On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, Vernon Leist of this community was injured when the motorcycle he was driving was struck by a wild turkey. The accident occurred on ND Highway #11, near the Southeast Water Users water plant about one mile east of the Rutland corner. The impact of the 10-12-pound bird in flight was enough to cause Mr. Leist to lose control of the motorcycle which tipped over and slid along the pavement. He suffered numerous cuts, abrasions, and several broken ribs because of the collision and contact with the road surface. Vern was taken to the new Sanford Hospital in Fargo by the Sargent County Ambulance Service, Forman squad, and received medical treatment there for more than a week. He is now undergoing rehabilitation treatment at Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospital, 4671 38th Street South, Fargo ND 58104. Mr. Leist said on Saturday, June 6, that he still has no clear memory of the accident and does not remember if he was going to Lidgerwood, or coming home from Lidgerwood, at the time it occurred. His many friends in the Rutland community wish him a speedy recovery and a quick return to his home here.

The Nordland Lutheran Church Council met on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, to establish a schedule and procedures for resuming worship services and other activities in the congregation’s Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall in Rutland. According to Nordland Council Chairman Hal Nelson, Sunday worship services will resume at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, with Pastor Nicholas Rohde officiating. Hal said that face masks and social distancing will be required of all in the sanctuary, except those who are excepted by CDC guidelines. “The coronavirus pandemic is still on the move,” he said, “and we don’t want anyone to become infected, or to infect others, while attending worship services.” He urged anyone who has questions to check the Nordland Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Wednesday, January 20, 2021, will be Inauguration Day in the United States of America, but Sunday, June 14, 2020, will be Coronation Day in Rutland, North Dakota. Miss Jennifer Peplinski, Miss Rutland 2019, will pass the crown, and the title, to Miss Cora McKinney, Miss Rutland 2020, in a ceremony scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on June 14, at the basketball court in the City Park at 123 Gay Street. Following the Coronation Ceremony, Miss Rutland 2020 will lead a parade that will proceed east on Gay Street to Dakota Street, then south on Dakota to Anthony, west on Anthony to First Street, then north on First and west on Gay back to the City Park. Members of the Rutland community are urged to station themselves along the parade route bearing banners, posters, and well-wishes for Rutland’s royalty, all while wearing face masks and maintaining appropriate social distance, of course. The Rutland community extends its thanks to Miss Peplinski for her services on behalf of the community during the past year, and its congratulations to Miss McKinney on her new title and responsibilities. Jennifer Peplinski is the daughter of Dale Peplinski & Stephanie Juelfs and Cora McKinney is the daughter of Nathan & Shauna Bergh, all of this community.

The Rutland Community Club met in the afternoon on Monday, June 8. Seven members were present to discuss events and activities. The Rutland Fun Night usually held in June will be postponed to August when it may be possible to gather and have a “back to school” event. The Missoula Theater Group has postponed their visit to Rutland this year and plan to be in Rutland for summer theater in 2021. Another event that is being cancelled because of the COVID-19 distancing rules is Uffda Day. The Community Club hopes to have lefse for sale in late September and/or early October as well as new T-shirts this year. Plans for lefse-making and T-shirts will be discussed at the July meeting. New banners are being considered for Rutland and more information on options will be discussed at the next meeting. The Board vacancy had been publicized and three individuals expressed interest, but one has since declined. President Katie McLaen will contact the remaining two to appoint an individual to the vacant three-year term. The next Community Club meeting will be Monday, July 13, at 1 p.m. at City Hall.

The primary election results were not available at the time of writing this week’s column but will be known by the time this goes to print. The City of Rutland will be electing a new Mayor and Michael Mahrer is running for that position. There are two positions on the Rutland City Council currently occupied by Delores Lysne and Bertha Siemieniewski. The City also has three Park Board vacancies to fill (currently occupied by Andrea Erickson, Hal Nelson, and Jeff Olson).  There is only one name on the ballot for the Park Board vacancies so the winners of that race will not be known until after votes are counted and the write-in candidates are contacted and accept the position. The Rutland City Council will hold its organization meeting on Tuesday, June 23, at City Hall with all candidates taking their official Oath of Office. The Council President and Vice-President will be elected, and the City Auditor and City Engineer will be appointed. There will be a vacancy on the City Council for a two-year term to fill the position vacated by Council Member Mahrer. Individuals interested in serving on the City Council are welcome to submit their interest in writing or by calling the City Auditor’s Office at 724-3081. The City Council may appoint an individual to the vacancy at the next regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2020.

The City of Rutland is seeking to fill the Public Works/City Maintenance position to oversee the City public works infrastructure. The full job description and employment application is available from the City Auditor’s Office or it can be viewed on the website at rutlandnd.com/employment-opportunities-1. Complete the City of Rutland Employment Application and submit it to City of Rutland PO Box 181 Rutland ND 58067. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

That’s it for the news from Rutland for this week. Remember to get that Census form completed and submitted. The new Mayor would appreciate your cooperation so he does not have to promote the cities of Forman, Gwinner and Milnor this year. Take advantage and call the City Office for help or if you have questions on completing your Census. The Census is important as the count is used to determine funding that passes to the City. For example, the State Highway Tax Distribution Fund amount to Rutland is distributed based on the per capita population as determined by the last official census. Encourage your neighbors to get their count done. It helps keep local property taxes lower if the City is eligible for more Federal and State funds. YOU COUNT!