Years and Years Ago

November
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November 10, 2011

20 years ago -  A write-in vote topped the election results in Russell.  A write-in candidate, James Reynolds, had a two vote victory over registered candidate William H. Penney, 39-37.
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November 17, 2011

40 years ago - Raymond (Bud) Moody and George Holder formed a partnership to open a Western Auto Associate Store in Chariton.
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November 24, 2011

40 years ago - Lucas County's first topless go-go dancer, from Kearney, Nebraska, packed the house for three nights at Russell's Mill Pond Inn.  Owners of the downtown restaurant and nightclub said that business was the best at the Mill Pond since it opened in 1970.

Class of 1961

The Russell High School Class of 1961 held their 50th class reunion on September 17, 2011 at the home of Richard Atwell. 

Members attending are pictured front row left to right:  Dennis Gookin, Moscow, Idaho; Bill Parks, Ogunquit, Maine; Donna (Curtis) Moore, Udell Iowa; Alvin Wright, Barnveld, Wisconsin; Ronny McKay, Chariton, Iowa; and Connie (Sellers) DeJong, McFall, Missouri.

Back row left to right are:  Delmer Werts, Ore City, Texas; Sherry (Wright) Haas, Chariton, Iowa; Marilyn (Walburg) Dudley, Charleston, Illinois; Nancy (Duer) Moore, Des Moines, Iowa; Don Sellers, Russell, Iowa and Richard Atwell, Chariton, Iowa.

The class also attended the Russell Fall Festival and were in the parade, riding in Mike Beaty's beautiful horse drawn wagon.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Musical

Pictured in the top photo, from left Austin Peterson, Chasen Blue, Caleb Olson-lead character, Bryce Cunningham and Matt Schultz do a dance scene together during a rehearsal of the CHS Fall Musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" at the Johnson Auditorium Tuesday night.  The musical will be put on November 11 through November 13.

Pictured in the bottom photo, from left:  Hedy LaRue (played by Leah Dow), Bratt, the office personnel guy, (played by Ben Cohen) and Smitty (played by Sierra Prulett) do a scene together during a rehearsal of the fall musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" at Johnson Auditorium Tuesday Night (photo by Bill Howes).

Russell Elections

In the City of Russell, Ed Scheel won the mayor's race by receiving 35 votes.  Kevin Tanner finished second in the race as a write-in receiving 28 write-in votes.  G. Scott Jordan received 22 votes.  There were also 10 scattered votes.

In the Russell City Council race, there were three people running for two positions.  Duane Bedford and Jay Pierschbacher won the two seats available.  Bedford received the most votes with 74 and Pierschbacher received the second most with 59.  Susan Beecher received 23 votes.  There were 10 scatteres votes.

There was also a position open on the council to fill a vacancy.  Wayne Riggs was the only one running for this position and he won it with 73 votes.

50th Wedding Anniversary - Doyle and Marilyn Reynolds

Meg Prange Demonstrating Art at Lucas County Arts Festival

Meg Prange (pictured above) works on completing a Highland Cow, a breed developed in her mother's homeland in the Hebrides, the group of islands that lie off Scotland's west coast.  She will also be demonstrating her original, hand appliqued, fabric pictures at Saturday's, October 29, Lucas County Arts festival at the Freight House. (Photos by Sandra Knebel)

Years and Years Ago

October 6, 2011

30 Years Ago

James Wright was elected president of the Russell Community School Board, Delmar Lewis was elected vice-president.

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October 20, 2011

30 Years Ago

Kim Schumann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Schumann, was crowned Russell Homecoming Queen.  Her attendants were Annette Clayton, Joan Lahart, Christi Clanin and Kim Knust.

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October 27, 2011

20 Years Ago

Russell would soon have a new bandstand.  Russell has been without a bandstand for a number of years.  Two men, Loren Goltry and Don Turbot, felt with Russell's 125th anniversary celebration it was time to get started.  They made the first two donations and more donations followed.

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Lois and Harold Garner

Lois and Harold are now at the Good Samaritan Center, 2035 Chester Ave., Ottumwa, Iowa, 52501, Room  708, in case you want to send your regards.

CHS Softball Players Present Check to LCHC

Years and Years Ago

September 15, 2011 paper

40 Years Ago ----
Robin Elmore was crowned Russell High School Homecoming Queen.  Members of her court were Brenda Clanin, Lucy Curran, Peggy Danner and Pam Christensen.

50 Years Ago ---
Russell's Homecoming Queen was senior Sheryl Ann Edwards.  Her attendants were Sandra Long, Carolyn Dawson, Judy Long and Mary Osenbaugh.

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September 29, 2011

10 Years Ago ---

Jessica Luedtke was crowned Homecoming Queen for the 2001 Chariton Homecoming.

Verda Reynolds, 91, long-time Russell resident and Chariton teacher, was honored as Russell Homecoming parade marshall.  (Sorry about the misprint, this is what the paper had, I just copied it).

20 Years Ago---

Lena Pulse was crowned Russell High School Homecoming Queen.  Her attendants were Gayla DeBok, Tonya Schumann, Denise Porter and Nicole Straube.

30 Years Ago---

Mary Sandy's farm was honored as a Century Farm at ceremonies held at the Iowa State Fair.  The award was presented by Secretary of Agriculture Robert Lounsberry and Dale Nelson of Iowa Farm Bureau.

50 Years Ago---

Mike Miller of the Russell Rangers, was replaced by Craig Trumbo as county president of the 4-H.

Edward Dillman, 22, was notified to report for induction into the Army.

70 Years Ago---

Cecil Stephens, of Russell, was named Lucas County superintendent of schools.  Miss Stephens had taught rural schools in Wayne, Appanoose and Lucas Counties.

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Dr. Loren Hermann

The Russell community sends its well-wishes and prayers for the best of recovery to long-time Russell physician, Dr. Loren Hermann.

Hull Reunion Held Sept. 11, 2011

By Marcia Clanin

The annual Hull reunion was held Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Russell Community Center with 25 in attendance.  Attending from Russell were Loudene Penney, Judy Dorsey, Mary Nolte, Buddy and June Davis, Tyler, Annie, Chloe and Calvin Kint.  Loudene Penney was the oldest attending; Calvin Kint was the youngest attending; Mary Nolte, closest birthday, Loudene Penney tied with Tyler and Annie Kint for most children attending.

Abbas Family Five Generations

Ron and Sandi Collins Celebrated 50th Anniversary

Russell Community High School Class of 1961

The Russell Community High School Class of 1961 had their 50th class reunion on Saturday, September 17 at the home of Richard Atwell, 607 Ashland Ave., Chariton.

The class attended the Russell Fall Festival and was pulled in Mike Beaty's wagon with his team of horses.  This entry won 3rd place in the parade. 

Friends were invited to join them for the reunion. 

Stork News

Gary and Amy Chipp, of Chariton, announce the birth of a son, Gradyn Roy Chipp, born September 2, 2011 at Lucas County Health Center.  He weighed six pounds, seven ounces and was 19.8 inches long.  He is welcomed home by Alexa Faith and Kamren James.  Grandparents are Robert and Mary Chipp and Denny and Cindy Parker all of Chariton.  Great-grandparents are Jean Chipp of Lucas, Lucille Duckworth of Russell and Bob and Darlene Parker of Chariton.  Great-great-grandmother is Dortha Horton of Humeston.

More State Fair Highlights

Don Johnson from Russell, and his son Chad Johnson took their farm team and competed in the draft horse team farm division at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 16th.  As Don's health issues limit some of his activities, he got to compete in a couple of events that day with Chad also competing in some of the events.  Don always enjoys his draft horse team and likes to compete when possible.

Russell Lucas County Fair Entries

Russell is proud of the many entries the area residents participated in, and won many of them, at the Lucas County Fair this year.  It was also good to be represented by Cameron Neer as he participated in the Lucas County King and Queen contest.  Presley Swan, daughter of Darrell Swan, was the Lucas County Queen. (Picture of Court is below in this blog).

Tomato Plants at Russell Development Apartments

Eula Curtis, Daisy Chapman and Neva Duer (standing)

The Horizons Program in Russell, Iowa purchased and distributed tomato plants to the residents of the Russell Development Apartments back in June of this year.  The residents watered and took care of their plants hoping they would produce tomatoes for them to enjoy all summer.  Driving past the apartments you may have noticed how well they have done.  Some of the plants are as tall as the patio roofs.  Most of the plants produced quite a few tomatoes because the people took very good care of them.  One lady said she got a dozen and a half tomatoes from her one plant.  The wind toppled several of them over, but residents stood them back up and the plants survived and kept on producing tomatoes.  Since everyone enjoyed watching them grow and loved tasting the final product, the Horizon Program will try again in 2012.

Wayside Garden Club September Yard of the Month

The last yard to be chosen this summer for Russell Wayside Garden Club's Yard of the Month is Harold and Chris Wilson's yard.  Their home sits behind the Russell Water Tower on W. Ames St.  They have worked hard all summer long planting flowers, trimming trees, and manicuring their lawn to make their home look beautiful. Congratulations to you both.

We again thank the area residents who are working diligently to clean up their property and present their yards in loving color.  Thank you and keep up the good work.

Amos Reunion

The descendants of Fred and Rosetta (Richmond) Amos held their 26th annual Amos reunion at the Russell Community Center Sunday, Aug. 18 with 117 in attendance.  Family and friends from the Russell/Chariton area were:  Ashley and Austin Gee; Becky and Cody Moore.  The next reunion will be Aug. 26, 2012 at the Russell Community Center.

Thanks to Everyone Who Helped

To the Russell First Responders and all the others who were here to help, including the neighbors, when our Dad tried "popping-a-wheelie" with the big ole wheel horse lawn mower, and came up the loser, with several broken ribs and complications--we say sincerely -- Thank you!  and God Bless.  You are in our daily prayers.  Also, to everyone who sent cards, e-mails, texts, calls and birthday -------Jerry, Terry, Cathy, and Mom Wilhite.

Judy Pierce Celebrated her 70th Birthday

Judy Pierce celebrated her 70th birthday on September 7, 2011.  Join her family in wishing her a happy birthday.  Birthday wishes may be sent to her at 415 E. Grozier, Russell, IA  50238.

Presley Swan Thank You

Thank You

On July 29th I was crowned the 2011 Lucas County Fair Queen.  I felt completely honored to be chosen to represent such a wonderful county.  On August 9th I headed to the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition more nervous then ever.  Soon enough, I made friends and started what soon became the time of my life.  Some activities I did were:  Learning to model and walk the catwalk, Martial Arts, Zumba, proper etiquette, visited the Iowa Hall of Pride, Historical Museum and the Farmers Market.  Going to win the crown was my intent, but after meeting the other girls I realized how difficult it was going to be.  The experience was literally once in a life time.  I wanted to go there, have fun, and meet all the queens and that's what I did.

I would like to thank the Lucas County Fair Association for giving me the opportunity to compete in the Iowa State Fair Queen Competition.  Your support was amazing to have and I feel completely honored to represent your fair.  Secondly, I'd like to thank my community for all the support while I was at the competition.  Talking and taking pictures with all of you at the State Fair was great!

The Iowa State Fair Queen Competition was the best experience of my life and I will never forget the time I spent up there.  Parents, keep your kids involved in FFA and 4-H.  The leadership and speaking skills they will develop through those organizations will take them far in life.  The friendships they will also make by getting involved will last forever.  Also, girls run for your county fair queen.  The opportunities you will face will change your life.  

Thank you all for your support.  Especially the Lucas County Fair Association for giving me the opportunity.  I feel honored to represent our county for the next year as the 2011 Lucas County Fair Queen.

                      Presley Swan

Dixon Reunion Held at Russell Community Center

The descendents of John and Eliza Coe Dixon met at the Russell Community Center for a reunion of the clan.  A smaller than usual group attended this year, but we were overjoyed to have our oldest member present to enjoy the great dinner and conversation.  Vera Clanin, age 104, has only missed a very few reunions in her lifetime, and she was able to come after having suffered a broken arm earlier this year.  She was presented with a beautiful tiara as the oldest person attending.  Other Russell people attending were Jackie Andrews and Betty Cross.

Gertrude Larson Celebrated her 90th Birthday

Gertrude Larson, formerly of Russell, celebrated her 90th birthday on August 27.  Her family hosted a card shower in her honor.  Cards and birthday greetings may be sent to Gertrude at 909 N. State St. Pleasantville, Iowa  50225.

Grumpy's Now Open at 114 S. Grand

There's a lot of delicious food being served at Grumpy's, which is now open at 114 S. Grand in Chariton.  The restaurant is owned by Heather Morrow and opening day was July 3.

The above picture shows Heather Morrow cutting the ribbon at the ambassador call at Grumpy's on August 19.  The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 8pm and on Saturday's from 11am to 2pm.  Morrow said that they serve a lot of the same items as before but don't serve the taco items.  There are two employees at Grumpy's, Dean Whaley and Dalton Barton.

Brown - Braida Engagement

Jeremy Brown and Jennifer Braida would like to announce their engagement.  A November 5, 2011 wedding is planned at the First United Methodist Church in Chariton.  A reception will follow concluding the ceremony at Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Chariton.  Jenny graduated from Chariton High School in 2007.  Jeremy graduated from Russell High School in 2001.  The couple plans to live in Russell with their children Emilea, Ashlyn, Ellie and Ayden.

Tucker and Seaman Wedding

Several from the Russell area attended the nuptials of Tucker Thompson (son of Ron and Robin Thompson) and Amy Seaman (daughter of Terry and Linda), at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor, Co., on July 23, 2011.

Serving as officiant for the ceremony was the groom's longtime friend, Brian Moore.  Brian's wife Crystal served as one of the bride's personal attendants.

Groomsmen from the Russell area included Conrad Elmore - cousin of the groom as co-bestman; Shane Adolphi - the groom's brother-in-law; Jeremy Blue and Morgan McCullough - cousins/friends of the groom; and Dan Pfeifer - longtime friend of the groom.

The groom's sister, Tracey Adolphi was one of eight bridesmaids; and his nephews Cullen, Conner & Cooper Adolphi served as an usher, the ring bearer, and the rose bearer, respectively.

Abbi Pfeifer (daughter of Dan and Stef) passed-out bubbles as the guests exited the church.

A lovely reception, held at the Garden Room in Loveland, Co., immediately followed the ceremony.

The newlyweds recently purchased a new home and will soon be moving to Johnstown, Co.

Gartin Family Reunion

The family of John and Rose (Lynch) (Gartin) met Sunday, July 24, at the Millerton Cafe for their annual reunion.  Five of John and Rose's nine children were represented.  Those attending from Charlie and Rose (Gray Gartin's family were):  Mrs. Charles (Norma) Gartin, Jr. of Russell and Dennis and Charlene Gartin, of Cedar Falls.