June Yard of the Month

Russell News

Around Town 

     Thursday, July 4th,  the city will have regular garbage pickup  even though it is  a holiday.  Our condolences go out to the Russ and Joann Harris family for the death of their son-in-law in a freak accident in Minnesota. Services will be held this week. 

      For the 4th of July celebration, the flags will be placed on the Avenue of Flags at the Russell Cemetery on July 2 and removed on July 5th. They are a sight to behold. 

Museum/Library News

   New officers elected for the coming year are president,-Wanda Liddell; vice president-Terry Elmore; secretary-Duane Bedford; treasurer-Jacque Chester.

     The Museum Board wishes to thank all donations that helped match the Grant for our cement work. Whether monetary or labor, it is very much appreciated.  There is still help needed to finish the landscaping.

Special recognition goes to Harry Reed and Ed Sellers for their extreme efforts on those hot days. 

      Also, the blue Russell Alumni books are now available for sale at the Museum, along with the DVD's. 

     For your convenience, for June only, the Museum/Library will be open from 1-5 Monday through Friday and 10-2 p.m. on Saturday. 

June Calendar

       Children's Story Time continues at the Museum/Library, Friday at 1:00 p.m. for children ages 4-8. 
       Sunday, July 14th at 10:45 a.m. First Baptist is having a Vacation Bible School kick-off at the band stand. A couple of puppet skits  will  be introducing Spy Guy/Girl, a character that has skits each day of VBS. They will  have a picnic afterwards for anyone who wants to come. All food is provided for that. VBS will be that week, the 15th-19th, from 6-8:15 p.m. for ages 4-5th grade (completed). The closing program will be on Sunday the 21st at 10:45 a.m. The theme is "Investigation Destination," and it's all about secret agents finding and following clues. Everyone is invited. 

For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog at:
http://www.russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com
For Lucas County information try their blog at:
http://lucascountygenealogy.blogspot.com
If you have comments or suggestions for this column, e-mail 
myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402
The Russell Museum's email - rihs106@yahoo.com

Visit from Our Iowa Magazine Editor

On Tuesday, June 18, the Our Iowa magazine editor Jerry Wiebel and his wife, Paula toured the Russell Museum, along with other attractions in Lucas County, to get ideas to feature in an upcoming article in their magazine.

It seems the magazine is going to feature different attractions from throughout Lucas County in a future issue.  Linda Baynes and Lyle Asell were giving them a quick tour through Lucas County.

The magazine was founded by Roy Reiman, publisher of such magazines as Taste of Home, Farm Wife News and other magazines.  Our Iowa is one of Iowa's most popular publications.  Reiman created Reiman Gardens, now one of the largest public gardens in Iowa.   Reiman Gardens creates a striking entrance to Iowa State University and the city of Ames.

Russell Library's Summer Reading Program

The Russell Library will begin their Summer reading Program on Friday, the 7th of June at 1:00 p.m. Last day will be August 9th.  Our thanks go out to Joan and Craig Gooder for providing this enjoyable time for the children.  Last years session was very well received and the children really enjoyed the stories.  See what the Gooder's have planned for this summer.  See you there.

Benefit Poker Run for Amanda and Aaron Russell

Amanda and Aaron Russell are the daughter and son-in-law of Chris and Brenda Knust of Russell, IA.  Amanda and Aaron have lost everything in a house fire in May.  

Please come and enjoy a fun ride for a great cause.  The ride will be starting at the Southside Bar & Grill in Russell and ending at Harley Haven Sports Bar in Russell.  There will be food, an auction and the DJ will be starting at 8:00 p.m.  All proceeds will be going to Amanda and Aaron.

1st place is $100 donated by Harley Haven; 2nd place is $50 donated by The Landing; and the Worst Hand is $25 donated by Southside.  The entry fee is $10 per card and 100% of the benefit will go to Amanda and Aaron.  All of the proceeds from the auction items that are donated by local businesses and individuals will also go to the family.  Thanks to all for your help and support

Sign in starts at 12:00 p.m. at the Southside and the ride will leave at 1:00 p.m.  The route will be to The Landing, Dawgs, Red Barn, Whistle Stop and the last card will be at Harley Haven at 7:00 p.m. with the auction to follow shortly after.

Thank you in advance for attending and supporting our friends and family of Russell.

Russell City Council Meeting June 10th

Council members present were Ed Scheel, Mayor; Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, Jay Pierschbacher and Wayne Riggs, Councilmen.
Also attending were:  Wendy Nickell, City Clerk; City employee, Larry Mitchell; Visitors: Craig Gooder, Larry Templeton, Steve Pollard and Joe White.

Approval was given to close part of Short Street for an event at Harley Haven June 22.  Harley Haven will be having another event July 19 and that approval is yet to be granted.

A resident needs a culvert replaced in his driveway.  Resident has to purchase the culvert and the city will put it in.

Steve Pollard requests the water be turned on at 409 S. Prairie.  City employee Larry Mitchell will install a meter at the site.

Joe White requested an explanation about the open area behind his home.  The Mayor explained that the area behind his home is not an alley and never has been.

Larry Mitchell continues to work on repairs to the streets.

Repair needs to be done to a tube in the alley and adjoining properties to the north on the corner of Ames and Main.

Larry will check on prices for two tires for the dump truck.

The next meeting will be on Monday July 1 at 7 p.m.

Reminder:  The Trojan Campground at the old football field is now open for your use.  Self-explanatory directions are available at the entrance.

Historical Society Property Improvements

The Russell Historical Society is again making efforts to improve the looks of the community.  Have you noticed the improvements being done to the sidewalk area of the Museum at the corner of Prairie and Shaw Streets?  They started digging out and removing the old sidewalks and the driveway and hauling the cement chunks away on Sunday June 2nd.  The rain has been giving them some trouble, but they have gradually begun to get the forms placed.  They will continue to adjust them and do some more excavation to get it up to grade.  There will be a walkway leading up to a 7 x 10 area at the corner of the building by the Memorial Board for the picnic table, a  large driveway approach to the garage door, along with handicapped accessibility at the street corner and to the building.  Plus new sidewalks in front of the museum and around the corner.  With the addition of new sidewalks at Beaty Insurance and the Museum's new sidewalks, the corner of Prairie and Shaw will look really nice.

Trojan Campground

The Trojan Campground at the old football field is now open for your use.  The Firemen camped there this past weekend.  Self-explanatory directions are available at the entrance.

Russell Alumni Reunion Report

On behalf of the 2013 Russell High School Alumni Reunion Committee, we would like to thank everyone that attended and helped with the Reunion on May 25th.  We were completely pleased with the great turnout of people that braved the chilly weather.  As always, it's great to see former classmates and teachers.  We are so fortunate to live in a community where we know almost everyone.  We look forward to keeping the Russell Alumni reunion going strong and we are certain that the 2018 Alumni committee will do an amazing job of coordinating the next reunion.  It's been a pleasure putting together this event and we will cherish the whole experience forever.  

The Russell Historical Society Museum/Library reported it was thrilled to see 115 Alumni and friends   They viewed all the displays, renewed old friendships and made more memories.  They were served cookies and beverages provided by the Alumni Committee.  The museum volunteers are looking forward to hearing the happy chatter at the next reunion.

Sincerely, the 2013 Alumni Committee - Donise Atwell Altenhofen, chairman; Kelli Miller Spencer, vice chairman; Felicia Brown Beaty, treasurer and Nikki Slack Hermann, Secretary.

Officers for the next reunion are Brian Moore, chairman; Charlie Relph, vice chairman; Jennifer Woods, secretary; Ashley Bedford, treasurer.

Russell City Council Meeting May 13th

The Council approved the following items:

Renewing the cigarette license for the Last Chance and The Southside.  The street in front of the Southside will be closed after the Reunion activities on May 25th, for street dancing.  

Amanda and Aaron Russell's burned house

Vicki Jordan  talked about the benefit for Amanda and Aaron Russell to be held on June 22nd.  This will be a poker run for the motorcycle riders.  She requested that Short Street be blocked off for motorcycle parking.  The street will only be blocked off for about an hour on Saturday for check in at 12:30 p.m.  Then the street will again be blocked off from 6:30-7:00 p.m. for the evenings activities.  The Jordan's will get signed permission from residents on that street and bring documentation to city hall.

Pictured above is the home of Aaron and Amanda Russell two miles south of Oskaloosa that burned down April 26th.  Both Aaron and Amanda are from Lucas County (Russell) and a donations account has been set up for them at Community 1st Credit Union in Chariton.

Luke Rich was approved as part-time police officer for the city.  

Mike Mason will be hired as a part-time city employee.  Maximum hours per week will not exceed 20 hours.

Gene Wright's high bid for renting the hay ground was accepted.

Their was a discussion regarding the go-cart race track near the corner of Smith Street and Chapman Street.   Subjects covered were:  improvements at the track; cover tires; he has a permit to sell soda and the proceeds from those sales and other items will go back into helping maintain the track.  The DNR inspector Amy Buckendahl approved the tires as they all have holes so they will drain properly.  Banners will cover the tires from street view.  Go-karts come on a vehicle and leave on a vehicle.  A permit will be necessary as there are 501 tires and a permit is required at 500 tires.   The hours for the racing are from 1-5p.m on Saturdays.  If noise becomes an issue, changes will be made to remedy this.  Concern was expressed regarding the area not being kept cleaned up.  The Council and the Mayor will go meet with the owners of the property and the race track, to check the appearance of the track and discuss options on what to do.

Buddy Davis and Brant Paige have left the fire department and a new member is Mike Mason.  The fire department received SCICF grant funds for further work on the fire station addition.  A resolution for the fire department to apply for grant money through the USDA was approved.  There is a need to replace the current rescue unit.  The city will get bids for fixing the fire hydrant on the corner of Ames and Maple St.

Ed Elaim will contact Jeremy to see about the cost and possibility of surveying the west end of Short St.

Clayton from the Lucas County road department came down and looked at culverts on South Prairie St. and gave ideas on fixing it.  Fema called about flood damage and the Mayor did indicate the city did have damage.

A motion for Wendy Nickell to attend a workshop sponsored by the Iowa League of Cities in Albia on June 6th was approved.

Council members present were:  Ed Scheel (Mayor), Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, and Wayne Riggs.  Jay Pierschbacher and Don Sellers were absent.  Also in attendance were city employee Larry Mitchell, Fire Chief Craig Alexander, Jim Neer, police officer Luke Rich and City Clerk Wendy Nickell.  Visitors were Delores Carroll, Vicki Jordan, Dustin Davis, Susan Beecher, Craig Gooder, Penny Stouwie, Sara White, Larry Templeton, Don Todd.

The next meeting will be on on Monday June 10th.

Vacation Bible School

Faith United Methodist Vacation Bible School will be from Sunday, June 23rd through Wednesday, June 26th from 6-8 p.m.  The theme will be "Going to the Fair".  All kids are welcome who have been to pre-school through 5th grade.  See you at the Fair!

Russell School Alumni Reunion

Just an update regarding the 2013 Russell Alumni reunion.  Planning is well under way and this years reunion will be an amazing celebration.  Be sure you mark your calendar for May 25, 2013.  A delicious pork loin meal will be served at the Russell Volunteer Fire Station between the hours of 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.  with the program to follow at the bandstand stage on Shaw Street.  Along with utilizing the Fire Station, we are also hosting an open house from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m at the Russell Historical Museum.  We have also reserved the Russell Community Center for the day so classes can have an additional gathering spot.

There will be a blue book CD available for purchase with all of the updated contacts of all graduates and faculty of Russell High School.  We will be mailing out the invitations to the reunion March 25th.  Cost of the meal will be $12.00 per person, please fill out the registration form and mail it back with payment by May 1st, 2013.

We are looking forward to a fun celebration in Russell.  Lets keep the Trojan Spirit alive.

If you have further questions, please contact one of the Alumni Committee, which consists of: Donise Atwell Altenhofen, Committee Chairman,
at 641-203-0993 or altenhofen@sirisonline.com; 

Kelli Miller Spencer, Vice Chairman, at 641-203-2095; 

Felicia Brown Beaty, Treasurer, at 641-203-2894; 

and Nicki Slack Hermann, Secretary, at 641-203-2063.

CIty Wide Garage Sale

Russell City Wide Garage Sale-May 11

Russell will have a city-wide garage sale on May 11, from 8-noon.  Please leave your name at the museum if you want to be included on the map.  There is no charge for being on the map.   Maps are free and available at the Museum the day of the sale.  If you don't want to have your own sale, you can donate your items to the Museum garage sale.  For more information contact Roberta at 535-4191.

Russell Post Office New Hours

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, the Russell Post Office will begin new retail window hours.  They will be open from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, hours will be from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.  After May 4th, the interior mailboxes will be available 24 hours a day.

Russell City News - April

Russell will have its annual clean-up day on April 27 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.  Fees will be as follows:  car or pickup load $10; TV's $15 each; computer monitors $15 each; tires $5 each; mattresses $5 each piece.  Refrigerators, washers/dryers; air conditioners, computer towers, anything metal will be no charge.  The City Clerk will be available and will collect fees that day.

Russell City Hall will now have a sophisticated accounting system.  New computer software has been installed to be used for the City of Russell's accounting, utility billing and payroll.  There will be no increase to residents monthly service to cover the charge for this software.  You will still receive your bill on a postcard.

The Russell Water Quality Report for 2012 is available at City Hall for viewing.

Russell City Council Meeting April 1, 2013

Council members present were Mayor Ed Scheel, Jeremy Blue, Wayne Riggs and Don Sellers. Absent were Duane Bedford and Jay Pierschbacher. Others in attendance were Police Chief Jeff Johnson, City Employees Larry Mitchell and City Clerk, Wendy Nickell. Visitors were Penny Stouwie and Dusty Butler.

Jeff Johnson is following up on junk debris, resident water and sewer issues.

Clean-up day will be April 27 from 8:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. Fees will be as follows: Car or pickup load $10, TV's $15 each, computer monitors $15 each, tires $5 each and mattresses $5 each, refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioners, computer towers, anything metal will be no charge. The City Clerk will be available and will collect fees that day.

Some work on the streets, including culvert work on south Prairie Street.  The Mayor has been in touch with the county regarding this repair.   Larry will get some cold patch and work on fixing streets as soon as possible.  Larry will purchase a new sweeper.  An ad will be put in the paper for hay ground rental.

An ad will be placed in the Chariton papers for a PT employee with hours not to exceed 30 per week. Applications may be picked up at City Hall and will need to be returned by April 19.

Penny Stowie was there to represent Larry Templeton regarding his go-kart track/races. On May 4th, Larry will have training personnel at the track to instruct individuals on how to operate and care for their go-karts and also to instruct on safety.  Mr. Templeton has a release of liability for drivers to sign. The City cannot keep Mr. Templeton from running the track.  We will address complaints should they arise.  We were told the track shuts down at dark.

Russell Fire Department Annual Ham Dinner

The Russell Fire Department will hold their annual ham dinner on Saturday, April 13 from 4:30-7:00 p.m at the Russell Community Center.  If you would like a home delivery, call Brian Beaty at 641-203-3217 or Jeff Neer at 641-203-2039.  This year they are also holding a raffle for a $100 pork bundle.  Tickets are available from any fireman.

Historical Society Celebrates 10 Years

The Historical Society's goal, back in 2001 in Dr. Hermann's old medical building,  was to provide a place where historic memorabilia could be maintained and displayed for future generations.  With very generous grants, contributions, fund raisers, community support and donations of labor, we achieved this goal.  On April 12, 2003 the new building was completed and an Open House was held.

Now ten years later the Russell Museum/Library will hold an Open House, and a sausage/gravy over biscuits, and scrambled eggs breakfast, on Saturday  April 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. with a free will offering.  The Open House will continue until 2:00 p.m.

The building is completely paid for with the help of the above mentioned people and organizations.  We have a facility that provides a small lending library, a computer lab with Internet access, a fabulous large museum with hundreds of historic articles from Russell's past and a meeting place.  If you haven't seen it before, now is the time!!!

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

The Southside Bar will feature fun activities in honor of St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 16th.  Activities feature an Irish breakfast from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.  A parade at noon, and a corned beef dinner starts at 5 p.m.  The Southside Bar is also now offering food Monday-Saturday from 5-9 p.m.  Available will be sandwiches, salads, appetizers, pizza and drinks.

Town Hall Meeting

The Community Club is holding a Town Hall meeting with Republican Representative Greg Heartsill at the Community Center on Friday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.  Come see our government in action.

Russell Welcomes New Business

Harley Haven and Sportsbar has opened where Whiskey Dick's had its business.  Scott and Vickie Jordan are the new owners.  They will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m.  They will sponsor a DJ & party on Saturday March 16.  Welcome!

Permit-To-Carry Class

Monday, March 18, 6:30 p.m., the Russell Sportsmen's Club will hold an Iowa Permit-to-Carry class in the new education building southwest of Russell.  The class is required by Iowa law in order to receive a permit to carry.  The course is approximately 2½ hours of classroom time.  Afterward, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can be taken by the participant to their County Sheriff, who is the permit issuing authority.  Permits are good for five years and may also be used as a substitute for a permit to acquire.  To register for the class, call Dan t 6451-203-5296.

Russell City Council Minutes, Feb. 4, 2013

The following information may be of particular interest to Russell residents.

The Council approved the agreement with Country Trash as trash hauler for the City of Russell.  Pickup will still be Thursday morning.  They request all trash be at the street by 7 a.m.  If you need a trash container, please call the Russell City Hall at 641-536-2494 or Country Trash at 641-947-6000.  If a resident is going to have trash over the allowed 60 gallons or appliances to dispose of, you will need to call Country Trash directly to arrange for pickup and payment.  The city plans to have the annual cleanup day this spring.  Be watching for further information regarding date and fees.

The Council approved a request from Scott and Vicki Jordan to move forward with starting a business in Russell and obtaining a liquor license.

It was approved to enter into a contract with Data Technologies from Omaha, Nebraska to purchase five computer software modules that have to do with State and other Federal government laws.  The other company they were doing business with went out of business.

The Council is researching the possibility of purchasing a dump truck.

Council members present were Duane Bedford, Jay Pierschbacher and Jeremy Blue.  Mayor Ed Scheel and council member Wayne Riggs were absent.  Mayor Pro-Tem Don Sellers called the meeting to order.  Also present was city employee Larry Mitchell.  Visitors in attendance were LuAnn and Jerry Alexander from Country Trash, Vicki Jordan and Craig Gooder.  Wendy Nickell served as the City Clerk.

The next budget discussion and approval will be at the next meeting on Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

Around Town

The Beaty Insurance office moved into their new building last week.  They are enjoying the spaciousness, being in a good location, with windows viewing the Russell community in action.  The heat in the floors is proving to be a success and they are pleased the building was finished so quickly.  What looks like a garage area actually contains their extensive filing system.

They will be holding an open house in the near future so they can show it off.

Russell Sportsmen's Club

February Event

Russell Sportsmen's Club will hold an Iowa Permit-to-Carry class at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 25 in the new education building southwest of Russell.  The class is required by Iowa law to receive a permit to carry.  The course is approximately 2½ hours classroom time.  There is no live firing.  After the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion signed by the certified instructor.  The certificate is taken to their County Sheriff who is the issuing authority.  Permits are good for five years and may be used as a substitute for a permit to acquire.  To register for the class, call Dan at 641-203-5296.
Heads-up to women; the Sportsmen's Club will offer a Ladies only handgun clinic twice in 2013.  The first one is Sunday June 9 at 2 p.m. and the second one is Sunday, September 8 at 2 p.m.

2013 Russell Alumni Reunion

From Facebook - January 24, 2013 - Donise Atwell Altenhofen

The 2013 Russell Alumni Reunion planning is well under way. The reunion date will be May 25, 2013 in Russell. Although we don't have access to the school anymore we have lots of ideas in the making to have an amazing celebration involving the Fire Station, the Historical Museum and the stage up town for the festivities that evening. We will be mailing out the invitations by March 15th. If you have moved within the past five years we would love to have the updated list as soon as possible. As we are on a very tight budget we are trying to do as many things through phone, email and Facebook contacts. Please contact one of the Alumni Committee, which consists of myself Donise Atwell Altenhofen, Committee Chairman at email - altenhofen@sirisonline.com, phone - 641-203-0993; and facebook.com "You Grew Up in Russell" or Kelli Miller Spencer, Vice Chairman at 641-203-2095 or Felicia Brown Beaty, Treasurer at 641-203-2894 and Nicki Slack Hermann, Secretary at 641-203-2063. We are looking forward to a fun celebration in Russell. Let's keep the Trojan Spirit alive.

Desperate for a Christmas Gift

The above is a picture of Ed Sellers' "desperate for a Christmas gift" project for his two year-old great-great nephew.

He designed and built a threshing machine along with a tractor and hay rack.

It is made mostly out of laminated wood.  The main drive belt is an emery cloth.  Other items used  were  tooth picks and rubber bands.

It appears to be much larger than it actually is, the threshing machine stands about 10 inches tall, is 6 inches wide and 18-24 inches long and weighs about 10 1/2 pounds.

He got a little carried away after he finished the tractor and hay rack which resulted in the threshing machine. 

The threshing machine will stay in Russell at the Museum,  the tractor and hay rack are at home in Texas.

He has plans to make a steam tractor, which was inspired after the first project got out of control.

Christmas Outside Decorations Winner

Wayside Garden Club's Christmas Decoration Award

 

Ron Hoover's elaborately decorated yard full of all kinds of Christmas decorations, won this year's Wayside Garden Club Outside Decoration Award.  You may have seen this yard as you drove into Russell on the main street into town.  The picture did not make the newspaper so we are mentioning it now to give recognition to Ron for his efforts in lighting up that corner of Russell with his special Christmas projects. 

Russell Council January Meeting

The Russell City council met Monday, January 7th at 7:01 p.m.  Wayne Riggs, Jay Pierschbacher and Duane Bedford were present and Jeremy Blue and Don Sellers were absent.  Fire Chief Craig Alexander, Police Chief Jeff Johnson and one visitor Craig Gooder were also in attendance.

A motion to approve Resolution 13-1 was made by Jay and a second was received from Duane.  This Resolution is to list the paid 2013 holidays for full time city employee, Larry Mitchell.  The motion was approved 3-0.

An update on junk vehicles was given by Police Chief Jeff Johnson.

Duane made a motion to approve the appointment of Craig Alexander as the new Fire Chief for the Russell Volunteer Fire Department and the motion was seconded by Jay.  The motion was carried 3-0.  Brian Beaty - Assistant Chief, Jeff Neer - Captain, Chris Feehan - Captain, Mark McCurdy - Lieutenant are the other Fire Department officers.

Wendy, the City Clerk asked for a budget hearing at the next meeting.

The Community Club will be contacted by Craig Gooder about setting up a town meeting with Greg Heartsill.

Wayne made the motion to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. with second by Jay.

The next meeting will be on February 4, 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Special Election in Russell December 4th

On Tuesday December 4, a special election for the residents of Lucas County will be held throughout the County. 

The issue is as follows:

"Shall the Indian Hills Community College (Merged Area XV) Board of Trustees be authorized to certify, as per Iowa Code Section 260C.28 (2), for the tax year beginning July 1, 2013, continuation of a tax not exceeding six (6) cents per thousand dollars of assessed value in any one year and for a period not to exceed ten (10) years, for the purposes of program sharing between community colleges or for the purchase of instructional equipment?"  Just a YES or NO vote will be taken.