Eula Curtis Celebrated her 90th Birthday

Current and Former Chamber Directors Speak

The Chariton Chamber's annual meeting and 25th anniversary celebration was held at Carpenter's Hall in Chariton on March 19th.  As part of the celebration all three past Chamber directors, Sharon Kline, Ruth Comer and Deb Storm were present and each one spoke to the audience.  The present Chamber Director, Shantel Dow, also spoke.

Chamber Executive Shantel Dow working with Teen Serve

Knebel Wins Community Service Award

written by Bill Howes in the Chariton Leader on March 22, 2011

The Chariton Chamber's 25th anniversary celebration and annual meeting was a night to remember this past Saturday night.  Chariton's three past Chamber Directors, Sharon Kline, Ruth Comer and Deb Storm were all there and spoke individually to the audience.

Sandra Knebel, the freelance journalist for the Chariton Newspapers, received the Community Service Award.  Knebel won the award for her outstanding contributions and commitment and support of tourism in Lucas County.

The work Knebel does includes, writing grants for Tourism Lucas County (TLC), of which she is vice president.  She has also written grants for the Lucas County Arts Council and she's written several for the Chariton Airport.  Knebel is secretary of the Airport Advisory Board.

She was also instrumental in designing a marketing plan with Iowa State University (ISU) to promote Lucas County and all of its assets, designed the tourism website for Lucas County and compiled all the information for it and took the pictures for it as well.

Chariton Women's Club Gives Thumbs up to Tourism Efforts

Members of the Chariton Women's Club heard last week from their guest speaker, Sandra Knebel, that Lucas County was truly a great destination and pledged that Tourism Lucas County (TLC) a division of the Chamber of Commerce, would continue to compete to get the 2% increase in tourism revenues that other parts of the state are garnering.

Chamber Welcomes Shantel Dow as New Executive Director

written by Sandra Knebel Chariton Herald Patriot on March 3, 2011

On Monday, February 28, Shantel Dow began work as the new full time Executive Director of the Chariton Chamber of Commerce and Development Corp.

While the position is new for Dow, she comes to the Chamber with strong ties to the community.  She and her family moved to their country home near Russell nearly eight years ago when her husband, Dan, was hired as the principal for the Russell School.  He is currently the principal in Lacona with the Southeast Warren School District for grades four through six.  Dow's four children attend the Chariton School district - two daughters, Marissa and Leah in high school, and two sons, Sawyer and Carver in middle school.

Dow brings with her a multitude of experience and ideas that are certain to enhance the Chamber's mission.  She already has a wide base of networking and contacts.  Shantel says she feels right at home doing chamber work.  She loves the tourism related activities, special events, the Internet, meeting and working with new people, the opportunities to be creative and the challenges of economic development.

Board approves Township Appointments

They approved Fred Wilker to be appointed to serve as township clerk for Cedar Township.  The term is effective from March 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2014. 

The Board also approved Dave Orwig to be appointed to serve as trustee for Cedar Township effective March 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014.

Curran Cattle Co. Added Brand

Curran Cattle Co. added its brand to the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.

Curran Cattle Co. of Chariton recently added its brand to the Brand Wall at the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.  The brand represents the family's cattle farm, and also shows their committment to ICA and cattle production in Iowa.  Mike Curran received the brand at the 2011 ICA Annual Convention held in Ottumwa, Feb. 25-26.

Since 1995, members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association who have made a $1,000 donation to the organization have had their brand showcased at the ICA office in Ames.

Legislative Committee Visited Capitol March 15

The Lucas County Farm Bureau Legislative Committee consisting of Earl Comstock, Chairman Dan Harrison,  Dave Orwig, Carl DeJong, James Wright, Jim Secor, Richard Warren, Brian Beaty and Jack Hardie met at the Wallace Building at 502 E. 9th St., Des  Moines, on Wednesday, March 16, 2011.  They met with Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, had a legislative briefing and then had lunch with Senator Paul McKinley and Representative Richard Arnold.  In the afternoon, some of them visited the Capitol. 

Clayton Blue Celebratted 82nd Birthday

Clayton Blue celebrated his 82nd birthday on Friday, March 11.  His children and grandchildren hosted a card shower to honor him.  Birthday wishes may be sent to him at 1214 N. 7th St.  Room 74  Chariton, Iowa 50049.