By Bill Anderson

March is supposed to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, but 2008 will be recorded as the year that March entered like a kangaroo, jumping from cold to warm and back again during the first few days of the month. On Tuesday, March 4, the day started out at 16 degrees, then climbed up to 43 and sunny, before sliding back below freezing as a snow front moved in that evening. Forecasts call for below zero before week’s end, and not much hope for relief from Winter’s icy grip before the Ides of March. That’s O.K., though, as there will be some hot times in the old town this month to keep everyone warmed up.

Denny Pherson and Jason Smykowski were in Wichita Falls TX last week to attend a national convention of custom combine operators. Chad Haugen of Dazy ND accompanied Denny and Jason on the trip. They returned to Rutland on Sunday, March 2. Denny reports that the winter wheat crop from northern Texas through Kansas appears to have been severely damaged by the ongoing drought in that region.

Snow and high winds on Thursday, February 28, created treacherous driving conditions that put some local folks into the ditch. Lois Nelson of this community was on her way to Forman at about 8:30 o’clock on Thursday morning when her late model Dodge Stratus went off the north shoulder of ND Highway #11 about 1 mile west of the Rutland corner and rolled completely over, ending up back on its wheels, but looking much the worse for the experience. The windows popped out and the car filled with snow as it went over. Clifford Carlson of Rutland was behind Lois on the highway and observed the rollover as it occurred. Clifford immediately stopped to render assistance and called for the ambulance, but Lois had been belted in and suffered no injuries other than a few minor scratches and bruises. After being checked over by the medical personnel at the Forman Clinic, Lois returned to her home here. Those who have seen the auto report that it appears to be a total loss.

Grant Gulleson was hospitalized at Oakes early on the morning of Thursday, February 27, suffering from a severe respiratory infection. Grant had not been feeling well for several days, and had decided to drive himself to the hospital at about 2:00 a.m. He had not gone far, though, before he realized that he was too ill to make the trip alone. As he headed north down Main Street, he saw that the lights were on at the Rutland Elevator, where Rodney Erickson and Brian Pherson were working on some repairs to the facility. Grant stopped at the Elevator, where the 2 younger men volunteered to take him to the hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.

Thursday was not a good day for residents at the Rutland Housing apartment house at 316 Ross Street. After Grant Gulleson had been hospitalized early that morning and Lois Nelson was involved in a 1 car rollover accident on her way to Forman, Joyce Christianson became suddenly ill and was taken to the Lisbon hospital by ambulance. It was found that Joyce was suffering with the influenza A virus, a particularly virulent and violent strain of the flu that has been going around this Winter.

Twenty-sixth District Democrats endorsed one incumbent and 2 former State Legislators at their District Convention, held in Gwinner on Saturday, March 1. Former Senator Jim Dotzenrod of Wyndmere was endorsed to succeed Joel Heitkamp of Hankinson in the State Senate; former Senator Jerry Kelsh of Fullerton was endorsed to succeed Pam Gulleson of Rutland in the State House of Representatives; and, incumbent Representative Bill Amerman of Forman was endorsed for re-election to a third term in the House. The convention also considered a number of resolutions on issues ranging from school funding, veterans issues, agriculture policy and alternative energy to labor issues. Those resolutions which were adopted will be forwarded for consideration by the State Democratic-NPL Party at its convention in Grand Forks during the first weekend in April. Thirty-one delegates were elected to represent District #26 at the State Convention. Among those from Rutland attending the event in Gwinner were Pam Gulleson, Steve & Sheila Wyum, Mark & Kathy Wyum and Bill Anderson. The 26th District GOP still has no candidates in the field for the legislative posts, although rumors are circulating that a well known Forman businessman may throw his hat into the ring. The GOP has its State convention scheduled for the last weekend in March.

Carr’s Tree Service of Ottertail MN was in town on Monday & Tuesday, March 3 & 4, trimming trees away from the Ottertail Power Co. electrical lines along the City’s streets and alleys. They appeared to be doing a very thorough job.

The Rutland City Council met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, at the Rutland Town Hall with Mayor Narum, Auditor Hoistad, and Aldermen Arneson, Christianson, Harris and Mahrer present. Auditor Hoistad reported that all funds are in the black except the water fund, which showed that the operating deficit had been reduced to just over $7,000.00. The Council discussed the number and amount of unpaid water bills and considered publishing the names of those with delinquent accounts as a method to spur payment. Notices will be given to those with delinquencies that their water service will be disconnected if the account is not promptly paid. Gambling permits #124 & #125 were issued to the Rutland Sportsmen’s Club and the Rutland -Cayuga Volunteer Fire Department, respectively, for raffles to be held on March 7 and March 23. Council members voted, unanimously, to allow the Sargent County Alcohol Abuse Prevention Task Force to use the Town Hall on Wednesday, April 2, without charge, for the purpose of holding a public meeting concerning alcohol abuse by teens in Sargent County. Sargent County Social Services Director Wendy Jacobson of Rutland chairs the Task Force. In other business, the Council discussed the adequacy of the current rental rates charged for use of the town hall in light of the rising cost of electricity and propane; the Southeast Water Users Annual Meeting to be held in Lisbon on Wednesday, March 12; and, the North Dakota League of Cities Regional Meeting which will be held in Ellendale on April 23, with seminars on Zoning issues and Renaissance Zone operations. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council will be on Monday, April 7, at the Rutland Town Hall.

The committee working on revisions to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Zoning Ordinance Met at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, in the Nordland Fellowship Hall. Irv Rustad of Lake Agassiz Regional Council reviewed changes proposed so far and the committee members devoted most of their time in this session to working over the Zoning Ordinance. A public meeting to discuss the revised Plan and Ordinance will be held on Monday, March 31, at the Rutland Town Hall. Prior to the public meeting, copies of both documents will be available for review by interested citizens at the Rutland General Store, Rutland Café, Lariat Bar and other public places in the community. Subject to revisions which may be made as a result of the public hearing, it is expected that the documents will be presented to the City Council for consideration at its April 7 meeting.

The Rutland Community Club held its regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, in the Rutland Town Hall. The committee that has been working on improving the Hall’s restroom facilities reported that they are working on a plan which they hope to have ready for review by the Club at its next meeting. Diane Smith reported that Bingo, sponsored by the Community Club, will be held in the Rutland Senior Center at 3:00 o’clock every Sunday afternoon from now until mid-May, with the exception of Easter Sunday. Club members decided to contribute $100.00 to the Rutland Café for the annual children’s Easter Egg Hunt which will be held on Saturday, March 22 for kids age 12 and younger, and also contributed $1,000.00 to Rutland Housing for improvements to be made to the apartment houses here. Debbie Liermark reported that plans for the Rutland Community Club’s supper and play on Friday, March 14, at the Rutland Town Hall are proceeding smoothly. Advance tickets for the barbecued rib supper and the play are available at the Rutland Café, the Rutland General Store and Alley Cuts until Monday, March 10. Ione Pherson reported that contestants for the title of ?Mr. Miss Rutland 2008? include Tammy Whynot, Cami Haybuster, Raquel Wrench, Barby Bootcamp, Sandy Aggregate, Patty Link, Sally Scrooz and possibly others. The meal will be delicious and the entertainment will be great, so don’t miss it. Get your tickets this weekend.

Steve & Sheila Wyum departed Rutland, North Dakota and the United States on the morning of Wednesday, March 5, bound for Rome, Italy, where they plan a visit with Steve’s old classmate from Rutland school days, Christina (Reif) Woolwine-Moen, and her husband. The Moens visited in Rutland last Fall and the seeds that sprouted into this trip were planted at that time. The Wyums expect to be back home on Friday, March 21. “Arrivaderci Roma!” Steve & Sheila.

Well, the old timers used to say that an early Easter meant an early Spring, and, although it sure looks like they are going to be wrong about an early Spring this year, there is no doubt that Easter is as early as any of us can remember. Sonja Christensen (RHS Class of ?58) of Wahpeton has come up with some interesting information on this subject, and here it is. As you may have heard, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar. Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22,) but that is pretty rare. Here’s the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!) And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here’s the facts: 1.) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you’re 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!) 2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has, or will ever, see Easter any earlier than it is this year! Well, there you have it, and Sonja is a retired First Grade teacher, and the teacher is always right.

Checking in on Rutland’s internet web site at http://www.rutlandnd.com is always the right thing to do. Stop by to find out what’s happening in the little city that can.

The following are excerpts from the L. S. Sanderson column of March 5, 1953: As the curtain falls on the last act of the state legislature a sigh of relief can be heard over the entire state. You are still permitted to buy your friend a drink and you can still bring home candy for the kids, but the greatest comedy was witnessed last week when a caravan of 300 cars, all recruited in the hot bed of the Non-Partisan League Territory, descended on Bismarck to demand less taxes for big business, something they have always insisted should be driven out of the state by confiscation of property thru taxation. Incredible, you will say, for who does not remember when these same people led by Townley and Langer waged war on all business men and especially on what they termed big business. And what has brought about the change of heart? The almighty dollar, brother, nothing else! These old NPL war horses now expect to cash in and become a partner of big business, big oil men, who they are no longer condemning. Money talks, and apparently it talks louder than the ROC….Mrs. Olaf Olson has been released from the hospital at San Haven and arrived home on Monday. Her many friends are glad to learn of her complete recovery….Rudy Anderson, Roy Hermanson and Marvin Pearson left on Sunday for Canistota, So. Dak., to consult a specialist in regard to their physical condition….Dave and Otto Hoflen are at Valley City this week where they are showing some of their purebred stock at the winter stock show. Following the show, a sale of stock shown will be had….Jalmer Strand is again confined to his bed suffering from a stomach disorder. He will remain on a restricted diet for some time….Mrs. Oscar Hoflen is suffering from a severe attack of sciatic rheumatism which has forced her to remain indoors the past 3 weeks….At a meeting of the Commercial Club it was voted to offer a number of door prizes at the Farm Institute to be held here on March 12-13. Exhibits of merchandise will be on display at the hall and lunch will be served each day….The open fishing season in So. Dak. closed on Saturday. A number of our local fishermen have been regular visitors there all winter but on Saturday, the only ones who ventured that far were Agner Ahrlin, Valentine Resler and Romey Shasky. These gentlemen are experienced fishermen and while they may not be able to tell just what days the fish will bite, they can tell on what days the fish will not bite, and after years of research work in this line they have found that the days on which fish will not bite are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday….Mr. and Mrs. Herb Swanson are Minneapolis visitors and expect to spend a month at various points in Minn….After a severe illness of several months duration, Anna Malheim passed away on Sunday morning at the home of her son-in-law, Helmer Lee. Funeral services will be conducted at Rutland and the remains will be taken to New Hampton, Iowa, for interment. Mr. and Mrs. Malheim formerly resided in New Hampton and after his death the family came to North Dakota, where they established their residence.