Harvey and Judy Preble of Eagan, MN, were visitors in Rutland on Saturday & Sunday, October 28 & 29. They were in town to help Harvey’s younger sister, Dianna (Preble) Anderson celebrate her birthday. Harvey and Diana share the same birthday November 7, although Harvey was on the scene two years prior to Dianna’s arrival. According to gamblers’ superstition, number 7 is a lucky number, and this birthday should be double lucky for Dianna.

The Rutland City Council met on Monday, November 6, and approved the Engineer contract for services for the sidewalk improvement project, renewed the water sampling contract with SE Water Users, and adopted the 2024 meeting schedule. Water rates were also discussed as SE Water will be raising the City’s cost of water in January. Rates were last increased in 2017 for water. The Council voted to raise water rates by 5%. The current rate for water is $23.00 for the first 3,000 gallons; the increase will result in a new rate of $24.15 for the first 3,000 gallons and $5.25 for overage use per 1,000 gallons. An update was provided on the Post Office reopening and it may be at least another four months before it happens; stay tuned as time (and mail) moves slowly – but surely. The next Council meeting will be Monday, December 4.

The Sargent County Extension Office is seeking individuals willing to become a NDSU Extension Master Gardener in the county. The application deadline is November 15. If you love gardening and are community-minded, now is your chance to apply. Complete weekly online classes from January 19 – March 22, 2024 on vegetable and fruit production, soil health, flowering plants and more! Application and more information is available at this link: ndsu.ag/mgcourse. Contact the Extension Office at (701) 724-3355 if you have any questions!

The Sargent County Commission passed a preliminary resolution that would redesignate the elected positions of County Auditor and County Treasurer/Recorder Clerk of Court as appointive positions. Before a final resolution can be passed, public hearings are requested. The Commission will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, November 15, at 6 p.m. at the Milnor Senior Center. The commission would like to receive public input on whether or not to proceed with the change. The meeting can also be joined via GoToMeeting at https://global/gotomeeting.com/join/504808517. A copy of the preliminary resolution can be obtained from the Sargent County Auditor or online at http://sargentnd.com.

The District 28 Dem-NPL Party will hold their November 20^th meeting at the Rutland City Hall starting at 7 p.m. There will be a social gathering before the monthly Zoom meeting. This month they will discuss last year’s legislative changes, upcoming events and updates to the 28for28 Club for District fundraising. Feel free to attend the social and stay for the meeting.

Rutland is the place to be in December. The month starts off with The Lariat Bar trivia contest on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m. The bar will host a trivia contest on the first Friday of the month this winter, December through March. There is no limit to the number of members per team. The prize will be a $50 Lariat Bar gift card. Start getting your team together for a fun competition.  The bar has also added new appetizers to its menu so be sure to come early to get your order in and to get thinking.

The Rutland Community Club Santa Day Saturday December 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rutland Hall. There will be bingo and activities for all ages with a spaghetti supper. Be sure to come and get photos taken with Santa. Santa Day is always a jolly good time in Rutland!

The Rutland-Cayuga Fire District volunteer fireman will serve a free-will pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, December 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rutland Town Hall. Everyone is invited to stop in for gourmet sausage and pancakes to support the fireman and to help raise funds for their new building in Rutland. The Rutland American Legion Auxiliary will also be holding a free-will bake sale during the breakfast so be sure to stop by early to get the homemade treats before they are gone.

The Rutland City Council will have a public hearing on Monday, December 4, at 5 p.m.on the intent to establish a citywide street improvement district in accordance with Rutland Home Rule Charter #8. The Sidewalk Improvement District No. 23-01 will be within the existing City of Rutland boundaries. The notice of the hearing has been published in the official newspaper for the City on November 3 and 10. The December 4 hearing is to gather public comment on the special district.

The Sargent County Senior Citizens December meeting and Christmas Party will be held on Thursday, December 14, starting at 2 p.m. at the Rutland Senior Center. The 2 p.m. meeting will be followed by a party with food and bingo. Be sure to mark your calendar and bring your friends.

Well it’s either feast or famine from this writer. Be sure to follow Rutland activities and news on the City website, through the blog, and on Facebook. Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts.