By Deborah Banish

Several Rutland residents joined the Sargent County Farmers Union bus trip to the RedHawks game on Thursday, August 15. They joined individuals from Forman, Gwinner, and Lisbon areas for a fun night out at the old ball game. Upon arrival at Newman Outdoor Field, the group scattered toward concessions and their seats. Mike and Debbie Banish paused briefly to decide which concession stand they would visit when they were asked by a RedHawks employee if they would like to upgrade their seats for the game. The Banish’s questioned what, exactly, they would have to do for this upgrade. The woman informed them that they would receive a small cooler with four refreshing Budweiser beers and after the First Inning would simply have to turn toward the camera and toast or click their beers together as the Budweiser Couple of the Day. Although Budweiser is not their primary refreshment of choice, they decided they would be willing to do this small feat and were guided to the seats behind the batter’s box. Their actions were on the “big screen” for the 3,700 attendees to see after the first inning. The actual performance of this action was to last only fifteen to twenty seconds which, they determined, was a lot longer than it would seem. The RedHawks played a good game and ended up winning in the top half of the ninth inning 4-2 against the Sioux Falls Canaries. There was a lot of explaining to do on the return bus trip on how they managed to obtain the prime stadium seats. A good time was had by all at the game.

The Rutland Sportsman’s Club held its 22^nd Annual Youth Day at the John Narum Rifle Range by Silver Lake on Sunday, August 18.  About 185 area youth and their families attended the event to take part in activities – shooting bow, BB guns and .22 at various stations and line casting.  As usual, it was a perfect Sunday for the kids.  Hot dogs, popcorn, pop and grilled corn on the cob kept everyone fed. The event concluded with the prize drawings for guns, fishing poles and tackle boxes, tents, hammocks, ground hunting blinds and more. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to the Rutland Sportsman’s Club members for the annual event.