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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Rutland Ramblings – Dec. 29, 2023

On December 29, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

The Rutland Senior Center hosted the Annual Sargent County Senior Citizens December meeting and Christmas Party on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Kathy Wyum and her elves decorated the Senior Center and turned it into a very festive Christmas setting. The clubs from all four Sargent County senior centers were well represented – Cogswell, Forman, Milnor, and Rutland. A total of 26 seniors enjoyed the afternoon. Chuck Anderson called multitude rounds of Bingo and all guests won at least one prize and even more! Four beautiful door prizes were also given away. A wonderful lunch of sandwiches, salads and a variety of desserts followed Bingo to end a fun-filled afternoon.

Many Rutland residents made it out of town for Christmas celebrations before the ice storm hit on Christmas Day. The rain began early, turning to snow and then more rain and sleet to make the roads impossible for travel. The State plows were out on Tuesday to try to clear roads as much as possible.

Since this will be the last column for 2023, here is a summary of some of the year’s highs and lows:

The weather outside was frightful as below-zero temperatures continued into January, and most of the winter season. The cold never stopped the snowmobilers who made a poker run through the County with the last stop at The Lariat Bar. Several inches of snow fell again in February with days of blowing snow and high winds and no travel advised. March was no warmer and three-foot mountains of ice and snow cancelled many Rutland activities, but it didn’t keep residents from the Saint Patrick’s Day feast at The Lariat or Rutland Fun Night with nearly 170 people attending. There were 50 door prizes and at least that many cakes for the cakewalk. There were 9 carnival games as well as a Photo Booth and coloring table and a popcorn/cotton candy stand. The Rutland Volunteer Fireman served pizza and cookies for supper. By mid-April, the temperature finally registered 51 degrees followed by a wild thunderstorm that knocked out power to Rutland homes and businesses. Another cold front and rain hit the community in late May making it a challenging planting season. By late June, temperatures were nearing 100 degrees, by September they were back in the teens, but managed to hit the 90s for Uffda Day in October!

Rutland’s population grew by two with the births of Bridger Wyum, son of Rob and Dana Wyum, on January 11, 2023, and William Price Gulleson, son of Cam & Jenny Gulleson, born March 22, 2023.

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Rutland Ramblings – Dec. 15, 2023

On December 15, 2023December 14, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rutland Community Club1 Comment

Last week’s printed column was incomplete due to the author’s quick exit “out of Dodge” and the error in submitting a draft rather than the finished product for publication. Most of this is now “old news” but there may be a few items that you might want to check again!

Thirty-three people made it in for noon dinner at the Rutland Senior Center on Thursday, November 30. This wasn’t the Christmas or Thanksgiving meal, but it was the last day that Janet Kiefer would be cooking so they came in to make her work hard one last time. Janet retired as the Chief cook and bottle washer at the Rutland Senior Center after more than twenty-five years of serving delicious homemade meals for the seniors. After the main pork dinner, the Rutland Senior Center officers congratulated Janet and presented her with gifts from the Center members and other friends. Everyone enjoyed a beautiful cake with ice cream to end the day. Janet will be stopping by for coffee of course and says she will attend occasional meals at the center. The new cook, Elizabeth “Liz” Ernst, has been on site for several weeks training to take over the meal service at the Rutland Senior Center. Welcome Liz!

Friday, December 1, was the night to be in Rutland. Finding a seat at The Lariat Bar and Grill was a challenge for the first night of the Bar’s trivia game night. Twenty teams from Rutland, Havana, Forman, and beyond packed the bar for the event. Katie McLaen was the master of ceremonies for the trivia game activity. At the end of four rounds, one team won the challenge with three teams right behind tied for second place. The ages of participants ranged from twenty to over eighty. The questions were challenging, and the entire event was a ton of fun. The next trivia night will be Friday, January 5, starting promptly at 7 p.m. and will continue through March on the first Friday of the month.

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Rutland Ramblings – Dec. 8, 2023

On December 8, 2023December 14, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

Thirty-three people made it in for noon dinner at the Rutland Senior Center on Thursday, November 30. This wasn’t the Christmas or Thanksgiving meal, but it was the last day that Janet Kiefer would be cooking so they came in to make her work hard one last time. Janet retired as the Chief cook and bottle washer at the Rutland Senior Center after more than twenty-five years of serving delicious homemade meals for the seniors. After the main pork dinner, the Rutland Senior Center officers congratulated Janet and presented her with gifts from the Center members and other friends. Everyone enjoyed a beautiful cake with ice cream to end the day. Janet will be stopping by for coffee of course and says she will attend occasional meals at the center. The new cook, Elizabeth “Liz” Ernst, has been on site for a couple weeks training to take over the meal service at the Rutland Senior Center. Welcome Liz!

Saturday, the Rutland City Hall was packed for Santa’s visit. Kids of all ages came for the crafts, fun, bingo, and the free-will spaghetti supper. The Rutland Community Club sponsored the evening activities and the drawing for thirty hams. The large group of kids got a chance to visit Santa and provide him with their updated wish list. Mrs. Santa and the elves were on hand to help keep a sense of order for those rushing in for a chance to talk to Santa. After the event, many people took the opportunity to drive around town to see the old Christmas lights that were recently found locked in the old jailhouse. Be sure to drive past the Rutland Museum to see the vintage large ornaments hanging along the museum path, in front of City Hall, and by Nordland Lutheran Church.

Sunday morning the Hall was once again full of activity with the Rutland-Cayuga Rural Fire District free-will breakfast of sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, coffee, and lemonade served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The volunteer firemen were the volunteer cooks, servers, and dishwashers. That same morning, the Rutland American Legion Auxiliary held a free-will bake sale. The home baked goods were gone well before noon and the generous community contributed over $700 to the Auxiliary.

The Rutland City Council held a public meeting on Monday, December 4, at 5 p.m. on the proposed sidewalk replacement project along First Street between Front and Gay/Arthur Street. No residents or other members of the public took the opportunity to speak for or against the badly needed project. The Council then held their regular monthly meeting. Mike Bassingthwaite, City Engineer, discussed the cost of a proposed water main and gate valve projects. He noted that the City’s fire hydrants were originally installed in 1954, asbestos cement lines were installed in the 60s, and the mains were replaced in the 1980s. The water lines are in the alleys and replacing them would be challenging with the power lines and trees. The water tower is still in good shape so the City could decide to plan ahead for another project. The City will proceed to purchase the property at Block 2, Lot 16, original townsite and will discuss the means for the sale once the property deed is secured. The old garage on that lot needs to be cleaned out. The City auditor reported that the City will soon introduce the Living Local Rutland app. Individuals can access the City calendar, get push notifications (reminders) for things like putting out the recycling bin, or reminders to pay water bills. There are many uses for the app; a few minor ‘bugs’ are being worked on and there are three individuals who will be updating the app when possible. The next City Council meeting will be Monday, January 8, 2024.

Be sure to check out the City of Rutland Facebook page and also the pages for the Lariat Bar and Nordland Lutheran Church for fun photos of all the activities that happened this past week.

Rutland Ramblings – Dec. 1, 2023

On December 1, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

Kyle & Kaia Mahrer hosted a full table of dinner guests at their home in Rutland on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23. Those in attendance included Kyle & Kaia Mahrer and their children, Brody, Julia, Adalyn & Kaitlyn, Pearl Brakke, Becky Parrow, Nell Brakke, Jesse Brakke, Steve Thorfinnson, and Bill Anderson. The large table in the dining room/kitchen of the Mahrer home was originally used in the dining hall of a large Bonanza Farm in the Park River ND area. Kaia’s grandmother, the late Kathy Brakke of this community had acquired the table about 30 years ago. Kaia recalls that, at the time the table was given to Kaia, her grandma’s instructions were to use the table often, and to keep it full. The Thanksgiving Day menu included: ham, prime rib, mashed potatoes & gravy, green bean casserole, salad, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert. All agreed that the dinner was top-notch in both quality and quantity.

Saturday evening guests at the Bill Anderson home on Saturday, Nov.25, included Chuck Sundlie, Aden Kohler, Joanne Harris, Andy Harris, Mike Harris, and Vern Leist. Papa Murphy’s Pizza was the main, and only, dish served. The pizza party was held to honor the memories of the Late Susan Anderson, Kathy Brakke, and Renee Cramton. Back in the day when Kathy & Sue, with the assistance of Renee, used to have their crafts & collectibles sale on Thanksgiving afternoon, the day was closed out with a pizza supper in the kitchen of Kathy’s home at 318 First Street. This year the pizza was enjoyed at 309 Gay Street, Susan’s home.

The Rutland Senior Center was full of activity on Thursday, November 30, after the noon dinner with a surprise party for Janet Kiefer. Janet has been the main cook at the Rutland senior center for nearly twenty-five years. Watch for more news on the event in next week’s column!

The Lariat Bar will host its first trivia night on Friday, December 1, starting at 7 p.m. Local rumors indicate that there will be a few teams participating and there are even some individuals who have been contacted by more than one team, so the competition has already begun. Sounds like Friday is the night to hang out at The Lariat.

On Saturday, the Rutland Community Club Santa Day will be held at the community center starting at 5 p.m. Bingo and a free-will spaghetti supper will be offered along with plenty of activities and crafts for the kids. The event is scheduled to end at 7 p.m.

The Rutland American Legion Auxiliary members are busy cooking and baking up a storm for the free-will bake sale on Sunday, December 3, starting at 8 a.m. at the City Hall. Stop in for the Rutland-Cayuga Rural Fire District free-will pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hall and get the fresh baked goods before they are gone.

The Rutland City Council public hearing on the proposed sidewalk project special assessment will be Monday, December 4, at City Hall starting at 5 p.m. This is an opportunity for residents to provide input and comment on the upcoming project. The monthly City Council meeting will be held immediately following the public hearing.

Stay up to date on Rutland activities and events on the Rutland Facebook page and on the Rutland City website. The City of Rutland will soon have its own app through the Living Local program and information on this will be out soon so watch for this new, fun way to keep informed on Rutland activities. Residents will be able to get notifications on recycling day, check the city calendar, and, yes, pay the water bill through the app. Have a great week.

Rutland Ramblings – Nov. 24, 2023

On November 24, 2023November 21, 2023 By rutlandramblingsIn Rooster CrowsLeave a comment

Three Montana deer hunters with roots in the Rutland community: Glenn Kulzer of Dillon MT; Ross Kulzer of Whitefish MT; and David Kulzer of Condon MT; reported a Whitetail Trifecta on the weekend of November 17 & 18. Glenn & Ross had arrived at their parents’ home in the Swan River Valley near Condon on Friday, intending to do some deer hunting during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday. Ross recalled that they had often seen deer wandering around Dave & Pat Kulzer’s log home and decided to place his rifle near the door, just in case. Ross’ brother, Glenn, was standing on the front porch, checking out the mountains on the other side of the valley with field glasses, looking for signs of deer in the area. When he lowered the glasses, he discovered a nice four-point buck about 15 yards away, looking at him. Glenn, a National Champion long distance shooter, reached in the front door, grabbed Ross’ rifle, put a round in the chamber and dropped the buck with one shot. On the following day, Saturday, Nov. 18, Ross duplicated Glenn’s success by bagging a second four-pointer in the front yard of the cabin. Ross, too, dropped his quarry where it stood, with one shot. As Ross, Glenn & David went out to field dress the second buck, they spotted a third buck pursuing a doe in a shallow ravine just down the hill to the south of the cabin. This time it was David’s turn to show the boys how the old-timers do it, and he, too, dropped the buck, this one a monster six-pointer, with one shot. So, in two days the Kulzer boys of Rutland filled all three of their whitetail tags. Everyone, including Miranda, Lilah, Cohen, Sarah, and Granny Pat pitched in to cut up the deer and begin processing the venison. According to Pat, Dave’s big buck was so tough that a sharp knife would be needed to cut the gravy. Congratulations to the Montana branch of the Kulzer clan on bagging their winter supply of venison on the weekend before Thanksgiving! Maybe they’ll bring some along on their next trip to the homeland.

About a dozen members of the 28th District Dem-NPL Executive Committee met at the Rutland Town Hall at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20. The meeting was preceded by a 7:00 p.m. social gathering. Among those present were Co-Chairpersons Mary Schlosser of Edgley and Sarah Dux of Forman. Also present were Gene & Deb Elhardt of Ellendale, Jenny Millerhagen of Forman, Hal Nelson of Rutland, Bill Anderson of Rutland, Richard Schlosser of Edgeley, Dale Radermacher, Sonja Albertson, Sharon Brady of Ellendale, Kelly Brady of Ellendale, and several others via Zoom. Among the topics discussed were the success of recent fund-raisers, the Oct. 29 event honoring former State Senator, State Representative and Dickey County Commissioner Jerry Kelsh of Fullerton for his many years of public service, issues raised during the 2023 Legislative Session, the search for 2024 Legislative candidates, and tentatively scheduling the 2024 District 28 Convention for March 23, 2024, two weeks ahead of the Dem-NPL State Convention in Fargo on April 4-6. The date of the district convention is subject to change. The next meeting of the 28th District Dem-NPL Executive Committee was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, via zoom.

The holiday season is upon us now and the family gatherings and school concerts have begun. The Gulleson and Wyum’s held their Thanksgiving celebration on Sunday, November 19, at the Coteau de Prairies Lodge. All reports indicate that the food was delicious, the time spent with family and grandchildren was pleasant, and the weather certainly cooperated for the gathering. Chuck and MaryBeth Anderson drove up to Grand Forks on Monday, November 20^th, to attend their grandchildren’s school concert. Brynn played the saxophone and Braiden performed a solo and according to MaryBeth they both did great.

The Sargent County Food Pantry 2023 Giving Tree tags for Christmas gifts are available at several locations including Stock Growers Bank (Forman, Rutland, Milnor), and Trinity, GA and Zion Lutheran churches and St. Arnold’s Catholic Church in Milnor. The deadline for dropping off the gift wrapped presents is Friday, December 8.

The Sargent Central student winter concert night was switched to Thursday, December 7^th, at the Activity Center. They will have a free will spaghetti supper fundraiser for the student Washington DC trip and a SC Supporters for Education bake sale. For those who will be unable to attend the concert due to the change of date or distance, it will be live streamed at Youtube.com/@SargentCentral.

That’s it for this week. Be sure to follow Rutland activities and news on the city website, through the blog, and on Facebook. Let the Holiday celebrations and the spirit of the season begin and continue throughout the year.