Russell's Wayside Garden Club

Russell's Wayside Garden Club meets eight times a year, April through July, September through December.  No meetings are held January through March due to weather conditions and no meeting is held in August due to the State Fair.  This organization has been meeting since the mid-1930's.  Our membership is not large, and we would like to invite anyone who is interested in gardening and flowers to join us, even if you don't live in Russell.  Meetings are held in different members homes and a couple of times a year we have an outing and have lunch at nearby restaurants.  In July we have a picnic in one of the parks in Russell.  Everyone has a great time at the meetings, catching up on lives and different interests with our yards and gardens.  We have one "Master Gardener" in our group and she keeps us updated on any new happenings with plants and flowers.

The sign and pretty flowers at the entrance to town were placed there by this organization, but this area is now maintained by the sorority girls in town and the city does the mowing. 

The Yard of the Month award is done June through September to someone who has taken special interest in showing off their expertise in gardening and lawn care.  A sign is posted in the winner's yard to show their yard is special and it remains in their yard for one month.  The award might be for the prettiest flowers, the neatest lawn, the most unique yard or the most improved yard.  At Christmas time a monetary award is given to the best outside Christmas display.  For a small town there are lots of beautifully decorated houses and lawn displays.  

If you are interested in joining us, you may call 1-641-203-6139 for more information.   Our next meeting, October 4th, will be held at Martha Allen's home on Transformer Road.  Her fall Chrysanthemums are beautiful.  We would love to have you come to one of our meetings to check us out.  

Chariton School Board Election

195 people out of 5,545 registered voters voted in the Chariton School Board election on September 13.  Russell's own Kellie Gookin ran (and won) for a position on the Board.  The polls were open in Russell from noon - 8pm at the Russell Community Center.

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Voter turnout was low as only 3.5 percent of registered or possible voters in the county voted.  Even though turnout was low, it was still a lot higher than last year with 66 more people voting.  All three candidates who ran for the School Board in Lucas County ran unopposed.  Of the three candidates, two are current board members, Dr. Craig Scott, and Brian M. Davis.  The third candidate running was Kellie Gookin of Russell, who ran (and won) for the seat held by Duane Steenhoek, who decided not to seek re-election.  Dr. Scott won the District 2 seat, Gookin won the Director District 3 seat, and Davis won the At Large District 4 seat.  Sharon Kline won the Indian Hills Community College Director District 7 seat.

State Convention for Firemen

September 7-10, the Russell Firemen competed in the Firemen's State Convention in Montecello.  If you haven't noticed, these men have been practicing almost every evening for this event.  Their hard work payed off at this competition. 

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Russell Firemen came home with third place overall from the State Convention in Monticello.  The Firemen began their training in July. 

Competition was tough but they prevailed.  Besides the third overall, they won two second place trophies and three third place ones.

Second place on the Thief Drill went to Jim Neer, Jeff Neer, Corey Paige and Brian Beaty.

Second place on Replacing Section of Hose went to Chad Phippen, Rick Krutsinger, Jeff Neer and Scott Bingham.

Third place on Replacing Section of Hose went to Jim Neer, Steve Neer, Todd Atwell and Craig Alexander.

Third place in Extending Hydrant Line went to Chad Phippen, Corey Paige and Steve Neer.

Third Place in Advanced Leader Line went to Chris Feehan, Jeff Neer and Todd Atwell.

Russell appreciates their dedication to duty and loving care they provide our community.  Thank You and Congratulations.

Russell Museum Board Meeting for September

Please make a note of the date change for the Russell Museum Board Meeting.

Monday, September 12, 5pm at the museum.

Fall Festival

The group met on August 25th and decided on a theme for this years Fall Festival.  "Hometown Iowa". The Chariton Middle School Band will be leading the parade this year along with the Legion Color Guard.  The Fall Festival this year will be held on Saturday, September 17th.

Prizes will be awarded in the different catagories including parade, pie judging contest, cookie and bar judging contest, quilt show, and a kid's tractor pull.    The quilt show will be displayed in the old Russell Mall building next to Mike Beaty's Insurance office.

Pies must be brought to Last Chance between 8:30 and 9:00 Saturday morning.  The cookies and bars will be turned it to the Fire Station at the same times.  Quilts will be brought to the Russell Mall building, (time to be announced later).

The 4-H group will be in charge of Kid's Games this year.  Bud Welch will bring the tractor and weights for the Kid's Tractor Pull.  Donnie Hundley will be the helper for this event.  Prizes will be given for the Kid's Tractor Pull.

Entertainment will be brought to you on the bandstand, between 1pm and 4pm after the parade.  Albert Butler, Jessie Clark, Joe Allwood, Kevin and Michelle Langlinais and the Lineville Teen Band will be performing.

The community club snack wagon will be open for quick snacks and drinks (with very reasonable prices) all day.

The Community Building has been reserved for all day if anyone is interested in doing their flea market in that building.  The Russell Museum will also have space for displaying and selling items.  Or if you want to do your selling outdoors, the lot next to the Russell Mall will be available.

The small garden tractor sign-in will be at 4:00pm with the pull to start at 5:00pm.  This event should be over by 8:00pm at which time a live band, Stress Opposite, will be playing outside the Last Chance building.

We have heard that Whiskey Dick's is also planning to have a DJ the evening of the Fall Festival.

There will be drawings during the live entertainment in the afternoon.  A couple of monetary prizes will be awarded, but you have to be present in order to win.  Be sure you sign up for these drawings.

This promises to be one of the best Fall Festivals Russell has ever had.  Something to do all day long.  Be sure you bring along a comfortable lawn chair.  Seating is limited.  The area around the bandstand is well shaded and there are a few picnic tables to sit at and enjoy the show while eating your snacks.
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A noon meal will be available at the Last Chance.  Ice cream cones will be offered all day at 50¢.  Ice tea and lemonade will sell for 25¢ a glass all day long.

The Russell Firemen are planning a BBQ contest in place of the water fights with the cooking going into a free-will Beef, Chicken and Ribs dinner at the fire station.

Please call Beaty Insurance at 535-2585 or Deb Mason at 203-0681 with your questions, comments or suggestions and how you can help.

Russell Sportsmen's Club Activities for September-October-November

The Russell Sportsmen's Club voted to add bi-weekly Thursday evening trap shoots to the schedule this fall beginning September 1 at 7:00pm.  The remainder of the current schedule will stay the same.  The public is invited and youth are welcome at all events.  The range is located at 41570 280th Avenue southwest of Russell.  For more information, contact Dan at 641-203-5296. 

SHARE Sign Up for September

Tuesday, September 6, from 1-4p.m. is SHARE sign-up at the Museum.  Pickup is September 24.  Save up to 50% on your groceries.  Lots of meat choices, fruits, vegetables and much more, all reasonably priced.

Horseshoe Tournament in Russell

On Saturday, September 24, at 9am, there will be a horseshoe tournament at the Russell Community Center.  Come join the fun.

Beaty Family Score Big at Both Fairs

The Lucas County Fair Grand Champion Market Steer division was won this year by ten-year-old Mikenzy Beaty, daughter of Brian and Dawn Beaty of Russell, on August 3rd.  The steer was also named the heavyweight division champion as well.  

Mike Beaty, Mikenzy's grandfather, with Bert and Ernie pulling the Russell Oil tank wagon owned by the Phippen family of Russell, competed in the draft horse farm division at the Iowa State Fair on August 16th and won 1st place in the antique machinery class, the obstacle course class and the barn yard pull class.  He also won 2nd place in the log pull, 3rd in the cultivating class, and 5th place in the feed team race class.

Mike's team was named 1st in the best matched team class and was named the high point performer for the days activities. 

Harold Garner wins big in Horseshoe Competition

Congratulations to Harold Garner on the following placements in the horseshoe competition at the Iowa State Fair:

Open Class - 3rd place (3 wins, 2 losses)

Farmer Class A - 3rd place (3 wins, 2 losses)

Senior Class, 60 years and older, 1st place (5 wins)

Elder Class A - 3rd place (4 wins, 1 loss)

Third School Board Candidate

Kelly Gookin of Russell is the third Chariton School Board candidate.  Kelly feels education is important to her because she has two sons in the Chariton school system.  Tyler is in fifth grade and Joe is a freshman.

"The most important thing you can do for a kid is to give them a a good education, and I care about kids," said Gookin.  Kelly used to work as a teachers associate in the Russell School and wanted students from Russell to have Russell representation.  She wants kids to be able to come to her with their problems and she will listen to them.  "If I can do something to make things better for kids, then I will feel like I accomplished what I am setting out to do," Kelly said.  The election is on Tuesday, September 13.  Voting in Russell is done at the Russell Community Building from 12-8pm.

Russell's Yard of the Month for August

Nestled under a beautiful evergreen tree, the Joe Moore house and yard, with very unique decorations displayed in the yard, won the August Yard of the Month in Russell.  A miniature windmill, a miniature rooster and red, white and blue flags are just some of the ornaments that are standing around the place.  Potted flowers on the porch and blooming ones in a pot under the tree catch your eye.  A smiling face greets you from the trunk of the evergreen as you drive by. 

Museum Will be Open on Two Sundays in August

The Russell Museum will be open for two special Sundays, August 7 & 14,  from 3-5 p.m.  for usual business. Joan Gooder will offer to teach anyone during those hours how to crochet or knit small prayer squares for the troops. Contact Joan  at 702-806-7682 if you need more information.  Also bring any neutral-colored yarn if you have it.

Russell Sportsmen's Club Events

The Russell Sportsmen's Club will hold a charity trap shoot on Thursday, August 4 at 7:00pm to benefit Lucas County Relay for Life.  Shooters may register as individuals or as teams of five.  There will be a novice division for those with little or no experience, as well as a veteran division.  Certified coaches and other mentors will be on site.  Entry fees cover everything; shells, clay targets, eye and ear protection, instruction, and mentoring.  Firearms will be available to lend.  Participants must be 12 years or older.  Russell Sportsmen's Club is located at 41570 280th Avenue, southwest of Russell.  Entry forms are available at the Chariton Chamber Office, Chariton True Value, Beaty Insurance in Russell, and the Albia Newspaper Office.  For more information, call Dan Morrett at 641-203-5296.
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Saturday, August 6 from 8-5, the Sportsmen's Club will host an Iowa DNR Hunter Safety Course.  If you have kids or grandkids who need it, sign them up.  Participants must be 12 years or older or turn 12 during the season they plan to hunt.  The course is provided by the DNR.  Register online by clicking the following link: Iowa DNR Training .  Lunches and drinks will be available for a nominal fee or students may bring sack lunches.

Following the course, participants will have the opportunity to stay to shoot clay targets, with everything provided by the Sportsmen's Club.

For more information call Delbert at 641-766-6539.
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Sunday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m.  Russell Sportsmen’s Club will hold a recreational pistol match. Two firearms are required: any .22 rim fire semi-auto or revolver and any center-fire semi-auto or revolver .32 or larger.  There will be divisions for optical and iron sights.  The course of fire calls for 60 rounds; 30 rounds from each gun.  A second optional match will be conducted immediately following the first.  The public is invited.  Call Dan at 641-203-5296 for more information.
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Russell History - the book

Ooops!  We've fallen behind in keeping you in touch with how the Russell history book is progressing.  It is coming together slowly.  We have received many wonderful stories from all of you.  Now we're coordinating what you have sent us with what we have here in the museum that needs to be included to make the book as complete as possible.  It will have to be proofread and indexed, of course, but we hope to have all that done in time for sale at Fall Festival.  What will the price be?  That has yet to be determined and will depend largely on how large the book ends up being.  We will try to keep you better informed in the future.  Thanks for your patience.

Fried Chicken Dinner - Fund Raiser

Sunday, July 17, 11:30-1 pm, the Russell Historical Society is putting on a Fried Chicken Dinner with all the trimmings to help them raise funds for completing the new addition on their building.  If you remember these dinners in the past, they are delicious with generous proportions.  This is a good way to spend your afternoon after church, so we will see you there.

High Winds Take out 100 Year Old Tree

Todd McCombs had gone outside his Russell home around 1a.m. Monday, June 18, to move one of his two cars because it was near a 100-year-old oak tree and he feared branches of the tree might come down on the car.  He had just moved it when he heard what he thought was a train and then heard the massive tree tumble onto the northwest corner of his house and smash the back window of another car.  "The sound I heard had to have been a tornado overhead," he said.  Friends and neighbors were out Monday cutting the tree off his house.  Dozens of trees in Russell were damaged and several cars had trees and branches fall on them.  Tree damage was also visible along Highway 34 in both directions from the Russell turn-off.

Russell Community Club - Fall Festival and Camping

Does the community wish to have a Fall Festival this year?  If you are interested in making this possible, join us at the Russell Community Building for a meeting and a meal at 5:30pm on Thursday July 21.

Did you enjoy Fall Festival in Russell last September?  Was there something missing?  Now is your chance to let the Community Club know what you would like to have at Fall Festival and to get involved.

To be involved in Community Club or Fall Festival you do not need to have any special talents.  The only thing that we ask is that you are willing to share your ideas and time to help better the community.  We would like to make Fall Festival bigger and better, but we need more help.

The Community Club is also working on making a camping area down by the football field.  The Club has invited the Russell Firemen to park their campers at the new campground the weekend beginning on July 22nd at no charge.  The Club wishes to determine how well the old athletic field can handle the water and power needs for a group of campers.

Reminder Concerning Garbage Disposal

Two 30 gallon bags of garbage fills one 60 gallon brown container.  This is what each resident is allowed per week to be picked up.  Baird has reported that Russell residents are setting out more than the allotted amount of garbage each week.  If you are going  to have more than the allowable 60 gallons of garbage, you need to call Baird Sanitation (862-3734) to make arrangements to pay an additional fee.

The Jerry Wells Cabin

Have you seen the story about the Jerry Wells Cabin that is posted on the Lucas County Genealogical Society Blog?  You might enjoy it.  Take a look at it:  (click on the following link):  The Jerry Wells Cabin

Russell Blood Drive

Russell Community Club Blood Drive will be on Monday, July 18, from 3-7pm.  Please call 800-452-1097 for an appointment.

Yard of the Month - July

Joe and Kelly Gookin have a beautiful yard in Russell and consequently they won the Russell Yard of the Month for July.  The grass and the flowers look like a professional gardener has designed and manicured them.  Beautiful colors are arranged around the base of the house, with purple Clematis Plants climbing up the wooden porch on the east side.  You can see this display at 201 W. Ames St. in Russell, next door to last month's winners, Ron and Robin Thompson.

We had a terrible storm come through our area a couple of weeks ago and it is good to see so many of our neighbors and friends out cleaning up the broken tree branches and the damage done by this storm.  Russell residents are proud of their little town and have shown it by working hard on their yards.

SHARE Sign-Up

The month of July SHARE sign-up will be July 5 from 1-4pm at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building and pickup will be July 23rd. Save 50% on your groceries.  There are many different packages to choose from; Meat, lunch meat, fruits and vegetables, frozen strawberries and much more.  Stop by the museum and look at the list or check the newspaper on Tuesday the  5th.

New Business in Town! Welcome Whiskey Dick's Roadhouse

Russell welcomes a new business in town where the Pub used to be on Prairie Street near the railroad track.  Check it out. 

Thanks to the Russell Reivers

Click on picture to enlarge

The Russell Reivers 4-H Club recently landscaped around the Russell Cemetery sign as a 4-H Community Service project.  The club planned and budgeted for the project at their club meetings and then purchased the bricks, flowers and solar lights.  With the help of the 4-H club members, parents and leaders, they leveled and laid the landscaping bricks, filled in with dirt, and planted the flowers (knock-out roses, hostas, lilies, and creeping phlox).  They then applied the mulch and solar lights.  The project was complete in time for Memorial Day.

The Russel Cemetery Association was very pleased with the finished project and would like to thank the Russell Reivers 4-H Club, parents and leaders for all their hard work and expense for this wonderful project. 

If you weren't out to the cemetery around the Memorial Day Weekend, you might want to drive out and enter the cemetery at the top of the hill and enjoy the beautiful results of their hard work.

Russell's June Yard of the Month

Click on Image to Enlarge

The first yard to be chosen this summer is Ron and Robin Thompson's at 312 W. Ames St.  You don't always need flowers to make a yard look nice.  The clean-cut look of finely trimmed bushes and a lawn that is well manicured can make a yard stand out.  This is why the Wayside Garden Club in Russell has chosen this yard as it's June Yard of the Month.

If you are in Russell looking at the Thompson home, you might enjoy driving by the Lowell Sims home on Ames St..  He has been planting beautiful roses across the front of his house for a couple of years now and the result is beautiful.  The roses again weathered the very cold winter and abundant blooms are all over the rose bushes.

Special Thank You

What a surprise the residents of the Russell Development apartments had when they stepped out and found a potted tomato plant sitting on their doorstep.  We all want to thank the Horizon Club for this thoughtful gesture.  The plants are all growing and doing well in their five gallon pots.

Vacation Bible School in Russell

June 20-24, 6-8pm, Russell Faith United Methodist Vacation Bible School will be meeting.  The theme is "Shake It Up Cafe: Where Kids Carry Out God's Recipe."  On Friday night there will be a concluding program in the Sanctuary at 7:30pm - public invited.  We are encouraging the children to bring non-perishable food items for the food pantry operated by the Inter-church Council in Chariton.  Snacks will be served to the children Monday through Thursday, with a meal on Friday.  We will have classes for pre-school (age 4) through 6th grade.

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SHARE Sign up

The month of June SHARE sign-up will be June 7 from 1-4pm at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building and pickup will be June 25th. Save 50% on your groceries.  There are many different packages to choose from; Meat, lunch meat, fruits and vegetables, frozen strawberries and much more.  Stop by the museum and look at the list or check the newspaper on Tuesday the  7th.

Russell Sportsmen's Club

Saturday, June 11 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, a Permit-to-Carry class will be held at the Chariton Public Library.  Pre-registration is required.  The class is sponsored by this club.  call 641-203-5296 to register.

There will be another trap shoot on June 12.  All events now through the summer months will be held evenings at 7pm to avoid the heat of the day.

Russell Sportsmen's Club offers its facilities to church youth groups, Scouts, or other organized youth groups for supervised recreational shooting sports activities.  The Club has certified coaches and experienced mentors willing to help conduct youth group outings.

Activities begin with safety fundamentals and continue to discipline-specific instruction and target shooting.  

Russell Sportsmen's Club range is located five miles southwest of Russell, 41570 280th Ave.  The Club has a rifle range and a shotgun range and offers instruction in either discipline.  Outings may be scheduled during spring, summer or fall, contact Dan Morrett at 641-203-5296.

The public is invited to all events and youth are welcome. 

Saturday June 26, 7pm Russell Sportsmens Club, Center-fire pistol.