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.

Lindsey Jean Mackin to Wed R. J. Gruwell

Paula Chandler-Morris, of Chariton, announced the engagement of her daughter, Lindsey Mackin to R. J. Gruwell, of Ottumwa, now residing in Russell.  

Miss Mackin graduated from Chariton High School in 2004 and is currently pursuing her associates degree as a paralegal through Everest University.  Mr. Gruwell, son of Tootie Clark-Shafer and Raymond Gruwell, of Ottumwa, graduated from Chariton High School in 2005 and has been employed by Lakeview Golf and Country Club for the past five years.  The couple will be married on July 1, 2012.

Small Engine Tractor Pull

Randy Braaksma of Russell performs a full pull during the small engine tractor pull.

Young Men's Basic Training Graduation

The Young Men's Basic Training Graduation was held on the Memorial Stage Saturday afternoon.  The graduates are pictured at the left.  Speaking at the podium is State Senator Paul McKinley and to the right of him are Pastor Dennis St. Lawrence and SFC Shawn Stone.

Years Ago

July 7, 2011

20 Years Ago ------------

The Women's water fight championship went to the team from Russell during the July 4th Celebration.  The team consisted of Robin Thompson, Judy Dorsey and Sandy Swartz.

40 Years Ago -----------

Bob Cain was named head basketball coach for the 1971-72 season by the Board of Education of the Chariton Community Schools.

60 Years Ago -----------

Miss Susie Relph left for San Francisco, Calif., where she attended the National Education Association convention.  Miss Relph, a teacher of rural school, Benton No. 1, was acting as a delegate for the Lucas County Rural Teachers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 14, 2011

30 years ago -----------

After an auction and ice cream social, Russell netted over $1,100 towards their new community building.  The drive reached $18,000 and their goal was $35,000.

July 28, 2011

10 years ago------------

Summer Mumford was crowned Lucas County Fair queen.

The Russell Lady Trojan softball team members Jennifer DeHoedt and Haylee Orman were named second team all-conference players in the Bluegrass conference.  Casandra DeHoedt and Piper Orman were selected all-conference honorable mention.

50 years ago-----------

Work started on the new classroom and gymnasium addition to Russell High School.  The $163,000 structure, built by the Abild Company of Des Moines, would house six classrooms and the gym.

70 years ago-----------

Harry L. Latham and Emma Everett were working hard in six gardens in Russell where food for the school lunches were being grown for the next winter.

Newest Member of Rotary

Rotary President Betty Hansen and newest member Karen Wilker, Community 1st Credit Union Branch Manager.

Commemorative Pedal Police Car Raffle

Pictured above holding the 2011Fourth of July Commemorative Pedal Police Car are:  Left to Right:  John Hampton, Bruce Smith, Jim Baker, Mary Stierwalt and Jeff Johnson.

This year a 2011 Fourth of July Commemorative Pedal Police Car is being raffled off at the Fourth of July celebration.  The car was assembled and donated by John Hampton of John's Auto Body and Bruce Smith of Smith Body Shop in Chariton.

The pedal police car is one of a kind and commemorates the new Lucas County Law Center.  It's a retro style, black and white colored car with economical milk and cookie powered two-stroke motor, white wall tires and a chrome steering wheel.

Additional details include dual mirrors, door handles, a flashing red light and handcuffs.  Bingham Signs did the airbrush detailing and Hy-Vee Distribution Center provided the decals.

Last year, Hampton and Smith made a commemorative pedal fire engine that was raffled off at the Fourth of July celebration.  The woman who won it donated it back to the Fourth of July Committee and it was sold at this year's Fourth of July auction.

40 Years Ago

Bob Cain, present sophomore coach, was named head basketball coach b the Board of Education.  Cain, a former Chriton High School star, held a BA degree from Drake University.  He was head coach at Russell from 1962-65.

10 Years Ago

The United States Achievement Academy announced that Haylee Orman, of Russell, had been named an All-American Scholar.  Haylee is the daughter of Roger and Janet Orman of Russell.

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

Click on picture to enlarge

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. 

----------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------

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

Click on picture to enlarge

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

Click on picture to enlarge

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.

---------------------------------------

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.

--------------------------------------

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

-------------------------------------

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.

 ---------------------------------------------

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

Click on picture to enlarge

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.