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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The Rooster Crows – July 21, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

While the rest of the Country continues to swelter under record high temperatures, in the triple digits in many areas, Rutland and vicinity has been enjoying moderate, even unseasonably cool, weather conditions. A return to hot weather is in the forecast for the week beginning on Sunday, July 23, and for the rest of the month, however. The recent respite from excessive heat has saved the wheat, corn & soybean crops, so far, but some rain is going to be needed to bring the crop through to harvest. 

August in Rutland is going to be starting out with a bang, and with the aroma of barbecued ribs. The following information was recently obtained from Rutland Community Club President Katie McLaen: A Community-wide Junk Fest is on the schedule from 1:00 to 5:00 on Saturday, August 5, with Deb Banish, phone # 701-680-2458, in charge; Rutland’s American Legion Auxiliary will be serving a Pie & Ice Cream Social at the Rutland Senior Center, starting at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5; a Community Rummage Sale accompanied by a scalloped potato lunch will be held at the Rutland Town Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association; and, The Rutland Rib Fest, with ribs being served by various vendors, is scheduled to commence serving at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, from booths on Main Street. As in past years, Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from the intersection with Front Street on the North to the intersection with Arthur/Gay Streets on the South, to allow for the placement of picnic tables. Rib vendors will be assessed a $25.00 fee to compete for the “Best Ribs In Rutland” title, and prizes for 1st place, 2nd place,3rd place and “People’s Choice” will be awarded. All food vendors, not exclusive to ribs, are welcome, and will also be assessed a $25 .00 vendor’s fee. For additional information, and to sign up to participate as a vendor at Rib Fest, contact Shawna Bergh at 701-680-0780. As with most events in Rutland, there is no admission charge. You only pay if you buy something. The August 5 Rib Fest will conclude with a Street Dance featuring “Raw Sugar” from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. So, put on your rib bib and your dancing shoes, and plan to be in Rutland for Rib Fest on Saturday, August 5.

Bill Anderson, accompanied by Great-Grandson Brody Mahrer, departed Rutland in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 9, bound for Hector Airport in Fargo and a 5:30 a.m. airline flight that was the first leg of a trip that landed them in Branson MO at about 6:30 p.m. that same day. The flight from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Springfield/Branson International was delayed for several hours while a problem with the aircraft’s ventilation was repaired. The reason for the trip was the annual reunion of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, the unit in which Bill had served as an infantry Platoon Commander when he first arrived in Vietnam back in January of 1970. Time and age are finally accomplishing what the VC and NVA could not accomplish more than half a century ago, bill reports, as this reunion had the smallest number of Marines in attendance of any that he has been at since his first in 2012. During their stay in Branson, Bill & Brody took in the Clay Cooper Show on the evening of Monday, July 10, and the Evening Dinner/Show Cruise on Table Rock Lake aboard The Branson Belle showboat on Tuesday evening, July 11. Additionally, Brody got to hone up his skill playing the “Back Alley” card game, a game that was popular among the Delta Co. Marines back in 1969-70, when they were in Vietnam. Bill & Brody returned home through American Airlines’ hub terminal at Dallas/Fort Worth, on Wednesday, July 12, so Brody could play baseball in the District playoffs with his Babe Ruth baseball team from Gwinner. The temperature at Dallas/Fort Worth was +105, and the temperature at Fargo was +71 on Wednesday afternoon. 

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Rutland Ramblings – July 14, 2023

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By Debbie Banish

The Rooster has flown the coop but will return next week with sage advice and Rutland news. In the meantime, here are a few tidbits from Rutland this past week.

The Rutland Senior Center was a cheerful gathering place on Monday morning, July 10, when about twenty individuals gathered for the monthly birthday celebration. A bright red, white and blue layered cake was shared by all after a vibrant “Happy Birthday” was sung by those present. The five July birthday celebrants were Chuck Anderson, Michael Banish, Norbert Kulzer, Judy Silseth and Cher Spieker. The Senior Center holds the monthly birthday recognition on the second Monday of the month to be sure to stop by sometime to wish area seniors a Happy Birthday and enjoy homemade cake. The weekly coffee gatherings are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings starting around 9:15 a.m. Come visit and hear the last news and take a walk down memory lane. The group can be a rowdy and informative bunch!

The Rutland City Council met Monday, July 10, with all present by phone and in person. The Council approved a demolition permit for the removal of the house and garage at 206 – 2nd Street West, discussed the recent Trailer Park inspection report, reviewed the property insurance coverage, and approved the payment of bills. The City Auditor announced that the city received $15,161.90 from the Federal/State snow reimbursement grant which was a one-time funding opportunity. The First Street sidewalk project was discussed, and the Council requested that the City Attorney draft a resolution of necessity for a possible special assessment project area to help fund the needed improvements on First between Gay/Arthur and Front Street. The City Engineer will meet with the Council on August 7 to discuss the scope of the project and present cost estimates for the sidewalk project and a water valve replacement project. The Council will also approve a 2024 preliminary budget and schedule a public hearing within the next two months. The meetings are at 5 p.m., the first Monday of the month (excluding holidays) and the public is always welcome to attend and watch the Council in action. There is time at the beginning of the meeting for public comments and input is always welcome.

Monday was a busy day in Rutland and the evening was no different. The $5 burger Monday night special at The Lariat Bar was a hit with locals and visitors as observed by the cars lining First Street. Mark your calendar for Monday night as the time to get to Rutland for a great burger special at the Lariat!

The Milnor Team canceled the Tuesday night game against the Rutland Roosters. Next Tuesday, July 18, the Rutland Roosters take on Riverside at Sanderson Field. Game time is 6:45 p.m. and the Park Board concessions will be open for ballpark food, snacks, and beverages.

The Rutland Community Club members decided to take a break and not meet in July, but they will meet in August to get Uffda Day planning in full swing.

The Community Club may be taking a break, but the Lariat Bar is in full-swing planning for Ribfest on Saturday, August 5. The event will begin with a community rummage sale at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A scalloped potato lunch will also be available at the Hall with sale and food proceeds going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Junk Fest vendors will set up along Gay Street to sell their wares from 1 to 5 p.m. The American Legion Pie and Ice Cream Social will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rutland Senior Center and ribs and more will be available starting at 5 p.m. The event will conclude with a street dance with Raw Sugar from 8 p.m. to Midnight. It will be a fun time in the old town, so be sure to come to town. More food/rib and junk fest vendors are welcome to participate. Check out the Rutland Facebook page for contact information.

Other events this week that should be in next week’s Rooster Crows include: The Rutland-Cayuga Fire District annual BBQ supper on Wednesday, July 12; the bid opening on Thursday, July 13, for the sale of the Rutland General Store; and Vacation Bible School at Nordland on July 18-20.

That’s it for this week from Rutland. Don’t forget the Sargent County 100th Fair kicks off on July 20. See you at the fair!