By Deborah Banish

On Friday, May 4^th, several Sargent Central High School students, their teachers and some parents headed to the North Dakota State Music Contest to display their talents and compete against other students in the Class B section. Sargent Central earned 9 ⭐️ performances at State Music, and also received three Outstanding performances. Congratulations to Eric Bergeman on his flute solo, Thomas Mehrer on his vocal solo, and to the six members of the boy’s vocal group who performed Shenandoah – Tyler Banish, Emmett Bergeman, Eric Bergeman, Ethan Bergeman, Noah Kujanson, and Thomas Mehrer.

Singapore Slim, the globetrotting, or globe cycling Cayuga native also known as Randy Kiefer, notified friends around the world that he has begun another marathon bike ride that will take him from his winter residence in Anchorage, Alaska, back to his home territory in North Dakota and Minnesota. In a message to Bill Anderson dated May 5 entitled “Good-bye Alaska,” Randy wrote the following: “Greetings, I am in Tok, Alaska, after leaving my sweet Anchorage apartment on the 1st. It certainly was bitter sweet. The Off the Chain volunteers are the best. Even had a going away party with margs – loved it. Thank you Off the Chain buds. After 4 days of riding and experiencing Alaska’s rain and snow, I and determining that 90 to 100-mile days are no longer my norm, and I am laying over to regroup. High points so far: 1) Three moose walking toward me, then dropping off the road to a lake, and watching them drink and splash. 2) Multiple bald eagles. 3) Awaking to frost inside my tent. 4) Seeing & hearing trumpeter swans. Amazing!!! 5) Riding 20 miles in wet, heavy snow. (Norm, think the Dempster.) 6) The fresh snow on the mountains and trees, a true inspiration. 7) Met a woman at the Glenallen market that I first met last August at a Copper River store. Alaska is a big small place. With some luck Beaver Creek tomorrow. And for those following along at home the notable towns: Haines Junction; Whitehorse; Watson Lake; Fort Liard; and, Yellowknife. Will regroup at Yellowknife to determine a route to the Winnipeg area to connect with Apple Dumpling Gang members Dick and Don. I hope all is well in your world. r/randy” Thanks to Randy for the report, and good luck to him as he completes a ride that began in Singapore back in November of 2017 and has taken him through Thailand; Cambodia; Laos; Vietnam; Japan; from Southern California to the Arctic Ocean and Anchorage; across the highest passes in the Swiss Alps; and now from Anchorage to Cayuga. Randy is a 1967 graduate of Sargent Central High School, and a 1971 graduate of NDSU in Fargo. He is an inspiration to all of his friends who are over 40.

Four youths from Rutland and five youths from Forman shared Confirmation on Sunday, May 5. Each of the youths had selected a mentor who followed them through their year’s journey including completing service projects, attending classes and mentor meetings. The First Communion class of Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland focused on learning about affirmation of their faith. Each read in front of the congregation about what their faith means to them and what it means to make their own choice to receive the body and blood of Jesus. A beautiful service was held by Pastor Nicholas and teachers Rachel Hoistad, Andrea Erickson and Wendy Willprecht.

The Rutland City Council met on Monday, May 6^th, with all members present. The City Engineer from Moore Engineering updated the Council on the Emergency Lagoon Repair Project 2019-1 informing them that the bid documents will be prepared this month. He suggested having a special meeting to discuss and approve the bid documents before the next meeting so that the project can progress more quickly. The Council approved a City-Wide Clean-Up Day for Saturday, May 18^th, when the City Municipal Waste Site, also called the landfill, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for individuals to bring items for disposal. Large items, such as furniture, will be charged the $20/item disposal fee. Council Member Lysne reported that the Pet Clinic has been advertised and will be held Tuesday, May 7^th, at the Rutland Fire Hall; residents may also obtain pet licenses that same day. Other actions included: authorization to close First Street (aka Main Street) for Saturday, August 3, for JunkFest and RibFest festivities; proclaimed Saturday, May 18^th, as Arbor Day in Rutland and proclaimed that in 2020 and beyond that Arbor Day will be the first Friday in May to conform to the State’s designated Arbor Day. The City financials and bills were approved as presented by the City Auditor. A grant has been submitted for a Community Forestry Grant through the ND Forest Service to help cover costs for tree removal and trimming in 2019; the goal is to submit another grant in 2020 for tree planting. Award notification will be in July and work must be completed by October 31. The next regular Council meeting will be Monday, June 3.

For once, the person intended to be surprised at a Surprise Party was surprised. On Monday, May 6, Roger Pearson stopped in at the Rutland Senior Citizens Center for morning coffee and was surprised to be greeted by two of his daughters, Brenda Gibbon of Milnor and Becky Hicks of Fargo, with a boisterous “Happy Birthday!” The occasion was the 59th anniversary of Roger’s 21st birthday, and his girls, grandchildren, friends and cousins joined in the celebration. Tracy (Malstrom) Wyum, Roger’s niece, was also present, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of her 21st birthday. Janice Christensen had observed her birthday two days earlier, on May 4, and the large group of well-wishers serenaded all three – Roger, Tracy, and Janice – with three rousing renditions of the “Happy Birthday” song. Roger’s daughter, Brenda, had baked sweet rolls and blueberry muffins for the occasion. Roger stated that, despite the birthday on May 6, he did not feel a day older than he had on the 5th.  His plan for the day was to go fishing.  For the week, too.

“Lou Sanderson Says” will be performed at the Rutland City Hall on Saturday, May 18, courtesy of the Rutland Community Club. This year’s original production is written and directed by none other than Diane Smith. It promises to be a good one so be sure to get to Rutland early. A free-will supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. by the Sargent Central Ambassadors group before the 7 p.m. performance. Cost of the play admission is $5 Adults, ages 5-12 $3, and 5 and under are free. Come out for supper and a fun theatrical evening in Rutland.

The new Rutland website was launched on Thursday, May 9^th. It is still a work in progress but the goal is to provide residents and visitors alike with an easy to use and informative format. Check it out at www.rutlandnd.com and send any comments or suggestions on the content and format to rutlandnd@drtel.net.  Residents can sign up and subscribe to receive news alerts when they are posted. The new site will provide easier access to City information, and have more area news and events, and will provide a place for residents selling their homes to have the information on the Rutland website.  News items and area events can be sent to rutlandnd@drtel.net for inclusion on the new website.

Upcoming events: Rutland Community Club meeting, May 13^th at 5:00 p.m.; Rutland Community Club Theater Saturday May 18^th; Sargent Central High School Graduation Ceremony in Forman on Sunday, May 26^th; Rutland American Legion Post #215 and Rutland American Legion Auxiliary Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 27^th. Rutland is the place to be in May.