By Bill Anderson

The long, hot days of Summer ended, and Autumn’s more moderate temperament, took over on the morning of Friday, September 9, with the mercury in the 40’s as day dawned and the high temperature for the day only hitting the 70 mark, replacing the high 80’s and low 90’s of the preceding week. The soybean and corn crops are beginning to show the effects of fewer hours of sunlight, cooler weather and dry conditions, as many fields are turning color, from green to gold, at a rapid pace. No combines are rolling, yet, but, with soybean and corn prices at astronomical levels, local farmers are not going to want to leave those golden crops in the field any longer than they absolutely have to. The cloud currently hanging over harvest plans is not a rain cloud but an impending rail strike. Most of North Dakota’s grain crops, including wheat; soybeans; and corn; are exported to other parts of the country, and other parts of the world, and dependable rail service is essential to that process. If the crops can’t move, they will just be big piles of grain on the ground. Sometimes, even with railroads moving the crops, local grain elevators end up with piles of grain on the ground. That’s likely to be a lot worse if the trains are not moving at all. Back in the 1940’s, when a rail strike endangered national security, President Harry Truman nationalized the railroads and called out the Army to operate them. Truman’s action was later declared to be illegal by the Supreme Court, but it did shock the rail unions and management into action to settle their problems and get back to work. North Dakotans can hope that the current President will follow the example of “Give ‘Em Hell” Harry, by taking firm, quick, no-nonsense action to keep the railroads moving.

Rick Bosse stopped in at the Rutland Seniors’ Center for coffee & conversation on the morning of Monday, September 12. He reported that he was one of a party of hunters from the Britton SD & Brampton ND area who were on a guided black bear hunt near Big Falls, in northern Minnesota, during the week of September 5 through the 8^th. Rick has been hunting in this area before, and his guide this time out was Jeff Larson of Big Falls. Rick said that he had a couple of opportunities early in the week but turned down the first one because it was too small and turned down the second because it was a sow black bear with 2 cubs at her side. On Friday, the last day of his hunt, Rick was in a tree stand when a big boar showed up and went for the bait. The bait, a combination of stale bread, candy and other edible items that bears like because it tastes good to them, even though it smells bad to us, was covered up by a pile of logs so raccoons and skunks wouldn’t get into it. The big black bear flipped the logs out of the way with one of its huge front paws. It was about 50 yards away, said Rick, and quartering away from him. He was armed with a rifle that fired the .300 Remington Ultra-Mag, a new type of ammunition that is quite powerful. Rick fired one well aimed shot, and the bear went down. After it was field dressed, the bear tipped the scales at 405 pounds, a real trophy by northern Minnesota standards. Rick received a lot of advice about what to do with his black bear from the Wise Men at the Round Table: have a full body mount; make a bear rug; or serve it up for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Harvey Bergstrom was in Andover SD last Saturday, September 10, to take in the steam power exhibition there. Harvey reports that the centerpiece of the show was a 150 horsepower J. I. Case steam tractor that was old and new at the same time. Back in 1909 the Case company manufactured fewer than ten of the mammoth tractors before scaling back to build a steam tractor that had less power and more demand. Over the years that followed, the 150 horsepower tractors all made their way to the scrap iron pile, and there have been none in existence for many decades. A few years ago, though, a young man from Andover, Corey Anderson, went to the head office of the J. I. Case company in Racine WI, found the original engineer’s specifications and drawings for the big steam tractor, copied them, then transcribed them into a computer assisted design (CAD) program, bought a foundry and used the information he had retrieved from Racine to make all of the parts needed to build a brand new 113 year old 150 horsepower steam powered tractor. Harvey said that a plowing demonstration was presented last weekend in which the big tractor pulled a plow with fifty 14” bottoms. The plow had 25 gangs of two bottoms each. A crew of men rode on the plow to manipulate the levers to put the bottoms into the soil at one end of the field and to withdraw them at the other end. There was no hydraulic or steam assist to operate the plow, only muscle power. Actually, Harvey said that one of the plow operators was a woman who did a good job of handling the plow’s levers.

Old friends here were saddened on Sunday, September 11, when word was received that life-long Rutland community member Orvis Pearson had departed this life at the age of 97 years, 3 months and 11 days. Orvis was a resident of Four Seasons Healthcare Center in Forman at the time of his death. Orvis Norman Pearson was born to Gottfred and Martha (Anderson) Pearson on May 31, 1925 in Dunbar Township, Sargent County, rural Rutland ND. He grew up on the family farm east of Rutland, and obtained his education at Ransom #4, at Rutland High School (Class of 1943), and from The School of Hard Knocks while working for his Dad and other local farmers. When his dad retired in 1952, Orvis took over the family farm operation and farmed until he retired in 1988. He continued to help out on the farm until the technology, chemistry and electronic gadgets and gizmos got to be more than he wanted to deal with. . Orvis married Alphie Johnson on June 17, 1951 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Shuman Township, rural Milnor. To this union were born two sons, Randy and Jim, and one daughter, Cindy. When Alphie passed in 2019, they had been married for 67 years. Orvis was happy farming and proud to be a part of the Rutland community. He was a sure handed, hard hitting, quick thinking outfielder on the Rutland Roosters Baseball team from 1944 through 1949, and was a teammate of such legendary players as Leif Sundlie; Rusty Silseth; Andy Sundlie; Everet Hart; Harvey Shasky; Ralph Nelson; Irv Nelson; Shorty Nelson; Grant Gulleson; Bud Harles; Bud Bohn; and, many others. He served as clerk of Ransom Township for 24 years and maintained the township roads for many of those years. Orvis served on the Ransom Township election board, the Rutland school board, Rutland Co-op elevator board, Sargent County Crop & Livestock Improvement Association board, and was a 4-H leader. He was a life-long member of the Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland, and served several terms on the church council. In 1983, after they sold the cows, Orvis and Alphie began enjoying their winter’s as snowbirds, going first to Texas, and then deciding on Arizona. Their social calendar was usually full, as they had many friends wherever they were, and could stay active year round. In 2019 Orvis and Alphie moved into The Villas Assisted Living Center in Forman. It was a big change in their lives, but also such a blessing, both for them and for their new neighbors. Orvis enjoyed his home there and truly loved all the staff and residents who became like family to him. Visiting with people came easy to Orvis, strangers were just friends he hadn’t met yet, and if you ever visited with him for even a little while, you no doubt enjoyed some of his quick wit. He loved laughing and telling jokes. He also enjoyed music, dancing, golfing, and playing cards. He tended to be lucky while playing cards. His first stroke of luck was learning to play Canasta alongside the pretty gal who became his wife. In 2020, while playing pinochle at The Villa, he was thrilled to get the ultimate pinochle hand of a double rope and double pinochle! A “once in a lifetime” hand, he said. He will be loved and missed by his children, Randy (Cheri) Pearson, Milnor ND; Jim (Paula) Pearson, Anthem AZ; and, Cindy (Dan) Tobkin, Gold Canyon AZ; his grandchildren: Amy (Matt) Bogart; Betsy (Tyler) Speich; Chris (Hailey) Pearson; Jerame Pearson; Ryan (Jenny) Pearson; Erika Acorn; Katie (Rich) Senkler; and, Shana (Zack) Barbarin; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Roger Pearson, Rutland ND ;1 sister-in-law, Clarice Renschler, Pequot Lakes MN; many nieces, nephews & Cousins; and, a large number of friends. Preceding him in death were his wife, Alphie; his parents; brothers, Marvin and Gordon; and his sister Annette McDonald. A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland ND. The Memorial Service for Orvis will be held on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Nordland Lutheran Church with Pastor Julie Johnson officiating, followed by interment at Rutland Cemetery near Rutland. His service will be live streamed on his obituary page. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Milnor is in charge of arrangements. The Rutland community extends its sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Orvis Pearson, a good friend and a good man who did the right as he was given the light to see it. A recording of the service will be uploaded shortly after the event

On the morning of Monday, September 12, Mr. Todd Wallner of Gwinner, doing business as Wallner Dirt & Snow, assisted by Mr. Clyde Brewer of Enderlin, began the process of removing trees from the lots on the NE corner of Gay & Bagley Streets in preparation for construction of a new Fire Hall at that location by the Rutland-Cayuga Fire Protection District. The lots were acquired from Dennis Pherson Jr. of Rutland. It is expected that construction will start in the Spring of 2023. The first two trees, very large cottonwoods, were down and hauled away by Tuesday afternoon. Due to their size, the large limbs of the trees had to be removed before the main trunk could be felled. The three remaining very large trees are on the north edge of the property and have heavy branches that are intertwined with the Otter Tail Power Co.’s lines. According to Mr. Wallner, removal of those trees will have to wait until power can be cut and the lines dropped to avoid damage to the power lines, as well as danger to Mr. Wallner & Mr. Brewer. Kyle Mahrer of Rutland, a member of the Rutland-Cayuga Volunteer Fire Department, said that the original cost estimate for removal of the trees was $1,000 per tree, but the cost may increase due to complications such as the power line situation. Mr. Wallner says that anyone who needs help trimming or removing trees; moving snow; or hauling dirt; should give him a call at 701.680.3054. Mr. Wallner was previously employed by the Job Erection Co. for several years, performing renovation, repair & maintenance work at the Bobcat factory in Gwinner. He says that Job Erection was a good employer, but he prefers working outside to hanging from the ceiling to perform work on an industrial building.

The Rutland City Council met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12 in the Rutland Town Hall with Mayor Mike Mahrer, Auditor Debbie Banish, and Council Members Bill Anderson, Delores Lysne, and Lori McLaen present. Council Member Rodney Erickson was absent. Also present were City Maintenance Worker Scott Haan, local plumber Calvin Jacobson, and Rob Wyum, an officer of Rutland Improvement LLC d/b/a The Lariat Bar. Mr. Jacobson discussed some pending repair projects for the city water system, including the replacement of several defective valves on water mains. Rob Wyum requested the continuation of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes for Rutland Improvement LLC d/b/a The Lariat Bar, for the 2022 through 2025 property tax years. The Payment In Lieu Of Taxes had originally been granted for the 2010 through 2025 tax years at the time the building was built. The Council approved continuation of the Payment In Lieu Of Taxes as originally approved. Mr. Wyum also requested approval of a Special Event Liquor Permit for Anna Kempel, d/b/a The Monkey Hut, of Havana, for Uff-Da Day, Sunday, October 2, 2022, at the Lariat Bar premises. The Council approved the Special event Liquor License. City Maintenance Worker Scott Haan presented information concerning trading in the City’s 2020 Bobcat skid steer loader for a new one pursuant to the Bobcat Co.’s municipal discount program. The Council authorized the trade pursuant to the information presented by Mr. Haan. The City will pay approximately $7,000 for the new Bobcat, with upgrades. Mr. Haan also requested Council approval for a Fall Community Cleanup Day in Rutland on Saturday, September 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A large roll-off dumpster will be available, as well as trailers for scrap iron, appliances, and tires. There will be a $20 minimum fee for disposed items. The Council authorized the Fall Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 24. The council discussed the 2023 Preliminary Budget with the Auditor. The final property tax valuations for 2023 are not yet available from the County Tax Director. The Preliminary Budget, approved in August, was based upon valuations for the 2022 tax year, the most recent information available. The Final Budget Hearing and consideration has been scheduled for Monday, October 3 at the Rutland Town Hall. Council Member Delores Lysne reported that she had recently attended the Tree City USA Banquet & Award Ceremony at NDSU in Fargo, accompanied by her grandson, Landon Lysne. She stated that Rutland was one of 154 North Dakota communities to receive the Tree City USA award. The awards were presented during half-time ceremonies at the Saturday afternoon football game in the Fargo Dome. After reviewing the financial report and authorizing payment of the City’s bills, the Council adjourned. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3, in the Rutland Town Hall. All meetings of the Rutland City Council are open to the public, and all Rutland residents are invited to attend and observe their city’s government in action.

The Rutland Community Club held its September meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 12 at the Rutland Town Hall. Uff-Da Day XXXVII, on the schedule for Sunday, October 2, 2022, was the primary topic of the meeting. According to Club President Katie McLaen, The final pre-Uff-Da Day lefse making sessions will be in the Town Hall kitchen at 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20; Sandbakkles, also called sandkaker, will be made in the Town Hall kitchen at 9:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. on Friday, the 23rd of September; and, krumkake will be made in the Town Hall kitchen at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27. Anyone interested in helping out, or in learning how to make these Scandinavian treats should contact Katie McLaen, or just show up at the Town Hall kitchen at the time and date indicated. All Uff-Da Day committee leaders have reported that they are ready for Uff-Da Day. Ione Pherson reported that the one-room country school experience demonstration that was such a hit last year will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Uff-Da Day, right after the Parade and the Nickel Scramble. Check the Rutland Community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com and the Rutland Facebook page for additional information about Uff-Da Day in Rutland on Sunday, October 2.

Meanwhile, on the international scene, “The Queen is dead! Long live the King!” The accession of the former Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, to the throne of the United Kingdom of England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland is proceeding without a hitch. There are no allegations that the system was “rigged,” despite the fact that the elevation of Charles to the throne was made without a single vote being counted, or cast. Charles was being proclaimed King at the instant his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had exhaled her last breath after 70 years as Monarch of the United Kingdom and as Head of State for the nations of the British Commonwealth. It is an expensive proposition to maintain a Monarch who does nothing but travel around the world, live in luxury and deliver one speech a year to Parliament, but, it might be less expensive than what we have. At least King Charles is smart enough to refrain from inciting his supporters to storm the palace and overthrow the government that supports him in the style to which he has become accustomed. 

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.