Tag: Lariat Bar

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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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. 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. 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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