20 years Ago

Ken Mason and Travis Masters, of Russell, earned spots to compete in the National High School Championship Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla.  Mason won state champion honors in bareback bronc riding and placed fourth in saddle bronc riding.  Masters finished third in the saddle bronc riding category at the state competition.

At 10th Annual John Dale Clark Memorial Ride

Friends Don Todd and Angie Smyser sit on Don's 1800 Honda Goldwing before the start of the 10th Annual John Dale Clark Memorial Ride early Saturday afternoon, June 18 2011.

Memorial Dedication for Dwaine Clanin

There was a memorial dedication in honor of Dwaine Clanin at the start of the Cinder Path in Chariton on Sunday June 26 at 2pm.  Through Dwaine's dedication and hard work the abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way became the first rails to trails in the state.  Friends and family unveiled a beautiful monument in his honor.

Lucas County SCICF Board Members and Recipients

Pictured are the members of the governing board and executive director of South Central Iowa Community Foundation headquartered in Chariton.  From left, Jim Wright, Executive Director Diane Bear, Ray Thurlby, Betty Hansen, Mary Stierwalt and Adam Bahr.

23 groups received $92,084.14 in grants for community projects.

Among the awards were these Russell groups:

Cedar Township                                                  $663.12
Russell Sportsmen's Club                                 $5,000
Russell Historical Society                                $2,000
Russell Volunteer Fire Department              $6,500
Russell Community Club                                  $4,000

Legacy Lodge Receives Check from Pamida

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Pamida presents a check for $1,000 to the Legacy Lodge Hospice.  Pictured accepting the check L to R:  Emery McDonald, Sherry McDonald, Judy Fitzgerald presenting the check and Linda Braida.

Stork News

Blaine Richard Brown was born May 24, 2011, to Nathan and Trinity Brown, of Madrid.  He weighed six pounds eight ounces and was 20.8 inches long.  Grandparents are Tim and Sheri Shore of Russell and Rick and Janet Brown of Seymour.  Great grandparents are Lois Voglar of Chariton and Ralph Shore of Knoxville.  Great great grandmother is Dorothy Powers of Centerville. 

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Kenton Oscar Sandy was born, May 5 2011, to Tanner and Jody Sandy, Chariton.  He was born at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.  He weighed seven pounds 13 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Welcoming him home was sister, Kendal.  Grandparents are Kevin and Debbie Kent, Lucas and Jim and Beth Sandy, Seymour.  Great-grandparents are Keith and Shirley Kent, Lucas, Deloris and the late Dale Werts, Russell.  Mary and the late Max Sandy, Chariton and Beverly and the late Frank Watsabaugh, Chariton.

Veterans Remembered

Submitted by Wanda Kells Calderon

Memorial Day brings thoughts of the many brave men who gave their lives fighting for our country.  I never knew Lyle Shelton was recognized for gallantry during the time he served in Korea.  Private Shelton, son of Emmit and Ethel Shelton, attended Russell High School prior to entering the Army.  He died November 27, 1950 in Korea.  

Private First Class Lyle R. Shelton was awarded the Silver Star Medal for "Gallantry in action against an armed enemy on November 26, 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-Dong, Korea" while a member of Company "G" 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.  The citation accompanying the medal stated that Company "G" had launched an assault against an enemy-held hill and had succeeded in reaching a position 30 feet from the crest.

At this point, the enemy subjected the assault elements with intense weapons and grenade fire.  With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Shelton, a rifleman voluntarily advanced to a position from where he could engage the well-entrenched with rifle fire.  While moving forward he was seriously wounded but nevertheless continued his fearless advance.  From a vulnerable position, he laid such a devastating base of fire on the hostile entrenchments that the enemy was pinned down, thereby enabling his squad to flank and destroy the enemy.

Only when the enemy had been annihilated did he allow himself to be evacuated.

"The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Shelton reflects great credit to himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Recognition to Community Members

The Russell Community thanks Glenn and Justine Abrahamson for their many years of community service and wish them well in their new home in Corydon.  They will be missed in the community.

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Russell has many citizens who step up to the plate to volunteer and make Russell a better place to live.  In this case, we recognize those volunteers who work to make the Russell signs, both on the north and south entrances to our city, pleasant to the eyes and give notice we are a caring community.  Thanks for your time and green thumbs.

Second Amendment Store

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Who is this mean looking, heat packing group of Billy the kid wannabes?  An ambassador call was held at The Second Amendment Store at 114 South Highland St. in Russell Friday afternoon (May 20).  The store recently joined the Chariton Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation.  Pictured kneeling in front from left is the store's co-owner Nita Spaur, Chariton Chamber Executive Director, Shantel Dow, and Chariton ambassador Mary Stierwalt.  Pictured in back from left:  Chariton ambassador John Hamilton, Second Amendment Store co-owner, Dan Spaur and Jessica Rominger, who is Dan and Nita's niece (Bill Howes Photo).

Last Chance Convenience Store

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An ambassador call was held at the Last Chance Convenience Store at 114 S. Prairie St. in Russell this past Friday afternoon (May 20).  Last Chance recently joined the Chariton Chamber and Development Corporation. Sitting on the saddle second from the left is employee Sam Rouseh.  Doing the ribbon cutting is the manager, Dixie Roush.  standing at the far right in front is employee Penny Shaw.  (Bill Howes Photo).

Years and Years Ago

20 years ago - May 5, 1991 - Jeremy Blue, son of Danny and Wendy Blue of Russell, was selected by the Russell Legion Post 308 to attend Boys State at Camp Dodge.

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40 years ago - May 5, 1971 - For the first time in  79 years, adults in Russell could legally walk the streets after 11pm.  Russell's old curfew "blue law" was thrown out the window and replaced with another curfew ordinance.  The "blue law" curfew ordinance had been passed by the city council in 1892.

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30 years ago - May 19, 1980 - Members of the Russell Lions Club welcomed the Russell laundromat.  The business was owned by Wayne Riggs.

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50 years ago - May 19, 1961 - Russell was graduating 21 seniors.

Sorority Celebrates 80th Anniversary

Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding.  Seventy Lucas County sorority sisters attended Beta Sigma Phi Founder's Day celebration at the Russell Community Center.

Skits were enjoyed announcing sorority Girl of the Year honors.  Also the newly elected Lucas County Beta Sigma Phi Area Council officers were installed into their office.

Stork News

Mikah Joy Davies was born April 28, 2011.  Her parents are Aron and Deanna Joy Davies, of Odenton, Md.  She weighed seven pounds one ounce and was 19 inches long.  Great grandparents are Bob and Alice joy Wilhite of Russell.

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Amelia Kathryn Alexander was born April 17, 2011 to Nathan and Heidi Alexander.  She weighed four pounds 13 ounces and was 18 inches long.  Grandparents are Mark and Roma Snook of Chariton and David and Kelley Alexander of Russell.

Grand Re-Opening of Casey''s

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An ambassador call was held for the grand re-opening of Casey's on Court Avenue in Chariton Friday, April 29.  Pictured doing the ribbon cutting in front is Casey's on Court is Manager, Debbie Brown, and standing to the left of her is employee Shelly Schilling.  Also pictured at the second from left in front in the white shirt is Area Supervisor, Kelly Brown.  Also pictured in no particular order are employees Jessica Miner, Jennifer Paige, Allison Kelley, Cindy McCracken, Jennifer Brown, Bridget Blubaugh, Malena Pulse, Christine Escher, Katelin Briggs and Darlene McCloney.  Pictured in back dressed as the sub queen is Angela Keller.  (Bill Howes photo).

Stork News

Dan and Lindsay Moore, announce the birth of a son, Nolan Patrick Moore, born March 17 in Dayton, Ohio.  Great-Grandmother is Jackie Andrews of Russell.

Mark McCurdy World War II Veterans Honor Flight

Mark McCurdy cherished his opportunity to accompany the West Texas (Abilene) World War II Veterans Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on April 12.

Years Gone By

30 Years Ago April 28 1981- Steve Mathias, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mathias, was selected by the Russell American Legion Charlie Clark Post to attend Boys State at Camp Dodge.
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50 Years Ago April 28 1961 - It was three years and $675,000 since Lucas County residents attended a promotion dinner at the high school gym concerning a finance appeal for the Lucas County Memorial Hospital.  Monday at 7am, the hospital was open to admit its first patient.  But, Sunday there was an open house.  Applications by 18 physicians to practice were approved by the hospital Board of Trustees.  Local Doctors were Dr. Dean Curtis, Dr. J.G. Garton, Dr. R.C. Gutch, Dr. L.C. Hermann, Dr. James Egly, Dr. Lazear Throckmorton, Dr. Dwight Jarvis, Dr. Robert E. Anderson and Dr. Albert L.Yocom.  Administrator of the hospital was Robert Sherman.

Russell Native Joins Grinnell Regional Medical Center

Ronald "Pete" Collins, Jr., MD, will join Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the GRMC Medical Staff on April 25.  Collins specializes in internal medicine and will provide inpatient care as a hospitalist at GRMC initially.  Dr. Collins grew up in Russell, the son of Ron and Sandi Collins.

A hospitalist is a physician who provides care to individuals upon admission to the hospital, including the intensive care unit.  Doctors of internal medicine focus on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.  At least three of their seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults.  Because their patients are often seriously ill or require complex investigations, internists do much of their work in hospitals and then follow up care in an outpatient clinic.

Dr. Collins comes to Grinnell after serving as a hospitalist at Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill.  He completed his residency at the same hospital, with the University of Illinois College of Medicine in the Peoria program.  While there, he also served as an Associate Professor of Medicine.  He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine.

"I wanted to get into internal medicine for the diversity in patient base and illnesses.  I really like the spectrum of cases."  Collins says.  "Areas that I especially enjoy are pre-operative care - that being prior to a surgical procedure - as well as diabetes and cardiac care."

"Dr. Collins brings excellent experience and skills.  With his rural upbringing, he will relate well with our patients," says Christine Lindgren, DO, PhD, internal medicine physician at GRMC.  "I'm looking forward to having Dr. Collins join us at GRMC.  He understands rural values and our patients will connect well to him."

Prior to attending medical school, Collins was a paramedic for both Delta and Medic Ambulance companies in Maine.  He earned an undergraduate degree from Norwich University Military College of Vermont.  He also served six years in the United States Army Reserves as a combat medic.

Dr. Collins and his wife Jennifer have two children Victoria, 15 and Broden, 3.

Congratulations Lucas County Health Center for 50 years of Service

The April 26, 2011 Chariton Leader Newspaper had a large article about the 50 year anniversary of the Lucas County Health Center with pictures.  Pictures showed the inside of the new health center with its modern state-of-the-art nurses station, lobby, patient rooms, new-born incubators; original hospital board of trustees, officers of the Memorial Hospital Foundation, hospital supporters and the present day staff.  There were several articles about patients and the wonderful care they have received through the years from the doctors and the staff at this modern day medical facility. 

The first baby (girl) born in this facility was delivered by Dr. Loren Hermann to Mrs. Raymond Nelson.  She was the 8th child for the Nelson family.  To the Nelsons went an array of gifts sponsored by Chariton and area merchants.  More than 60 merchants participated in the "First Baby Contest" and the gifts ranged from discounts on home appliances to supplies of baby foods, formula, baby blankets and other articles.  In addition to the first baby gifts, a six-months supply of baby food and a $5 gift was given the second child born at the new hospital.  An example of the fine equipment available for the care of the new-born was this nursery incubator, one of two in the hospital.  A second  became available later in the surgical suite.

In the picture to the left, officers of the Memorial Hospital Foundation inspected the contributor's book.  Simple memorial plaques provided a background.  Left to right are: John Woodman of Russell, 1st Vice-president, H.V. Levis, President, F.B. Ryan, 2nd Vice-president, John D. Baldridge, Secretary-Treasurer, all of Chariton.  The Foundation is a non-profit organization founded to give financial support to the hospital.  Annual meetings, election of officers and financial needs will be its continuing purpose.

Members of the memorial hospital Board of Trustees, pictured to the right, met in the dining-meeting room in the basement of the hospital and they managed construction and equipping of the 35 bed unit.  Clockwise at the table, beginning at the front left, are Fred Curtis, Walter Coop, of Russell, chairman Delbert James, secretary Oliver Kent, Oran Garrett, Lloyd Cottingham and Troy Irving.  On the original board, in addition to James, Curtis, Kent and Garett, were Dean Ferguson, Earl Wright and Arthur Keller.

Chili Cook Off

From left Shantel Dow and Jill Kerns share a happy moment while eating some chili at the Chili Bowl Cook off.

Stork News

Ruth Barrow of Russell is the proud grandmother of Danica Rosemary McReynolds, born April 5.  She weighed seven pounds, two ounces and was 20 inches long.

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Kaylyn Clarissa Peterson was born on April 12 at Mercy Medical Center to Justin and Tara Peterson of Chariton.  She weighed six pounds 11 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Grandparents are Ken and Judy Mumford and Joyce Schumann all of Russell.

Appreciates Local Firemen

My wife and I would like to thank the firemen from Russell and Chariton for their help with our fire.  We don't have words to thank you for your quick response, tireless work and bravery fighting the fire here.

I couldn't believe they got it out the first time with no more damage than there was.  I thought, just as they did, that it was completely out when they left.  When it restarted between 3 and 4 a.m. we weren't so lucky as all they could do was contain it.

Local people do not realize how good our firefighters are until they watch them work.  They are as good as professionals and still hold regular jobs.  Thankfully none of them were hurt.  Thanks again.  We won't forget your help.   Two very lucky Chariton residents.

Almost Bamboozled

This is a warning.  Don't be scammed.  We were so gullible.  We almost sent a chunk of money to an International Bail Bondsman in Haiti.  It was by request of a granddaughter to get out of jail as a result of no visa to return from Canada to the U.S.

It was needed in two hours.  We were even told to go to Western Union at Hy-Vee on Court Ave. to send it and not to a bank.  The assistant store director was suspicious enough to question it, did some checking on line for us and then volunteered to go to the police station with us.

I hope they checked the phone numbers and names that we had written down.  It needs to be stopped.  Lucas County doesn't need this kind of harassment.  By the way, granddaughter was home, safe, we found out later.  A Russell Resident wrote this to the newspaper.

April declared Child Abuse Prevention Month

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Chariton Mayor, Roger Manser (far left), signs the proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Lucas County.  Also pictured are some members of Parents and Children first of Lucas County.  They are from left:  Deb Storm, Connie Guffey, Ashley Bedford, Shannon James and Marcus Kios (behind James).  (Bill Howes Photo).

Parents and Children First Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon

Pictured is the $500 check donation that the Hy-Vee Distribution Center made to Parents and Children First at the Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon April 7.  Presenting the check in front is Hy-Vee Vice President of Distribution, Tod Hockenson, and accepting it on behalf of Parents and Children First of Lucas County is Patti Scleszinski.  Also pictured in the front at the far left is Chariton Mayor Roger Manser.  Parents and Children First members pictured in back from left are Deb Storm, Connie Guffey, Ashley Bedford, Shannon James, Marcus Kios (Behind James), Cheryl Downard (partly hidden behind Hockenson), Max Willadson, Melissa Bingham and Dolores Carroll. 

American Legion Auxilliary County Officers

American Legion Auxiliary County Officers pictured front row left to right are: Vice-President Hazel Clanin, Past Secretary/Chaplin Ginger Sellers and past President Betty Cross.  Back row left to right are: Treasurer Martha McCollum, Secretary/Chaplin Betty Grismore and President Irene Strait. (Photo by Mert Jones).

The American Legion Auxilary meeting was held March 16, President Lois Fogle opened the meeting in form.  There was a business meeting and election of new county officers.

Shantel Dow, New Member of Rotary

Wilma Reynolds Celebrates 93rd Birthday

March for Meals

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David Hoover and Charlene Simmerman Engagement

Cassie Simmerman, Donna Hunter and Destinie and Skyler Hoover are proud to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their parents, Charlene Simmerman of Leon, Iowa to David Hoover of Russell, Iowa.  Charlene is the daughter of Robert and Ruby Smith of Leon, Iowa and David is the son of Ronald and Barbara Hoover of Russell, Iowa.  A wedding is planned for April 23, 2011 at Calvary Baptist Church in Leon, Iowa.