By Bill Anderson

“When March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb,” the old-timers used to say. So, what happens when March comes in like an iceberg? The first 10 days of March, 2022, have either been cold, or a lot colder, and the forecast doesn’t have any relief in sight. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13; St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17; and, the Vernal Equinox, the beginning of Spring, arrives on Sunday, March 20, according to the Sun; so we suspect that warmer weather may be arriving one of these days. So far no show, however. “If you don’t like the weather in North Dakota right now, just wait a minute and it’ll change,” is another of the old-timers’ sayings, and, although it is true, there is no guarantee that the new weather conditions won’t be worse than what you didn’t like in the first place, especially in March. Just be careful what you wish for. You might get it.

Mike & Debbie Banish drove to Fargo and then flew to Denver on Saturday, February 26, to represent North Dakota at the National Farmers Union Convention. The Banishes were delegates selected by the North Dakota Farmers Union to represent the State organization at the national level. Mike reports that the Convention was held in the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Denver. According to Mike, the delegates discussed current farm policy and adopted resolutions and policy positions stating the Farmers Union’s aims and goals when it comes to national farm policies and programs. Past President of the National Farmers Union, Roger Johnson of North Dakota, was recognized for his years of meritorious service to the organization by current President Bob Larew, according to Mike. The Banishes returned home on Wednesday, March 2, and report that they had a most enjoyable and informative time at the National Farmers Union Convention.

Norbert Kulzer was a patient at Sanford Hospital in Fargo from Wednesday, March 2, to Monday, March 7. Norbert received treatment for a painful hip injury and for an infection in one of his feet. He is feeling much better now, but will be moving a little slower than normal for a while. Norbert’s many friends extend a hearty “Welcome home!” to one of Rutland’s stalwarts.

The Rutland Community Club’s Annual Fun Night will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, in the Rutland Town Hall, according to Club President Katie McLaen. There will be games, including BINGO; prizes; food; and, fun for all ages, says Katie. Everyone is welcome! Also, the Community Club has scheduled the annual Rutland Easter Egg Hunt for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, at the Rutland Town Hall. There will be Easter Egg Hunts for both kids and adults this year, Katie reports. The Easter Bunny will be present; games will be played; and, the Ladies of The American Legion Auxiliary will be serving lunch. There’s always something going on in Rutland, so stop by the Town Hall on Sunday, March 13, for a good time at Fun Night, and on Saturday, April 16, for the Easter Egg Hunt.

Roger Pearson reports that he was in Fargo on Monday, March 7, having cataract surgery on one of his eyes. He is scheduled to have the cataract on the other eye taken care of next Monday. “So far, so good,” says Roger. His daughter, Brenda Gibbon, did the driving for him, and, “She is a good bus driver,” he says.

The Rutland City Council met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7, in the Rutland Town Hall, with Mayor Mike Mahrer; Auditor Debbie Banish; and, Council members Rodney Erickson; Delores Lysne; and, Lori McLaen; present. Council member Colton Corry was absent. Also present to meet with the Council was Rutland native Jerry Arneson. Mr. Arneson inquired about a transfer of the liquor license for The Lariat Bar. After a brief discussion of Mr. Arneson’s plans, the Council approved the transfer of liquor license #185 to Jerry Arneson for the operation of The Lariat Bar through the month of June, 2022. The Council approved attendance of City Auditor Debbie Banish at the North Dakota League of Cities’ Appointed Officials Workshop in Mandan on March 28-30, and also authorized the reimbursement of Auditor Banish for expenses for mileage, lodging and meals at the approved State rate. The Council held the second reading of the amendment to Chapter 7 of the City Ordinances providing for health safeguards on municipal water systems required by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The first reading of the ordinance had been held at the February meeting. The ordinance was approved by a vote of 2 to 1, with Council members Lysne and McLaen voting “AYE”, and Council member Erickson voting “NAY”. The ordinance will become effective upon publication of notice of its passage in The Teller. The Council deferred action concerning the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) status of The Lariat Bar building on Main Street, pending consultation with the City’s legal counsel. After reviewing the City’s bills and authorizing payment, the Council adjourned at 5:50 p.m. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4, in the Rutland Town Hall. All meetings of the Rutland City Council are open to the public, and Rutland residents are invited to attend to observe their city’s governing board in action.

The report on the Rutland Post Office Situation is still the same: no information; no action; no service; and, no Post Office. Rutland residents are urged to contact Senator Hoeven, Senator Cramer, and Congressman Armstrong to request that they plant a boot where it will do some good.

Meanwhile, on the international scene, the courage and determination of the people of Ukraine continues to astound and inspire the world. It was originally predicted that it would take the Russian Army 48 hours to complete the conquest of Ukraine. Now, it is more than 2 weeks since the invasion began, and the Ukrainians are standing firm against a foe that has superior numbers, superior training, superior weapons and superior equipment. The Ukrainians have superiority in those things that count, though: patriotism; loyalty to their fellow countrymen; and, belief in the ideals of democratic government. To date, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has succeeded in: galvanizing & uniting the NATO alliance to take action in support of Ukraine; uniting the world to take common action against Russia; exposing the incompetence of Russia’s military leadership; and, even in the Congress of the United States of America, uniting rational Republicans (Yes, there are still some of them left.) and Democrats in support of President Biden’s actions to support Ukraine without provoking a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. The diminished animosity, and increased respect, among Americans is one of the unanticipated beneficial consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The dictator of Russia, Mr. Putin, is learning the lesson of being careful about what he wished for. He wished for a war with Ukraine. He got it. Now what? Like a car-chasing dog that finally caught one, he can’t let go lest it run over him, and he can’t hang on lest it drag him to death. All Americans are pulling for the Ukrainian people to be relieved from the suffering of war, and from the oppression of their Russian neighbors. Their President says that they will never give in, never give up and never quit. May God bless them, and may it be so.

Well, that’s the news from Rutland for this week. For additional information about what’s going on in the little city that can, check out the community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com, and take a look at the Rutland Facebook page while you’re at it, too. Don’t forget to patronize your local Post Office, and remember to keep the pressure on the U. S. Postal Service and the North Dakota Congressional delegation to SAVE OUR POST OFFICE! Later.