Private TJ Love Graduated Marine Boot Camp

Private TJ Love, graduated from Marine boot camp at the Marine Core Recruiting Depot in San Diego, California on December 7, 2012.  TJ is a 2012 graduate of Chariton High School.  He enlisted in December of 2011 on the delayed entry program.  He left for boot camp on September 10, 2012.  TJ is the son of Jim and Becki Neer, Russell and Brother of Jessica Love, of Russell.

Ugly Sweater Contest Winners

Ugly Christmas Sweaters



Cody Carroll shows off his ugly Christmas sweater. 
We would have printed it in color, but we feared reader
vision issues.



From left:  Carlee Carroll and Ashley Bedford show their unique and
very ugly Christmas sweaters.

Barbour-Keough Wedding

Jacqueline Noela Barbour became the bride of Jesse Lloyd Keough Saturday afternoon, Sept. 8, 2012 at the Club View Gardens in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.  Parents of the couple are Tammy and Joe Keough of Kapolei, Hawaii and Deborah and David Barbour of Kanehohe, Hawaii.  The bride's attendants included her sisters, Catherine, Elena, Angelica and Gabriella Barbour; the groom's sisters, Ashley and Micaiah, and friends, Natalie Van-Rensburg and Angeleca Hiromoto.  The groom was attended by friends, Nick Van-Rensburg and Adam Stephan.  The groom's brother Jeremiah was the ring bearer.  Attending from Russell were the groom's grandparents, Don and Ginger Sellers.  A reception and dinner followed the ceremony at the Club View Gardens.  The couple honeymooned in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Jesse, Jackie and son Nathaniel vistited with grandparents, Don and Ginger Sellers, in Russell, the later part of November, as well as many other relatives in the area before moving to San Antonio, Texas.

2012 Russell Volunteer Fire Department

Pictured are the members of the 2012 Russell Volunteer Fire Department.  Front row from left:  Ryan Atwell, Rae Evans, Mike Beaty, Brian Beaty, Mike McCurdy, Chris Feehan, Jeff Neer, Corey Paige and Steve Neer.  Back row from left:  Shawn Werts, Mose Bear, Jim Carroll, Randy McSparen, Kenny Gwinn, Marshal Schlutz, Todd Atwell, Chief Jim Neer and Asst. Chief Craig Alexander.  Not pictured:  Karna Alexander, Scott Bingham, Buddy Davis, Richard Dittmer, Chris Knust, Kevin Knust, Rick Krutsinger, Mark McCurdy, Mark Morrison, Jim Noble, Brant Paige, Chad Phippen and Jason Pardock.

Meg Prange's Appliqued Wall Hangings

Meg Prange, who lives south of Russell, stands by her hand appliqued wall hangings, which were displayed at the recent Lucas County Arts Council's Arts Festival at the Freight House in Chariton.

Paul Smith Celebrated his 85th Birthday

Paul Smith celebrated his 85th birthday on October 19.  Send cards and greetings to 3167 Hwy S56  Promise City, IA  52583.

Americorps VISTA Gave Back

Pictured:  Members of the Russell Fire Department Randy McSparen, Scott Bingham, Shawn Werts, Brian Beaty, Jim Carroll, Cory Paige, Chris Feehan, Jim Neer, Marshall Schlutz and Americorps VISTA member Kyla Glover.

Local AmericCorps Vista member Kyla Glover gave back to the volunteer fire departments in Lucas County by making them cookies and thanking them for the service they do in Lucas County.  Kyla is serving her second year with South Central Iowa Community Foundation.

Stork News

Wesley and Erin Johnson  of Ames announce the birth of their son, Kenneth Guy Johnson. Kenneth arrived October 4, 2010 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.  He joins two sisters, Abigail and Lucille.  Local grandparents are Linda Johnson of Russell and David and Gail Lockridge of Russell.  Great-grandparents are Guy and Evelyn Buttz of Russell and Norma Dene Thomas of Centerville.

Russ and Joann Harris Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

Their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. at the Russell Community center in Russell, Iowa.  Friends were invited to join them.  If you could not make it, please send greetings to P O Box 475 Russell, Iowa  50238

Healthiest State Initiative Walk

From Left: Natalie McGee, Sandra Knebel and Shantel Dow enjoy a laugh together while on the second annual Healthiest State Initiative Walk this past Wednesday.  On the walk walkers walked two laps around the inside of the Chariton square.  (Bill Howes photo).

Atwell's and Swigart's Winners

Years and Years Ago

September 27, 2012

20 Years Ago
Tracey Thompson was chosen as Russell High School's homecoming queen.  Freshman attendant was Trace Peterson; sophomore attendant was Heather Hermann; junior attendant was Kelly Elmore and senior attendant was Desiree Sibert.

Sibert Family Reunion

They met at the Russell Community Building for a basket dinner at noon.  Those present were Richard and Shirley Sibert, Faith Sibert and Melissa Dixon, Sara, Davidson and Hope Sibert, Donna and Paige Hundley all from Russell.  Out of town guests were Larry and Pat Etter, Newton; Liz Pelock and Jim Marconi, Newton; Jeff Pelock, Olivia Pelock, Newton; John and Gayla Sibert, Polk City; Gelene Sibert, Chariton; Bob and Barb Chase, Boone.

Russell's Wayside Garden Club

The Wayside Garden Club met September 4 with lunch at "Get Mugged" in Chariton.

Members present were Martha Allen, Jackie Andrews, Betty Cross, Ellen Hawkins, Pat Lindeman and guest Carrie Brown.

Discussion dwelled on the lack of fruit due to the spring freeze and the drought effect on lawn, garden and flowers this season.

The October 2nd meeting will be at the home of Martha Allen.

Mary Sandy's Twin Great-Grandchildren

Each of Mary Sandy's three sons has twin grandchildren.  Pictured are Bill Sandy kneeling beside his twin granddaughters, Isabella and Gabriella, held by great grandmother, Mary Sandy.  Their parents are Brock and Erin Sandy of Holdrege, Nebraska.  Standing is Jim Sandy behind his grandchildren, Jimmy and Vegas.  Their parents are Josy and Jason Stapleton of Corydon.  Lee Sandy is standing behind his grandsons, Chase and Taylor.  Their parents are Brett and Maria Sandy of West Des Moines.

2012 Iowa State Fair Result - Lucas County

Farm Teams Top Honors

High Point and Reserve               Farm Hitch Obstacle          Log Skidding
2) Mike Beaty                                               1) Mike Beaty                                    2) Mike Beaty

Antique Machinery                      Barnyard Horse Pull         Cultivator
or Vehicle                                                                                     Competition
4) Mike Beaty                                               2) Mike Beaty                                 2) Mike Beaty

Feed Team Race
1) Mike Beaty

Congratulations! , Mike

Friends Reunion

Donald and Fran Force of Peoria Ariz. have been visiting in Lucas County for the past week with relatives, classmates and friends.  On Tuesday, Aug 22, a group met with them at the Panda Buffet for a reunion.

Those attending were:  Kenneth and Margaret Gookin of Story City; Leland Gookin from Fairfield; Louise Byers and daughter, Joyce of Oskaloosa; Chuck and Jo DeBok from Boone and Paul and Clarice Smith of Promise City.

Attending from Russell were:  Paul Force, Jackie Andrews, Hazel Clanin, Loudene Penney, Margaret Phippen, Lowell and Arlene Sims, and Patty Blue.  From Chariton were Wanda Gookin, Lois Fogle and Jeanette Thompon.  Picture taking and sharing memories and laughter were the order of the day.

Farm Bureau County President's Conference

Van Ryswyk and Beaty Attend President's Conference

Lucas County Farm Bureau President, Danielle Van Ryswyk (left) and Vice President Brian Beaty (right), both attended the Farm Bureau County President's Conference held at Honey Creek Resort, Lake Rathbun on August 3-4.  Farm Bureau county presidents and vice presidents from several counties were invited to attend this leadership strengthening conference.  Topics covered included Paths to Financial Security (update on county finances); Path to the Future (county board succession) and Effectively Utilizing Committees to Cover More Ground.

Doris Clanin Celebrated her 90th Birthday

Doris Clanin celebrated her 90th birthday on August 25.  Her family  hosted a card shower in her honor.  Please send cards and special memories to 330 N. Main St.  Apt. #15  Chariton, Iowa 50049.

Chuck and Jo DeBok Celebrated 60th Anniversary

The children of Chuck and Jo DeBok hosted a 60th wedding anniversary celebration on Sept. 1, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, 205 S. Grand St. Chariton, IA.  Chuck and Jo currently reside at 2010 Cedar St. Boone, Iowa 50036.  No gifts, please.

Jeanne Hermann Celebrated her 90th Birthday

There was an open house Saturday, August 25, 2012 for Jeanne at Russell Community Center.  If you did not attend the open house please send greetings to Northridge Asst. Living, 1110 N. 6th  Chariton,  Iowa  50049.

Dixon Reunion

The annual reunion of the descendants of John and Eliza Coe Dixon was held on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2012 at the New Providence Baptist Church in Confidence, Iowa.  Representatives of five of the eight adult children of John and Eliza were present to enjoy the day.
Jackie Andrews and Betty Cross, from Russell (from George Dixon).
Marclla Dixon Beaty had descendants Maxine Beaty Smith, from Russell and Frances Beaty Force of Peoria, Arizona (formerly of Russell).
From Grace Dixon Phippen's line came Marla Force Harding of Centerville and her Dad, Donald Force of Peoria, Arizona.
Vera Dixon Clanin, 105, was again the oldest person attending.  Paul Smith won the oldest man prize and Jackie Andrews had the largest family group.
Next years reunion will be the second Sunday in August 2013, place to be announced.

Lucas County Farm Bureau

From left to right: 
Carl DeJong, Marshal Schlutz and Danielle Van Ryswyk (Servers).

Lucas County Farm Bureau board members Carl DeJong, Marshal Schlutz, Danielle Van Ryswyk, Dan Harrison, Earl Comstock, and Betty Hansen served Lucas County fairgoers watermelon on Wednesday August 1.

Clanin Family Reunion

37 members of The Clanin Family attended their family reunion August 5 at the Russell Community Center with a potluck meal.

Local area attendees were Loudene Penney, Donna Sellers and Hazel Clanin of Russell; Dixie Shounkwiler, Paul Feehan, Connie Fry, Richard and Lesa Fry, Cristi Riley and Reed Walters, Doris Clanin and Vera Clanin all of Chariton.

Many relatives attended from out of the area.

Next year we would like to get as many of the Seller's cousins as possible to join us.

Paul and Marcia Clanin will again be the heads of next year's reunion, which will be held on Sunday August 4, 2013 at the Russell Community Center at 12:30p.m.

Abrahamson's Celebrated 65th Wedding Anniversary

Glenn and Justine Abrahamson celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on August 24.  Glenn and Justine were united in marriage Sunday, August 24, 1947 in Russell at the home of Rev. Archie Beals.

Their family honored them with a card shower.  You may send congratulatory wishes to 511 East Jackson Apt. 23, Corydon, Iowa  50060.

Upcoming Reunions

Clanin Family Reunion

The Clanin family reunion was held Sunday Aug 5, at the Russell Community Center with a potluck meal.  All of the Sellers relatives are also encouraged to attend.  Please get in touch with any of the Sellers family that you know.

Bingham's Celebrate 55 Years of Marriage

Clinton and Ursula Bingham of Chariton are celebrating 55 years of marriage.  They were married Aug. 3, 1957 in Russell, Iowa, by the Rev. Archie Beals.  Their attendants were Virginia Stevenson and Robert Black

Chariton Rotary Program July 20

Dusty Hardin and Leah Dow, seniors this fall at CHS, participated this summer in Boys' State and Girls State Leadership camps.  This camp was a combination of leadership and government training held at Iowa State University for one week in June.  Dusty and Leah narrated a slide show presentation for the Rotatry Club of Chariton.  Several of the club's members had attended the Boys' State when they were seniors. 

Hall of Fame Agribusiness Person of the Year

Judi Wright (left) accepting her Hall of Fame Agribusiness Person of the Year plaque from Lucas County Farm Bureau President, Danielle Van Ryswyk (right).

Judi had worked for LCFB for 40+ years as administrative assistant before retiring in the fall of 2011.  She and her husband Jim live on 300 acres in Russell.  She credits much of her success at Farm Bureau due to the love and support of her husband. 

Judi and Jim both are long time LCFB members, Jim joining in 1954 and Judi as soon as they married in 1958.  While having not actually farmed for several years, they still enjoy putting in a large garden and mowing their huge yard.

Congratulations and welcome to the Lucas County Farm Bureau Hall of Fame!

Evans Garden In 2012 Garden Tour

Marilyn and Butch Evans' residence was one of five places featured on this year's Master Gardeners and Friends Garden Tour, which was held Saturday, June 23.  All of the plants in this yard compliment the large white house with blue shutters.  The lawn is immaculately maintained and is completely weed free.  You feel very welcome as you drive up to this home along the driveway lined with spiraea shrubs, some pink, some red, and a couple of white.  Marilyn started gardening when Butch was working nights and she needed something to do.  Her garden kept expanding and eventually wrapped around the house until she ended up with the garden you can see on this tour. 

Cross and Andrews Gardens

The Andrews and Cross residence is one of the five on this years Garden Tour.  These sisters use the many shades of green hostas' to create a mood in their gardens that is cool and refreshng, at the same time warm and cheerful.  They have placed their many kinds of hostas with contrasting sizes next to each other to make them look bigger or smaller.  They have used flower color from other perennial plants like purple cone flowers, deep orange tiger lilies, red border lilies, day lilies and even an Easter lily to contrast with the hosta leaves to create visual appeal for their entire hosta landscape.  The trees around the yard are big so they have a lot of shade, which is perfect for hostas.  They don't require a lot of work showing that old people can still have a yard and be able to take care of it with just a little time in the early mornings or late afternoons.

Steve and Patty Smith Welcome Garden Tourists

Steve's garden is very secluded behind tall bushes that offer only a very small opening to see through.  You might have mistaken the three "people" standing in the garden as the Smith's, but in reality they are the garden's "scarecrows" (as some people call them).

Steve and Patty's property takes up half a city block plus another six surrounding acres of mostly natural habitat, with the exception of a few paths for Patty to walk the dogs.  The yard, flower and vegetable gardens, and resident home, surrounded by the tall hedges and woods, provide for an exceptionally tranquil atmosphere.  The vegetable gardens, planted from seeds nurtured in the small greenhouse, are well tilled.  The flower gardens are planted all around the property and are converstation pieces in themselves.

Steve has a clever way of watering some of the flowers with terra cotta colored pots that are stacked in a way that water only needs to be placed in the top one and the water trickles on down through the other pots and thus water is used over and over on its way down.

He has a turtle enclosure and a pond for colorful koi that Steve keeps heated in the winter so the water stays warm enough if the pond is iced over.  The koi are kept company by small artificial alligators, snakes, frogs and turtles.  There is a rock garden nearby. 

The next time you travel down Smith street, at the big white house (used to be a funeral parlor years ago), peek through the tall bushes and wave at the three characters standing in the beautiful garden.

Farm Bureau News June 15, 2012

LCFB Board members ready to serve the evening's meal during the county annual meeting.  Pictured L-R:  Dan Harrison, Carl DeJong and Brian Beaty.

Jimmie and Donna Narber Celebrated their 50th Anniversary

Donna Reynolds and Jimmie Dean Narber celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on June 16, 2012.  They were married at the Russell Methodist Church in Russell, Iowa.  Please join their children Conn and Karen Narber, Shannon and Vicki Narber, Heidi and Kent Richter, Tiffany and Todd Johnson and 12 grandchildren in celebrating with a card shower.  Cards may be sent to Jim and Donna Narber at 1524 Stagecoach Road, Grand Island, Neb.  68801.

Chariton Municipal Airport Ribbon Cutting

This nearly completed fabric art by Russell resident, Meg Prange, will be completed and one of the items unveiled after the Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon cutting set for 7:45 a.m. at the terminal building at the Chariton Municipal Airport Saturday morning, June 16, just prior to the pancake breakfast and other scheduled events.

Community 1st Anniversary Celebration

SCICF Grants Awarded

Paul and Clarice Smith Celebrated 60th Wedding Anniversary

Paul and Clarice (Dixon) Smith were united in marriage 60 years ago at the First Baptist Church in Russell, Iowa. Greetings and congratulations may be sent to 3167 Highway S56, Promise City, Iowa  52583.

Lucas County Area Council of Beta Sigma Phi Awards Two Checks

Russell American Legion

July 1st, new officers will begin their term; Post Commander Russ Harris; Post Adjutant Don Sellers; Post Treasurer Jerry Dillman.

Beta Sigma Phi Chapters Founder's Day

The Lucas County Beta Sigma Phi Chapters celebrated Founder's Day April 24, 2012 at Carpenter Hall.  Crowned Girl of the Year were:  front row left to right, Jody McGee, Iota Nu; Felicia Beaty, Alpha Theta and Kelly Van Ryswyk, Xi lota Zeta.  Back row left to right:  Connie McKinley, Alpha Omicron Master; Deb Mullenburg, Xi Psi; Nancy Bright and Ruth Ryun, Alpha Pi Master.

New Area Council Officers are front row left to right:  President, Penny Paige from Alpha Theta and Vice-president, Pam Sandy, Alpha Omicron Master.  Back row left to right are Corresponding Secretary, Deb Mullenburg, Xi Psi; Treasurer, Tracey Aldolphi, Xi lota Zeta and Recording Secretary, Jennifer Fehrer, lota Nu.  Not pictured is Darlene Banasik, Alpha Pi Master.

Mark Felderman's Speech Class April 26

Shantel Dow was a guest speaker in Mark Felderman's Speech Classes on Thursday, April 26.  She shared the importance of networking, making good impressions, and volunteering.  She also spoke about the Chamber's Vision for Chariton's future.  Chariton students really enjoy guest speakers from our community.

American Legion Auxiliary Select New County Officers

Pictured are the new American Legion Auxilliary County Officers.  Pictured left to right are President, Donna Sellers; Vice-President, Betty Grismore; Secretary, Ginger Sellers and Treasurer, Margaret Phippen.  (Picture by Mert Jones).

The American Legion Auxiliary Lucas County meeting was held in Chariton on March 19.  County Chaplain Ginger Sellers gave a prayer.  They enjoyed a potluck lunch.  Election of officers were President, Donna Sellers; Vice-President, Betty Grismore; Secretary, Ginger Sellers and Treasurer, Margaret Phippen.  The next county meeting will be held September at Russell.  

Daisy Chapman Celebrated 99th Birthday

In February, the family of Daisy Chapman celebrated her 99th Birthday (February 6th) at the Community Center in Russell.  Daisy still lives in her own apartment in Russell and gets out when family can take her.  She makes several pot holders each year and her kids, grandkinds, and great-grandkids get to pick the one's they want.  She has several big pots of flowers outside her apartment each summer and you will see her out each evening that it is nice watering them and taking good care of them.  Daisy does most of her own cooking and even bakes cakes and homemade chocolate chip and raisin cookies at different times.

She says she doesn't care to live to be 100 years old.  Her family reminds her when God wants you home, He will take you and until then He still has work for you here.  She had fun at her party.

Bob Cain Reflects on his many years of Coaching

Chariton Coach Bob Cain has been on the sidelines for football Friday nights for half a century.  Along with coaching football, he's exhibited a great knowledge of basketball and led teams to success on the hardwood as well.

This past fall Cain, 73, an assistant varsity football coach at CHS, completed his 50th year of coaching high school football.  Forty-five of these years have been spent at CHS.
Cain began his storied coaching career at Russell High School where he coached from 1962-65.  He coached varsity football at Russell, was the head boys'  basketball coach and head boys' track coach.  At Russell he coached a state champion in track, Larry Sellers, who won the mile and the 880 at State in the spring of 1965.  Sellers also broke state records in both events and is now a doctor in Sioux City.
In his last year of coaching football at Russell in 1964, Cain led the Trojans to an 8-1 record.  In his last year of coaching basketball at Russell he led them to an 18-4 record.

Years and Years Ago

January 19, 2012

40 Years Ago

Russell Community High School senior Dee Ann DeBok was the school's Homemaker of the Year.
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January 19, 2012

50 Years Ago

Grade school students of the Russell Community Schools literally moved themselves into the new classroom addition.  Movement of the students into the six room addition completed the $165,000 building program of the district.  The addition included a new gymnasium.
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Tourism Exchanges with Other Communities

Establishing partnerhips with other communities to exchange tourism cooperation opportunities has been one of the tasks of Tourism Lucas County during 2011.  From left:  Vickie Mallory, Executive Director of the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce; ISU Professor Rebecca Tang, Ph.D. and Tourism Lucas County Vice President, Sandra Knebel, meet in Algona to discuss the feasibility of exchanging overnight bus tours to share each other's attractions.

Calvin Kint Birthday

Buddy and June Davis celebrated the one-year birthday of their grandson Calvin, on February 12.  Calvin and parents Tyler and Annie Davis-Kint live in Newton.

Dean Werts Celebrated 90th Birthday

Dean Werts celebrated his 90th birthday on Monday, January 23rd.  His family hosted a card shower in his honor.  Greetings may be sent to 1110 N. 6th St. Chariton, Iowa 50049.

Doyle and Janet Hoover Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Janet and Doyle Hoover celebrated their 50th Anniversary January 21, 2012.  If you would like to send greetings please send cards to 23501 550th Street, Chariton, Iowa 50049.