Category: Rooster Crows

The Rooster Crows – Sept. 1, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Well, here we are, nearing the end of a long, hot Summer that followed a long, cold Winter. No Spring this Spring, and Autumn’s legacy is yet to be written. It’s Friday, September 1, only 30 days to go until the biggest holiday celebration of the year, Uff-Da Day XXXVIII on Sunday, October 1, 2023. You won’t want to miss the displays & demonstrations; you won’t want to miss the arts & crafts; you won’t want to miss the car show; You won’t want to miss the music; you won’t want to miss the great food; You won’t want to miss the parade; and, most of all, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet and greet old friends on the streets of the friendly little city that can. Everyone is invited to attend, and participate in, Uff-Da Day XXXVIII on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Rutland, North Dakota.

A letter inviting participation in Rutland’s Uff-Da Day Parade on Sunday, October 1, has been posted on the community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com and on the Rutland Facebook page, too. As it has in recent years, the parade will form up on Dakota Street, on the east side of town, and it is scheduled to step off, promptly, at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Rain, snow, wind, cold and heat, nor any other 4 letter words, have not delayed or hindered the Uff-Da Day Parade in the past, and this year will be no exception. As in previous years, members of the Lyle & Ann Erickson family will be on hand at Dakota Street to help parade participants find their place in the lineup. That’s Uff-Da Day in Rutland on Sunday, October 1.

Thirty-three regulars at the Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning Coffee & conversation sessions at the Rutland Seniors’ Center enjoyed a baked ham and fried chicken supper in the back room of The Lariat Bar on the evening of Thursday, August 17. The coffee club participants make free will donations to pay for the coffee & lunch, and the amount donated has always exceeded the cost by a substantial amount, so the patrons use up the excess donations by paying for a supper banquet for themselves. According to Joanne Harris, one of the organizers of the event, even after paying the bill for the August 17 supper, there is still enough left in the kitty to do it again. At this point, the plan is to host another banquet during the Christmas/New Year holiday season. Three cash door prizes were awarded to 3 lucky diners: Debbie Banish won $10; Rick Bosse pocketed $25; and Andy Harris took home $50. Those who attended the August 17 banquet commended the staff and the management of The Lariat Bar for the quality of both the service and the food.

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The Rooster Crows – Aug. 25, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

From weather conditions that felt like early Fall on the weekend of August 19 & 20, then back to the heat and humidity of the tropics by Tuesday & Wednesday, August 22 & 23, the weather patterns continue to bounce back and forth between unseasonable and unreasonable. According to the weather gurus in the electronic media, however, the temperature and the humidity should be back into the reasonable and seasonable category for the final week of August. Well, when there’s nothing else to talk about, we’ve always got the weather.

A party of angling enthusiasts made up of Greg Donaldson of Rutland; Hal Nelson of Rutland; Harvey Dawson of Brampton; Rick Bosse of Brampton; and, South Dakota Joe of Somewhere, South Dakota; Departed Rutland on the morning of Monday, August 21, bound for Fargo to join a busload of fishermen & fisherwomen heading for Ballard’s Resort on Lake Of The Woods, to participate in the annual fishing trip sponsored by radio station KFGO AM790. The trip is hosted by several KFGO radio personalities, including Joel Heitkamp, host of the News & Views talk show on KFGO. Greg, Hal, Harvey, Rick & Joe expect to be back home on Thursday, August 24, with a 2 day limit of walleyes and an unlimited supply of new fishing stories.

Speaking of fishing, they just aren’t biting at any of the local lakes. The lack of action on the fishing front is attributed to the hot weather that has heated up the water and made the fish lazy, indolent and unwilling to fight with an erstwhile angler over a minnow or a night crawler. Rutland native Judie Seavert-Grohs, who makes her home on the west shore of Lake Traverse, near Rosholt SD, reports that even the bullheads aren’t biting this Summer. Fortunately for Judie and her husband, Steve, they still have some Texas Gulf Coast fish from last Winter in their freezer to get them past this hot spot in the weather pattern. Although the surface area of Lake Traverse is approximately 11,200 acres, it is shaped like an elongated bowl and is only about 12 feet deep at its deepest point. Right now, it is heated up to bathtub temperature, and the fish there are just too relaxed to bite on anything, according to Judie. What is needed is some cold weather to spice things up…oh, no! Not that, again!

Last Spring’s High School graduates are now this Fall’s college Freshmen, and Rutland’s members of the SCHS Class of 2023 are now embarked on their journey through the mysteries and adventures of higher education. On Saturday, August 19, Abby Erickson, eldest daughter of Rodney & Andrea Erickson, relocated from Mom & Dad’s house to a dormitory room at NDSU in Fargo. Abby plans to study the science of Dietetics. Tyson Siemieniewski, son of Brad & Heidi Siemieniewski, moved up to MSU-Moorhead on August 6 to begin fitness training. His classroom studies began on Monday, August 21. Tyson’s plan is to study Sports medicine and Coaching. Fletcher Willprecht, son of Kevin Willprecht and Wendy Willprecht, is enrolled at NDSU in Fargo, taking general courses aimed at a degree in Ag Economics. Fletcher’s classes began on Monday, August 21. Gaven Christianson, son of Barry & Jen Christianson, began work on the preliminary courses needed for a degree in Physical Education at NDSCS in Wahpeton on Tuesday, August 22. Gaven’s plan is to complete 2 years of study at NDSCS and then transfer to a 4-year college to complete his degree.  

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The Rooster Crows – Aug. 18, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Congratulations to the Rutland Roosters Men’s Slowpitch Softball Team, 2023 North Dakota State Class Rec 3 Champions. The Roosters clinched the title by winning 5 consecutive games against tough opponents at the State Tournament in Grand Forks on Saturday & Sunday, August 12 & 13. The Roosters defeated the Tharaldson Team of Fargo in the Championship game on Sunday afternoon. Members of the Roosters’ 2023 State Championship Team are: Adam Bell, Outfield; Jon Christianson, Outfield; Kirk Fliehs, 3rd Base; Rylan Gutzmer, Outfield; Todd Hosford, 2nd Base; Travis Hosford, Outfield; Kris Kann, Pitcher; Nolen Peterson, 1st Base; Luke Patzlaff, Catcher; Rob Roney, Outfield/Team Captain/Manager; Josh Stenvold, Catcher; Brandon Wyum, Shortstop; and, Jason Phillips, Outfield. According to Rob Roney, a member of The Rutland team, the Roosters finished the regular season with a record of 20 wins and 5 losses. The Rutland community extends its thanks and congratulations to the 2023 Rutland Roosters, the heirs and standard bearers of a winning tradition on the ball diamond that extends back to the end of the 19th Century. Fans in the community are looking forward to a continuation of that tradition in 2024. Come on out to the ball game at Lou Sanderson Field to watch an outstanding team, and to enjoy some fine ballpark dining at the concessions stand.

The Rutland Roosters Men’s Slowpitch Softball team concluded its 2023 regular season play with two wins on the evening of Tuesday, August 15. After capturing the State Championship in the Rec 3 Class on Sunday, August 13, the Roosters took on the team from Milnor at Lou Sanderson Field on the 15th, taking game #1 in 5 innings by a score of 13 to 3, and putting an early end to game #2 in 3 innings with a 23 to 3 victory. The Milnor matchup was one that had been delayed back at the beginning of the season, and was rescheduled to Tuesday after the Roosters’ scheduled opponent, Gwinner, cancelled out late in the afternoon.  Well, regardless of what happened, the Roosters are still the State Champs who ended the regular season with 2 wins at home, and nothing is going to change that.

The following summary of the Roosters’ State Tournament games, and the photo of the State Tournament Championship team, was supplied by Rob Roney.

Saturday Games
Defeated Optimal Chiropractic (based out of Fargo) 10-9
Defeated Driftwood Lounge (based out of Wahpeton) 7-4
Defeated Lafrenier Construction (based out of Grafton) 12-8
Sunday Games
Defeated TC Custom Paint (based out of Grand Forks) 14-4
In the Championship game we defeated Tharaldsons (based out of Fargo) 22-17
Players from Left to Right:  
Rylan Gutzmer, Jason Phillips, Todd Hosford, Josh Stenvold, Adam Bell, Rob Roney, Luke Patzlaff, Brandon Wyum, Jon Christianson, Chris Kann, Kirk Fliehs, Nolen Peterson, and Travis Hosford
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The Rooster Crows – Aug. 11, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

The old saying, “The Sun always shines on Rutland, even when its raining,” proved to be true once again on Saturday, August 5, as the Rutland Rib Fest tradition got started again after being interrupted by the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020 and by a 9½ month closure of The Lariat Bar in 2022. The first Rutland Rib Fest was held in 2009, when The Lariat Bar was temporarily located in the American Legion Hall at 123 Gay Street, while the new Lariat Bar building on Main Street was under construction. Beginning in 2010 the Rib Fest was held on Main Street, where it was scheduled to be held this year, too. The rain that began in mid-afternoon on Saturday required a change in plans, however. Event organizers in Rutland have always been able to adapt, improvise and overcome, and this year’s Rib Fest was no exception. Rib vendors moved their grills from Main Street to shelter under the front porch and in the back room of the Lariat, as did vendors of other items that pleased the palates of those who had come to Rutland to dine. Joe Breker recalled that the judges at Rutland’s first Rib Fest were: Jerry Sapa; Rodney “Guts” Nelson; and Alvin “Butch” Craig; all well-known rib gourmets in the local community. This year’s judges: Debbie Banish; Mark Wyum; and, Bill Anderson; did their best to uphold the tradition of professionalism and enthusiasm established by their predecessors 14 years ago. The ribs prepared by the team of Steve Hartze of Fargo and, Bill Hoflen of Rutland were selected as this year’s “Best Ribs In Rutland” by the 3 judges, and were also picked as “The People’s Choice,” in a ballot by diners. Steve & Bill received an attractive certificate and $100 from The Lariat Bar and The Rutland Community Club for their accomplishments. The team of Jenry Du Plessy of South Africa; and Phillip Praetorius of South Africa; earned 2nd place honors in the competition and were awarded a handsome certificate and a case of premium beer in recognition of their efforts. Steve Hartze is a grandson of the late Joe & Helen (Silseth) Sapa, and a nephew of the late Jerry Sapa of this community. His mother, Margaret Ann Hartze resides in Fargo, but was back in her old hometown to witness her son’s championship performance in Rib Fest 2024. Bill Hoflen is a farmer/rancher in Ransom Township, working with his Dad Andy Hoflen, on the Hoflen family farm. Jenry & Philip are both employed by Woytassek Farms of Rutland and reside in the Wolters house on the NW corner of Anthony & Bagley Streets. The rain, which broke a Summer long drought, put the crowd in a very good mood, and many farmers, both young and old, elected to celebrate throughout the evening while standing out in the rain, smiling, and laughing, as the proverbial “Million Dollar Rain” saved their crops and, in some cases, their futures in farming. A large crowd stayed on throughout the evening to enjoy the music of “Raw Sugar,” the band that had also been moved from the street to The Lariat to keep instruments and electronics dry. Earlier in the day, several Junk Fest vendors had been enjoying a brisk, if low priced, business. Pam Maloney reported that the rummage sale and scalloped potatoes with ham dinner fund raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association that had been held in the Rutland Town Hall raised more than $2,600.00 for the charity, with more coming in from on-line donations and other activities throughout the weekend. According to Shawna Bergh, Manager of The Lariat, the bar enjoyed its biggest business day of the year last Saturday. Rummage sale enthusiasts, garage sale devotees and barbecued rib fans should keep their eyes open for information about Rib Fest 2024, which is currently planned to be held during the month of August in the coming year. Next year will be a Leap Year and a Presidential Election Year, and in the event that those two events require any adapting, improvising and overcoming, you can be sure that Rutland folks will be up to the challenge.

The following information concerning the Muscular Dystrophy Association fund raiser held here on Saturday & Sunday, August 5 & 6, was supplied by Pam Maloney: “Royce & Piper’s Rad Posse held their virtual Musclewalk on Sunday, August 6 with myself; Brianne, Joshua, Piper & Royce Nelson; Taryn, Shane, Cohen, Beckette & Landrie Jensen; Carolyn & Larry Christensen; Shannon Jablonsky; Michael & Phyllis Wyum; Boyd Jacobson, Jr.; and Diane Smith; participating. Between the rummage sale & dinner, in-person & online donations, the total raised, so far, for the Muscular Dystrophy Assn is just over $4,300. Thanks to all who donated in any way!” Congratulations to Pam and family for a successful fund raising event, and thanks to Pam for the information.

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The Rooster Crows – Aug. 4, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

“Oh, it ain’t gonna rain no more, no more, it ain’t gonna rain no more; so, how in the h—l can the old folks tell that it ain’t gonna rain no more.” The old folks also used to tell us that, “…if it don’t rain, it will be a long dry spell.” Right on all counts! Historically, rain has always followed a dry spell, and most folks, both scientific and unscientific, are of the opinion that history will, one of these days, repeat itself. Until then, though, we reserve the right to do what we have always done when a spell of hot, dry weather has worn out its welcome…complain about it! Next week we’ll be singing “Rain, rain go away. Come back again some other day!”

Rutland native John T. Hoflen (RHS Class of ’62) was a visitor in his old hometown from Friday, July 21, to Monday, July 24. John was back in town to visit family and old friends. He stopped in at the Rutland Seniors’ Center on the morning of Monday, July 24, for coffee and conversation prior to heading back to his current home in Bismarck.

A group of first cousins, descendants of Rutland pioneers Ole C. & Julia C. (Peterson) Anderson, including Sonja Christensen of Wahpeton, Judie Seavert-Grohs of Rosholt SD, Joanne Harris of Rutland, Patty Kulzer of Condon MT, Marilyn Anderson of Wahpeton, Andy Harris of Rutland, and Bill Anderson of Rutland gathered in the back room of The Lariat Bar for lunch and reminiscing at Noon on Wednesday, July 26, escaping the 99 degree heat and excessive humidity of the day in the Lariat’s air-conditioned comfort. The reason for the gathering was the presence of Pat Kulzer, who was making her first appearance in the old hometown since 2021. Those attending the gathering found the company, the conversation, the cuisine and the service to be outstanding. The Lariat’s waitress who provided service to the group was Tyler Weatherby.

Rutland native Glen Larson (RHS Class of ’60) took an automobile tour of his old hometown on the afternoon of Sunday, July 23, after spending part of the day at the Sargent County Fair at Forman. Glen had also visited at the home of his sister, Patty (Dave) Jacobson in Forman. While in Rutland, Glen stopped in at the home of Bill Anderson, an old friend from the old days, where the group gathered on Bill’s front porch also included another of Glen’s old friends, Dave Kulzer, now of Condon Mt. A “good memory” session was enjoyed by all. Glen now makes his home at Watertown SD, but usually makes it back to Rutland a couple of times each year. Glen intends to be in Rutland for Uff-Da Day on Sunday, October 1, and states that he hopes to bring one of his restored automobiles for display in the Uff-Da Day Car Show this year.

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The Rooster Crows – July 27, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

According to SIRI, the little know-it-all who lives in cellular telephones of the Apple variety, the temperature at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, was at +89 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was at 90. Meteorologists will tell you that when the temperature and the dew point are at the same number the amount of moisture in the atmosphere is at 100%, and it can’t hold any more. Well, it did feel as if a person might be under water when out on the front porch this past Tuesday evening. Theoretically, it is not possible for the relative humidity to be more than 100%, but, if SIRI’s report of the dew point and the temperature were correct on Tuesday evening, the relative humidity was at 101.2%. Well, theoretically it is impossible for a bumble bee to fly, too, but no one has informed the bumble bee of that scientific fact. The recent switch in weather conditions from high, dry and mild to hot, wet and steamy is uncomfortable, at best, but fear not, October is on its way. After that…well, let’s just think about October.

Good news for Rutland! Rodney Erickson reports that the U.S. Postal Service has executed a lease agreement to secure space in his building at the corner of First and Arthur Streets for use as a Post Office. As of the end of July, it will be 22 months since the Postal Service closed the former Post Office back on September 30, 2021, for “a few days” due to health and safety concerns. The wheels of progress turn slowly, but at least there is some evidence that they do still turn.

Speaking of progress, Rodney Erickson also reports that, as of Monday, July 24, he had his new spray plane in operation applying fungicide to corn fields down in Nebraska. The late Spring, followed by the early Summer drought in most of North Dakota, derailed most of Rodney’s 2023 business plan for operations in North Dakota, but his new plane allows him to go farther, work faster and cover more acres in less time, so there is still hope for a good season. The corn crop in Nebraska is looking good, he says, especially after he has applied the chemicals needed to protect it from the “fungus amongus”.

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