Tag: pinochle

The Rooster Crows – Jan. 14, 2022

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By Bill Anderson

Old Man Winter tightened his grip on Thursday & Friday, January 6 & 7, providing those who love ice with some morning temperatures in the mid-20’s below Zero range, and not getting above Zero all day. Saturday’s high of +24 felt almost tropical, but it was only temporary, as the mercury plunged into sub-Zero territory again on Sunday & Monday. Warmer temps are predicted for mid-week, to be followed by a return of more frigid conditions. Well, it’s January in North Dakota, so what else is new? This information is provided just so those who are reading it while lounging on their patios at their winter residences in Arizona, Texas, Florida or some other warm & sunny location can be satisfied with their decision to head south for the winter. 

A brief “January Thaw” was experienced on Tuesday & Wednesday, January 11 & 12. The mercury soared all the way up to 37 above on Tuesday, with the warmer weather propelled by a 20-mph wind out of the south. Wednesday’s high only made it to +32, but that’s a lot better than -32. January weather is predicted to return by the weekend.

Snow, cold and Ice may be reasons for frowns and complaints from some, but snowmobile fans and ice fishing enthusiasts are grinning from ear to ear. With about 2½ feet of snow on the ground, and more where the wind has done its artistry, the entire countryside appears to be open to snowmobilers. After a couple of winters with little or no snow, though, some are still digging their snow cats out of the back of the shop or garage. The recent spell of sub-zero temperatures has given a great deal of depth and strength to the ice on area lakes, giving ice anglers the confidence to haul their insulated and heated ice castles out on local lakes and sloughs. Two fishermen trying their luck on one of the larger sloughs near Rutland reported that the ice was 18” thick, plenty of ice to hold the weight of a fishing house or a pickup truck. Anglers should still be cautious where the ice is covered by snow, though, as the insulating effect of the snow may have kept the ice a lot thinner. Just remember, even though it’s frozen, it’s still only water.

One ice angler reports that he was planning to relax in his fishing house with a mixed drink while waiting for the fish to bite when he realized that he had forgotten to bring ice cubes. Well, when you’re sitting on top of acres of ice, that’s no problem. So, he chipped out some ice cube sized chunks of ice and prepared to make his drink. Then he thought, “It’s still slough water, even if it’s frozen,” and he decided that the ice should be sterilized before using. He fired up his stove, filled a pot with water and heated it up to boiling temperature to get rid of any offensive germs and viruses. The sub-Zero chunks of ice were then dropped into the bubbling water. He states that the ice was so cold when he started that it was still frozen hard when he removed it from the pot. This fellow is currently looking for a job with a national political organization. For a fisherman, the “Big Lie” is small potatoes.

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The Rooster Crows – Dec. 31, 2021

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By Bill Anderson

Oh, say can you see, by the New Year’s first light, what so proudly we hailed at September’s last gleaming; Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through 3 months of perilous nights, O’er the old Franzen Building were so gallantly streaming; And the street lights’ bright glare, the stars shining in air, gave proof through the nights that our flag was still there; Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o’er the little city that can, home of the free and the brave? Well, the Flag still flies over the Rutland Post Office, and the door is still locked. The Postal Service has provided no information to the Rutland community as to when, if ever, service may be expected to be restored. In the meantime, there has been no additional clean up or repair activity observed at the Rutland Post Office building. No information. No action. No service. No Post Office. It could be described as a heck of a way to run a railroad, except that, back when the railroads hauled the mail the Post Office was open, and the mail got delivered. So much for 50 years of progress! Benjamin Franklin, America’s first Postmaster General, would be appalled by the disrespectful and cavalier attitude of today’s U. S. Postal Service management.

Mother Nature and Old Man Winter teamed up to deliver the first blizzard of the season, commencing on the day after Christmas, Sunday, December 26, and continuing into the early evening of Monday, December 27. Depending on whose report you choose to listen to, the storm delivered either 1 to 3 inches of new snow or 6 to 8 inches of new snow, along with sustained wind speeds of 30 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, and temperatures falling from the mid-20’s above Zero to the sub-Zero regions by Monday night. Below Zero conditions are predicted to continue throughout this week and into the New Year. While there is no relief from cold, snow and wind foreseen in the near-term forecasts, most prognosticators are of the opinion that warmer conditions will return to the region before the next summer solstice.

The blizzard had both I-94 and I-29 closed to traffic on Sunday night and Monday morning, and a “No Travel” advisory posted for the entire eastern end of North Dakota. Roads were also closed in northeastern South Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. In Sargent County, the State & County snowplows were out opening roads by Monday afternoon, and in the City of Rutland Scott Haan was opening streets with the City’s snow removal equipment by mid-afternoon, with some assistance from Bernard Mahrer Construction’s big equipment, as well. There is now enough snow on the ground to provide employment opportunities for snow removal crews every time the wind shifts. As the old-timers used to say, “There’s nothing so bad that it doesn’t do someone some good.”

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The Rooster Crows – Dec. 10, 2021

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By Bill Anderson

Santa Claus is comin’ to town! He’s making a list and checking it twice. He’s gonna find out who’s naughty and nice. Jolly Old St. Nick will be making his 76th annual pre-Christmas visit to Rutland on Santa Claus Day, Saturday, December 11, at 5:00 p.m., at the Rutland Town Hall. He will be handing out bags of candy, consulting with kids of all ages about their Christmas wish lists and awarding Christmas hams donated by local businesses to the lucky winners of the annual drawing. Other Santa Claus Day activities will include: crafts & games for the kids; BINGO for all; and, a spaghetti supper. This is your chance to see Santa Claus in the flesh and to have a personal, face-to-face visit with him before he swings through town to make deliveries on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget: Santa Claus Day in Rutland from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, in the Rutland Town Hall.

Winter has definitely arrived, making its presence known with a thermometer reading of 2 degrees below Zero on the morning of Monday, December 6 and a 60-mph wind that battered the area the night before. Less than a week earlier, on Wednesday, December 1, the mercury had topped out at 58 degrees above Zero. Preceding the wind on Sunday, Mother Nature, or maybe it was Old Man Winter, had deposited about 2 inches of snow on Rutland and vicinity in a series of snow flurries that began on the afternoon of Saturday, December 4 and ended on Sunday, December 5. After sidewalks and driveways had been cleared of snow on Monday, another half an inch of the white, powdery stuff was delivered to the community on Tuesday morning, just to show us who’s the boss.

CORRECTION: Last week’s column contained a few errors that need to be corrected. It was reported that, as of Tuesday, November 30, there had been no activity at the Rutland Post Office building. In fact, workers were observed doing some cleanup work around the exterior of the building, and removing materials from the interior on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, November 29, 30 & December 1. No explanation of what is planned for the building has been received, however. Apologies for the error. We’ll try harder in the future.

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The Rooster Crows —– January 15, 2021

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By Bill Anderson

Rutland and vicinity have been enjoying a welcome guest since the New Year began. The traditional annual visit of “The January Thaw” began early and has stayed late. This is one guest that doesn’t get old after 3 days. A high temperature of 41 above was forecast for Wednesday, January 13, and even though cooler weather is being predicted for the coming week, the highs are still predicted to be in the mid-20’s to low 30’s, with the lows in the double digits above zero. Weather like that for North Dakota in January just can’t be beat. But, Winter isn’t over, yet, so don’t lose track of your parka and snow shovel!

The house at 301 First Street, also known as The Bagley House, has been occupied by Aaron & Silvia Brooks since shortly before Christmas, 2020. Mr. Brooks is a native of New Orleans LA, and Mrs. Brooks grew up in Bakersfield CA. He is employed by RayMac at Gwinner, and she has her own residential cleaning business in addition to attending classes at the State College of Science in Wahpeton and working part-time as a bartender in Gwinner. The Rutland Community extends a hearty welcome to Aaron & Silvia Brooks! As soon as this covid-19 pandemic is over, we’ll teach you how to make lefse and rommegrot. Uff-Da!

Sonja (Anderson) Christensen, one of the organizers and original sponsors of The Rudy Anderson Memorial Pinochle Tournament, has announced that, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the 26th annual tournament, originally scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2021, has been postponed and rescheduled to Saturday, February 5, 2022. Sonja extends best wishes to all of the tournament’s regular participants and hopes to see all of them at next year’s event. They are all longing for those Rutland scalloped potatoes.

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Hens Do Crow! Feb. 7, 2020

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The Rutland City Planning Commission met on Wednesday, January 29, to receive a petition for changes to the City Zoning Ordinance. As required, the Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, February 17, at 5:00 p.m. in the Rutland Hall. The purpose is to consider the petition of Bill Anderson to amend the Rutland Zoning Ordinance by changing the the property located at the SW ½ of Section 19, Township 130N, Range 54W of the Principal Meridiance, Sargent County, ND, from an Agricultural District to a Residential District. The Kathleen Brakke Addition to the City of Rutland would add privately-owned land to the City for possible future development. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council for a final public hearing on March 2.

Sonja Christianson has provided a wonderful report on the Anderson Pinochle Tournament held on Saturday, February 1:

On a beautiful Saturday morning with daylight peeking over the trees to the east, cars began to arrive in Rutland on February 1. Smiling faces with great expectations were paying their fees, enjoying coffee and donuts, and shaking hands with fellow card players. It was soon discovered that pinochle players were arriving from Minneapolis, Grand Forks, Ellendale, Aberdeen, Audubon, Fargo, Sargent County, Oklahoma, and many places in-between. At 9:00 a.m. the Town Hall became quiet as 48 cards were dealt and play began. About 6½ hours later prizes began to be handed out and the declaration made that Diane Degenstein from Oakes and her daughter Sarah Oster of Fargo (both with Sargent County roots) had achieved the top position with a score of 1614 points. They edged out John Eye and Howard Lenius of Britton by 17 points. 3rd place winners were Roger McLaen and Dennis Goltz scoring 1590 points, followed by Orvin Hogness and Raymond Hogness with 1570 points.

First time player and granddaughter of Rudy and Edna Anderson, Stephanie Watson of Minneapolis, enjoyed the activities immensely. She commented about the delightful conversations, the learning experience, and the patience and enthusiasm of all participants. NOTE: It appears that Stephanie is “hooked” and will return for future pinochle events.

The Rutland Community Club scored many points with players by serving “World Famous Scalloped Potatoes.” Praises were given to the kitchen crew of Sarah Pavek, Roger Pearson, Hal Nelson, Diane Smith, Lori McLaen, Marcia Brakke, and Kayla Mahrer for brewing up a good meal.

A drawing of names ended the tournament with recipients carrying home a number of prizes including lefse made by Carolyn Christensen, the same variety made famous on Uffda Day. Marilyn Anderson of Arizona, widow of Arden, contributed to the prizes by requesting the purchase of gifts from Fairmount Lockers. 4th grader Lucy Mahrer and 6th grader Whitney Mahrer helped with scoring and were true “Gophers.” Five-year-old Corbin Carlson, with help from his father Bryce, set up tables and organized the main hall.

Bonnie Anderson of Rutland and Brookings SD helped Shannon Mehrer, Joanne Harris, Janice Christensen, Dianna Anderson, and Bev Kulzer keep the correct scores. Bonnie says she will be back next year to chat with all workers, helpers, and players.

Sargent County participants, both present and former, included Eunice Thorson, Sandy Hanson, Turk Nelson, Caleb Nelson, Bryce Carlson, Marshall Thol, Hilary Mehrer, Diane Smith, Steed Nelson, Kyle Dallman, Kathy Hayen, Jason Hayen, Keith Shasky, Stephanie Watson, Jessica Hayen, Jeri Christiansen, Sandy Popp, Clem Severson, Sandy Mund, Diane Degensteirn, Sarah Oster, Roger McLaen, Dennis Goltz, Orvin Hogness, Raymond Hogness, Wade Anderson, Pam Thol, Dave Shasky, Vern Shasky, Alfred Resler, Harvey Preble, George Resler, Stella Bell, Sue Seelye, Roger Ziegler, Benita Ziegler, Dennis Nelson, Trent Nelson, Joel Hoistad, Leonard Miller, Ruth Larson, and Harvey Bergstrom. They are all invited to return on Saturday, February 6, 2021 for the 26th Annual Anderson Pinochle Tourney. Hats off to Stella Bell and Roger McLaen who have been present for all 25 tournaments. Close behind are Benita and Roger Ziegler who have made 24.

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Hens Do Crow! Jan. 24, 2020

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Mother Nature packed another wallop for the three-day weekend which became a four-day weekend January 17-20 for many. She rolled in the winds and snow on Friday resulting in school closings to the delight of many children and the angst of parents. Kids not only got an extra day off but they were restricted to the indoors for most, if not all, of the weekend.

Rutland residents received an extra surprise in the early evening of Saturday, January 18th, when water slowly trickled out of the faucets. The City of Rutland sent out an alert to not use water around 5 p.m. that evening. A hearty crew bundled up and drove around town in an attempt to find the problem. The water tower was checked and appeared to be functioning during the storm, although it had a malfunction earlier in the week. The piles of recent snow did not help in that effort. Mike Mahrer and Rodney Erickson, along with the help of Calvin Jacobson, soon found the break near the intersection of First and Front Streets. By this time an army of helpers had gathered to assist with turning off the valve to stop the flow. Mike, Rodney and Calvin were joined by Rutland residents Mitch Mahrer, Chuck Sundlie, Colton Corry, Brad Wyum, Andy Harris, Kyle Mahrer and Mac Pherson. Staff from Southeast Water Users also traveled to Rutland to assist with the locating the break. Turning the valves proved to be a huge task as it takes about 21 turns to shut the valve and one turn of the valve was nearly a Herculean task.  The entire town was without water until about 5 p.m. on Sunday. When the water returned to the south side of the tracks, it was again just a trickle. The water in the tower itself had a thick sheet of ice on top and needed to be thawed. A two-man crew from Maguire Iron of Sioux Falls drove to Rutland on Tuesday to thaw the tower; however, they had to give up due to the high winds that followed the storm. They resumed the job on Wednesday thawing out the large chunk of ice that reduced the water flow. On Wednesday morning, the parts needed to repair the main break were on their way from Fargo to Rutland so that they could be installed to hopefully restore water to the North side residents on Wednesday.

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