By Deborah Banish

The Rutland Community Club (RCC) has been keeping the town hopping this past week – and plans to continue holding events and activities throughout the summer. The Summer kick-off – Family Fun Night – was held last Thursday, June 6 at the Veterans Memorial Park. Over 150 area residents came to participate in the fun. Michael Mahrer was the grill chef preparing the burgers and hot dogs for the meal. The Community Club provided salad, chips, beverages and dessert. Everyone enjoyed the meal. Katie McLaen, RCC President, emceed the event that started with the announcement and crowning of Miss Rutland Jordan Peplinski and the crowning of Miss Lefse Lucy Mahrer and Mr. Lefse Brody Mahrer (cousins!). Following the royalty crowning, three teams were challenged with the Rutland trivia game covering several events from Rutland history and recent items of interest. The team of Norbert Kulzer, Pam Maloney and Lori McLean won the challenge and were awarded gift certificates to The Lariat Bar and Grill. The full list of the trivia questions – and photos of the three teams – can be found on the Rutland blog along with other pictures from Fun Night.

The KVRR Town of the Year competition continues as Rutland made it to Round 2. Thank you to everyone who voted in the first round – Rutland won by only 28 votes over Hatton, ND. This week Rutland is facing off against Sheyenne. Votes have already surpassed the total from Round 1, but it is another close race. Be sure to get out and vote daily on every device you have. Voting ends Monday, June 17, at 3 p.m. Please get out the vote to help Rutland win this round by going to the KVRR website and click on the Town of the Year link  https://www.kvrr.com/weather/town-of-the-week/. If you have more than one device, be sure to get your vote done on each one!

The Rutland Community Club barely finishes with one event and plans another – this time the RCC is holding a “groovy time at art in the park” on Wednesday, July 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to come to the Veterans Memorial Park to tie dye items such as tote bags, kid socks, pillowcases, and youth/adult t-shirts. The cost is only $2.00 for each item and you can bring your own if you like. Contact Morgan Peterson at 680-0933 by July 1 to let her know what items you like to order to tie dye that day.

The Monday, June 10^th, meeting of the Rutland Community Club was held at the Rutland Hall. Several members attended to discuss the recent RCC activities including the Memorial Day dinner, Fun Night, and the new planters in town. The art in the park event was discussed and finalized for July 10. The biggest news from this month’s meeting is that there will be an Uffda Day! Several people stated their willingness to ‘step up in a larger role’ to help coordinate the 35^th annual Uffda Day festival on the first Sunday in October – October 6, 2019. Individual Committee Chairs indicated their willingness to continue in their roles so planning is already off to a great start. Stay tuned for more news!

Saturday, June 15^th, is the last day to register for the Nordland Lutheran Church Red Willow Bible Day Camp August 7-9 for students entering grades 1-6. The Camp will be led by the Red Willow staff 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Friday with a public program at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $30 per camper (NLC will cover costs for members). Contact Kathy Wyum at 680-0436 to register and for more information.

The Sargent County Farmers Union will be sponsoring an EPIC event at the Coteau des Prairies Lodge southeast of Rutland on Thursday, August 8, starting at 2:30 p.m. There will be yoga for kids in grades 2-6 and farm canvas painting for grades 7-12 along with Farm to Table education and a family picnic at 5 p.m. RSVP by phone or text to Kyla Temple at 701-269-2158. Deadline is July 15.

Upcoming Events in Rutland: June 22 – Bridal shower at Nordland Lutheran Church on Saturday, at 10 a.m. for Miss Cassie Cwikla, bride-to-be of Daniel Temple, son of Dale and the late Bonnie Temple. The couple is registered at Target; July 1 – Rutland City Council meeting; July 5-7 Rutland All School Reunion; July 8 – RCC meeting; July 10 – Art in the Park.

That’s it for news from Rutland. Be sure to send any event notices or information to publish on the Rutland website or Facebook page to rutlandnd@drtel.net.