Lee Nickels hosts grand opening

It has been four months since Lee Nickels started working as a new State Farm agent in Russellville after Gus Garrard retired, and he said his family has settled into the area quite well.

“We’ve enjoyed being here. All of the people have been nice,” Nickels said.

Nickels and his family, together with Franklin County Chamber of Commerce representatives and members of the community, celebrated a ribbon cutting for Nickels’ business Thursday.

Nickels said he enjoys the small-town community and the closeness that is felt in Russellville. He said he has particularly enjoyed the trails and outdoor activities that are available to him in Franklin County.

“We’re not here to take; we’re here to give,” Nickels said at the ceremony. “We want to be a beacon and a light in the community.”

Nickels said that he is fortunate and blessed to have reached his goal of becoming an agent and getting the chance to settle in Russellville.

His wife Mary homeschools their four children Callie, 7, Harrison, 5, Sadie, 3, and Jacob, 1.