Category: Rooster Crows

Rutland Ramblings – Dec. 8, 2023

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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!

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.

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

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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

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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 20th, 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 7th, 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.

Rutland Ramblings – Nov. 17, 2023

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Rutland was well represented at the Sargent Central School Veterans Day program on Thursday, November 9. The American Legion Bergman-Evenson Post #215 was the Color Guard, with Commander Larry Christensen, Tom Manley and Roger McLaen.  Many Rutland residents attended to help honor our Veterans from the area. The school youth put on a wonderful program which had a record attendance from parents, relatives, and veterans. The Teller is covering the event with photos so be sure to check out that news as well.

On Monday, November 13th, the Rutland Seniors celebrated the birthday “kids” of the month – Mark Wyum and Phyllis Wyum. Mark stopped in for the birthday photo opp and then headed out to the field for harvest work. Phyllis is such a busy lady that she was unable to attend and partake in the delicious and festive birthday cake.

The District 28 Dem-NPL Party will meet on Monday, November 20th, at Rutland City Hall at 7 p.m. with a social gathering before the monthly Zoom meeting. They will discuss last year’s legislative changes, upcoming events, and updates to the 28for28 Club for District fundraising. Feel free to attend the social and stay for the meeting.

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Rutland Ramblings – Nov. 10, 2023

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Harvey and Judy Preble of Eagan, MN, were visitors in Rutland on Saturday & Sunday, October 28 & 29. They were in town to help Harvey’s younger sister, Dianna (Preble) Anderson celebrate her birthday. Harvey and Diana share the same birthday November 7, although Harvey was on the scene two years prior to Dianna’s arrival. According to gamblers’ superstition, number 7 is a lucky number, and this birthday should be double lucky for Dianna.

The Rutland City Council met on Monday, November 6, and approved the Engineer contract for services for the sidewalk improvement project, renewed the water sampling contract with SE Water Users, and adopted the 2024 meeting schedule. Water rates were also discussed as SE Water will be raising the City’s cost of water in January. Rates were last increased in 2017 for water. The Council voted to raise water rates by 5%. The current rate for water is $23.00 for the first 3,000 gallons; the increase will result in a new rate of $24.15 for the first 3,000 gallons and $5.25 for overage use per 1,000 gallons. An update was provided on the Post Office reopening and it may be at least another four months before it happens; stay tuned as time (and mail) moves slowly – but surely. The next Council meeting will be Monday, December 4.

The Sargent County Extension Office is seeking individuals willing to become a NDSU Extension Master Gardener in the county. The application deadline is November 15. If you love gardening and are community-minded, now is your chance to apply. Complete weekly online classes from January 19 – March 22, 2024 on vegetable and fruit production, soil health, flowering plants and more! Application and more information is available at this link: ndsu.ag/mgcourse. Contact the Extension Office at (701) 724-3355 if you have any questions!

The Sargent County Commission passed a preliminary resolution that would redesignate the elected positions of County Auditor and County Treasurer/Recorder Clerk of Court as appointive positions. Before a final resolution can be passed, public hearings are requested. The Commission will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, November 15, at 6 p.m. at the Milnor Senior Center. The commission would like to receive public input on whether or not to proceed with the change. The meeting can also be joined via GoToMeeting at https://global/gotomeeting.com/join/504808517. A copy of the preliminary resolution can be obtained from the Sargent County Auditor or online at http://sargentnd.com.

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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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