Author: RebelRed

Rutland Ramblings – Oct. 20, 2023

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More than 100 family & friends signed the Guest Book at the Celebration of Life honoring the memory of the late Kathleen A. (Bauman) Brakke Anderson on Saturday, October 14, at the Rutland Town Hall. Kathleen passed away on June 3, 2023, at Lilac Homes Memory Care, Moorhead MN. Among those from out of town who attended the event were: Stacey Biewer, Pelican Rapids MN; Marilyn Anderson, Wahpeton ND; Sonja Christensen, Wahpeton ND; Curt Stofferahn, Fargo ND; Marcie, Brendon & Jax West, Springfield IL; Sadie & Josh Church, Lidgerwood ND; Darby Brakke Sebree, Cincinnati OH; Robert Sebree, Cincinnati OH; John Bauman, Stevenson WA; Janelle Brakke, Fargo ND; Karen Christianson, Lake City SD; Joan Beyer, Breckenridge MN; Anita, Micah & Miles Moxness, Breckenridge MN; Thomas Banish, Lidgerwood ND; Carol Fridgen, Nevis MN; Terry W. Lee, West Fargo ND; Bev Schons, Fargo ND; Claire Brakke, Madison WI; Alex Markovic, Madison WI; Christine Tauer, Oak Grove MN; Laura Feltes, Anoka MN; Shirley Mahrer, Hankinson ND; Steve Thorfinnson, Fort Ransom ND; Randy & Jeane Koch, Fargo ND; Bonnie and Ronald “Red” Bauman, Fergus Falls MN; Kim & Mark Cramton, Fargo ND; Amy Martinsen, Minot ND; Mark Prindiville, Horace ND; Pat Prindiville, West Fargo ND; Mike Prindiville, Minneapolis MN; Judie Seavert, Wahpeton ND; Carol & Sid Harrison, Fargo ND; Doug & Nancy Glarum, Clitheral Lake MN; Dana & Wanda Rasmussen, Detroit Lakes MN; Dan Carlisle, Ottertail MN; Bill Spear, Wadena MN; James & Sydny Brakke, Somerset WI; Deb Gaukler, Lidgerwood ND; Bill Gaukler, Lidgerwood ND; Glen Larson, Watertown SD; Victoria Parker Christensen, Denver CO; Katheryn Parker Tagg, Anoka MN; Marcia Brakke, Delano MN; Dr. Gerald Parker, Casselton ND; Judy Isensee Anderson, Fargo ND; Don Isensee, Perham MN; and many more from Rutland and other Sargent County communities. The ladies of Nordland Lutheran Church served a Noon dinner of Kathleen’s favorites: scalloped potatoes with ham, ham sandwiches, rommegrot and Rice Krispy-peanut butter bars with chocolate frosting. At 1:00 p.m. a video produced by Kathleen’s son-in-law, Robert Sebree, was presented, followed by reminiscences from Kathleen’s friends and fellow music, painting, and quilting enthusiasts. All agreed that the video set the tone for a very pleasant afternoon. A granite grave marker bench prepared by the Fergus Falls Monument Co. had been placed in the Rutland Cemetery on Wednesday, October 12, and Kathleen’s cremains will be interred there later. Her husband, Bill Anderson; her children: Darby Brakke (Robert) Sebree; Jesse R. Brakke; and Janelle Brakke; her grandchildren: Kaia (Kyle) Mahrer; James (Sydny) Brakke; and Claire Brakke; and her Great-Grandchildren: Brody; Julia; Adalyn; and Kaitlyn Mahrer; express their thanks and appreciation to all those who joined them at the Celebration of Life last Saturday.

Former Rutland community residents Bill & Mary (Kulzer) Woytassek were visitors in their old hometown on Tuesday, October 17. The Woytasseks now make their home in Detroit Lakes MN, but like to stop in Rutland occasionally, just to keep up on what’s going on. Mary enjoyed dinner and visiting with friends at the Rutland Seniors’ Center on Tuesday, while Bill enjoyed a “play day” with son, Jerry, and grandson, Andrew, on the farm, getting caught up on the new technology used to deal with old problems encountered during the harvest season. Mary said that they intend to head for their Winter base at Green Valley AZ as soon as the coming winter makes its presence felt.

The Rutland Housing Association, Inc., met at the Rutland Town Hall 4:45 p.m. on October 12, 2023. Present were President Delores Lysne, Manager Bert Siemieniewski, Secretary Carolyn Christensen, and Board Member Bill Anderson. The Secretary’s Report was read and approved. The checking account has a balance of $12,439.49 and approved the payment of bills. A new stove was purchased for a tenant in Building 2. Tree branches have been trimmed at Building 3 but trees at Building 2 still need trimming. Gutters have been ordered for Building 2 at a cost of $5,190 for gutters and installation. Gutters on Building 3 need to be cleaned out. The exterior light on Building 3 has been fixed. All the buildings are full with one person on the waiting list and the possibility of a second person being interested. Apartments in Building 1 need work done in kitchens and bathrooms. The Manager will print the ESA Policy to distribute to Board members.  The problem of snow removal was discussed, and a possible resolution identified. Tenants would like sidewalks cleared early in the day and they would like notification to move their cars when parking lots are to be cleared. The Manager would like tenants to notify her whenever there is a problem with their apartment or the building so the problem can be rectified as soon as possible. Work is being done on the proposed budget.  The meeting was adjourned at 5:36 p.m. Next meeting will be during the week of October 23rd.

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The Rooster Crows – Sept. 1, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Well, here we are, nearing the end of a long, hot Summer that followed a long, cold Winter. No Spring this Spring, and Autumn’s legacy is yet to be written. It’s Friday, September 1, only 30 days to go until the biggest holiday celebration of the year, Uff-Da Day XXXVIII on Sunday, October 1, 2023. You won’t want to miss the displays & demonstrations; you won’t want to miss the arts & crafts; you won’t want to miss the car show; You won’t want to miss the music; you won’t want to miss the great food; You won’t want to miss the parade; and, most of all, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet and greet old friends on the streets of the friendly little city that can. Everyone is invited to attend, and participate in, Uff-Da Day XXXVIII on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Rutland, North Dakota.

A letter inviting participation in Rutland’s Uff-Da Day Parade on Sunday, October 1, has been posted on the community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com and on the Rutland Facebook page, too. As it has in recent years, the parade will form up on Dakota Street, on the east side of town, and it is scheduled to step off, promptly, at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Rain, snow, wind, cold and heat, nor any other 4 letter words, have not delayed or hindered the Uff-Da Day Parade in the past, and this year will be no exception. As in previous years, members of the Lyle & Ann Erickson family will be on hand at Dakota Street to help parade participants find their place in the lineup. That’s Uff-Da Day in Rutland on Sunday, October 1.

Thirty-three regulars at the Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning Coffee & conversation sessions at the Rutland Seniors’ Center enjoyed a baked ham and fried chicken supper in the back room of The Lariat Bar on the evening of Thursday, August 17. The coffee club participants make free will donations to pay for the coffee & lunch, and the amount donated has always exceeded the cost by a substantial amount, so the patrons use up the excess donations by paying for a supper banquet for themselves. According to Joanne Harris, one of the organizers of the event, even after paying the bill for the August 17 supper, there is still enough left in the kitty to do it again. At this point, the plan is to host another banquet during the Christmas/New Year holiday season. Three cash door prizes were awarded to 3 lucky diners: Debbie Banish won $10; Rick Bosse pocketed $25; and Andy Harris took home $50. Those who attended the August 17 banquet commended the staff and the management of The Lariat Bar for the quality of both the service and the food.

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The Rooster Crows – Aug. 25, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

From weather conditions that felt like early Fall on the weekend of August 19 & 20, then back to the heat and humidity of the tropics by Tuesday & Wednesday, August 22 & 23, the weather patterns continue to bounce back and forth between unseasonable and unreasonable. According to the weather gurus in the electronic media, however, the temperature and the humidity should be back into the reasonable and seasonable category for the final week of August. Well, when there’s nothing else to talk about, we’ve always got the weather.

A party of angling enthusiasts made up of Greg Donaldson of Rutland; Hal Nelson of Rutland; Harvey Dawson of Brampton; Rick Bosse of Brampton; and, South Dakota Joe of Somewhere, South Dakota; Departed Rutland on the morning of Monday, August 21, bound for Fargo to join a busload of fishermen & fisherwomen heading for Ballard’s Resort on Lake Of The Woods, to participate in the annual fishing trip sponsored by radio station KFGO AM790. The trip is hosted by several KFGO radio personalities, including Joel Heitkamp, host of the News & Views talk show on KFGO. Greg, Hal, Harvey, Rick & Joe expect to be back home on Thursday, August 24, with a 2 day limit of walleyes and an unlimited supply of new fishing stories.

Speaking of fishing, they just aren’t biting at any of the local lakes. The lack of action on the fishing front is attributed to the hot weather that has heated up the water and made the fish lazy, indolent and unwilling to fight with an erstwhile angler over a minnow or a night crawler. Rutland native Judie Seavert-Grohs, who makes her home on the west shore of Lake Traverse, near Rosholt SD, reports that even the bullheads aren’t biting this Summer. Fortunately for Judie and her husband, Steve, they still have some Texas Gulf Coast fish from last Winter in their freezer to get them past this hot spot in the weather pattern. Although the surface area of Lake Traverse is approximately 11,200 acres, it is shaped like an elongated bowl and is only about 12 feet deep at its deepest point. Right now, it is heated up to bathtub temperature, and the fish there are just too relaxed to bite on anything, according to Judie. What is needed is some cold weather to spice things up…oh, no! Not that, again!

Last Spring’s High School graduates are now this Fall’s college Freshmen, and Rutland’s members of the SCHS Class of 2023 are now embarked on their journey through the mysteries and adventures of higher education. On Saturday, August 19, Abby Erickson, eldest daughter of Rodney & Andrea Erickson, relocated from Mom & Dad’s house to a dormitory room at NDSU in Fargo. Abby plans to study the science of Dietetics. Tyson Siemieniewski, son of Brad & Heidi Siemieniewski, moved up to MSU-Moorhead on August 6 to begin fitness training. His classroom studies began on Monday, August 21. Tyson’s plan is to study Sports medicine and Coaching. Fletcher Willprecht, son of Kevin Willprecht and Wendy Willprecht, is enrolled at NDSU in Fargo, taking general courses aimed at a degree in Ag Economics. Fletcher’s classes began on Monday, August 21. Gaven Christianson, son of Barry & Jen Christianson, began work on the preliminary courses needed for a degree in Physical Education at NDSCS in Wahpeton on Tuesday, August 22. Gaven’s plan is to complete 2 years of study at NDSCS and then transfer to a 4-year college to complete his degree.  

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The Rooster Crows – Aug. 11, 2023

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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 2nd 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.

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The Rooster Crows – July 21, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

While the rest of the Country continues to swelter under record high temperatures, in the triple digits in many areas, Rutland and vicinity has been enjoying moderate, even unseasonably cool, weather conditions. A return to hot weather is in the forecast for the week beginning on Sunday, July 23, and for the rest of the month, however. The recent respite from excessive heat has saved the wheat, corn & soybean crops, so far, but some rain is going to be needed to bring the crop through to harvest. 

August in Rutland is going to be starting out with a bang, and with the aroma of barbecued ribs. The following information was recently obtained from Rutland Community Club President Katie McLaen: A Community-wide Junk Fest is on the schedule from 1:00 to 5:00 on Saturday, August 5, with Deb Banish, phone # 701-680-2458, in charge; Rutland’s American Legion Auxiliary will be serving a Pie & Ice Cream Social at the Rutland Senior Center, starting at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5; a Community Rummage Sale accompanied by a scalloped potato lunch will be held at the Rutland Town Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association; and, The Rutland Rib Fest, with ribs being served by various vendors, is scheduled to commence serving at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, from booths on Main Street. As in past years, Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from the intersection with Front Street on the North to the intersection with Arthur/Gay Streets on the South, to allow for the placement of picnic tables. Rib vendors will be assessed a $25.00 fee to compete for the “Best Ribs In Rutland” title, and prizes for 1st place, 2nd place,3rd place and “People’s Choice” will be awarded. All food vendors, not exclusive to ribs, are welcome, and will also be assessed a $25 .00 vendor’s fee. For additional information, and to sign up to participate as a vendor at Rib Fest, contact Shawna Bergh at 701-680-0780. As with most events in Rutland, there is no admission charge. You only pay if you buy something. The August 5 Rib Fest will conclude with a Street Dance featuring “Raw Sugar” from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. So, put on your rib bib and your dancing shoes, and plan to be in Rutland for Rib Fest on Saturday, August 5.

Bill Anderson, accompanied by Great-Grandson Brody Mahrer, departed Rutland in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 9, bound for Hector Airport in Fargo and a 5:30 a.m. airline flight that was the first leg of a trip that landed them in Branson MO at about 6:30 p.m. that same day. The flight from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Springfield/Branson International was delayed for several hours while a problem with the aircraft’s ventilation was repaired. The reason for the trip was the annual reunion of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, the unit in which Bill had served as an infantry Platoon Commander when he first arrived in Vietnam back in January of 1970. Time and age are finally accomplishing what the VC and NVA could not accomplish more than half a century ago, bill reports, as this reunion had the smallest number of Marines in attendance of any that he has been at since his first in 2012. During their stay in Branson, Bill & Brody took in the Clay Cooper Show on the evening of Monday, July 10, and the Evening Dinner/Show Cruise on Table Rock Lake aboard The Branson Belle showboat on Tuesday evening, July 11. Additionally, Brody got to hone up his skill playing the “Back Alley” card game, a game that was popular among the Delta Co. Marines back in 1969-70, when they were in Vietnam. Bill & Brody returned home through American Airlines’ hub terminal at Dallas/Fort Worth, on Wednesday, July 12, so Brody could play baseball in the District playoffs with his Babe Ruth baseball team from Gwinner. The temperature at Dallas/Fort Worth was +105, and the temperature at Fargo was +71 on Wednesday afternoon. 

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Rutland Ramblings – July 14, 2023

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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 – 2nd 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 100th Fair kicks off on July 20. See you at the fair!