The Rooster Crows – Jan. 20, 2023

On January 20, 2023January 19, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

By Bill Anderson

The January Thaw, if it was a January thaw, was brief, but welcome. On Sunday, January 15, the mercury clawed its way above the freezing mark for the first time in 2023. Some thermometers even registered temperatures as high as 35 above for a couple of hours. According to Dennis McLaen, a UFO report was about to be made on the bright, shining object that appeared in the sky on Sunday afternoon, before someone figured out that it was the Sun, making its first appearance in several days. Dennis and his grandchildren took advantage of the beautiful sunny day to go sledding in the hills south of Rutland, just west of the Jesse & Bobbi Jo Maly farmstead. The short reprieve from January didn’t last long, though, as the temperature was below freezing all day on Monday, the 16^th, and the northwest wind blew in another 4 to 6 inches of new snow. On the bright side, according to the local TV weathermen, there is more snow and cold weather in the forecast for the remainder of January. Just what we wanted.

Chuck Anderson was checking weather reporting web sites on his cell phone during the morning coffee session at the Rutland Seniors’ Center on Wednesday, January 18, and came across the North Dakota Agriculture Weather Network (NDAWN) web site. NDAWN has reporting stations across the upper Great Plains, from Montana to Minnesota. There is a monitoring site at the Kelly Cooper farm, near Brampton. According to NDAWN, the thick snow cover that has blanketed this area since mid-November has insulated the soil, and prevented the frost from going very deep. According to the NDAWN statistics, the frost depth in Sargent County ranges from 0 to 12 inches, not very deep for a winter that has been consistently cold for 2½ months. The good news from this information is that the frost is not likely to prevent the snowmelt from being absorbed by the soil when the snow finally melts in March, April or May. With a little bit of luck there will be enough soil moisture to get a crop started this spring, despite last year’s drought conditions. So, even though shoveling snow is a pain in the neck, in the back, or somewhere else on the anatomy, snow is good for something, once in a while.

The best laid plans of mice, men and fishermen sometimes go awry. That was the experience of Cameron Gulleson and Darren Ptacek when they accompanied two representatives from Peterson Farms Seeds on an ice fishing expedition to Lake Of The Woods during the second weekend in January. Cameron reports that they had no sooner arrived at the resort where their expedition was headquartering than Darren came down with the nasty variety of influenza that has been plaguing this area. Six hours later, Cameron was afflicted with the same ailment, and shortly thereafter the2 seed reps were also laid low. All four were aching, wheezing, sneezing, hacking & coughing in unison. It was not the type of fishing trip they were expecting, Cameron said. After suffering in their cabin for a few days, they finally crawled out and drove home on Tuesday, January 10, still suffering the symptoms of fever, congestion, aches, pains and exhaustion. As of Tuesday, January 17, Cameron reports that he is back in the land of the living, although he still occasionally feels some of the effects of the illness. Once a person has acquired this particular brand of influenza, they can expect that it will take a month, or more, to fully recover from its effects. The Rutland community extends best wishes to Cameron, Darren and their friends for a speedy and complete recovery.

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The Rooster Crows – Jan. 13, 2023

On January 13, 2023January 11, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

By Bill Anderson

The Rooster Crows is back, for a while, anyway. Life throws us a curve ball once in a while, and you never know when the Umpire is going to shout “You’re Out!” as the ball hits the catcher’s mitt. This past Christmas the weather gods blessed Rutland and vicinity with ferocious blizzards, arctic temperatures and multiple feet of snow. The only time that the weather wasn’t atrocious was when it was worse. Additionally, an epidemic of respiratory infections, influenza and, more than likely, some kind of covid-19 variant swept through the community like the Grim Reaper on steroids, bestowing generous supplies of wheezing, sneezing, aches & pains upon the populace. Fortunately, most around here have had their vaccinations & boosters, so the infections were not fatal, although some victims feared that they might die, and others were afraid that they might not. When the door slammed on 2022 it was “good riddance to bad rubbish,” and no one was sorry to see the old year leave. Its replacement, 2023, has been calm and peaceful by comparison thus far, but that’s a situation likely to change, too. As of Friday, January 13, it is only 66 days until the Vernal Equinox, the First Day of Spring in the northern hemisphere, and we can do that standing on our heads. Until then, keep your overshoes on, your cap pulled down, your collar turned up and your stick on the ice.

The Rutland City Council met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 9, in the Rutland Town Hall with City Auditor Deb Banish; City Council President Rodney Erickson; and Council members Lori McLaen; Delores Lysne; and, Bill Anderson; present. Mayor Mike Mahrer was absent. Council President Erickson conducted the meeting until Mayor Mahrer arrived. The financial report showed all funds to be in the black. The Auditor reported that the City has acquired the tax forfeited property identified as Lots 1 & 2 of Block 5, Original Addition from Sargent County. Some prior owners of this property include: Mr. & Mrs. Charles Weller; Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Weller; Andrew & Esther Sundlie; Jeff & Katy Kulzer; and, Brad & Rebecca Christensen. The property will be put up for sale on bids later this year. The Council approved an increase in the garbage collection fee of $5.00 per container, and an increase in the sewer fee of $1.00 per household. The Auditor mentioned that the City had not increased garbage & sewer fees since 2005, despite the fact that costs of operation had increased by about 53%, due to inflation, since then. Mayor Mahrer arrived at the meeting in time to conduct the vote. The sidewalk replacement project on the east side of Main Street will be discussed with the City Engineer at the March Council meeting. After reviewing the City’s bills, the Council authorized payment and adjourned. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, at the Rutland Town Hall. All meetings of the Rutland City Council are open to the public, and Rutland residents are invited to stop in to observe their city government in action.

The Rutland Community Club met at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 9, at the Rutland Town Hall, following the Rutland City Council meeting. President Katie McLaen reported that club members reviewed the annual Santa Claus Day event that had been held at the Town Hall on Saturday, December 17, and concluded “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Santa Claus will be invited to make his 78^th annual pre-Christmas visit to Rutland in December of 2023, so, he’s coming back, and you had better be good! The next Community Club sponsored event will be the 27^th Annual Rudy Anderson Memorial Pinochle Tournament on Saturday, February 4, in the Rutland Town Hall. The Community Club is once again planning to serve the scalloped potatoes with ham dinner to tournament participants. Anyone wishing to help out should contact Katie at 701-680-9354. The next Community Club event after the Pinochle Tourney will be the annual Fun Night & Carnival on Sunday, March 26, at the Rutland Town Hall. Club members also discussed a plan to acquire some additional aluminum bleachers for use at Lou Sanderson Field. Uff-Da Day revenues will be used to make the purchase. The next monthly meeting of the Rutland Community Club is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, at the Rutland Town Hall. Everyone is invited.

Rutland native Sonja (Anderson) Christensen, a daughter of the Late Rudy & Edna Anderson of this community, and one of the organizers of the upcoming 27^th Annual Rudy Anderson Memorial Pinochle Tournament that will be held in the Rutland Town Hall on Saturday, February 4, reports that, as of Sunday, January 8, 24 teams had already pre-registered to participate in the tourney. One of the teams includes a 93 year old Dad who resides in Minnesota, and his son who makes his home in Seattle WA. Sonja states that 2 locals: Roger McLaen; and, Stella Bell; have participated in all 26 prior tournaments, and she expects to see them at the 27^th, too. A couple from Forman, Roger & Bonita Ziegler, have played in all but one of the preceding 26 tournaments. Sonja says that anyone who wants to register for the tournament should call her at 701-899-1463 or 701-642-6793, or send an e-mail to cschristensen@midco.net. Sonja states that she is looking forward to greeting many old friends, and making some new ones, at the 27^th Annual Rudy Anderson Memorial Pinochle Tournament on Saturday, February 4, at the Rutland Town Hall.

Morning coffee hour participants with January birthdays were honored with a chorus of the “Happy Birthday” song and a big slice of birthday cake on the morning of Monday, January 9, at the Rutland Seniors’ Center. Among those with January birthdays were: Ann Erickson; Hal Nelson; and, Bill Anderson. Those not present included: Andy Harris; Pam Maloney; Rick Banish; and, Boyd Jacobson Jr. Happy Birthday all!

Randy McGinnity of RPM Sound Design of Wheatland ND was in Rutland this week, installing new audio-video-streaming equipment at Nordland Lutheran Church. The new equipment is expected to improve sound quality in the Church Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, and to enhance the worship experience for those tuning in to Nordland’s on-line ministry.

Some upcoming events in Rutland include: Nordland Lutheran Church Annual meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 22, at the Church building in Rutland; 27^th Annual Rudy Anderson Memorial Pinochle Tournament on Saturday, February 4, at the Rutland Town Hall; Rutland City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, at the Rutland Town Hall; Rutland Community Club meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, at the Rutland Town Hall; Annual Rutland Sportsmen’s Club’s Great Northern Pike Fish Fry on Friday, March 3, at the Rutland Town Hall; and Rutland Community Club’s Annual Fun Night & Carnival on Sunday, March 26, at the Rutland Town Hall.

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

The Rooster Crows – Dec. 16, 2022

On December 17, 2022December 21, 2022 By rutlandramblingsIn Life In General1 Comment

By Bill Anderson

“The Lariat Is Back! Long Live The Lariat!” proclaimed Paul Anderson, President of the Board of Managers of Rutland Improvement d/b/a The Lariat Bar LLC on the evening of Friday, December 9, as shareholders and guests gathered to officially reopen the business and provide a “shakedown” cruise for newly hired employees and newly installed equipment. As expected, there were a few problems getting the new, electronic Point Of Sale (POS) system to properly interface withwaitresses and bartenders, but those problems were ironed out as the evening went on. The older technologies – a beer glass is still a beer glass, a bottle is still a bottle and a pizza oven is still a pizza oven – worked right off, without a hitch. In the Kitchen, the full menu that is intended to be offered to the public is not yet available, but customers were pleased to have a full line of appetizers and pizzas available during the first night of operations. The Lariat opened its doors to the public at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, with Silvia Brooks behind the bar, and business was booming from the moment the first customer came through the door until the bar closed at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. “I am a very happy man,” stated Jerry Woytassek, as he surveyed the full tables and the lineup at the bar. Jerry, along with his wife, Patty, is among the 41 shareholders who acquired The Lariat’s building, equipment & furniture from The Stockgrowers Bank earlier this past Fall, and has been working to get it ready to reopen ever since. Even Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, alias Alwood & Jeri Huckell, came to Rutland from their Summer home in Fort Ransom to participate in opening night festivities. With its 2 jumbo TV screens available, one in the main barroom and one in the back room, it is likely that Santa and his Mrs. will be stopping by again before the football season is over. Bar Manager Sue Kaehler expressed her appreciation to all those who came in to make The Lariat Bar’s revival weekend a big success. It is intended that The Lariat Bar will be open 7 days a week, with abbreviated hours on Sunday. In addition to Ms. Kaehler, some of those on the staff include: Silvia Brooks; Tyler Weatherby; Courtney Setter; Tony Banish; Nicole Flannery; Heidi Siemieniewski; and, Shauna Bergh. The Lariat Bar and its predecessors has been Community central in Rutland since Jack Prindiville first poured a shot of whiskey in Prindiville’s Saloon back in October of 1886. The Rutland community is pleased and proud to have The Lariat Bar as an integral part of the community once again.

For the 2nd time in a month, Rutland & vicinity were hammered by a major winter storm, beginning with rain and high wind on the evening of Monday, December 12, changing to snow and high wind on Tuesday, December 13. The storm, moving up from the mountains of Colorado through Nebraska, was predicted to last through Thursday, December 15. Rutland folks woke up to about 9” of new snow that was about the same consistency as wet cement on Wednesday morning. The wet, heavy snow is expected to be tough on pheasants and other wildlife, but just what the doctor ordered for drought parched pastures and fields. It is wet enough, and heavy enough, to stay put once it touches down. The hard packed snow over a sheet of ice has made travel hazardous, and both motorists and pedestrians are advised to proceed with caution. Students at the Sargent Central School system were disappointed that the storm forced the cancellation of classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, but all successfully managed to hide their disappointment behind big smiles and shouts of happiness as they created snow fortresses and snowmen from the material provided by Mother Nature.

Mike Harris; Andy Harris; and, Bill Anderson; stopped in at the PAM Rehab Center in south Fargo on the afternoon of Thursday, December 8, to visit with Doug Spieker who was there recuperating from the effects of a fractured hip. Doug reported that the rehabilitation therapy had been effective, and that he anticipated being back at his Tewaukon Township farm home the next day, Friday, December 9. Doug’s many friends in Rutland know that he is as tough as nails, and that he will be in town, checking out The Lariat, in the near future.

After several years of unsuccessfully applying for financial assistance to aid with the repair and replacement of damaged sidewalks adjacent to Rutland’s Main Street, Rutland City Auditor Debbie Banish would have been justified to have just given up. Giving up is not in Debbie’s constitution, though, so she kept trying. Finally, her perserverance has paid off. On Monday, December 12, 2022, the City received word that it has been awarded more than $147,000.00 to assist with the sidewalk improvement project. The grant is part of the Federally funded Local Transportation Alternatives Program (LTAP), and it is expected that bids for the work that needs to be done will be solicited this coming Spring.

Mike Anderson; Mike Harris; Ione Pherson; and, Norman Preble; Rutland folks with birthdays during the month of December, were honored at the Rutland Seniors’ Center during morning coffee on Monday, December 12, with a big, thickly frosted birthday cake prepared by the birthday girl herself, Ione Pherson. Friends present entertained the birthday gang with a chorus of the “Happy Birthday” song and many good wishes. All of those honored are over the age of 21.

“Oh, you better be good, you better not cry, you better not pout, and I’m telling you why, ‘cause Santa Claus is comin’ to town!” Santa Claus is scheduled to make his 77th annual pre-Christmas visit to Rutland on Santa Claus Day, Saturday, December 17. According to Rutland Community Club President Katie McLaen, activities will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Rutland Town Hall. There will be a spaghetti supper, games for all and the award of Christmas hams donated by local businesses and individuals. Santa is expected to make his appearance shortly after 5:00p.m. on Saturday, and will be on hand to listen to Christmas requests from children of all ages prior to distributing the Christmas hams. He’s making his list and checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty and nice, so be on hand in Rutland when Santa slides in on the ice.

The Christmas Eve worship service at Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 24. All are invited to attend and participate. More good news! The Winter Solstice arrives next Wednesday, December 21. After that, more light and less dark. Things are looking up. Of course, it will keep on getting colder for a while, probably until the middle of February, but as long as the Sun is shining a little more each day, we can take it. At least there will be more daylight to illuminate the thermometer.

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 web site at http://www.rutlandnd.com and take a look at the Rutland Facebook page while you’re at it, too. Don’t forget to patronize your local Post Office, and remember to keep the pressure on the U.S. Postal Service and the North Dakota Congressional delegation to SAVE OUR POST OFFICE! Later.

The Rooster Crows – Dec. 9, 2022

On December 9, 2022December 7, 2022 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

By Bill Anderson

Three inches of new snow on Tuesday, December 6. Three degrees below Zero on the morning of Wednesday, December 7, the 81^st anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Was this a repeat of that dastardly sneak attack, this time pulled off by Mother Nature? Predictions for next week, 13 inches of new snow, will have us looking back at this week with nostalgia. Well, we’ve survived sneak attacks and tough winters before this one, and we’ll still be around when Spring arrives, too.

Ms. Maggie Ness, representing the Alzheimer’s Association’s Fargo office, accompanied Morgan Biss of Ransom-Sargent Senior Services, Lisbon, to the Rutland Seniors’ Center on Wednesday, November 30, where she spoke to the Rutland Seniors about The Basics of Dementia & Alzheimer’s. Her presentation included a discussion of risk factors that make the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s more likely. One week later the members of the Rutland Senior Citizens group still remembered Ms. Ness’s name and the topic of her presentation, so, things are looking good at the Rutland Seniors’ Center. Anyone who has questions for Ms. Ness may contact her at 701-356-2085, Extension 8639.

The members of the Board of Managers of Rutland Improvement d/b/a The Lariat Bar LLC met at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, at The Lariat Bar in Rutland. Members Present were: Paul Anderson; Michael Wyum; Patty Woytassek; Rob Wyum; and, Katie McLaen; Also present was Manager Sue Kaehler. It was reported that all liquor and sales tax licenses have been obtained and are ready to be displayed as required by law. The Tobacco license has been applied for but has not yet been received. Insurance policies covering the structure, furniture, equipment, and premises business operations has been obtained. The liquor liability insurance application has been submitted & is awaiting approval. All inventory has been ordered, and most items have been delivered. The Board decided to replace the refrigerator in the kitchen. It was reported that the new dishwasher has been delivered and is ready for installation. Installation of the Point Of Sale (POS) equipment and programming is proceeding slower than anticipated. This has been holding up getting the bar opened for business. All staff members: bartenders; waitresses; and cooks; have been hired and must be trained in the operation of the POS system before opening, otherwise the old-fashioned system known as “CASH” may have to be used. The menu and pricing have been completed and have been sent to the designer for layout & printing. Payroll will be done using QuickBooks and has been set up. Rutland Improvement has retained the services of a CPA, and the company’s Treasurer, Mike Wyum, will be working closely with Manager Sue Kaehler and the CPA to make sure that the train stays on track. Painting, except for the west wall, has been completed. A wallpaper border remains to be added in the hallway. Lights in the kitchen and hallway will be switched to new LED fixtures. The Brenco Company of Fargo has power scrubbed the floors, but they have not yet been resealed. The Aramark Co. has been contacted to get a quote for rugs with Rutland logos imprinted on them. The price quoted was $17.50 per rug every 2 weeks. A quote for rugs without logos is also being obtained. Security cameras for the exterior and interior of the Bar have been ordered and are expected to be installed by the opening date. The tentative opening date is December 10^th depending on when the Point Of Sale System is fully installed & operational. Check Rutland’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com or the Rutland Facebook page for definite information on Opening Day for The Lariat Bar.

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The Rooster Crows – Dec. 2, 2022

On December 2, 2022December 1, 2022 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

By Bill Anderson

The four day Veterans Day weekend, from November 10^th through the 13^th, gave us rain, cold, ice, snow and slush, bringing down power lines, wrecking trees, damaging buildings and making traffic of any kind, pedestrian or vehicular, hazardous. The four day Thanksgiving weekend gave us sunshine, temperatures into the upper 40’s, and altogether pleasant conditions that raised spirits, melted snow, removed ice, and greatly improved conditions for travel and other activities. The Almighty giveth and the Almighty taketh away, in this case that turned out to be a mighty good deal. By Wednesday, November 30, conditions were back to winter, with a temperature of 9 above and a 25 mph northwest wind, but at least the ice and snow were gone, for a little while, anyway. Sometimes old guys wear their long woolies; Sometimes they wear the ones filled with down; sometimes they’re all in the laundry; then those old guys are the talk of the town.

A few years ago, the City of Rutland installed a speed limit sign with a flashing light on it along County Road #10/First Street, on the south side of town, in an attempt to slow down the traffic entering Rutland from the south. The sign is now missing, as is its flashing light. Anyone with information about the present location of the missing sign is asked to contact the City of Rutland at 724-3081. Traffic signs are expensive, and they are installed for the protection of the public. Some folks think that it is humorous to remove or deface traffic signs. Several years ago, someone thought that it would be fun to steal a STOP sign from the intersection of County Road #14 and ND Highway #11 at Geneseo. Shortly after the sign had been removed, a person unfamiliar with the area drove through Geneseo from the south and, as there was no sign, did not stop at the intersection. The driver’s vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer rig in the center of the intersection. The driver was killed and her car was demolished. This was not humorous to any of the parties involved. If you have any information about Rutland’s missing speed limit sign, please see to it that the sign is returned so no one will have to carry a tragedy on their conscience for the rest of their life.

Paul Anderson travelled on Delta Airlines to Phoenix AZ on Tuesday, November 22, to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with his Mother-In-Law, Etha Quinlan of Sun City West, his daughter, Betsy, from Las Vegas NV, and his daughter, Katy, and her family from Seattle WA. Present at Etha’s home in Sun City for Thanksgiving Dinner were: Etha Quinlan; Paul Anderson; Betsy Anderson; Josh & Katy Elfering; Rhys Elfering; and, Arlo Elfering. Betsy, Josh, Katy and the kids all headed for home on Friday, November 25, and Paul arrived back in Fargo on the11:00 p.m. flight from Minneapolis on Sunday, November27.

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The Rooster Crows – Nov. 25, 2022

On November 25, 2022 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster Crows1 Comment

By Bill Anderson

To the list of things to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving weekend, add sunshine and temperatures above the freezing mark. After putting up with snow covered ice for 2 weeks, we are ready to be done with Winter and all of its 4 letter gifts: cold; wind; snow; and, a 3 letter trinket, ice. Even though the first day of Winter is still a month in the future, it will be a relief to have the Sun take away its opening salvo. Sunshine and high temperatures in the mid to upper 30’s pushing to the end of November is certainly a blessing worthy of a sincere “Thank You!” to the one providing those conditions.

Work on The Lariat Bar, getting it ready for opening day, is progressing at a steady pace according to Patty Woytassek, a member of the Board of Directors, and the point contact person between the Board and Manager Sue Kaehler. Patty reports that some unexpected glitches have delayed the bar’s projected opening from December 1 to December 8. The Lariat’s work force of bartenders, waiters & waitresses, cooks and helpers has, for the most part, been hired, and is chomping at the bit to start meeting, greeting and serving customers. To the list of those who were workers at The Lariat Bar last week, the names of Janice Christensen, Denny Pherson, Jerry Woytassek, Nick McLaen, Dennis McLaen, Trent Nelson, Mike Nadler, Calvin Jacobson and Zach Jacobson have to be added. Janice, who had the building constructed back in 2009, was providing technical advice to those making modifications and connecting essential equipment; Denny was the “Go-Fer,” running for parts, supplies and, when necessary, lunch; Jerry & Nick were toting & hauling; Dennis delivered a new safe, although it is not clear whether or not he stocked its shelves; Calvin & Zach were servicing the cooler behind the bar; Trent was installing a new service window between the main barroom and the back room; and, Mike had been called in to move the electric line that was discovered to be in the center of the new service window. Patty also reports that a new, commercial, dishwasher has been acquired from the Brenco Co. of Fargo. Brenco will also be coming in to power scrub the floors and apply sealant prior to Opening Day. According to Patty, the Lariat has been an exciting place for the past few weeks, with vendors, suppliers, workers, and sidewalk supervisors coming and going. She says that, as much as possible, supplies will be obtained locally. Arrangements are being made to obtain most groceries through Central Grocery of Forman; potatoes will be supplied by Heimbuch Potato Farm of Cogswell; and, some meats, including Mark Wyum’s favorite hot dogs, will be acquired from Fairmount Meat Locker of Fairmount. Keep your eyes & ears open for any changes in the Opening Day schedule, but Sue & Patty are pretty confident that December 8^th will be the date.

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