Rutland natives Dave & Pat Kulzer, now residents of the Swan River Valley in western Montana, report that a bear has been making regular trips through their yard. The most recent sighting of the critter, believed to be a cinnamon colored black bear, was at about 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, Flag Day. The bear had passed through the Kulzers’ yard heading south about ten days earlier, and it is believed that it was patrolling its territory, warning unfriendly bears and other heavy-duty predators to keep their distance. Although black bears may weigh up to 300 to 400 pounds and can be dangerous, they are neither as large nor as ill-tempered as their grizzly bear cousins. The bear that passed through the Kulzers’ yard had neither the dished face nor the hump on its back that are characteristics distinctive to the grizzly. Just to be sure, Pat did some research, and this is what she found:

“I found this info re the grizzly’s hump at https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Grizzly-Bear :  “Grizzly bears are large and range in color from very light tan (almost white) to dark brown. They have a dished face, short, rounded ears, and a large shoulder hump. The hump is where a mass of muscles attach to the bear’s backbone and give the bear additional strength for digging. They have very long claws on their front feet that also give them extra ability to dig after food and to dig their dens. An animal fact guide says that grizzly cubs are born blind, hairless & toothless but within a month, while nursing from their mother, they grow teeth & fur & have opened their eyes and are ready to venture out of the winter den. The cubs are able to climb trees but lose that ability when their claws get fully developed.  Pat.” 

There haven’t been any grizzly bears out here on the prairie for about 200 years, but, just in case they start reclaiming their ancestral range, this is good information to know. Thanks to Pat & Dave Kulzer for the report.

The new Miss Rutland, Cora McKinney, was crowned on Sunday, June 14, at City Hall with about twenty family and friends present. Also attending was the outgoing Miss Rutland Jordan Peplinski and the current Miss Forman Kara Zirnhelt. The crowning was followed by a parade through town where many residents help up signs and congratulated Cora. The Sargent County Fair Queen contest will not be held in 2020 as the Fair has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place. 

Vernon Leist of this community sustained some severe injuries when a wild turkey collided with the motorcycle he was driving back on May 27. Since then, Vern has been a patient at Sanford Hospital in Fargo and, more recently, at Cobalt Rehabilitation Hospital in Fargo. In calls to friends here on Sunday, June 14, Vern reported that he is still undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation therapy at the Cobalt facility, and that he expects to be there for another week yet. Vern wanted his friends in Rutland to know that he is regaining his strength, and that he is feeling much improved over the past week. He thanks all those who have sent cards and letters, and says, “Keep ‘em coming!” He also reports that he has regained the possession and use of his cellular telephone, so those who have his phone number may feel free to give him a call. Vern’s many friends here are looking forward to welcoming him home soon.

The Rutland City Council will hold its organization meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, with Mayor Michael Mahrer presiding. The Council President and Vice President will be elected and the City Engineer, City Attorney and City Auditor will be appointed by the Mayor. There will be a vacancy on the City Council to be filled and anyone interested in filling the two-year vacancy can contact the City Auditor to submit the required forms.

Sheyenne Valley Veterinary Service will be at the Rutland Fire Hall on Wednesday, June 24, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for a pet clinic. The City Auditor will also be at the Fire Hall for pet licensing so be sure to stop in! Pet license fees remain the same: $10.00 for each neutered/spayed dog or cat and $15.00 for each unneutered dog or cat. Licenses are good for one year annually by July 1.

There is still time to complete your 2020 Census. Ultimately, North Dakota is falling behind nationally in the effort to get all North Dakota households counted in the 2020 Census. Studies have shown that every person missed in the Census count results in a loss of federal funding in the amount of $19,100 per year. Get your Census completed and sent in soon. Rutland is also behind in the race with Forman, Gwinner and Milnor which means that the Mayor may have to promote those three towns. Contact the City Auditor’s Office at 701-724-3081 if you need assistance. Get busy and get counted!