The Rooster Crows – Oct. 6, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Uff-Da! Sunday, October 1, 2023, Uff-Da Day XXXVIII, was a hot time in the little city that can, any way it was measured. It started out as a warm day, with a stiff breeze out of the south, and just got hotter and hotter all day long, with plenty of sunshine and enough wind to keep the flies grounded, hitting a record high for the day in the mid-90’s by midafternoon. The Sun really does always shine on Rutland, even when it’s sizzling! The streets were full of people, approximately 3,000, by some estimates, and every face had a smile. Thousands of lefse, many roasters of scalloped potatoes with ham, more roasters full of rice pudding, gallons of rommegrot, hundreds of Krumkakke, sandkaker & abelskievers, Uff-Da Tacos, hot dogs and bratwursts had been consumed by the time activities started to wind down. All that was left was the lingering aroma of good cooking. Among the highlights of this year’s event were: the 2023 car show organized by David & Pat Bladow, and members of their family, that included 112 antique, classic, restored & modified automobiles from throughout North Dakota, South Dakota & Minnesota; the sawmill operated by Dale McLaen, Alan Olstad, Joel Susag, and Sod Buster volunteers from Fort Ransom, powered by David Susag’s 70 Oliver tractor; musical performances by local talent at the Seniors’ Center and Town Hall throughout the day; The American Legion Color guard composed of Ted Lee, Larry Christensen, Andy Hoflen, Andy Harris & Calvin Jacobson that led the Uff-Da Day Parade through town; and, The now permanently reopened Lariat Bar, now under new ownership and new management, that supplied refreshments to patrons throughout the afternoon and evening hours.  Arts & craft vendors, more than 30 of them, reported a great day, and local youngsters with their wagon loads of pumpkins, squash and other garden produce did a land office business. The Nickel Scramble, once again sponsored by Joe’s Ag Supply and the Kenny & Tanya Hamilton family, had enthusiastic participation by kids of all ages.  According to Rutland Community Club President and Uff-Da Day XXXVIII Chairperson Katie McLaen, planning for Uff-Da Day XXXIX will begin at the next meeting of the Rutland Community Club on Monday, October 9, at the Rutland Town Hall. Uff-Da Day XXXIX will be on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Mark it on your calendar now, and don’t miss it.

Some of the Uff-Da Day visitors to Rutland on Sunday, October 1, included: Mary Ann (Nathe) Scheffler, Barnesville MN; Dave & Sharon (Lee) Butz, Chaska MN; John Hoflen, Bismarck; Bev (Bartunek) Schons, Fargo; Steve & Vicki (Bartunek) Renner, Des Moines IA; Sonja (Anderson) Christensen, Wahpeton; Judie (Anderson-Seavert) Grohs, Rosholt SD; Stephanie (Seavert) Watson, Rogers MN; Hannah Watson, Wahpeton; Blair Watson, Wahpeton; Marilyn Anderson, Wahpeton; Tom Thayer, Colfax ND; Pat Prindiville, Fargo; Mark Prindiville, Horace ND; Mr. & Mrs. Erling Lee, Columbus OH; Sarah (Lee) Dobmeier, Alexandria MN; Randy & Cheri Pearson, Milnor; Carol (Welle) Fridgen, Nevis MN; Telmer “Tex” & Lynn (Pederson) Kraig, Enderlin ND; Chuck & Mary Beth (Kraig) Anderson, Havana ND; Connie & Carol Newman, Ortonville MN; Clarence “Stub” & Sharon (Lee) Sundlie, Fargo; Kathy (Rien) Lee, Wahpeton; Mary (Olstad) Indridson, Cavalier ND; Tom & Linda (Fust) Young, Coon Rapids MN; Bruce & Jackie Peterson, Havana ND; Lonnie Hicks, Gwinner ND; and, many more.

Rutland was awakened by a rumbling, roaring thunderstorm on the morning of Friday, September 29. The rain gauge at the Lyle & Ann Erickson farm just east of town indicated that .75 of an inch of rain had fallen by the time the storm had moved on. It was reported that 1.0 inch of precipitation had been received at Forman.

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The Rooster Crows – Sept. 29, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Uff-Da Day 2023 is only 2days down the pike. In keeping with the old tradition that “The Sun always shines on Rutland, even when it’s raining,” the weatherman is once again predicting beautiful weather for Sunday, October 1, the 38th Uff-Da Day Fall Festival in the little city that can. Rutland Community Club President and Uff-Da Day Chairperson Katie McLaen has furnished the following schedule of events for the day: At 10:00 AM Vendors and Craft Sales begin; Car Show on Gay St begins; Lefse, sandkakkes, Krumkakke & Goodies available at Senior Center on Main St; Freshly made Lefse for sale at the senior Center; and, the one-room country School House, Rutland Depot Museum & Pioneer House will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. At 11:00 AM Dinner at the Community’s Town Hall, $15 Adults, $6 children age 6-12, Under 6 free. Rommegrot will be served at the Senior Center. Uff-Da Tacos, hot dogs & brats will be on sale at the Fire Hall on Bagley Street, and Abelskievers will be made outside by the Legion Hall/Fitness Center. The Lariat Bar will be open at 9:00 AM with coffee, caramel rolls & drink specials. Check The Lariat’s Flyer for lunch options. At 1:00 PM it’s time for The Uff-Da Day Parade! 1:30 is the time set for the Nickel Scramble on Main Street, in front of Stock Growers Bank following the Parade. Bounce Houses for the kids will be Open from 10:30 to 12:30, and from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. At 2:00 p.m. big power will be on display with the Pedal Tractor Pull Competition on Main Street, in front of the Stock Growers Bank. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is invited to Rutland to meet old friends and make new ones at Uff-Da Day XXXVIII on Sunday, October 1. See you there, now then, don’t you know!

A classic September rainfall blanketed Rutland and vicinity on Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24. This was the most unusual rainfall of the year, though, as Roger Pearson’s rain gauge at 409 Gay Street and Norbert Kulzer’s rain gauge at 415 Gay Street both measured 1.5” when the raindrops stopped falling. The 2 gauges, only a few feet apart, seldom agree, and, when they do, we know that they are either both right, or that they are both wrong. Two miles south of town Larry Erickson reported an even 1.0” in his rain gauge, and Dale McLaen reported 1.1” at the McLaen farmstead 2 miles north of town. The rain brought harvest activities to a standstill for a few days, but most agreed that the delay will allow the green soybeans to catch up with the ripe ones, allowing the combines to roll with fewer interruptions once the harvest action resumes.

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins from Rutland took some time off to attend the wedding of Mason Harris & Darrien Quagliata at old Fort Sisseton on Saturday, September 23. Mark & Kathy (Harris) Wyum; Bill & Pam (Harris) Gulleson; Rob & Dana Wyum and family; Cameron & Jennie Gulleson and family; and, Cody & Hannah Gulleson; were among those from this community who attended the wedding ceremony. Mason is the son of Mike & Christine (Hoistad) Harris of Crete, and his Grandparents were the late Marlin & Marlys (McDermot) Harris of Crete and the late Virgil & Donetta (Gulsvig) Hoistad of Rutland. The bride is a native of Clifton Springs NY. The newlyweds will be making their home at the Harris farm near Crete, in northwestern Sargent County. The Rutland community extends congratulations to Mason & Darrien Harris on the occasion of their marriage, and best wishes to them for a long and happy life together.

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The Rooster Crows – Sept. 22, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Summer ends, and Autumn begins, this weekend, at precisely 2:49 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, with the arrival of the Autumnal Equinox, when exactly half of our Planet Earth will be bathed in sunshine, and exactly half will be shrouded in darkness. There isn’t much difference between Summer and Autumn on that first day, but, by the time the Winter Solstice arrives, at 10:47 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, it is very likely that weather conditions will be described with 4 letter words such as: cold; snow; wind; and, others not printed in The Rooster Crows but occasionally exclaimed in an ice covered parking lot or a snow filled road ditch. Well, hope is only 6 months away, with the projected arrival of the Vernal Equinox at 5:58 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, according to Alexa who gets her info from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. So, enjoy that last day of Summer to the full. It will be a while before days like that become standard equipment again. 

Soybean harvest began in the Rutland area on Thursday, September 14, when Chris Pearson had 3 combines straight cutting beans on fields 2½ miles southeast of town. The fields were located on land that was formerly described as “Maggie Flados’ Quarter,” and, “Melfin Erickson’s Quarter.” According to Chris’ Dad, Randy Pearson, the yields ran from fair to outstanding, depending on whether the combine was on a hilltop or down in the Wild Rice River bottom. According to Randy, the beans were filling the combine hoppers so fast that they had to haul them to 2 different elevators just to keep ahead of the combines. As a local philosopher once observed, “Even if it ain’t true, it ought to be.”

Steve Wyum and Bill Anderson of this community were among those who attended the public hearing held at the Forman Town Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12. The public hearing concerned the proposal to change 2 County offices, County Auditor and County Treasurer/Recorder/Clerk of Court, from elected offices to appointed offices. State law and Sargent County’s Home Rule Charter authorize the County Commission to make the change and require that the people have the right to be heard on the matter at a public hearing. The Commission had previously held the required hearing at a time during a regularly scheduled meeting of the County Commission, but only 1 person had made an appearance, so the Commissioners called a second hearing to be held on September 12. The public will have another opportunity to be heard on the matter on Tuesday, October 3, either before or after the final hearing on the proposed 2024 County Budget. According to current County Auditor Pam Maloney, 26 people attended the September 12 hearing. Eleven of those in attendance were County employees, 3 elected and 8 appointed.

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The Rooster Crows – Sept. 15, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

Ahhh, September! Clear, cool, starlit skies at night, followed by warm, sun filled days. The long, hot days of Summer are finally behind us; The long, cold nights of Winter are still ahead of us; and the comfortable embrace of September is ours to enjoy for a few more days or weeks, depending on the whims of Mother Nature. For the first time since May, the morning temperature stood at 39 degrees on Wednesday, September 13. According to the TV weather gurus, temperatures are expected to be back up into the low 80’s for the 3rd week of the month, but Wednesday’s 39-degree reading is a harbinger of things to come. As the late Clayton McLaen used to warn, “There are two seasons in North Dakota: Winter; and, getting ready for Winter.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another tough Winter ahead, so, it’s time to follow Clayton’s advice, and get ready!

Rutland natives John & Theresa Gulleson of Casselton ND & Peder & Connie Gulleson of Bismarck ND hosted a gathering of cousins from this area, and cousins from Norway at the Coteau des Prairies Lodge on the evening of Monday, September 4. Jon Erdik & spouse, Elizabeth Odegard-Erdik; and Esther Odegard; of Korgen, Norway, accompanied John & Theresa on a tour through Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, visiting family and friends on the way. Esther and Elizabeth are relatives of the late Clara (Mrs. Martin) Gulleson of this community. Esther is Clara’s niece and Elizabeth is Esther’s daughter. While at The Lodge they enjoyed a traditional North Dakota pot-luck supper, and treated the hosts to authentic “krinalefse,” a specialty of the Korgen area that is made by sandwiching butter & sugar between 2 layers of thick lefse and topping it with a mixture of thickened cream and sugar. The Gullesons remembered Grandma Clara making it for them when they were young.  Following their visit to Rutland, they intended to visit the ND State Capitol and the ND Heritage Center in Bismarck; Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Medora Musical at Medora ND; and Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota; before returning to Minneapolis to catch their flight back to Norway. Korgen is in the far northern territory of Norway, near the Arctic Circle.

The Board of Managers of Rutland Improvement LLC d/b/a The Lariat Bar sent the following message to investors on Thursday, September 7, informing them of some upcoming changes at The Lariat. “Thanks to everyone for your continued support for the Lariat Bar. As you know, Shawna submitted her resignation, effective September 30th. As a board, we have been considering options for managing day-to-day operations at the Lariat and have made the decision to support a structure that includes a kitchen supervisor and bar supervisor(s). We are pleased to share that Sara Hernandez has accepted the kitchen supervisor position and Stacy Barber and Nicole Flannery will share bar supervisor duties. Patti Woytassek will continue to serve as the board liaison and the supervisors will report to her. Tremendous thanks to Patti for her willingness to serve in this role, which requires a considerable commitment of time!

We are pleased to be able to tap into the talent and skills of existing staff to manage the bar and we have assured them that our goal is to ensure that everyone has the ability to retain their hours, recognizing that with the departure of staff in the coming weeks there will need to be discussions and adjustment to some schedules to assure adequate coverage. We are currently working to ensure a smooth transition, including finalizing job descriptions and division of responsibilities for the supervisors, job descriptions for everyone that is employed at the bar, establishing a monthly work schedule, and capturing a full list and schedule of vendors who service the bar. We are optimistic that the changes ahead will be positive for employees and for the bar overall. To make it work, it will require everyone to work together in the true spirit of teamwork and with respect for one another. We are also challenging staff to come up with ways to increase revenue and hold down costs, including hunting season specials, hosting of holiday events and more. We look forward to a fun and productive fall! Regards, Paul Anderson, Chairman RILLC

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The Rooster Crows – Sept. 8, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

“Heat wave!” “Sweltering Heat!” Searing Heat!” “Hotter than the Sheriff’s pistol in a Roy Rogers movie!” “Hotter than the hinges of Hades!” All of the preceding descriptive phrases could have been used to describe the weather conditions that accompanied the first 4 days of September. The heat was accompanied by oppressive humidity that made conditions even more uncomfortable. According to Alexa, the little know-it-all who lives in the Echo Dot, between June 1 and September 4, Rutland & vicinity experienced 31 days with a temperature of 90 or above, and 4 days of 100 degree temperatures. That was not a record, however. There were 54 days with the temperature over 90 degrees back in 1988. Well, according to the weather experts on TV, we’re not done with hot weather, yet, but it is unlikely that we will experience any more days above 90 in 2023. Unlikely, but not impossible. Stand by!

Between 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 4, and 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, there was a 40 degree drop in the temperature reading. From summer’s heat to autumn’s cool in only 36 short hours. If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a minute, it’ll change.

The following report on preparations for Uff-Da Day XXXVIII, coming up on Sunday, October 1, has been received from Rutland Community Club President Katie McLaen. “Looking for help for the following: Lefse making dates on September 12th 9am & at 6pm; and, on September 18th 9am & 6pm. Goodie dates: Sandkaker on September 25th at 9am and 1pm; Krumkakke on September 29th.  A Community Club meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 11th of September, at 5:30 pm at the Rutland Town Hall. Some Uffda Day events to look forward to: Authentic Scandinavian Hall Meal, tractor pull, nickel scramble, parade, car show, lariat bar drink specials, bounce houses, 30+ vendors, and more.” Thanks to Katie McLaen and the Rutland Community Club for the information about Uff-Da Day XXXVIII, coming up on Sunday, October 1, in Rutland ND. 

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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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