By Deborah Banish

Mother Nature is not playing nice as everyone knows. September began with heavy rains during the first ten days of the month and October 10^th brought the first blast of winter weather that led to several school closings. While the kids enjoyed the snowfall, which was ideal for making snowmen, farmers see it as just another challenge to get the soybeans and corn harvest completed or, for many, to even get started.  While most of the snow melted over the weekend, it just saturated the ground even more and blocked some roads with water making getting to the fields another headache to be dealt with. The forecast may provide a glimpse of hope before the next anticipated rainfall.

The Rutland Community Club met on Monday, October 14, at City Hall. Members present discussed Uffda Day – what worked, what didn’t and what needs to be changed for 2020. Katie McLaen and Lori McLaen agreed to head up the 2020 Uffda Day planning and organization; one additional person is needed to help as the three key persons. The lefse could be made further ahead of time to have more to sell; there were complaints about lefse selling out quickly. Santa Day will be held December 14 with Santa expected to arrive around 5:30 p.m. There will be kid crafts, bingo and a free-will meal. The two freezer meal sessions in October are filled. Zumba will begin the first Sunday in November, November 3, and will be held monthly; it is open to anyone. Planning is underway for the Kids in the Kitchen sessions on January 5 and 12, 2020. The next meeting will be November 12 at 5 p.m.

This weekend the Rutland American Legion will hold its pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast will include eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. The Rutland American Legion Auxiliary will have a free-will bake sale simultaneously in the Rutland City Hall.

The Rutland City Council is seeking residents to serve on the Census Committee known as the Sargent County Complete Count Committee. Members will be required to attend training on November 6th (Wednesday) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Gwinner Community Center. From January- April 2020 members will get the word out, plan local events, and meet every two weeks to a month until May 2020. If you are interested, please contact City Auditor Deborah Banish as soon as possible by email at rutlandnd@drtel.net or by telephone at 701-724-3081. We need Rutland representation!

On Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m., the Rutland American Legion Auxiliary will “Trick or Treat” for gently used clothing (male or female), toiletries and personal care items and cash donations. Items will be donated to the Gladys Ray Shelter in Fargo. If you wish to donate items and will not be home on Sunday during the collection drive, items can be brought to the Legion Breakfast on October 20.

That’s it from Rutland this week. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and on the Rutland blog. Keep up with events and announcements on the rutlandnd.com website and share your events by sending an email to rutlandnd@drtel.net. Later.