Presley Swan Thank You

Thank You

On July 29th I was crowned the 2011 Lucas County Fair Queen.  I felt completely honored to be chosen to represent such a wonderful county.  On August 9th I headed to the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition more nervous then ever.  Soon enough, I made friends and started what soon became the time of my life.  Some activities I did were:  Learning to model and walk the catwalk, Martial Arts, Zumba, proper etiquette, visited the Iowa Hall of Pride, Historical Museum and the Farmers Market.  Going to win the crown was my intent, but after meeting the other girls I realized how difficult it was going to be.  The experience was literally once in a life time.  I wanted to go there, have fun, and meet all the queens and that's what I did.

I would like to thank the Lucas County Fair Association for giving me the opportunity to compete in the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition.  Your support was amazing to have and I feel completely honored to represent your fair.  Secondly, I'd like to thank my community for all the support while I was at the competition.  Talking and taking pictures with all of you at the State Fair was great!

The Iowa State Fair Queen Competition was the best experience of my life and I will never forget the time I spent up there.  Parents, keep your kids involved in FFA and 4-H.  The leadership and speaking skills they will develop through those organizations will take them far in life.  The friendships they will also make by getting involved will last forever.  Also, girls run for your county fair queen.  The opportunities you will face will change your life.  

Thank you all for your support.  Especially the Lucas County Fair Association for giving me the opportunity.  I feel honored to represent our county for the next year as the 2011 Lucas County Fair Queen.

                      Presley Swan

Dixon Reunion Held at Russell Community Center

The descendents of John and Eliza Coe Dixon met at the Russell Community Center for a reunion of the clan.  A smaller than usual group attended this year, but we were overjoyed to have our oldest member present to enjoy the great dinner and conversation.  Vera Clanin, age 104, has only missed a very few reunions in her lifetime, and she was able to come after having suffered a broken arm earlier this year.  She was presented with a beautiful tiara as the oldest person attending.  Other Russell people attending were Jackie Andrews and Betty Cross.

Gertrude Larson Celebrated her 90th Birthday

Gertrude Larson, formerly of Russell, celebrated her 90th birthday on August 27.  Her family hosted a card shower in her honor.  Cards and birthday greetings may be sent to Gertrude at 909 N. State St. Pleasantville, Iowa  50225.

Grumpy's Now Open at 114 S. Grand

There's a lot of delicious food being served at Grumpy's, which is now open at 114 S. Grand in Chariton.  The restaurant is owned by Heather Morrow and opening day was July 3.

The above picture shows Heather Morrow cutting the ribbon at the ambassador call at Grumpy's on August 19.  The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 8pm and on Saturday's from 11am to 2pm.  Morrow said that they serve a lot of the same items as before but don't serve the taco items.  There are two employees at Grumpy's, Dean Whaley and Dalton Barton.

Brown - Braida Engagement

Jeremy Brown and Jennifer Braida would like to announce their engagement.  A November 5, 2011 wedding is planned at the First United Methodist Church in Chariton.  A reception will follow concluding the ceremony at Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Chariton.  Jenny graduated from Chariton High School in 2007.  Jeremy graduated from Russell High School in 2001.  The couple plans to live in Russell with their children Emilea, Ashlyn, Ellie and Ayden.

Tucker and Seaman Wedding

Several from the Russell area attended the nuptials of Tucker Thompson (son of Ron and Robin Thompson) and Amy Seaman (daughter of Terry and Linda), at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor, Co., on July 23, 2011.

Serving as officiant for the ceremony was the groom's longtime friend, Brian Moore.  Brian's wife Crystal served as one of the bride's personal attendants.

Groomsmen from the Russell area included Conrad Elmore - cousin of the groom as co-bestman; Shane Adolphi - the groom's brother-in-law; Jeremy Blue and Morgan McCullough - cousins/friends of the groom; and Dan Pfeifer - longtime friend of the groom.

The groom's sister, Tracey Adolphi was one of eight bridesmaids; and his nephews Cullen, Conner & Cooper Adolphi served as an usher, the ring bearer, and the rose bearer, respectively.

Abbi Pfeifer (daughter of Dan and Stef) passed-out bubbles as the guests exited the church.

A lovely reception, held at the Garden Room in Loveland, Co., immediately followed the ceremony.

The newlyweds recently purchased a new home and will soon be moving to Johnstown, Co.

Gartin Family Reunion

The family of John and Rose (Lynch) (Gartin) met Sunday, July 24, at the Millerton Cafe for their annual reunion.  Five of John and Rose's nine children were represented.  Those attending from Charlie and Rose (Gray Gartin's family were):  Mrs. Charles (Norma) Gartin, Jr. of Russell and Dennis and Charlene Gartin, of Cedar Falls.

Second Annual Pajama Drive

The second annual pajama drive held in memory of Jessica Luedtke has started this week.  The drive is being held to raise pajamas and other items for women in domestic abuse shelters throughout Iowa.  Jessica's parents are Kevin and Lori Luedtke of just west of Russell.

Pictured are Ty Luedtke, Jessica's son, along with his grandmother, Lori Luedtke, with a lot of the pajamas that were donated last year.  A lot of them donated were pink, which was Jessica's favorite color.

Sellers Appointed to Veterans Board

The board approved the appointment of Don Sellers to be on the Lucas County Veterans Affairs Commission.  The term begins Aug. 1, 2011 and expires on June 2, 2014. 

Years Ago

August 4 -

60 Years Ago -  Dr. L.C. Hermann and family, of Des Moines, were now living in Russell.  His new office was being erected through community effort and was located south of the Jeffries Grocery Store.

August 18 -

60 Years Ago - Bernard Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Johnson of Russell, exhibited the Grand Champion of all classes baby beef, as well as champion of the Angus baby beef class.

August 25 -

40 Years Ago - Russell's new Lions Club scored a 2-1 victory over the Chariton Lions Club in a donkey baseball game in Russell.  Scoring Chariton's only hit was Optimist Club member Jack Curtis.

60 Years Ago - Ruth Roach, of Russell, was among those receiving diplomas from the Department of Education of William Penn College in Oskaloosa.  She completed the standard two year elementary course of study.

Lucas County Fair King and Queen Named

Presley Swan named Lucas Co. Fair Queen with Greg Beard as Fair King.

The 2011 Lucas County Fair Queen contest had a couple of new additions this year including having a king crowned along with a queen.  There was also a Lucas County Fair Mom and Fair Dad announced.

Swan is the daughter of Angie and Matt Anderson and Darrell Swan.  Beard is the son of Randy and Jackie Beard.

Renae Beard, who is Greg's sister, was named queen first runner-up.  Jennifer Fitzgerald was named Miss Congeniality.

The first runner-up for king was Cameron Neer.

Lucas County Fair King and Queen Court

Pictured are the Members of the 2011 Lucas County Fair King and Queen Court.  Queen candidates are front from left:  Midori Reed, Presley Swan (queen), Briellyn Black, Renae Beard and Jennifer Fitzgerald.  King candidates are back from left:  Derek Head, Cameron Neer, Greg Beard (king) and Zach Ballard.

Lucas County Fair Mom and Dad

Pictured are the 2011 Lucas County Fair Mom and Dad, Tammy Black and Pat Evans.

Ann Alexander Celebrated 70th Birthday

Ann Alexander Celebrated her 70th birthday August 6.  Her family  hosted a card shower in her honor.  Cards and birthday greetings may be sent to 1392 185th St. Russell, Iowa 50238.