeting will be on Monday, October 6 at 7pm.
September  Calendar
   Sunday, September 21, 2 p.m.  Russell Sportsmen's Club .22 rifle (youth shoot free)
   Russell Sportsmen’s Club and Southern Prairie Pheasants Forever will sponsor a free .22 rimfire rifle shooting experience for youth. The activity is open to youth 3rd grade through high school.  Targets, ammunition, eye/ear protection, and safety instruction will be provided.  A limited number of .22 rifles will be available for use.  Participants may bring their own firearm if they desire.  Both optical and iron sights are acceptable.  The range is located at 41570 280th Avenue southwest of Russell.  Youth should arrive early.  Required safety instruction will start promptly at 2:00.  For more information, call Dan at 641-203-5296.
   Monday, September 22, 1:15 p.m. Russell News meeting at the Museum, new members are needed
   Tuesday, September 23, 3-7 p.m. Blood Drive at the Community Center, sponsored by the Community Club. Call 1-800-
452-1097 to schedule a time.
   Sunday, September 28 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Ladies only handgun clinic
   Monday, September 29, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap shoot
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   For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical SocietyBlog http:// russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com <
   For Lucas County information try their blog at http://lucascountygeneology.blogspot.com


If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Around Town September 9

Russell Fall Festival/Bestinsmoke Competition and More 

   The theme for the parade at 4 p.m on September 13 is “Russell is Smokin Hot”. There will be 1st., 2nd, and 3rd places chosen for the winners of the parade. 
   From 7-9:30 a.m. The Museum is providing a breakfast. For a free-will offering, they will provide biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, coffee, juice and milk. Start the fun day visiting with old friends, check out the many books available for a donation and also all the many new books added for check-out. 
   September 12 &13, Russell Volunteer Fire Dept.'s Best in Smoke BBQ Competition Contact Shawn Werts at 641-203-3164 or russellbestinsmoke@gmail.com for rules, sign-in sheet and other information. 
   Friday- Set-up, check in. Enjoy entertainment at the Bandstand from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 
   Saturday, Cooks are working, winners announced at 6 p.m., Car and tractor show­-12p.m. , Live band at the bandstand 2 -4 p.m. Parade- 4 p.m., Dinner with free-will offering-5 p.m.
   There will also be a gun raffle, a Henry 30/30 Golden Boy. The drawing will be on Saturday. You must be 18 to enter.

The day will also feature Russell's 1st Annual "Take Pride in Your Ride Show N' Shine". Calling all rides: No matter what it is, show up and show it off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to the bandstand. Cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, hot rods. If it has wheels and a motor, we want to see it. Afterward, cruise your ride in the parade at 4 p.m. 
   The Southside Bar is planning a street dance from 9 p.m-12. It will be a benefit for the Fire Department with music by the band "Ruination Day". 

September Calendar 
   Tuesday, September 9, noon-8 p.m. Chariton School Bond election, see Chariton paper for more information. 
   Monday, September 15, 5:15 p.m. Museum Board meeting 
   Monday, September 15, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap Shoot 
  Sunday, September 21, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club .22 rifle (youth shoot free)
  Monday, September 22, 1:15 p.m. Russell News meeting at the Museum, new members are needed
  Tuesday, September 23, 3-7 p.m. Blood Drive at the Community Center, sponsored by the Community Club. Call 1-80-452-1097 to schedule a time. 
  Sunday, September 28 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Ladies only handgun clinic 
  Monday, September 29, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap shoot 
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For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical SocietyBlog http:// russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com <

For Lucas County information try their blog at http://lucascountygeneology.blogspot.com

If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Area Firefighters take Fire Truck to Africa

Area Firefighters take Fire Truck to Africa in 2014

Submitted by Bob McCurdy 

After two years, a group of Indianola and Norwalk Firefighters including Mark McCurdy of Russell, returned to Zambia, Africa to deliver a fire truck on a promise made in 2012. The fire truck was found in Alaska and made its way to Indianola. There it was updated with equipment for the truck and for the fire fighters. Many Iowa fire departments donated surplus items. The State of Iowa found several copies of fire prevention training books used in teaching the elementary students in Iowa. 

This trip is a follow-up to the 2012 visit to help the village of Katete, Zambia. This project had two major parts with this mission. One was to get the fire truck to the village and get the Iowa group of firefighters to the same spot in Lusaka, Zambia. 

To retrieve the truck, starting in Indianola the fire truck had to be transported to a shipping line. With the help of the Des Moines Truck Brokers and Luett Farms, the fire truck was taken to Jacksonville, Florida to be placed on a cargo ship to leave on April 14, 2014 to Walris Bay, Namibia on the west coast of Africa. This was helped by Worldwide Export. The next step was to get the truck to Lusaka, Zambia which is the capitol city. 

To begin their long journey the group of firemen took vehicles to Chicago to depart by plane to Washington DC, Johannesburg, South Africa and then to Lusaka, Zambia.

At Lusaka there is an airport where the firemen could meet up with the fire truck. In Lusaka the Zambia Officials welcomed both the fire truck and the firemen and sent them on the final leg of the journey to the village of Katete with the fire truck and two other vehicles.

On the trip to Katete the fire truck ran out of gas at one-thirty in the morning. The group was lucky to have more than one vehicle, one of which went ahead on a dirt road. A half hour up the road they found an African gas pump out in the open and not near any village. It was made up of a gas pump and a pole for a light, nothing else.

Once the fire truck was fueled, they continued on to Katete where they were to meet with the village manager and the mayor. The village leaders were proud to show off the new fire station that they had erected. This was a surprise and was an act faith between the two cultures that were involved. Many times in the past, foreigners had made promises to people in Africa that never happened. Also the people of the village and the nearby community showed how well they appreciated the help provided two years before. 

In the nearby village was the Saint Francis Hospital that the team visited and inspected two years ago. During the 2014 inspection they found that many of the fire safety suggestions had been acted upon, which made for a safer environment for the hospital of 350 beds that served 200,000 people with referrals from the whole Eastern Province of Zambia.

During the next week the group split up into two groups, one group taught the Katete fire fighters how the fire truck worked and helped with their training activities. The other group worked with the youngsters in schools to teach fire safety. STOP-DROP-ROLL was a part of the program and the young people enjoyed all of materials from Iowa schools that help them with fire safety.

Before the return trip the group did a re-inspection of fire safety procedures at the Hospital.

The official Hand-off Ceremony was held with Governor of The Eastern Province of Zambia, District Fire Secretary, the village manager, the mayor, and the community was in attendance to receive their new fire truck. There they held a demonstration of how the old fire truck worked and then how well the fire truck that Iowa fire fighters had just presented to Katete.

The Ministry in the capitol of Lusaka, on the way home, also invited the Iowa group back to help them in the future.

Mark has pictures and is willing to talk to groups when available. Contact him at 641-535-4302.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Around Town September 2nd

Russell Fall Festival/Bestinsmoke Competition and More 

   Saturday, September 13 from 7-9:30 a.m. The Museum is providing a breakfast. For a free-will offering, they will provide biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, coffee, juice and milk. Start the fun day visiting with old friends, check out the many books available for a donation and also all the many new books added for check-out 
   September 12 &13, Russell Volunteer Fire Dept.'s Best in Smoke BBQ Competition Contact Shawn Werts at 641-203-3164 or russellbestinsmoke@gmail.com for rules, sign-in sheet and other information. 
   Friday- Set-up, check in. Enjoy entertainment at the Bandstand from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. 
   Saturday, Cooks are working, winners announced at 6 p.m., Car and tractor show­-12p.m. , Live band at the bandstand 2 -4 p.m. Parade- 4 p.m., Dinner with free-will offering-5 p.m.
There will also be a gun raffle, a Henry 30/30 Golden Boy. The drawing will be on Saturday. You must be 18 to enter.
   The day will also feature Russell's 1st Annual "Take Pride in Your Ride Show N' Shine". Calling all rides: No matter what it is, show up and show it off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to the bandstand. Cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, hot rods. If it has wheels and a motor, we want to see it. Afterward, cruise your ride in the parade at 4 p.m. 
   The Southside Bar is planning a street dance from 9 p.m-12. It will be a benefit for the Fire Department with music by the band "Ruination Day". 

September Calendar 

   Tuesday, September 2, 2 p.m. Garden Club, an outing planned by Jackie Andrews. For information call Ginger at 535-2023 or if you need a ride. New members or guests are always welcome. 
   Tuesday, September 2, 6 p.m. American Legion/Auxiliary 
  September 3 at 6:30 p.m. Night Owls at Faith United Methodist Church. Esther Harlan will be the hostess , Zelda Boldt will have the lesson.
   September 6th weekend in Grinnell, Russell Volunteer Fire Department State Convention, again we want to thank the firemen and their families, for the time they devote to making Russell a safer place.
   Sunday, September 7, 2 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church in Russell will have a Gospel Concert, silent auction and ice cream social. Please join them for a fun afternoon. 
   Sunday, September 7, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club and Southern Prairie Pheasants Forever will offer a free trap shooting experience for middle school and high school youth at the Russell Sportsmen's Club range. Clay pigeons, ammo, eye/ear protection, safety instruction and shooting fundamentals will be provided. Youth model firearms will be available for use as well. Youth may bring their own firearms if desired. The range is located at 41570 280th Avenue southwest of Russell. For more information, call Dan at 641-203-5296
   Monday, September 8 , 7 p.m. Russell Council Meeting
 Tuesday, September 9, noon-8 p.m. Chariton School Bond election, see Chariton paper for more information. 
  Monday, September 15, 5:15 p.m. Musuem Board meeting 
  Monday, September 15, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap Shoot 
 Sunday, September 21, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club .22 rifle (youth shoot free)
 Monday, September 22, 1:15 p.m. Russell News meeting at the Museum, new members are needed
 Tuesday, September 23, 3-7 p.m. Blood Drive at the Community Center, sponsored by the Community Club. Call 1-80-452-1097 to schedule a time. 
  Sunday, September 28 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Ladies only handgun clinic 
  Monday, September 29, 7 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap shoot 
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For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical SocietyBlog http:// russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com <

For Lucas County information try their blog at http://lucascountygeneology.blogspot.com

If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.