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.

Ken Mason National Intercollegiate Rodeo Coach

Ken Mason named the 2011 Coach of the Year

University of Tennessee also inducted Mason into

University of Tennessee at Martin Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2011

Russell native and Missouri Valley College Rodeo Coach, Ken Mason was recognized for both of his accomplishments at the UT Martin rodeo April 16, 2011.

Martin is the son of Richard and Charlene Foland of Russell and a 1991 graduate of Russell High School.  He's the son-in-law of Doug and Colette Swarthout and Steve and Pat Sallee.

For the past six years, Ken has been the rodeo coach at the Marshall, Missouri, College of Missouri Valley College for the past six years.  He and his wife, Kari, live in Marshall with their two daughters, Sydnee and Taylor.

Mason's rodeo career started in Iowa High School rodeo where he won the state championship in bareback riding in 1991 and qualified for the National High School Finals in both bareback riding and saddle bronc riding in 1989, 1990 and 1991.

While attending college, Ken competed in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and team roping.  He won many championships while in college.  In 2010, Coach Mason led the men's team to their fourth consecutive Ozark Regional Championship and its first NIRA Reserve National Championship.  The Lady Vikings ended the 2010 season as Ozark Region runner-ups, and also qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo.   The men's team finished the season as Ozark Region Champions, winning by 1973.33 points to secure a spot to compete in the College National Finals Rodeo.

Holidy Lighting Winners

Pictured is the second place residential winner, Ron and Vicki Bingham of 402 S. Prairie St. in Russel.  They received $50 in Chamber gift certificates.  Pictured from left:  Chariton Community Betterment President, Mary Jo Fisher, Vicki Bingham, and Chariton Chamber Executive Director, Shantel Dow.

Years and Years Ago

December 6, 2011

Dr. Wendell Force, a Russell native, was now associated with Dr. E.G. Danner, Chariton Optometrist.  Dr. Force is the son of Nora and Guy Force of Russell.

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December 15, 2011

50 years ago -

Russell High School inaugurated its new gymnasium.  Opponents for the opening game were Moravia, both boys and girls teams.  The gym was part of a new $165,000 school improvement program which also included classrooms and other facilities.

December 22, 2011

60 years ago -
Three Lucas County men were inducted into the Marine Corps at Des Moines.  They were James L. May of Russell, Gust H. Sutherland of Lucas and Scotty J. Hall of Lucas

Carol Swigart wins Chariton Giveaway Drawing

Carol Swigart of Russell (at the left) was the winner of the Chariton Chamber's grand prize Holiday Giveaway drawing held on December 16.  She received $500 in Chamber gift certificates for being the grand prize winner.  Her winning ticket was from the Chariton Pamida.  Standing at the right is Chariton Chamber Business and Professional Division President, Betty Pepping.

Stork News

Isabella Marie and Gabriella Marie Sandy, twin daughters, were born to Brock and Erin Sandy, Holdrege, NE.  Isabella Marie, 5 lbs, 9 oz. and 18¼" long at 4:12pm; Gabriella Marie, 5 lbs. 11oz and 18 3/4" long at 4:13pm.  They were born on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at Phelps Memorial Health Center, Holdrege, NE.  Their sister Olivia welcomed them home.  Great-grandmother is Mary Sandy of Chariton.

Evelyn Riggs Celebrated her 90th Birthday

Evelyn Riggs celebrated her 90th birthday December 22.  Her family honored her with a card shower.  You may send cards to 103 W. Ames #6, Russell, Iowa 50238.

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.