By Debbie Banish

The Rooster has flown the coop but will return next week with sage advice and Rutland news. In the meantime, here are a few tidbits from Rutland this past week.

The Rutland Senior Center was a cheerful gathering place on Monday morning, July 10, when about twenty individuals gathered for the monthly birthday celebration. A bright red, white and blue layered cake was shared by all after a vibrant “Happy Birthday” was sung by those present. The five July birthday celebrants were Chuck Anderson, Michael Banish, Norbert Kulzer, Judy Silseth and Cher Spieker. The Senior Center holds the monthly birthday recognition on the second Monday of the month to be sure to stop by sometime to wish area seniors a Happy Birthday and enjoy homemade cake. The weekly coffee gatherings are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings starting around 9:15 a.m. Come visit and hear the last news and take a walk down memory lane. The group can be a rowdy and informative bunch!

The Rutland City Council met Monday, July 10, with all present by phone and in person. The Council approved a demolition permit for the removal of the house and garage at 206 – 2^nd Street West, discussed the recent Trailer Park inspection report, reviewed the property insurance coverage, and approved the payment of bills. The City Auditor announced that the city received $15,161.90 from the Federal/State snow reimbursement grant which was a one-time funding opportunity. The First Street sidewalk project was discussed, and the Council requested that the City Attorney draft a resolution of necessity for a possible special assessment project area to help fund the needed improvements on First between Gay/Arthur and Front Street. The City Engineer will meet with the Council on August 7 to discuss the scope of the project and present cost estimates for the sidewalk project and a water valve replacement project. The Council will also approve a 2024 preliminary budget and schedule a public hearing within the next two months. The meetings are at 5 p.m., the first Monday of the month (excluding holidays) and the public is always welcome to attend and watch the Council in action. There is time at the beginning of the meeting for public comments and input is always welcome.

Monday was a busy day in Rutland and the evening was no different. The $5 burger Monday night special at The Lariat Bar was a hit with locals and visitors as observed by the cars lining First Street. Mark your calendar for Monday night as the time to get to Rutland for a great burger special at the Lariat!

The Milnor Team canceled the Tuesday night game against the Rutland Roosters. Next Tuesday, July 18, the Rutland Roosters take on Riverside at Sanderson Field. Game time is 6:45 p.m. and the Park Board concessions will be open for ballpark food, snacks, and beverages.

The Rutland Community Club members decided to take a break and not meet in July, but they will meet in August to get Uffda Day planning in full swing.

The Community Club may be taking a break, but the Lariat Bar is in full-swing planning for Ribfest on Saturday, August 5. The event will begin with a community rummage sale at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A scalloped potato lunch will also be available at the Hall with sale and food proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Junk Fest vendors will set up along Gay Street to sell their wares from 1 to 5 p.m. The American Legion Pie and Ice Cream Social will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rutland Senior Center and ribs and more will be available starting at 5 p.m. The event will conclude with a street dance with Raw Sugar from 8 p.m. to Midnight. It will be a fun time in the old town, so be sure to come to town. More food/rib and junk fest vendors are welcome to participate. Check out the Rutland Facebook page for contact information.

Other events this week that should be in next week’s Rooster Crows include: The Rutland-Cayuga Fire District annual BBQ supper on Wednesday, July 12; the bid opening on Thursday, July 13, for the sale of the Rutland General Store; and Vacation Bible School at Nordland on July 18-20.

That’s it for this week from Rutland. Don’t forget the Sargent County 100^th Fair kicks off on July 20. See you at the fair!