By Bill Anderson

The old saying, “The Sun always shines on Rutland, even when its raining,” proved to be true once again on Saturday, August 5, as the Rutland Rib Fest tradition got started again after being interrupted by the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and by a 9½ month closure of The Lariat Bar in 2022. The first Rutland Rib Fest was held in 2009, when The Lariat Bar was temporarily located in the American Legion Hall at 123 Gay Street, while the new Lariat Bar building on Main Street was under construction. Beginning in 2010 the Rib Fest was held on Main Street, where it was scheduled to be held this year, too. The rain that began in mid-afternoon on Saturday required a change in plans, however. Event organizers in Rutland have always been able to adapt, improvise and overcome, and this year’s Rib Fest was no exception. Rib vendors moved their grills from Main Street to shelter under the front porch and in the back room of the Lariat, as did vendors of other items that pleased the palates of those who had come to Rutland to dine. Joe Breker recalled that the judges at Rutland’s first Rib Fest were: Jerry Sapa; Rodney “Guts” Nelson; and Alvin “Butch” Craig; all well-known rib gourmets in the local community. This year’s judges: Debbie Banish; Mark Wyum; and, Bill Anderson; did their best to uphold the tradition of professionalism and enthusiasm established by their predecessors 14 years ago. The ribs prepared by the team of Steve Hartze of Fargo and, Bill Hoflen of Rutland were selected as this year’s “Best Ribs In Rutland” by the 3 judges, and were also picked as “The People’s Choice,” in a ballot by diners. Steve & Bill received an attractive certificate and $100 from The Lariat Bar and The Rutland Community Club for their accomplishments. The team of Jenry Du Plessy of South Africa; and Phillip Praetorius of South Africa; earned 2^nd place honors in the competition and were awarded a handsome certificate and a case of premium beer in recognition of their efforts. Steve Hartze is a grandson of the late Joe & Helen (Silseth) Sapa, and a nephew of the late Jerry Sapa of this community. His mother, Margaret Ann Hartze resides in Fargo, but was back in her old hometown to witness her son’s championship performance in Rib Fest 2024. Bill Hoflen is a farmer/rancher in Ransom Township, working with his Dad Andy Hoflen, on the Hoflen family farm. Jenry & Philip are both employed by Woytassek Farms of Rutland and reside in the Wolters house on the NW corner of Anthony & Bagley Streets. The rain, which broke a Summer long drought, put the crowd in a very good mood, and many farmers, both young and old, elected to celebrate throughout the evening while standing out in the rain, smiling, and laughing, as the proverbial “Million Dollar Rain” saved their crops and, in some cases, their futures in farming. A large crowd stayed on throughout the evening to enjoy the music of “Raw Sugar,” the band that had also been moved from the street to The Lariat to keep instruments and electronics dry. Earlier in the day, several Junk Fest vendors had been enjoying a brisk, if low priced, business. Pam Maloney reported that the rummage sale and scalloped potatoes with ham dinner fund raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association that had been held in the Rutland Town Hall raised more than $2,600.00 for the charity, with more coming in from on-line donations and other activities throughout the weekend. According to Shawna Bergh, Manager of The Lariat, the bar enjoyed its biggest business day of the year last Saturday. Rummage sale enthusiasts, garage sale devotees and barbecued rib fans should keep their eyes open for information about Rib Fest 2024, which is currently planned to be held during the month of August in the coming year. Next year will be a Leap Year and a Presidential Election Year, and in the event that those two events require any adapting, improvising and overcoming, you can be sure that Rutland folks will be up to the challenge.

The following information concerning the Muscular Dystrophy Association fund raiser held here on Saturday & Sunday, August 5 & 6, was supplied by Pam Maloney: “Royce & Piper’s Rad Posse held their virtual Musclewalk on Sunday, August 6 with myself; Brianne, Joshua, Piper & Royce Nelson; Taryn, Shane, Cohen, Beckette & Landrie Jensen; Carolyn & Larry Christensen; Shannon Jablonsky; Michael & Phyllis Wyum; Boyd Jacobson, Jr.; and Diane Smith; participating. Between the rummage sale & dinner, in-person & online donations, the total raised, so far, for the Muscular Dystrophy Assn is just over $4,300. Thanks to all who donated in any way!” Congratulations to Pam and family for a successful fund raising event, and thanks to Pam for the information.

Some of the rainfall amounts reported for the Saturday, August 5 rain event include: 1.25” inch of rain in Roger Pearson’s gauge at 409 Gay Street; 1.3” shown in Norbert Kulzer’s gauge, a few feet east of Roger’s; 1.3” in the gauge at the Chuck Sundlie & Kim Kohler residence on Cooper Street; 1.6” at the Jesse Brakke farmstead in Ransom Township; 1.52” at the Chuck & Mary Beth Anderson farm in Weber Township; .98” in the gauge at Harvey & Judy Bergstrom’s Ransom Township farm 2 miles south of Cayuga; 1.5” at the Joe & Patty Breker farm in Tewaukon Township; 2.3” at Jim Huckell’s farm in the Hills south of Rutland; 1.2” and 1.4” in the 2 gauges in the Nick & Katie McLaen farmyard 2 miles north of Rutland reported by Dale McLaen, who says that a 1.3” average is good enough for him; and, .9” in the gauge by the house and 1.3” in the gauge by the shop at the Cameron & Jenny Gulleson farm east of town (Cameron says that he’s going to accept the rain gauge reading by the shop as official). Some other rainfall amounts from around the area include: 4.7” at the Gulleson feedlot at Pickel Hill, between Cogswell and Oakes; 4.2” at Brampton; 2.5” at the Tim Anderson farm southwest of Forman; and approximately 6” on the land farmed by Tom & Bradley Wyum near Guelph, on the old Forbes Line right of way southwest of Oakes. Rutland was full of happy, smiling farmers on Saturday night, and even the cornstalks on the Lyle & Ann Erickson farm were said to be “smiling from ear to ear.”

Some of those who were in Rutland for the 2023 Rib Fest were: Bonnie Anderson and daughter, Nicole Anderson, of Brookings SD; Bob & Paulette (Anderson) Gulsvig of Fargo ND; Cheryl Mattson of Minneapolis MN; and Ann Hoflen of St. Paul MN.

During her weekend visit in Rutland, Ann Hoflen also took in a “Farewell Party” for Kent & Jeannie Hoflen, who are moving from their home in Hankinson to a new residence in New Hampshire. They are making the move in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Kent is the son of the late Lowell “Bud” and Florence (Warzeka) Hoflen of this community, and a grandson of the late George & Ada (Peterson) Hoflen. The Farewell party was held at the home of Kent’s cousin, Jason and Liz (Hoflen) Wolfe, in Havana.

Debbie Liermark of this community was in Nashville TN from Sunday, July 30, to Wednesday, August 2, attending the Dollar General Store corporation’s annual conference. When Debbie took over as District manager in southeast ND and northeast SD a couple of years ago, the district was at the bottom of the retail corporation’s rating scale. Now it is at the top. Dollar General has announced that it intends to add three new locations to Debbie’s District this Fall: Wahpeton; Watertown SD; and Aberdeen SD. Debbie also reports that among the highlights at the conference was an appearance by legendary country music star, Dolly Parton. Ms. Parton came to the conference to thank Dollar General for a generous contribution to a charity she supports, and she stayed to entertain and inspire conference attendees with several of her most popular songs, including: “Nine to Five”; “The Coat Of Many Colors”; and, “I Will Always Love You”. Another up and coming country star, Chris Jenson, also performed during one of the conference sessions. Debbie is fired up about the success of the Dollar General Stores in her District, and she is looking forward to even greater achievements in the coming year. Debbie’s many friends in Rutland extend congratulations to her for her success during the past few years, and best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.

Rutland native Pat Prindiville of Horace ND; Pat’s son, Mark Prindiville of Fargo; nephew Harold Young, now of Mesa AZ; and Harold’s son, B. J. Young, also of Mesa; were Rutland visitors from Tuesday, July 25 to Sunday, July 30. They stayed at the Prindiville farm on the south side of Rutland, where Pat and Harold had grown up. Despite 98 degree temperatures during his time in the old hometown, Harold complained that it was now too cold for him in North Dakota. He had to get back to Mesa and 110 above. As they say in Arizona, though, “…but it’s a dry heat.” When the door handles get so hot that a person can’t touch them without oven mitts, it doesn’t much matter whether the heat is dry or wet. It’s just plain hot! 

CORRECTION: Last week it was reported here that Norbert Kulzer had observed his 83^rd birthday on Thursday, July 27. That was incorrect. Norbert was quick to point out that he is now 84 years old, not 83. He was born on Thursday, July 27, 1939. 

The Rutland City Council met at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, August 7, in the Rutland Town Hall with Mayor Mike Mahrer; City Auditor Debbie Banish; and City Council members Lori McLaen; and Bill Anderson; present. Council members Rodney Erickson and Delores Lysne were absent. Mayor Mahrer and Council members McLaen & Anderson discussed repair & replacement of sidewalks along the 100 block of Main Street. The City Engineer was unable to attend Monday’s meeting to discuss the cost estimates for various alternatives. The mayor stated that the city has to determine which areas of sidewalk to replace. From the Bar to the alley and past the old Rutland Café’ building, as well as from the northwest corner of the Waloch-Johnson Insurance Agency office on the south side of Front Street are obvious areas that need to be replaced. Anderson noted that the current curb cut/ramps do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) code standards. The exact project area needs to be defined for the Engineer to develop cost estimates. The mayor said that, in his opinion, the area from the old café building to the insurance building needs to be done, including the sidewalk on the north side of the insurance building. He will contact the Engineer to work on estimates to get the sidewalk replacement on the east side of Main Street done. The west side also needs to be done. The city needs to identify what it can afford to do, and then do a portion or side each year. Consideration of the resolution of public necessity directing the creation of a special assessment district to provide funding for the sidewalk project was postponed to the September meeting. Estimates have not yet been received for the roof replacement on the old Rutland Jailhouse building. The structure has been used as a storage building for many years. 

The auditor presented a proposed 2024 preliminary budget for consideration. She stated that it is approximately a 106.05 mill budget. The City’s mill levy limit is 105 mills. The budget can be reduced after the preliminary budget has been adopted, but not increased. The Auditor asked for guidance on additional areas in which costs may be reduced. Last year’s budget was just under 105 mills, so there is not much room to change the amounts. The council moved to approve the 2024 preliminary budget as presented, and set the public hearing on the budget for the September City Council meeting, Monday, September 11, at 5p.m.

The Council approved payment of the bills presented. The Auditor reported approval of Gaming permit #240 for the Wild Rice Antique Tractor and Plow Association for a raffle on Uffda Day, October 1, 2023; and approval of a building permit for construction of a new garage on Parcel #29-9110000, the Nathan & Shawna Bergh residence on Forest Street.

The Auditor reported on the Municipal Financial Officers Association (MFOA) workshop she attended in Bismarck last month. She was part of a panel discussion on records management/retention/destruction. The information on a special assessment deficiency levy was presented and was discussed as part of the preliminary budget. 

The Auditor announced that the North Dakota League of Cities convention will be in Bismarck in September. She plans to attend. The registration fee is $250.00. There is an Elected Officials workshop on Wednesday, September 20, as part of the convention but it will also be available virtually for a $75.00 fee. She urged Council Members to register and take the opportunity to participate in the webinar. Council Members Anderson and McLaen expressed interest in the virtual webinar. 

The mayor reported that the owners of the property at 304 Bagley plan to build a berm to protect their property from water this year. They want to cover or remove the sidewalk on the north side of their house, but plan to keep the sidewalk on the east side of their property. The Council concurred in permitting them to remove the old sidewalk and build up the area to protect the house from excess water. 

It was noted that the Rutland General Store building, the Cramton property on West Cooper Street, the Maloney property on north First Street (Main Street) and the Aderman property on Anthony Street were all sold in July, so there will be new residents in town. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council is scheduled for 5p.m. on Monday, September 11, in the Rutland Town Hall. All meetings of the Rutland City Council are open to the public, and Rutland residents are encouraged to attend.

Monday, August 7 was “Purple Heart Day” in the USA, honoring American military combat veterans who were wounded in action and shed blood for their country. Among the Purple Heart recipients in Rutland are Richard “Dick” Meyers, USMC, Korean War; Douglas “Doug” Olstad, USN/USMC, Vietnam War; and Andrew “Andy” Hoflen, US Army, Vietnam War.

Lou Sanderson Field was the site of a double-header contest between Rutland’s Roosters and the Men’s Slowpitch Softball Team from Grand Rapids, Lamoure County, on the evening of Tuesday, August 8. The Roosters won both games in 5 innings, each, pursuant to the 10 run rule. The Roosters are scheduled to meet the team from Gwinner at Lou Sanderson Field at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, for the final 2 games of the 2023 season. The Rutland Park Board’s Concession Stand will be open, with bratwursts, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, soft drinks and live entertainment by Mac, Hal, Larry & Andrea, too.

Rob Hoflen hosted his sister, Allison Hoflen of Fargo, and relatives Rod & Cheryl McPhail of Kissimmee FL on Tuesday, August 8. Mr. McPhail grew up in the Oakes ND community and is a former owner of The Sportsmen’s Bar in Oakes. The McPhails are now retired and make their home in Florida but return to North Dakota for family reunions and other events.

Some upcoming events in Rutland include: Annual Meeting of the shareholders of Rutland Improvement LLC doing business as The Lariat Bar on Tuesday, August 15, at The Lariat Bar; Rutland Sportsmen’s Club’s annual Youth Day on Sunday, August 20, at The John Narum Memorial Trap & Rifle Range ½ mile north of Silver Lake; and, first day of the Sargent Central School District’s 2023-2024 school year on Wednesday, August 23, at the Sargent Central School in Forman ND. 

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. Remember to patronize your local Post Office, and don’t forget to keep the pressure on the U.S. Postal Service and the North Dakota Congressional delegation to SAVE OUR POST OFFICE! Later.