After closing at its location for over a year, the Lariat Bar held the Grand Opening for its new building on Main Street on Saturday, July 10, 2010, with a free beef barbecue, live music and a street dance. The music was provided by the Earl Fust Band and by Rockin’ Rodney. Construction of the new building, at the same location as the old structure, began in May of 2009 with the completion date originally set for September, but weather delays set back construction schedules, and the new building was not ready for occupancy until late November. During the interim, the Lariat did business from the American Legion Hall at the corner of Bagley & Gay Streets. Owner Janice Christensen is to be commended on the fine facility she has built on Rutland’s Main Street. There is no doubt that the Lariat will continue to play a significant role in the social and civic life of the community for at least another 125 years, or more.
Category: Events
Jesse Brakke Benefit Planned
A benefit is being planned for Jesse Brakke on Saturday, September 11, 2010, in the Rutland City Hall.
Jesse Brakke was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) in 1995. In November 2007 he became ill with congestive heart failure and was hospitalized, having a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted. Then, in December 2008 he became more short of breath and fatigued and was referred to Meritcare Cardiology. His case was too complex so he was referred to the U of M Hospitals in Minneapolis. On March 17, 2009, Jesse had open heart surgery to receive a device to help pump his heart efficiently and prepare him over the next year for a heart transplant. On February 2, 2010, Jesse became the 700th heart transplant at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis. He is now in the process of recovering and must go to Minneapolis every month for a heart biopsy and other tests to determine rejection. He is on multiple medications at present and will be on rejection meds for life.
Work is underway to gather items for the silent and live auctions and solicitation letters will be going out soon to area businesses and other organizations. Silent auction items will be requested no later than Friday, September 10.
Events for the day will include games in the afternoon, a meal and silent auction followed by a live auction and a street dance and karaoke. If you can’t donate, come and participate in the days activities.
Hal Nelson Benefit
Only three more days before the benefit for Hal Nelson is held. At this time, Hal is expected to arrive in Rutland Friday afternoon. He has been gone since last October when his home exploded and he spent several months in the Hennepin County Burn Unit in Minneapolis. Watch for the news coverage this weekend. On Saturday, August 29, there will be a free-will pork dinner, a silent and live auction and a raffle. We expect a crowd of over 500 so Rutland will be a busy place. The Hall doors open at 4 p.m. and the silent auction will be held from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. More than 100 items have already been donated and more is anticipated. Items include golf outings at The Springs, Mary Kay baskets, fishing items, framed photos and prints (including limited edition USPS collections – Giants, Baseball, Mickey Mouse) and more. Some of the items for the live auction (starting at 7 p.m.) include We Fest 2010 passes (2), handmade quilts, Terry Redlin collectibles, guns, fishing gear ($150 cooler full), farm chemical application, Bret Favre (Green Bay) USPS framed print/stamps. There is also a raffle for a television and grill and other prizes. Don’t miss the fun and excitement to benefit Hal Nelson. The event is sponsored by the Rutland Park Board and Rutland residents.
Hal Nelson Benefit Fund
As many of you have already heard, Hal Nelson of Rutland was seriously injured Saturday, October 18, when his house exploded. If you missed the broadcast you can view it at WDAY-TV which shows what little is left of his home. You can link to Hal’s CaringBridge site to keep updated on his steps to recovery or to post your words and thoughts for Hal and his family.
A benefit fund has been established for Hal to help him with the costs that will be incurred on his road to recovery. Donations can be sent to any Sargent County Bank (link for address) with a memo area notation “Hal Nelson Benefit.” Cash donations are being accepted in a donation jar at the Rutland General Store as well for the Fund.
Fireman’s BBQ
The Rutland-Cayuga Fire District annual Barbeque Supper will be this Saturday, July 19, 7-9 p.m. in Rutland City Hall. This is the time for everyone to come out and support the crew. Adults $10, 15 and under $5, Preschool is Free Will. They will also have their annual drawing for door prizes. We did buy tickets already which includes the drawings. Last year when we walked into the Hall for the dinner my name was drawn for a First Aid kit. (I’ve already won two or three fire extinguishers!). I’m waiting to see who wins this year (and I’m hoping they spread the prizes around).
Relay for Life Teams To Combine
As many of you may know, our little town had two Relay for Life teams this year. The Rutland Community Club Rockets and the Rutland General Store each sponsored a team. The Rockets had a 50’s themed dinner and a movie, the General Store had a gourmet barbecue. The Rockets sold chances on baskets and the general store donated a percentage of their doughnut sales. Both teams had good ideas, hard workers and a desire to help defeat the devastation that cancer causes. Next year will see some changes.
Next year, we will not only share a common goal but will be combining our teams. We will take a page from our Horizons leadership training and partner with each other thus expanding our resources, manpower, talent, and enthusiasm. Look to next years Rutland team to be even bigger and better.
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