Thursday, November 21, 2019

Russell News


Russell News November 26,  2019
Russell News Retires
                This December 2019 issue is the last one for the current committee.  Russell News has been issued off and on for more than eleven years.  This committee is retiring.  We appreciate all those who were willing to share their information to inform the community.  We were pleased to be a part of this, but time to let go. For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog http://Russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com.  or www.facebook.com/russell.iowa
Russell Sportsmen’s Club annual report
                The Russell Sportsmen’s Club held their Annual Members Meeting and Banquet November 11 at the Clubhouse.  Following the meal, the membership elected Officers and Board for 2020. Dan Quillin – Pres. , Paul Goldsmith-Vice-pres.,  Dan Morrett-Sec/Treas. , Board Members Jeremy Cochran, George Esper, John Laing, Steve Mikesell, Stan Steenhoek, Tim Stroud, and Ted Williams.
                The Club held 26 shoots in 2019.  Three additional scheduled events were cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.  The Club, along with Southern Prairie Pheasants Forever, sponsored 4-H Shooting Sports and three free youth trap shoots.
                Some range improvements were noted.  The multi-year rifle range project was completed this year.  A number of portable target stands were purchased to make pistol matches more flexible, and the pistol range safety fence was extended.
                The Club thanked the volunteers who kept the ranges mowed all season.  The Club will continue to rely on volunteers for mowing next season.  There was no other business, and the Meeting was adjourned.
                New memberships and renewals for 2020 are available.  For more information call 641-203-5296

Book Tasting-at the Russell Library
                Each month we will have a theme for 2019-2020, pick a book related to that theme.
                December-Children's book, January-Resolution/Goal Books, February-Romance, March-Travel.  Meetings are the last Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. For further information go to www.facebook.com/russell.ia              
Calendar
            "Dynamite Club" for kids, at First Baptist Church, continues on Wednesdays after school at 2:30 p.m.
                Monday, December 2, 7 p.m. Russell City Council meeting,
                Wednesday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. United Methodist Night Owls  for our Christmas party.  Connie Smith will be the hostess.
                Sunday, December 8th, 6:00 p.m., First Baptist Christmas Program – “Amazing Grace”- The adult choir and the children’s choir will both be singing that evening and bring a friend with you.  Cookie fellowship will follow the program. We would love to have you join us for this evening.  Plan to stay and enjoy some delicious cookies following the program.  If you have any questions or need a ride, please call Pastor at (563-323-0722).
                 Saturday, December 14th, 4:00 p.m .  First Baptist Church, Christmas Caroling –We will be meeting at the church, then traveling around Russell and Chariton Areas singing for special people.  Feel free to join us and sing along with us.
                Thursday,  December 19,  6 p.m. Russell Museum/Library Board meeting
                Friday, December 20, Christmas break, Chariton Schools  3 hour early dismissal, Wayne County Schools  2 hour early dismissal
                December 24,  6 p.m.  Christmas Eve,  Faith United Methodist Church will have a Candlelight Christmas Eve service, Everyone is invited.
                Wednesday, December 25, Christmas Day , The Christian world rejoices in the birth of their Lord and Savior Jesus.
                 December 29, 2019, 6:00 p.m. 5th Sunday, First Baptist New years Eve  Game Night,   Everyone welcome.
November 4, 2019
Council Mini-minutes
                Present were Mayor Duane Bedford, Council Members: Terry Newcomb, Chris Feehan, Casey DeHoedt and Jay Pierschbacher, Fire Chief Brian Beaty, City employees Jim Larrington and Cindy Smith, City Clerk.
                 Duane has been in touch with the owners of the mill that was burnt down as to when they will get the debris cleaned up.   Council expressed concern over the safety of the old mill area and would like to see it cleaned up prior to next spring.
                Fire Chief Brian Beaty reported that 3 firemen resigned and Jeffrey Alexander and David McCurdy were approved as the new fire fighters.  With these changes there is still one vacancy on the fire department.
                There is one fire hydrant that will not shut off and Jim is going to schedule the replacement on that hydrant. We had a 30% water loss this month that he is accounting some of the loss to this leak.  
                The transit (measuring device) that was approved in the last meeting has been purchased and has been a great asset in putting in this fire station culvert. Next culvert will be on Main street, this culvert involves a fiber optic line that is needing to be marked.
                Jim has also been working on getting the maintenance garage ready for the spray foam installation.
                Chris Feehan has received a quote and was approved on getting new shelving for the maintenance garage. 
                The contract for Ahlers and Cooney to be the bonding attorney for the sewer project has been signed.  We have also received the City of Russell Attorney form from Jim Mefferd, along with Ahlers and Cooney Attorney form as a subsequent attorney for the items that are not covered by Jim Mefferd. Both were approved.
                The 4-H Russell Reivers club will build the blessings boxes that will be placed near the Methodist church and the First Baptist church when they are completed.
                Duane Bedford shared the quote for getting the fence around the tennis court finalized.  We will need to move monies from LOST to cover this cost. It was noted that if the project could not be scheduled prior to new fiscal year budget to hold until it can be budgeted for 2020/2021.  It was approved the moving on the monies to cover the cost to get this project completed if it can be completed in this fiscal year.
                 The basketball goal post should be installed during the week of the November 16th 2019.  He will request that they install the new posts for the volleyball court as well. 
                 There is a total of 13 stumps that need to be removed. The lowest bid was approved.      
                Duane also met with the concrete company to show them what needs to be completed at the post office steps.   This repair will also require a new flagpole.  Council approved to replace the flag pole at a cost of no more the $240.00 if the Postal Service does not share the cost.
                The Russell First Baptist church has requested approval to work on the parking area for the church that is also a city street.  They need to make drainage repairs as the water is draining improperly and is starting to affect the basement stair wall. Council ok’d any work to be done as long as they let Jim Larrington know what they are doing and if it would cause any problems with the city.
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