To Our Veterans

On November 11, 2011 By rutlandramblingsIn American Legion, Life In GeneralLeave a comment

At 11:11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918, the guns fell silent on the “Western Front,” and World War I, the war that had been called “The Great War” and “The War to End All Wars,” was over. More than 2 million American soldiers served in France during the fierce fighting that broke the German Army’s will to continue the war. This year, at 11:11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year of the 21st century, for the first time since 1918, there will be no American Veteran of the vast American Army that won the war in France to observe the anniversary of the end of that conflict. The last American veteran of World War I died this year, joining ranks with the millions of his comrades who exist only in memory and history.

That generation had served their country in peace as well as in war. They were builders as well as warriors. Among the structures for which they laid the foundations and commenced construction were the Veterans Administration and the veterans’ health care system, intended to fulfill the nation’s promises to those who had answered the call of duty and borne the burdens of battle. The foundations laid by the veterans of World War I were expanded and strengthened a generation later, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed, and Congress adopted, the GI Bill of Rights of 1944, providing health care and disability benefits for returning veterans of World War II and, as important, educational benefits that gave America a generation of skilled workers, teachers, administrators and executives who led this nation to a half century of unprecedented progress and prosperity.

Veterans Day, we should remember, is not a day to honor America’s dead, but a day to honor the living. It is a day set aside to honor those who have dedicated a portion of their lives to service in our nation’s military, and have gone on to continue their service to community, state and nation as productive citizens.

Today, more than 20 million of our fellow Americans are military veterans. Two million of those are veterans of the current military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The foundations laid, and the institutions built, by them and their predecessors continue to deliver on America’s promises to those who go in harm’s way for their country. Three years ago, the Congress adopted the GI Bill of Rights, the most comprehensive package of rights and benefits for America’s military veterans since the original GI Bill of Rights of 1944, containing educational incentives as well as medical, disability and rehabilitation benefits for veterans.

There are those in Congress today who would renege on America’s commitment to veterans.

As Americans, our commitment to this nation’s veterans must be as unquestionable, as unshakable, as unswerving as their courage in battle. We must continue to build on the foundations laid by those who forced the guns to fall silent on Nov. 11, 1918, so that we might hear the blessed song of peace. So, on this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011, let us commit ourselves to continue the work they have begun, to build a nation that honors the sacrifice and service of those who have worn the uniform of our military services. To America’s veterans on this Veterans Day I say, “Thank you for your service, and welcome home!” Together, we will continue to build a better, stronger America.

Pam Gulleson

Marketing Grant Award

On October 27, 2011 By rutlandramblingsIn Nature, Rutland businesses, UffDa DayLeave a comment

The North Dakota Department of Tourism recently announced the sixteen recipients of the event or marketing grants and, yes, Rutland got a portion. The Coteau des Prairies Lodge, Rutland, received a matching grant award for marketing of the new guest lodge currently under construction. You can follow the construction progress at the Coteau des Prairies Lodge website. (And while there, check out the great video from Rutland’s Uffda Day 2011 celebration!)

The Events Grant Program and Marketing Grant Program provide a maximum of $5,000 in matching funds for promotion of regional events and for specific tourism marketing plans. A total of $69,100 was awarded between the two programs. For more information on tourism grants, contact Dean Ihla with North Dakota Tourism at 701-328-3505 or dihla@nd.gov.

Pam Gulleson puts Rutland on the map

On September 29, 2011 By rutlandramblingsIn Life In GeneralLeave a comment

The following article is reprinted from the Fargo Forum – Published September 26, 2011.

Forum editorial: Candidate for House gets roses
PRAIRIE ROSES: To former North Dakota legislator Pam Gulleson for jumping into the nomination race for a chance to run for the state’s congressional seat. Gulleson, a Democrat, wants to challenge the Republican candidate for the seat being vacated by Rep. Rick Berg, R-N.D., who is running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by retiring Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D. We’re a long way from newspaper political endorsements, but Gulleson’s candidacy is noteworthy. She has excellent legislative experience, including leadership. She worked for former Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and therefore has experience in federal policy that affects North Dakotans. She is from rural North Dakota with roots on the farm near Rutland. At this point, the only other announced candidate in the race is Republican Brian Kalk, a North Dakota public service commissioner. The campaigns have just started, but it’s good to see an experienced candidate like Gulleson in the race.

Post Office Closings

On August 29, 2011August 29, 2011 By rutlandramblingsIn Life In General, Rutland businesses1 Comment

Government is at it again trying to find ways to cut costs at the sake of the citizens. The latest battle round is focusing on rural Post Offices. On July 26, the US Postal Service released a long-awaited “post office study” of nearly 3700 potential closings in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The list was developed based on customer foot traffic and post office employee workload. The US Postmaster General is recommending closing facilities in rural communities which will have little impact on the PO budget but will significantly affect each community.

Last year the US Postal Service had a net loss of $8.5 billion; in 2009 it had a $3.8 billion loss. The Postal Regulatory Commission has found that maintaining rural post offices only amounts to 0.7 percent of the USPS’s total budget. The Postal Service has reduced its staff over the past several years, has cut billions from its costs and has asked Congress to cut delivery to five days a week and to reduce its contributions toward future retiree health benefits.

Rutland, Havana and Cayuga stations are on the closing list. The first step was a Rutland community meeting last week to initiate a call to action by Rutland residents. Over 40 individuals attended the meeting to hear about the proposed closings and to identify steps to take to challenge the closing of the Rutland Post Office. A petition was started and many residents took copies to obtain signatures of area residents . Secondly, we are all asked to send letters to our Congressional Delegation: Congressman Rick Berg, 3170 43rd Street S, Fargo, ND 58104; Senator Kent Conrad, U.S. Federal Building, Room 306, 657 2nd Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102; and Senator John Hoeven, 1802 32nd Avenue South, Room B, Fargo ND 58103. Letters should also be sent to our local legislators: Senator Jim Dotzenrod, PO Box 69, Wyndmere ND 58081-0069; Representative Bill Amerman, PO Box 43, Forman ND 58032-0043; and Representative Jerry Kelsh, PO Box 27, Fullerton ND 58441-0027.

Click here for a sample letter that you should modify to make the letter more personal about how the closing will affect you and/or your businesses. A “Rutland Fact Sheet” is also included for your information. Don’t forget to mail your letter at the Rutland Post Office!

Ghost Chasers

On August 13, 2011January 11, 2022 By rutlandramblingsIn TheaterLeave a comment

The annual Entertainment Unlimited Children’s Summer Theater production provided another round of very entertaining theater. “The Great Ghost Chase” was presented August 3, 4 & 5, to rave reviews.

I took the opportunity to attend all three shows this year. For the dress rehearsal, open to Senior Citizens, I was a “backstage Mom.” I got to follow the script and help nudge the kids onstage – we did miss one cue but it was great to see the kids do so well — even with missed lines, only the director and the players could tell.

The second night brought a large crowd of parents, grandparents and other visitors. It seemed the final night had the largest number of audience members in attendance and it was really fun to see them all improvising on the last performance.

“The Great Ghost Chase” was written by Tim Kelly and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service Inc. The cast of characters for “The Great Ghost Chase” were: Jayden H. as the Zombie (and the Poltergeist); Tatum W. as Miss Pierce (the nurse); Hailey H. as Harriet Hollyhock; Tia G. as the Cabdriver; Tracy H. as Madam Mysteria; Ethan H. as Dr. Roy; Jacob M. as Sergeant Ruff; Kaleb S. as the Orderly; Emma H. as the Cleaning Woman; Jacob N. as Honcho; Aaliyah G. as Constance Bulonia, the Realtor; Evan H. as Jimmy Valentine; Kael M. as Elmer; Emma G. as Dorothy (and Betty); Josephine N. as Peggy (and Miss Lemming); Emily H. as Joan Carter (the bride); Josephine H. as Joy (the real nurse); Kian M. as Horace; Edwin H. as Wally Allen; Hannah S. as Pvt Waite; Tyler B. as Pvt. Howard; Kyle M. as Detective Pepperday; Sabrina H. as Lydia Snoop; and Thomas M. as George.

Kudos to every one of the performers in the program. My favorite (other than my son), was Tracy Haussler as Madame Mysteria. Her performance will be remembered by everyone for years to come.

This project was supported in part by a grant from the ND Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the NEA.

Rutland Raiders Rock! July 2011

On July 30, 2011January 11, 2022 By rutlandramblingsIn 4-HLeave a comment

Congratulations to the Rutland Raiders 4-Hers who participated in the July 2011 Sargent County Fair and especially to all the Purple Ribbon winners. In the Static Display category, the Rutland Rockets managed to get 10 of the 40 purple ribbons and paraded their wares for the premium sale: K-nex Rollercoaster – Tyler B.; Farm to Table Display – Emma G.; Leather Shield – Thomas M.; Raspberry Pie – Hailey H.; Flower Pot – Emma G.; Wagon (welding) – Jacob M.; Raspberry Muffins – Emma G.; Braided Bread – Hailey H.; Yellow Onions – Emma G.; and Beets – Emma G. Emma G. also received a purple ribbon for her calf.