Rutland Ramblings – Jan. 26, 2024

On January 26, 2024January 25, 2024 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

It was a wild and crazy night on Friday, January 19^th, when The Fun Pianos – Traveling Dueling Pianos rolled into town. Over 130 people attended the event at the Hall sponsored by the Rutland Community Club. The performers got the crowd involved and played many favorites submitted by those attending. The party, originally scheduled for two hours, rolled into three fun-filled, loud, and rowdy hours. Many of the party goers headed over to finish the night at The Lariat Bar.

Katie McLaen reported that she is Grandma – again – with the birth of Millie Eve LaCroix on Thursday, January 18^th. Millie entered the world at 2:05 a.m. in Fargo weighing 7 lbs., 6 oz., and 19 inches long. Millie, named after “Millie” McLaen and Katherine “Eve” McLaen, joins older sister Charlotte. Proud parents are Catie and Cody LaCroix. Congratulations to the parents and grandparents on the new bundle of joy.

The Rutland City Council will hold its next meeting on Monday, January 29, starting at 5 p.m. in City Hall. The meeting is always open to the public and the agenda can be viewed on the City’s website. Be sure to check that out. Come attend the meeting to see what’s happening in town and what issues the Council is facing. If you are interested, be sure to grab the Petition for Nomination to run for a position on the City Council or Park Board. The positions of Mayor, two City Council Members, and three Park Board positions will be on the June ballot. Election petitions can be circulated and are due to the City Auditor by 4 p.m. on April 8, 2024.

The Rutland Vitalant Blood Drive will be held on Tuesday, January 30^th, at Rutland City Hall starting at 2:45 p.m. If you haven’t already been called and are willing to donate, you can register online at Vitalant or just drop by the Hall before 6 p.m. to make your donation.

The teams are registering for the annual Anderson Pinochle tournament scheduled for Saturday, February 3, at the Rutland Hall. Sonja Christensen is organizing the event, and the Rutland Community Club will be serving the noon meal. Game time starts promptly at 9 a.m. If you are not yet registered, be sure to give Sonja a call at 701-642-6793. The cost is $40 per couple. The tournament is always a fun time and the teams are very competitive.

There is always something happening in Rutland. Remember to mark Friday, March 1, on your calendar for the annual Rutland Sportsmans Club Fish Fry that will be held that evening. Watch for information in the Teller.

Rutland Ramblings – Jan. 19, 2023

On January 19, 2024 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

This community was shocked and plunged into sadness on Sunday, December 24, 2023, when word was received here that Rutland native Shelly (Pherson) Fink had died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 33 years 4 months and 1 day.

Shelly Jean Pherson was born on August 23, 1990, in Breckenridge MN to Dennis and Ione (Benson) Pherson of Rutland, ND. She grew up on the Pherson family’s farmstead on the north edge of Rutland. She learned how to ride a horse almost before she knew how to walk. Shelly was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland. As a child, Shelly loved animals as much as she loved making people laugh. She was active in the 4-H horse program, Children’s Summer Theater, Rutland Community Theater, gymnastics, high school basketball and all things creative, including art. She shared her creative talents in countless ways throughout her life. Shelly could always inspire smiles and laughs with her quick quips, one-liners and comebacks in any situation.

Shelly attended Elementary and High School at Sargent Central, graduating from high school in 2009. During her high school years, Shelly excelled in athletics, speech, Envirothon, served as a 4-H State Ambassador, and as Miss Sargent County 2007. She spent one summer learning to train horses and earned a spunky filly she named Oakley.

After graduating from high school, Shelly joined the North Dakota Air National Guard. She was proud to be one of North Dakota’s “Happy Hooligans”. After completing Air Force Basic Training, she enrolled at NDSU in Fargo, studying Ag Education. She joined the LineBenders Improv Comedy Group, fostered animals from the local shelter and helped them find homes, and shared her acting ability with police officers in Crisis Intervention Training. Airman Pherson served her country as an Air Transportation Specialist during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Shelly became a recruiter for the North Dakota Air National Guard in 2014 and educated all ages about the military – reading to classrooms, doing workshops with high school and college students, organizing activities in veterans’ homes, and helping young airmen get the most out of their military experience. Shelly was a proud member of Bergman-Evenson Post #215 of the American Legion in her hometown of Rutland.

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Rutland Ramblings – Jan. 12, 2024

On January 12, 2024 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

The Lariat Bar was a very busy place again on Friday, January 5^th, for the second trivia night of the winter season. Fourteen teams competed for the event with several teams making it through the first and second round of questions with perfect scores. Eighty participants shared their knowledge to try to take the first place this month. After four close and exciting rounds, one team advanced for the win followed by a six-way tie for second place! The winning team, “Buck the Fison,” members were all from Britton. Joey and Tanya Pierson, Jesse and Pat Bolzer, Tom and Bridget Shileny, Jackie Vetlin, and Ben Krista were awarded the trophy and their photo will be displayed on the winner’s shelf in The Lariat. The next round of trivia will be Friday, February 2, starting promptly at 7 p.m. at the Lariat Bar. The March Trivia event, scheduled for March 1, has been postponed. The first Friday in March is the annual Rutland Sportsman’s Club Fish Fry and the Bar is not going to compete with that event. Be sure to watch for information on the Fish Fry in the next few weeks.

The Rutland Seniors’ celebrated January birthdays on Monday, January 8^th. Only two of the birthday celebrants made it in for the event – Bill Anderson and Ann Erickson were there to celebrate with a batch of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Others celebrating their birthday this month are Rick Banish, Andy Harris, Duane Lock, Pam Maloney, Hal Nelson, and Diane Smith. The seniors celebrate the birthdays on the second Monday of the month at their morning coffee.

The Rutland City Council held its first meeting of 2024 on Monday, January 8. All members were present for the short meeting. The Council ratified the Lariat Bar 2024 liquor license that was issued by the City Auditor in December, approved the December 2023 financials and the December transfer of $334.88 from the General Fund to the City Share of Specials to balance the fund. The City Auditor reported that the Tree City USA and Growth Award applications were submitted by the December 31, 2023, deadline. The State Auditor has not yet returned/approved the City 2021 audit, however, the 2022 audit has been approved by the State but the City Auditor is questioning several changes made at the State level that do not properly reflect the City Funds or accurately balance. The next meeting is Monday, January 29^th.

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