Randy Nickell Retires from DOT after 31 Years

Chariton Leader, April 8, 2014

Bill Howes, Associate Editor

For over the past three decades, Randy Nickell has been a constant with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).  Nickell is a highway tech associate with the Iowa DOT and he's retiring after 31 years of service on April 10th.  He works at the DOT Maintenance Garage by Pin Oak Marsh south of Chariton on Highway 14.

Nickell, 57, has held the same position with the DOT for the past 31 years.  His position title has changed as it was called an Equipment Operator I when he started in 1983.

Nickell and his wife, Wendy, live in Russell.  Wendy is the city clerk of Russell and they've lived there for 30 years.  They have been married for 38 years.  There will be a retirement coffee for Nickell at the DOT Maintenance garage on April 10, from 1-3 p.m

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Peggy Christensen Retires from Morton Buildings after 40 Years

Chariton Herald-Patriot April 3, 2014

Bill Howes, Associate Editor

When Christensen started working at Morton Buildings, Richard Nixon was still President. Christensen has worked through eight different U.S. Presidents during her tenure at Morton Buildings.  Two months before she started, the speed limit had been lowered to 55 miles per hour on highways.  About two weeks after she started on April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all-time  home run record with his 715th career home run.

Peggy is also known as Mrs. Claus.  She and her husband, Dick, live in Russell and they will celebrate 45 years of marriage in June.  They have also lived in the same house for 45 years.

Many people know the Christensens as Santa and Mrs. Claus as well for the times they've played the Clauses at different places.  

Peggy said that she will miss the people, both the employees and the customers, most in her retirement.  She will also miss the everyday challenge of the work.