Many thanks to Frank Meyers - www.lucascountyan.blogspot.com for sharing this article
about Russell and the polio outbreak. Check out Russell people.
Friday, December 6, 2019
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.
++++++++++++++++++
Monday, October 21, 2019
Russell Calendar
Russell News October 29, 2019
Book Tasting-at the Russell Library
Each month will have a theme for 2019-2020, pick a
book related to that theme.
November-Noir-vember, 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
Russell News Retires
Just a heads-up, the Russell News will have one more
issue, the December 2019 one. Russell News has been issued off and on for
more than eleven years. This committee is
retiring. Should anyone be interested in
continuing or with questions, contact Karen 535-6161, Sharon at 641-203-3015 or
Marilyn at 641-344-6609.
Calendar
Thursday, October 31,
6-8 p.m. Beggar's Night in Russell
"Dynamite Club" for kids,
at First Baptist
Church, continues on Wednesdays after school at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 3,12 noon, The
Russell Legion and Auxiliary Veteran's Day meal will be at Carpenter Hall,
Chariton. All members are welcome.
Sunday, November 3, 2 p.m.
Russell Sportsmen's Club Trap Shoot
Monday, November 4, 7 p.m.
Russell City Council meeting,
Tuesday, November 5, City/school
board election day, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. An I.D. is required.
Wednesday,
November 6, 6:30 p.m. United
Methodist Night Owls, Betty Mason is the hostess
and Marilyn Reynolds has the lesson. All women are invited.
Saturday, November 9, 6 p.m. Harvest Celebration, early
Thanksgiving event, First Baptist Church , speaker is Mike Manor
Sunday, November 10, Friend Day, First Baptist
Church, Sunday School 9:45, worship 11:00. Speaker is Mike Manor
Monday,
November 11, 6 p.m. Russell Sportsmen's Club Annual meeting and banquet
Thursday, November 15, 1:15 p.m. Last meeting of Russell News
at the Museum-everyone welcome
Thursday,
November 21, 6 p.m. Russell
Museum/Library Board meeting
Thursday,
November 28, Thanksgiving Day
Friday, October 11, 2019
City Council Minutes
City of Russell
Council Meeting
October 7, 2019
Present: Mayor Duane
Bedford, Council Members: Terry Newcomb, Chris Feehan, and Jay Pierschbacher, Fire
Chief Brian Beaty, City employees Jim Larrington and Cindy Smith.
Mayor Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Larry Templeton was on the agenda, was not present when
meeting started.
Minutes from the September 11, 2019 minutes were reviewed
and motioned for approval by Jay Pierschbacher and seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Income and expenses were reviewed, Chris Feehan motioned for
approval of income and expenses. This
motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Fire Chief Beaty reported that the USDA has approved the
grant for new air packs. He is currently in the process of obtaining three (3)
bids per the specifications of the grant for the packs. He stated that there was a great turnout for
the cookoff / Fall Festival this year.
Jim Larrington gave the water/wastewater report. Water loss this month was still high and
thinks that it is due to some hydrants that are leaking. We have two (2) on hand and two (2) on
order. These will be installed when all
4 are received and as weather will allow as we are getting into fall/winter.
Jim Larrington then gave the street report. There are several culverts that have been
delivered and he will be working on getting these put in as time/weather
allows. He stated that a transit will be
needed for installing these culverts and on several other projects that will be
coming in the spring with additional repair to streets. The council approved
Jim to purchase a transit up to $1300.00 as this will be used on several
projects. Chris Feehan motioned to move
monies from LOST to Streets to pay for this transit, this motion was seconded
by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - None
Alliant still needs to move the power pole at the corner of
Maple and Ames so that he can replace the culvert by the fire station that is starting
to move the entrance for the fire trucks into the fire station.
Jim did pick up the ditch box and it is put together and
ready for use for the installation of the hydrants and several curb boxes that
need to be installed.
We will also be trimming trees again in the fall – he is
aiming for November to get this work scheduled.
The quote for the lift was the same as last year at $1,645.00 for the
month plus delivery and pickup fees. Council
also discussed whether we should remove tree stumps now or after additional trees
are removed. We will request bids for
what we have and will determine at that time to do twice or wait for all trees
to be completed prior to grinding the stumps.
The recycle trailer has been moved to the north and Jim is
working with the county to move the signs.
Ron Bingham of Bingham Signs has made the city a sign stating where the
trailer has been moved to.
The council then reviewed the quotes received for insulating
the maintenance garage. Terry Newcomb
motioned to approve the lower quote and this motion was seconded by Chris
Feehan.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Mayor Bedford is still working with McGee Concrete on
getting a quote for the post office step repair.
Chris Feehan mentioned that he had been approached by
citizens to see about the city putting up a “Blessing Box”. This was discussed and it was suggested to
see if the Russell Reivers 4-H club would build the box and Bud Moody had
suggested putting the box in the lighted area at the Methodist Church doorway. Terry Newcomb will discuss with Margaret
Phippen and Cindy Smith will ask if the Baptist Church might be interested as
well and have 2 boxes.
The council then discussed the radar gun for the Russell
Police, as our current one is no longer working. Chris Feehan motioned to approve the purchase
of the new radar gun with the 2 year warranty and this motion was seconded by
Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Mayor Bedford then stated that he has been approached by a
person who is interested in buying a lot that the city owns on Highland
Street. It was approved to have a Public
Hearing on the 21st for the bidding process to begin. This notice of the Public Hearing will be
placed in Thursday’s Chariton Newspaper and the hearing will be held at 5:30 pm
on Monday October 21, 2019 at Russell City Hall.
The final contract between the City of Russell and Lockridge
Tower was reviewed by the council. All
Attorney’s involved have approved the contract.
Jay Pierschbacher motioned to sign and approve the contract and this
motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - None
Discussions on this contract brought up our existing
contract with Skybeam who currently has a tower on the water tower. This contract ends on December of this
year. We will wait to see if they
contact us prior to calling them ourselves.
At this time Larry Templeton was still absent, therefore,
the original vote of no racing at the football field was upheld.
Chris Feehan motioned for adjournment at 9:00 and this
motion was seconded by Jay Pierschbacher.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - None
_____________________________
Approved by:
Duane Bedford, Mayor
______________________________
Attest:
Cindy A. Smith, City Clerk
Thursday, September 26, 2019
City Council Minutes
City of Russell
Council Meeting
September 11, 2019
Present: Mayor Duane
Bedford, Council Members: Terry Newcomb, Chris Feehan, and Casey DeHoedt, Jim
Larrington and Cindy Smith. Guests
present Austin Smith from Garden and Associates and Deloris Carroll from
Southside LLC.
Mayor Duane Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
Guest Austin Smith updated the council on the sewer project
that needs to be completed. They (Garden
and Associates) are in the final stages of preparing their report and design
specifications to the Rural Development Engineers for approval of the SAGR System
that will be installed at the City of Russell lagoon. Once these plans are approved it will then be
let for bid and once the bid is awarded the monies will be finalized and work
can begin. He is anticipating, with
expected turnaround times on approvals for the work to be completed in a year’s
time. There was general discussion on how the SAGR system will work, spot
repairs that are needed in the sewer lines and general questions answered. Council was satisfied with where we are with
the report and have also been in discussions with the USDA on how this project
will proceed.
Austin will be meeting with the council on a monthly basis
to keep them up to date on where we are at in the line of concessions that will
need to take place, then left the meeting.
Guest Deloris Carroll requested that Southside be allowed to
close Shaw Street between Maple and West Street during the fall festival for
their annual Bags Tournament. The street
will be open for the parade. Chris
Feehan motioned to approve the closure of Shaw Street for the Bags Tournament
and this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - None
Shaw Street will also be closed from Prairie Street to Maple
for most of the day as the cookers will be ongoing thoughout the day.
Ellen (Pete) Werts volunteered to paint the streets,
sidewalk area’s and driveways on Shaw Street and the City greatly appreciates
her help in helping to make the City look nicer for the Fall Festival.
The Historical Society will also be hosting a free will
donation breakfast on Saturday morning from 7:30 to 10:00 am.
Minutes from the August 5, 2019 minutes were reviewed and
motioned for approval by Chris Feehan and seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Income and expenses were reviewed, Chris Feehan asked about
the amount of money paid to Chariton Ace Hardware, this expense was explained
by Mayor Bedford as being an expense to purchase a chain saw that was needed
with the large trees that had come down during recent storms. One (1) tree that was in the park by the
Community Center and a tree that had came down on abandoned property (208
Highland Street) and also to remove trees on same property that were blocking
views around corners that traffic could no longer see around. The cost to remove these trees will be
expensed to the property owner. Terry
Newcomb motioned for approval of income and expenses. This motion was seconded by Chris Feehan.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Larry Templeton was also on the agenda as he had requested a
race to take place at the football field area.
Mayor Bedford had looked into this request with insurance agent Mike
Beaty who stated that the City would need to take out a million dollar
insurance policy to protect against any damage or harm that may take place
during the race. The request was denied
as the expense would not be feasible to the City.
Flea market/garage sale at the football field was also
discussed. Per Mayor Bedford, he also
spoke with Mike about the liability in this and the insurance that the city
already carries would cover an event like this.
Casey will get with Roberta Reynolds and may possibly hold the city wide
garage sale at the field to have all in one place instead of going from house
to house and possibly invite outside city limits to join if they so wish. There will be a fee for a spot for tables
that will be used as donations to make improvements to city celebrations such
as additional purchase of flags or Christmas decorations. Casey will let council know what response she
has.
The city has also received from the state renewal
notifications for liquor licenses for Last Chance and for a new business in the
city, Prairie Street Pub.
Casey Dehoedt motioned for approval for Last Chance LLC to
renew their license and this motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Chris Feehan motion for approval for Prairie Street Pub and
this motion was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Officer Tyler Jeffrey was not able to attend the meeting but
had left his report for the council. He
has been handing out flyers for the fall city wide clean up on October
12,2019. Also, Cindy Smith is now a
notary and will start with the citation letters that need to be completed for
properties that are not yet in compliance with the junk and debris
ordinances.
Council appreciates the reports the Officer Tyler provides
them.
Fire Chief Beaty was also not able to attend the meeting,
Chris Feehan notified the council that the Russell Volunteer Fire Department
placed 5th at the recent fire convention. We congratulate our firemen for all the work
that they do for the city and surrounding area’s and we are very proud of
them!!
Jim Larrington gave the water/wastewater report. Water loss last month was at 38%. This loss was higher due to the house fire,
mill fire and 1 valve that broke and 4 shut offs that also broke with trying to
move water to the fire hydrants. There
are several hydrants that are now leaking that will need to be fixed, we have 2
and Jim was approved to purchase 2 more new hydrants. Jim will also look into the cost of adding
additional isolation valves so that when water is shut off, he has more control
over location and hopefully would eliminate having to shut down the whole water
system for repairs, thus eliminating the need to have to do bottled water
notifications as the system would just divert water and not have to shut off.
There are no issues with wastewater. Jim will get costing on dredging the lagoon
and Duane will discuss with Austin and the USDA if this would be part of what
they will be doing when upgrading our wastewater system.
There was discussions of having to increase water and sewer
rates.
Jim Larrington then gave the street report. Alliant will be out to move the power pole at
the corner of Maple and Ames so that he can replace the culvert by the fire
station that is starting to move the entrance for the fire trucks into the fire
station. Alley way’s are starting to
become a problem for the Alliant trucks that have had to come in to do repairs
on power lines due to recent storms. Jim
and Mayor Bedford will be looking at all alley ways to determine what trees
need to be cut down that are on city property or private property that will
need to be taken care of and also any buildings that have been placed on city
property in alley ways. There must be a
16ft clearance for the utility trucks to pass through. Jim has also requested that we issue a new
ordinance for parking on snow days as he had several vehicles last year that
impended on blading the streets properly.
Mayor Bedford with work with Attorney’s to get this ordinance in effect
and attach a penalty to any vehicle that is not in compliance.
We will also be trimming trees again in the fall – he is
aiming for November to get this work scheduled and will have quotes for a lift
in the next council session.
Old Business: Casey
DeHoedt is still working on an emergency system that the City can have to
notify residents of any emergencies that the City may have.
The Lockridge Network contract proposal is still in the
hands of the attorney’s.
Casey DeHoedt is also still working on getting a can
redemption trailer that residents can bring their cans to and we will take to
Albia and any funds that are brought in will be used as with the “football
field” garage sale fees for flags, Christmas decorations or any upgrade to
parks.
Jim will be getting quotes for foam insulation in the
maintenance garage to help save cost on propane. The cost to insulate will in the long run
more then pay for itself.
New Business: Street
Financial Report was reviewed, need to add the new dump trailer that was
purchased then it will be ok to submit to the State.
There are several cracks in the concrete of Shaw and Prairie
Streets that need to be repaired. The
City of Chariton has a machine that may be able to do the work. Duane has discussed the use of the Chariton
equipment with Chariton City Manager and David VanRyswyk.
Mayor Bedford is also in discussions with Scott McGee to
repair the stairs in front of the Russell Post Office, and how Scott thinks
that it will work the best. We will also
look at replacing the flagpole in front of the Post Office.
Mayor Bedford also discussed that he had met with Iowa
American Water and their proposal to possibly purchase and be overseers of our
water and lagoon systems. The Council
does not wish to pursue this as it would take all aspects out of our hands and
be dependent upon someone else. Jim
Larrington stated that this would be in the same lines as what Chariton has
done with their wastewater system.
At 9:00 Terry Newcomb motioned to extend the meeting this
motion was seconded by Chris Feehan.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Fines on our City Ordinances were then discussed. All will need to be reviewed by an Attorney
and so this process will be put on hold for the new council that will begin in
January 2020.
The water tower was recently cleaned and painted on the
inside for maintenance on the tower.
Suez is the tower company that we have contracted with in the past at
$+9,000.00 per year for this painting to be completed at a 12 to 15 year
interval. During this maintenance work,
Jim Larrington was in contact with the Rathbun Water division and after Jim
reviewed his findings with the council, it was determined that we will set
aside these monies ourselves and put in an interest bearing account over a ten
year period to pay for the work as it is needed. We will have monies available for our own
repair work that we complete on the tower but the majority of this budgeted
amount will now be held in our own account.
Mayor Duane Bedford and Cindy Smith will discuss with the bank how best
to proceed with the funds.
Chris Feehan motioned that we not renew the contract with
Suez and that we set aside funds for maintenance as needed. Casey DeHoedt seconded this motion.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Begger’s night for Halloween was then discussed.
Chris Feehan motioned for the City of Russell to have begger’s
night on Thursday the October 31st of
October from 6pm to 8 pm. This motion
was seconded by Casey DeHoedt.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s – None
Casey then stated that the Trunk or Treat that the
Historical Society has on Maple street will be on Saturday the 19th. Council approved the closing of Maple Street
for the event.
Casey DeHoedt motioned for adjournment at 9:45 and this
motion was seconded by Terry Newcomb.
Aye’s – All Approved
Nay’s - None
_____________________________
Approved by:
Duane Bedford, Mayor
______________________________
Attest:
Cindy A. Smith, City Clerk
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