Russell Wayside Garden Club Yard of the Month

News for this Blog

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

Story Time

Around Town

                We regret announcing the Story Time at the Museum has been discontinued due to lack of interest.  

Reminder-First Baptist Summer  Wednesday evening kids program. 7-8  p.m until August 20.

Russell Fire Department Received Governor's Volunteer Award - 20 years Ago

This article appeared in the Herald-Patriot on June 5, 2014 in the Years and Years ago column by Ursula Bingham

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department received the Governor's Volunteer Award.  The Russell VFD taught fire safety at the Russell School each year and provided tours of the fire station as well as many other community volunteer activities.

Council Meeting June 2, 2014

Mini Council Minutes

June 2, 2014

Craig Gooder is seeking funds to resurface the tennis court. Council instructed him to proceed .  The weeds have been removed.  Duane and Craig will patch the crack in the meantime.

Larry Templeton is asking on behalf of Sarah Peek if concrete tiles could be used to divert water to the culvert and alleviate the buildup of water in her horse pasture.  Our city employee with go look at the issue...Susan asks that ditches be cleaned out on Chapman and Garfield. Water backs up and eventually floods Smith St.... Mr. Templeton shared a letter from the DNR regarding his race track. He will not proceed with doing anything with his semi-trailer until the council has checked the area he is referencing and give their approval.

Fire Department- can city pay half of door openers on the first 3 bay doors of the original building. Kevin Tanner-donation of $200. City approved $800....The annual Fall Festival will be on Saturday September 13... The AED grant allows a key-less entry to be installed on one of the community building doors, a person could call 911 and dispatch would give the PIN code to access the AED.  The council agreed to have a key-less entry on the south door.

Street Department-Larry found 1100-1200 ft. of 12” clay bell storm drain pipe that needs cleaned out from Shaw east and then into field to the south.   Craig Alexander will get some tiling prices.

Water/Waste water-a large amount of water goes through lagoon during times of heavy rain, it was decided to stay with current contract with Utility Service Group for maintenance of the water tower.  

Parks and rec-The roof on the shelter house at the volleyball court needs replacing. We will be needing concrete for repair on Prairie St and possibly put a sidewalk from the north steps of bandstand to the main sidewalk. No action taken on this issue at this time. Ideal Ready mix will not charge us for delivery.

Old business-The council wants the businesses to abide by Police Chief Jeff Johnson recommendation that bands stop playing by 1am. The trailers for the bands must be moved from blocking any street by 10 a.m. the next morning.

New business-council approved a resident to match the paint color with the concrete color to paint over yellow paint on street curb. He has had no success with trying to remove the paint with paint stripper.

The neighborhood watch group wants to donate the funds in that account to use for new tables for the Community Building. Susan will get prices on tables.

The 4-H group is looking for some service projects around town, the council approved the 4-H group to paint the outside trash cans at the Community Building and at the Park uptown, do weeding at the volleyball court and paint the lattice around the Bandstand.

Duane Bedford, Mayor Pro Tem called the meeting to order. Council Members present were Susan Beecher, Dana Blue, Crystal Moore, and Jay Pierschbacher, and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk. Mayor Ed Scheel was absent.  Also in attendance- city employee Larry Mitchell and Fire Chief Craig Alexander. Visitors were Craig Gooder, Vicki Jordan, Jake Rodgers, Shanna Rodgers, Larry Templeton, Kevin Tanner and Daryl Nine,

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday July 7.

Story Time at the LIbrary cancelled

CANCELLED

Story Time Arrives Again! 

The Museum will be offering story time again this summer beginning this Friday, June 6 at 1 p.m. for ages 4-7. Craig Gooder will be again sharing treasures of literature. See you there.

First Baptist Church Mission Adventure Kids

Starting Wednesday, June 4th through August 20th from 7-8 p.m., the First Baptist Church will be holding a summer Wednesday evening kids program called Mission Adventures.  Kids are invited to travel the world this summer as they study missionary adventures of the past and present!  Kids will earn a stamp in their passport for each night they are present, games and snacks from all over the world will be enjoyed by everyone attending.

Reminder- Russell City-Wide Garage Sale

Reminder-Russell City-Wide Garage Sale

  June 7, 8-noon, The Russell City-Wide Garage Sale. Please notify Roberta (535-4191) or Wanda (535-4361) to get on the map. 

  The Museum will be offering beefburgers, hot dogs, chips and a dessert for sale. 

  

  If you don't want to do your own sale, the Museum will accept donations for their sale.

  The Russell Wayside Garden Club will also be having their annual plant sale at the same time in front of the museum.

Council Meeting on May 13th

Council Meeting Mini-Minutes

  Regarding the property at 803 S Prairie, Ray Meyer explained the deed Wells Fargo is giving the property to the City of Russell. This is not a standard deed. It is somewhat like a quit claim deed. The city will put the property up for bids when all paperwork is completed and the city has complete ownership.  On a motion by Duane with second by Dana, the city will accept the property at 803 S. Prairie from Wells Fargo Bank. 

  The second reading of Ordinance 141 regarding charges for meter-repairs was approved on a motion by Dana and second by Susan.  Dana made the motion to waive the third reading.
  Willis Chambers-introduced himself and is running for Lucas Co Sheriff. He would appreciate any votes on June 3.

  It was discussed that all businesses in town need to give the council a schedule of events.  There was a trailer that was across the west end of Short St and was still blocking the street until 3:45 p.m. the next day.  The council will compile a list of requirements for any business that has outdoor activities to follow.  

  Fire Chief Craig Alexander gave the Fire Department report. They have been awarded a SCICF grant to buy pumps and motors for the grass trucks. Craig received pricing to put openers on the three bay doors of the original building at a approximate cost of $2400. He asked if the city could pay half of the cost. No decision was made.

  Street repairs are ongoing. A repair was done on a sinkhole on South Prairie, a water leak that wasn't tamped properly. It will be repaired after trucks have driven over the area for 2-3 weeks. The Mayor will approach Scott McGee about doing the cement repair to the street.

  There was a lengthy discussion about blocked culverts on E Shaw, Chapman and Garfield that causes water to go over the road. Kevin Tanner will check with Chariton City manager to see if Russell can rent the jetter the City of Chariton has to use to open up blocked culverts.

  Kevin Tanner asked about procedure to get water in his shop.

  There is needed repair to the curb at the post office and also to repaint that area.

  Craig Gooder asked about abandoned properties and if that issue will be addressed. Jeff Johnson explained how derelict/abandoned properties are addressed in Chariton.  The Mayor asked the Jeff to compile a list of properties that need to be mowed.

  Council members present were Crystal Moore, Susan Beecher, Dana Blue, and Duane Bedford. Jay Pierschbacher was absent. Others in attendance were Ray Meyer; City employee Larry Mitchell; Police chief Jeff Johnson and Fire chief Craig Alexander. Visitors were Sarah Peek; Larry Templeton; Penny Stouwie; Kevin Tanner; Willis Chambers; Dave Hager; Marilyn Evans; Corey Paige; Pat Conway; James Stewart and Craig Gooder.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday June 2 at 7pm.

Around Town May 20th

A correction is being made to an article in last week's news.  It was Mark McCurdy who went on the Mission trip to Africa.  My apology.

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Russell City Wide Garage Sale

The Russell City Wide Garage Sale is set for June 7, the same day as Chariton's, from 8 a.m. to noon.  Please notify Robert (535-4191) or Wanda (535-4361) to get on the map.

If you don't want to do your own sale but have objects you would like to get rid of, the Museum will accept donations for their sale.  

The Russell Wayside Garden Club will also be having their annual plant sale at the same time in front of the museum.

Around Town May 13

Around Town

           Congratulations to the following Russell area 

High School Graduates:

From Wayne Community High School: 

Faith  Sibert, will be attending Indian Hills Community College, 

Kelly McCurdy, enrolled at AIB 

Lorenzo Baker-Martinez will attend Grand View University in Des Moines.  

From Chariton Community High School:

Chasen Blue will enroll at Graceland 

George Collins is selecting between Indian Hills or DMACC 

Madison Feehan will attend Iowa School of Beauty 

Dusty Simmons is enrolled at Indian Hills 

Stephen McCurdy is enrolled at William Penn University

Alex Reynolds plans include attending Indian Hills  

(If any of this is in error or we have omitted anyone we apologize and urge you to  contact us and we will print corrections. (e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402)

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Area Medical Personnel on Mission Trip to Africa

  On May 5^th , Mark McCurdy departed with a group of EMT’s, firefighters, nurses and other medical professionals on a mission to Zambia, Africa. They will be gone for ten days to help the community of Kalele, Zambia. He has a objective of getting an updated fire engine to the community and helping to train the firefighters in Kalele, Zambia on how to use the fire engine. The group will work with the local EMT’s and help develop efforts to treat patients in the field and in the local hospital.

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Russell Museum/Library Thanks Community

  The Russell Museum/Library  wishes to thank the community for their support in a successful breakfast fundraiser held on May 3.  Over half of the bill for the furnace repair was met. If you haven't ever been there, come see what your local volunteers are doing to provide service to the community.

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  Wednesday, May 28th ,  6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church will  be holding a closing program for Kids4Truth. Each class will be performing, kids will be promoted,  and they will also be kicking off  VBS . Refreshments will be served after the program. Parents are encouraged to attend as well as others who may be interested in joining next year.

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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.

Russell News April 29

Saturday, May 3rd, Russell Clean-up Day, 8 a.m. to noon, $15 for car or pick-up load. There will be a scrap person taking these items at cleanup day. He will accept for free: washer and dryers, refrigerators (must be empty of all food), air conditioners, small propane tanks, water heaters, stoves and computer towers (no monitors or TV's). Country trash will take TV’s -$10.00 each, computer monitors $10.00 each and standard size tires $5.00. 

Also on Saturday, May 3, 7:30 to 10 a.m.  The Russell Museum will be holding a breakfast fundraiser at the Museum to help pay for repairs on the furnace/air conditioner. Items available will be pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and rolls. This is a free-will offering. Come enjoy the meal and fellowship on your way to the Russell Clean-up Day that morning.

Russell News April 22

Museum Hours Revisited, Again!

Due to illness of our faithful worker, Grace, the Museum will be open only on Monday from 1-3, Wednesday from 2-5 and Friday 2-5 until further notice. We wish her well in her treatment and recovery.

Council Meeting Highlights

April 7, 2014

The first reading of Ordinance 141 regarding charges for meter repairs was approved. The second reading will be at the next scheduled council meeting.
Members of the Russell Community Club were in attendance to discuss the sewer dump station at the campground. According to city ordinance, The Community Club is responsible for all sewer lines from their property line plus 100’.
The Chariton Schools did not hire a bus monitor for Russell. Jay will take on the bus stop project and come up with an acceptable site by the beginning of next school year.
A property line issue was determined to be a civil issue, not a city issue. A resident was instructed to call the law center with any dog issues. There is complaint of a semi-trailer and signage on his property. He was asked to bring all his permits and licenses to city hall so the city can be assured he has the correct documentation to act as a business.
A resident wants to move a 1948 Kaiser from their garage so they can have room for their business. Resident was instructed that the car needs to be licensed before it can be parked outside.
Cody Carroll was approved as a member of the fire department.. Jim Carroll will be retiring from the department after 54 years of service. The city sincerely thanks him for his dedicated service to the community.
Larry is working to repair the streets. It was approved to hire Stan McDonald to work on getting our gravel streets into better shape.
Gene Wright’s higher bid for the hay ground was approved.
The election to determine how our local option will be disbursed is on Tuesday May 6. Be sure and vote!
Council members in attendance were Susan Beecher, Duane Bedford, Crystal Moore, Dana Blue and Jay Pierschbacher . Others in attendance were city employee Larry Mitchell and Fire Chief Craig Alexander. Visitors in attendance were Clare Davis, Robert and Sharon McCurdy, Deb Mason, Sarah Peek, Larry Templeton, Karen Werts, Brain Beaty and Jesse Clark, along with Mayor Ed Scheel and City Clerk Wendy Nickell.
Please note that the next council meeting will be on Tuesday May 13 at 7pm.
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Saturday, May 3rd, Russell Clean-up Day, 8 a.m. to noon, $15 for car or pick-up load. There will be a scrap person taking these items at cleanup day. He will accept for free: washer and dryers, refrigerators (must be empty of all food), air conditioners, small propane tanks, water heaters, stoves and computer towers (no monitors or TV's).
Country trash will take TV’s $10.00 each, computer monitors $10.00 each and standard size tires $5.00.
Saturday, May 3, 7:30 to 10 a.m. The Museum will be holding a breakfast fundraiser at the Museum to help pay for repairs on the the furnace/air conditioner. Items available will be pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and rolls. This is a free-will offering. Come enjoy the meal and fellowship on your way to the Russell Clean-up Day that morning.

Russell Sale Barn Lunchroom Revival

It is hard for anyone from Russell, Iowa to try and tell people from other parts of Iowa just where you are from or where Russell, Iowa really is. Sometimes we have to say you have probably heard of Chariton, Iowa.
Then in your talking with them you mention the Russell Sale Barn (now known as the Russell Livestock Market) it seems like most people come alive and say, oh yes, we have heard of that or yes, we have been there many times.
So when the kitchen at the Russell Sale Company was gutted by fire in October, 2013 everyone around the area was very sad. Most all farmers around this area have sold livestock at this sale barn for years. The sales kept going on but the food was very limited through out the winter months.
So when we started seeing a structure being built next to the barn we were very excited. The new kitchen and dining area opened on March 31, 2014. It has a large modern kitchen, and a large dining area where you can sit and watch the sale going on a TV as you eat your lunch . They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner (if the sale goes late in the evening) which includes sandwiches of all kinds, a special of the day, and of course pie. The kitchen is only open on sale days and also on any day they are having a special sale.
We, in the Russell area, would to say a big THANK YOU to Tony & Meshara Ballanger, Shawn and Jana Murphy, the owners of the Russell Livestock Market, for all your hard work. We know that Russell will stay on the map with the sale barn being so popular.

Russell Historical Society Museum and LIbrary News

Have you checked out the Russell Museum/Library lately?  There are newer books available in the Library and Grace has put out some attractive displays and has more planned.  Internet access is still available along with other media.  There are on-going new items on display in the Museum, thanks to contributions from the community. 

New hours for the building are:  Monday 1-5, Tuesday 2-5, Wednesday 1-5, Thursday closed, Friday 2-5 and Saturday 10-3.  The hours the museum/library is open is based on volunteer availability.

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On Saturday, May 3rd from 7:30 to 10 a.m., the Museum will be holding a breakfast fundraiser at the Museum/Library to help pay for repairs on the furnace/air conditioner.  Items available will be pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and rolls.  Free-will offering will be accepted.

Come enjoy the meal and fellowship on your way to the Russell Clean-up day that morning.  

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Russell Clean-up day, 8 a.m. to noon, $15 for car or pick-up truck load.  

Russell Fire Department's Annual Ham Dinner

The Russell Fire Department will hold their annual ham dinner on Saturday, April 19th from 4:30-7:00 p.m at the Russell Community Center.  This is their fundraiser and meals are $9.  If you would like a home delivery, call Brian Beaty at 641-203-3217 or the Community Center that afternoon at  641-535-4737.
The Volunteer Fire Department is an essential part of the community and deserves our ongoing support.  Please show up to thank them and bolster their efforts.

Around Town April 1

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department will hold their annual ham supper fundraiser on Saturday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Center. For delivery call Brian at 641-203-3217 or the Community Center that afternoon at 535-4737.

Around Town March 25th

The Carroll family would like to thank everyone who participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It was a beautiful day and there was a large crowd of spectators as well as many parade participants, including organizations, businesses, churches and 2 Fire Departments. Brandon Carroll led the parade in his Purple Heart Marine truck which was presented to him by the Wounded Warriors program.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

The parade will be, Saturday, March 15 at noon.  Entries will line up west of the bank.  Everyone is invited to enter the parade or participate as an onlooker.  An Irish breakfast will be served beginning at 9 a.m. in the Southside Dining Room.  We encourage everyone to celebrate their heritage whether it is Irish or other.

Winners of their chili-cook-off were: 

1st place-Piperman, 2nd place - Ashley Bedford, 3rd place - Jo Carroll.  We appreciate all seven who entered and congratulate them on their originality and culinary skills.

Around Town March 18th

Highlights to Council Meeting, March 3, 2014

Mayor Ed Sheel called the budget hearing to order at 7 p.m.  Duane Bedford made the motion to accept the FY2015 budget as printed with a second by Dana Blue.  Motion carried 4-0.
The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:03 pm.  
Police Chief Jeff Johnson informed the council that Officer Luke Rich had not been able to be down here due to them being short-handed in Chariton.  He didn't know if Officer Rich would be putting in any more hours here.  Chief Johnson thought he could cover the needed hours himself.
Mike Beaty gave the council an update on the City's Insurance Policy.  Total premium is $11,575 with Workmens' Compensation Premium, $7,500, making a yearly total of $19,212.  The representative from McCune and Reed Insurance did not show up for the meeting.  The Council approved a motion to remain with Beaty Insurance for the City's insurance needs.  Carried 4-0.

The Fire Department will have their annual Ham Supper on Saturday April 19th.

Several parents were in attendance to talk about the bus stop situation.  It was requested that the parents get on the agenda for the next Chariton School board meeting and express the need for a bus monitor in Russell.  When the bus stop was on Shaw St., damage was done to the bandstand that cost the city quite a bit of money for repairs.  There have been no damages to the bandstand since the bus stop was moved.  A school bus monitor will need to be hired before the council will consider moving the bus stop back to Shaw St.

The streets will be an ongoing repair situation.  The winter ice, snow and frost  causes a lot of damage. Residents will need to be patient until the streets dry at which time our city employee will make the needed repairs.  Trying to repair streets when they are soft and muddy is futile.
Duane made the motion with second by Susan to approve Larry to attend a water distribution conference on March 12 in Newton.  Motion carried 4-0.

The Mayor will take a look at the culvert on E. Shaw, as water is blocked and doesn't drain, to see what type of work needs to be done to correct the situation.

Ryan Atwell spoke to the council about the Community Club putting in a dump station at the campgrounds.  There was discussion about who is responsible to get the sewer to the property line.  The Mayor will check ordinances and let Mike Beaty know.

The Council approved a request for Beaty Insurance to redo a portion of sidewalk in front of their building.  
Susan made a motion to send letters to attorneys to find out their fees.  Seconded by Duane.  Motion carried 4-0.

Also approved 4-0, was the purchase of safety supplies for our city employees, including a chainsaw helmet and chaps, to be worn when using the chainsaw.

The city will put an ad in the paper for bids on the city hay ground.  Larry has vacation scheduled so Duane or the Mayor will read meters in June.
Clean up day is Saturday, May 3rd from 8-noon.  Susan made the motion to increase the charge to $15 per car or pickup load. Dana seconded it.  Motion carried 4-0.
On a motion by Susan with a scond by Duane, Resolution 2014-06 was approved.  This will increase the rental for the COmmunity building by $5 per room.  The north room rent will be $55 and the south room rent will be $35.  The total building rent will be $90.  New fees will begin April 1, 2014.  Motion carried 4-0.
Council members in attendance were Duane Bedford, Susan Beecher, Dana Blue and Crystal Moore along with Mayor Ed Scheel and City Clerk Wendy Nickell.  Jay Pierschbacher was absent.  Police Chief Jeff Johnson and Fire Chief Craig Alexander were also in attendance.  Visitors were Ryan Atwell, Brian Beaty, Mike Beaty, Jesse Clark, Corey Paige, Sarah Peek, Niki Shounkwiler and Larry Templeton.

The next meeting will be on Monday April 7, 2014.

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For Russell news check out the page numbers listed to the right of this article.

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

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

Around Town March 11th

Around Town

The Russell Community welcomes new faces, Jessica at the Post Office and Beth at the bank. Jessica will be working on Saturday from 8-10 a.m. Beth is at the bank from 9-noon Monday -Friday. New faces, new friends. 

Put on your calendar; Saturday, May 3, Russell City-wide clean-up and Tuesday, May 6, Russell City election. 

March Calendar

Tuesday, March 11, SHARE sign-up, call Joann at 535-2601. Packages for March include the Best Value package, produce, meat only, breakfast slider, pork chop box, steak strips, seafood box, Farmland spiral ham and other specialty items. Pick-up is Saturday, March 29. 

Saturday, March 15, Breakfast at 9 a.m., Southside Dining Room, St. Patrick's Day parade at noon 

Saturday, March 15, 5-7 p.m. Homemade soup, salads and pies supper at United Methodist church. Everyone is welcome.

Sunday March 16, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Turkey gun sight-in and match

Monday, March 17, 5:15 p.m. Museum Board Meeting 

Saturday, March 22, Pheasants Forever (a supporter of Russell Sportsman's Club) Fund-raising Banquet at Carpenter Hall, doors open at 5:30, supper at 7 p.m. 

Thursday, March 27, 6:30 p.m. Russell Community Club meeting at the Community Center 

Sunday March 30, 2 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Handgun instruction clinic 

For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog at

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.

Around Town - February 25th

City Council Meeting February 3rd

1.  The Southside Liquor license was approved along with Delores Carroll's request to have the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 15th at noon and to have the street blocked off on that day.

2.  Discussions:

     a.  A report was given on the progress for the culvert repair on South Prairie.  There was discussion about responsibility for care and maintenance of that portion of highway.  

     b.  Also discussion took place regarding junk vehicles and trailers on private property.  

     c.  Street repair needs to be done on South Prairie over some of the manhole covers.

     d.  The West Ames leak has re-appeared.  

     e.  A chlorine test on the water will be done to determine if it is a water leakage or waste water. 

   f.  A fee of $35 per call and $35 per hour after initial fee plus parts or new meter to fix any water meters that are the resident's responsibility to keep from damage or freezing.

3.  Clean up day will be on Saturday May 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Council members in attendance were Susan Beecher, Dana Blue, Crystal Moore and Duane Bedford, along with Ed Scheel,  Mayor; Wendy Nickel, City Clerk; Larry Mitchell, City Employee.  Jay Pierschbacher was absent.  Also in attendance was Delores Carroll, visitor. 

4.  The next meeting will be on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.   The Budget Hearing will be held prior to the regular council meeting.

Russell Volunteer Fire Department Texas Hold 'Em Tournament

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department presents a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament on January 25, 2014.  The tournament starts at 7:00p.m. at the Russell Community Center.
There is a fee for buy-in.  Cash Pay Back.  If you have any questions please call Brian at 203-3217, Chris at 203-0951 or Shawn at 203-3164.

Around Town January 21

Russell City Council Highlights 

January 9, 2014 7 p.m. 

(Postponed from January 6-weather related)

The first meeting for the year 2014 led to the department heads as follows; Duane Bedford-Parks and Recreation, Jay Pierschbacher -Streets, Susan Beecher-Community Building, Crystal Moore-Water/Waste water and Dana Blue-Police. The appointment of Duane as Mayor pro tem was approved. 

Resolution Directing the Acceptance of a Proposal to Purchase $60,000 General Obligation Capital Loan was approved, after receiving no written or oral objections.

Also, the council approved levying a tax to pay the notes.

A Resolution passed to hold a Special Election on May 6, 2014 to change our Local Option money disbursement to 60% road use and 40% General Fund for General Municipal purpose.

The council department heads are:  Duane-Parks and Rec.; Jay-Streets; Susan-Community Bldg; Crystal-Water/Waste-water and Dana-Police.  The council approved the appointment of Duane Bedford as Mayor Pro Tem.

The motion to approve the second reading of the Electric Franchise Fee (to replace loss of funding) was approved. Motion was approved to waive the 3rd reading. 

Harley Haven liquor license was approved. Vickie Jordan spoke about having a poker run in May to benefit one of the non-profit organizations in our community.  More about this in the future.

Chris Knust has retired from the FD. We greatly appreciate His dedication to the Russell Volunteer Fire Department these past many years. 

There have been several water leaks with the severe cold. Larry will get more parts to have on hand in case future needs. 

The South Prairie project (replacing the tube) was rejected by FEMA. The City is appealing that decision. FEMA did approve replacing the culvert on South Main. 

Council members present for the meeting were Duane Bedford, Susan Beecher, Dana Blue, Crystal Moore and Jay Pierschbacher, along with Ed Scheel, Mayor and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk. 

Others were city employee Larry Mitchell and Fire Chief Craig Alexander. Visitors were Vickie Jordan. 

There was some discussion about legal counsel.

The next meeting will be on February 3, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Around Town - January 7th

The Senior Citizens wish to thank the Community Club for the excellent turkey and all the trimmings meal, which they enjoyed, along with the fellowship on December 14th.  Marilyn Reynolds on the accordion and Jeanette Shreck on the auto-harp added to the festivities.  It all helped to brighten the holiday season and a good time to check up on fellow citizens rarely seen in the winter time.

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/