Tag: Rutland American Legion Auxiliary

Rutland Ramblings – Dec. 1, 2023

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Kyle & Kaia Mahrer hosted a full table of dinner guests at their home in Rutland on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23. Those in attendance included Kyle & Kaia Mahrer and their children, Brody, Julia, Adalyn & Kaitlyn, Pearl Brakke, Becky Parrow, Nell Brakke, Jesse Brakke, Steve Thorfinnson, and Bill Anderson. The large table in the dining room/kitchen of the Mahrer home was originally used in the dining hall of a large Bonanza Farm in the Park River ND area. Kaia’s grandmother, the late Kathy Brakke of this community had acquired the table about 30 years ago. Kaia recalls that, at the time the table was given to Kaia, her grandma’s instructions were to use the table often, and to keep it full. The Thanksgiving Day menu included: ham, prime rib, mashed potatoes & gravy, green bean casserole, salad, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert. All agreed that the dinner was top-notch in both quality and quantity.

Saturday evening guests at the Bill Anderson home on Saturday, Nov.25, included Chuck Sundlie, Aden Kohler, Joanne Harris, Andy Harris, Mike Harris, and Vern Leist. Papa Murphy’s Pizza was the main, and only, dish served. The pizza party was held to honor the memories of the Late Susan Anderson, Kathy Brakke, and Renee Cramton. Back in the day when Kathy & Sue, with the assistance of Renee, used to have their crafts & collectibles sale on Thanksgiving afternoon, the day was closed out with a pizza supper in the kitchen of Kathy’s home at 318 First Street. This year the pizza was enjoyed at 309 Gay Street, Susan’s home.

The Rutland Senior Center was full of activity on Thursday, November 30, after the noon dinner with a surprise party for Janet Kiefer. Janet has been the main cook at the Rutland senior center for nearly twenty-five years. Watch for more news on the event in next week’s column!

The Lariat Bar will host its first trivia night on Friday, December 1, starting at 7 p.m. Local rumors indicate that there will be a few teams participating and there are even some individuals who have been contacted by more than one team, so the competition has already begun. Sounds like Friday is the night to hang out at The Lariat.

On Saturday, the Rutland Community Club Santa Day will be held at the community center starting at 5 p.m. Bingo and a free-will spaghetti supper will be offered along with plenty of activities and crafts for the kids. The event is scheduled to end at 7 p.m.

The Rutland American Legion Auxiliary members are busy cooking and baking up a storm for the free-will bake sale on Sunday, December 3, starting at 8 a.m. at the City Hall. Stop in for the Rutland-Cayuga Rural Fire District free-will pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hall and get the fresh baked goods before they are gone.

The Rutland City Council public hearing on the proposed sidewalk project special assessment will be Monday, December 4, at City Hall starting at 5 p.m. This is an opportunity for residents to provide input and comment on the upcoming project. The monthly City Council meeting will be held immediately following the public hearing.

Stay up to date on Rutland activities and events on the Rutland Facebook page and on the Rutland City website. The City of Rutland will soon have its own app through the Living Local program and information on this will be out soon so watch for this new, fun way to keep informed on Rutland activities. Residents will be able to get notifications on recycling day, check the city calendar, and, yes, pay the water bill through the app. Have a great week.

The Rooster Crows – June 2, 2023

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By Bill Anderson

The weather started out hot and windy on Monday, May 22, and stayed that way throughout the Memorial Day weekend. The conditions allowed field work to proceed at a rapid pace, and some local producers are getting close to the Spring Planting Finish Line. Hot weather conditions usually drum up a thunderstorm, and Memorial Day on Monday, May 29, was no exception to that old and honorable tradition. There were several episodes of thunder, followed by what Norbert Kulzer described as, “a 5 inch rain,” that is, a rainfall in which the raindrops were at least 5 inches apart. Roger Pearson reported .1 of an inch in his rain gauge on the morning of Tuesday, May 30, and Norbert Kulzer reported that his gauge, only a few feet east of Roger’s, registered less than a tenth on Tuesday morning. There is hope, though. At least there is hope, the drug that gives every farmer, and every banker, a high with every drop of rain.

Nine of the 12 surviving second generation descendants of Rutland area pioneers, the late Ole C. & Julia C. (Peterson) Anderson, enjoyed a reunion of first cousins on Thursday, May 25. The group included: Bill Anderson of Rutland; Paul Anderson of Rutland; Joanne (Anderson) Harris of Rutland; Andrew Harris of Rutland; Sonja (Anderson) Christensen of Wahpeton; Judie (Anderson-Seavert) Grohs of Rosholt SD; Jodie (Anderson) Bogenreif of Gilbert AZ; Beverly (Bartunek) Schons of Fargo; and Vicki (Bartunek) Renner of DesMoines IA. Also attending were Judie Grohs’ spouse, Steve Grohs of Rosholt SD; and Marilyn (Mrs. Arden) Anderson of Wahpeton. Unable to attend the reunion this year were: Marilyn (Bartunek) Sabe of DeFuniak Springs FL; Patricia (Anderson) Kulzer of Condon MT; and Jeffrey Anderson of Plymouth MN. First cousins who are deceased are: Richard M. Anderson; Harvey O. Anderson; Arden C. Anderson; and Nancy (Bartunek) Lee. Those attending gathered at the Rutland Cemetery in the morning to decorate the graves of parents, spouses, and grandparents for Memorial Day, and to discuss family history before having lunch at The Lariat Bar in Rutland. Main courses and beverages were ordered off the menu, and the group was treated with a rhubarb dessert made by Sonja Christensen from a recipe provided for one of the Rutland cookbooks by the late Helen (Hermanson) Anderson of this community. Terry Lee, surviving spouse of the Late Nancy Lee, also sent a generous supply of rosettes for all to enjoy. The cousins are descendants of the late Melvin & Ila Anderson; the late Rudolph & Edna Anderson; the late William & Norma (Anderson) Bartunek; and the late Earl & Irene Anderson. They were all impressed by the excellent cuisine furnished by The Lariat Bar, as well as with the prompt & efficient service provided by a member of the Lariat’s staff, Tyler Weatherby.

Larry Christensen, Commander of Bergman-Evenson Post #215 of the American Legion; and, Roger Pearson, a member of the Post; installed new crosses on the graves of veterans in the Rutland and Nordland Cemeteries on the morning of Friday, May 26. The new crosses are made of steel and have a durable white powder coat finish. Post members extend their thanks to the RayMac Company of Gwinner & Forman for manufacturing and donating the crosses.

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The Rooster Crows – June 18, 2021

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By Bill Anderson

Just when it seemed that the old refrain, “It ain’t gonna rain no more, no more…” was accurately predicting the future, Mother Nature said “That just ain’t so!” and sent a thunderstorm to slake the thirst of the Promised Land at about 3:30 a.m. on the morning of Friday, June 11. Roger Pearson’s rain gauge showed. 65 of an inch after the storm moved on and the weather cleared, while the gauge of his next door neighbor, Norbert Kulzer, indicated .75 of an inch from the same event. Mike Mahrer reported that the gauge out at Mahrer Construction’s shop, on the north side of town, also showed .75 of an inch on Friday morning, while Mark Wyum reported that .6 of an inch was measured at the Rob Wyum farm 3 miles north and 1 mile east of town; at the Steve Wyum farm 1 mile east and 1½ mile north of town; and, at the Mike Wyum farm, 1 mile east and 1 mile north of Rutland. The storm also pushed the oppressive heat and humidity that had afflicted this area since the end of May on to the east, replacing high humidity and temperatures in the upper 90’s and lower 100’s with drier air and temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s. It has been clear skies and beautiful weather since then. “There is naught so rare as a day in June, “the late Earl Anderson used to say, and the past week, up to Tuesday, June 15, has been a series of perfect examples of just what he meant. Lyle Erickson reports that the corn and soybean crops had been doing OK with existing soil moisture prior to Friday’s thunderstorm, but appeared to have been expending most of their energy sending roots down rather than stalks up. The rain has given them a boost, and they are now growing in the right direction, reaching for the sky. Lyle said that the extended period of heat did have an adverse effect on his wheat fields, though, as that crop now appears to be in the “boot” stage. That is, it is as tall as his 8” work boots and is heading out. An electric shaver may be needed for the wheat harvest this year.

A ceremonial detail from Rutland’s Bergman-Evenson Post #215 of The American Legion was at Calvary Cemetery in Fairmount ND at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 4, to render honors at the interment of their late comrade, Richard Lysne of Rutland. Members from the Rutland Post included: Larry Christensen; Douglas Olstad; Roger Pearson; Ted Lee; and, Calvin Jacobson. A color Guard and Bugler from the Fairmount Legion Post and 2 members of the Army National Guard from Fargo completed the detail.

Rutland’s Roosters have hit a tough spot in their schedule recently. On Tuesday, June 8, the Roosters took on a tough team from Wyndmere at Lou Sanderson Field, and dropped 2 games to the visitors in front of the home town crowd. The Roosters have been playing well, but their opponents were playing better. Roger Pearson, an All-Star player with both the baseball & softball versions of the Rutland Roosters, is of the opinion that the new rules changing the strike zone and requiring less arch on the pitched ball have allowed hitters to get more power into their swings, resulting in more multi-base hits and home runs. Even though the final scores weren’t to the Roosters’ liking, the bratwursts, hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches at the Rutland Park Board’s concession stand were big winners with the fans at the ballpark. The Roosters’ next home games are scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, when they will take on the team from Havana at Lou Sanderson Field. Come on out to the ballpark to Root! Root! Root! for the home team, and have a good time doing it.

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Hens Do Crow! Nov. 8, 2019

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The first Zumba session was held in the Rutland Community Center on Sunday, November 3rd. About twenty area residents – both young and old – came out for the exercise session and to have some fun. Zumba is a total-body exercise that is good for core strengthening and flexibility, so every participant gets a good workout. If you missed the first session be sure to join the group on the first Sunday of the month. Where else can you have a fun workout for only $1.00 per person?

The Rutland City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 4, with all members present. The City Engineer discussed the recent Emergency Lagoon project that has been completed. The Council approved payment to DL Barkie Construction to cover the work done to date. A final payment will be made in the spring to ensure that all work meets project specifications, and that the seeded grass emerges. There is a soft spot in the area; the contractor will make any necessary repairs or corrections needed in the spring. The City received the Community Development Block (CDBG) grant of $116,400 to cover the contractor expense. The first request for payment of $82,527.00 under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) was approved and received in October from the Bank of North Dakota to cover other project expenses. The Council approved the payment of bills and adopted the 2020 meeting calendar continuing with meetings on the first Monday of each month at 5 p.m. except for September due to the Labor Day Holiday. The next Council meeting will be Monday, December 2.

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Hens Do Crow! Nov. 1, 2019

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The Rutland Community Club (RCC) Freezer Meals program concluded with another ten women in the kitchen on Wednesday, October 23. Organized by RCC President Katie McLaen, this program has been done annually and is always a fun – and often needed – event for those who are lucky to register early enough. Katie is planning a similar event in January – Kids in the Kitchen – to get the youth started early in making good, nutritious meals and to get them involved early in what Rutland has to offer. Thanks to Katie and the Community Club for sponsoring these programs!

On Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m.,  the Rutland American Legion Auxiliary members went around town to “Trick or Treat”. The group included Carolyn Christensen, Joanne Harris, Pam Maloney and Taryn Jenson accompanied by Taryn’s children, Beckette and Cohen Jensen. The Rutland community provided a generous donation of blankets, warm coats, gloves, scarves, stocking caps, and bags of men’s and women’s clothing and $285.00 in cash donations. Now the group will box up all the items and deliver them to the Gladys Ray Shelter for Homeless Veterans. It will take a couple trips to transfer all the items so if anyone still wants to donate there is time – just contact Carolyn Christensen.

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Hens Do Crow! Oct. 25, 2019

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By Deborah Banish – and Bill Anderson

The Rutland Center Hall kitchen was a busy place on Wednesday, October 16, when ten women gathered to prepare freezer meals. This was the first of two Wednesday-night sessions under the guidance of Katie McLaen, President of the Rutland Community Club (RCC). The RCC has been sponsoring this event for several years. The final session was held Wednesday, October 23. If you missed it this year, be sure to watch for information next year right after Uffda Day.

Workers from Buskohl Construction of Milnor and from Dakota Design Landscaping of Wahpeton took advantage of pleasant weather to work at straightening, reinforcing and improving the appearance of the front porch at 217 First Street on Friday, October 18. The men from Buskohl Construction straightened a sag in the porch floor and installed bracing to keep it straight, while the Dakota landscaping crew placed landscape fabric beneath the porch to deter the growth of weeds and enhanced the appearance of the front of the house by installing lattice work around the base of the porch. The house, built in 1902 by pioneer Rutland businessman C. E. Johnson, is once again a showpiece on Rutland’s Main Street. It is currently owned by Bill Anderson and Kathy Brakke of this community.

The Rutland American Legion served up another fantastic pancake breakfast on Sunday, October 20. Fresh pancakes, eggs, sausage and orange juice was provided for a free-will donation. The Rutland American Legion Auxiliary members helped cook the pancakes and eggs and also held a free-will bake sale. A big thank you is extended to everyone who attended the event this year.

Nine members of the Rutland Raiders 4-H Club went door-knocking in Rutland on Sunday, October 20, to collect for the Sargent County Food Pantry. The Club extends a big thank-you to everyone who contributed food and cash donations for the Food Pantry.

The Rutland City Auditor will be contacting area residents to serve on the Census Committee known as the Sargent County Complete Count Committee. Members will be required to attend training on November 6th (Wednesday) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Gwinner Community Center. From January- April 2020 members will get the word out, plan local events, and meet every two weeks to a month until May 2020. Recruitment will begin soon as there has been no response to the “call” for volunteers. Please say “yes” when you get the call. It is important to get every resident of Rutland counted on the next census!

North Dakota’s Governor declared a Statewide Flood Disaster Emergency on Monday, October 21, as a steady rain dumped another 1.5 inch of precipitation on Rutland and vicinity. Water levels in the Wild Rice River and in many of the large sloughs in the area are as high, or higher, than they were during the flood disaster years of 2009, ’10 and ’11, and several Township and County roads are once again under water. It was noted that those formerly annual problem areas that were improved with the help of an 80% funding grant from the Federal Highway Administration back in 2013 are high and dry during the current flooding but would all be under water if the improvements had not been made 6 years ago. Sometimes spending money saves money, and those road improvements are an example of the truth of that axiom. The western portion of Sargent County is currently dealing with more water problems than is the east, but the excess water is adversely impacting the entire County, according to County Emergency Manager Wendy Willprecht. The Sargent County Emergency Manager’s Office; the Sargent County NDSU Extension Service Office; and, the Sargent County Public Health District; are currently assisting local units of government, farmers & ranchers and homeowners deal with the consequences of the high water. For the County Emergency Manager call 724-6241, Extension 113; for the Extension Service call 724-3355; and, for the County Health District call 724-3725. Reports are that Lenny Runyan, who resides on the old Maly farm at the top of the hills south of Rutland, has placed an order for a shipment of gopher wood, and will commence construction of an ark as soon as it arrives.

On Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m., the Rutland American Legion Auxiliary will “Trick or Treat” for gently used clothing (male or female), toiletries and personal care items and cash donations. Items will be donated to the Gladys Ray Shelter in Fargo.

Upcoming Rutland events: Sunday, October 27, 2 p.m. the Sargent County Farmers Union Annual Meeting in the Rutland Senior Center; Sunday, November 3, 5 p.m. the first session of Zumba will be held in Rutland City Hall sponsored by the RCC (held the first Sunday of each month); Monday, November 4, 5 p.m. Rutland City Council meeting; Monday, November 11, 5 p.m., Rutland Community Club; Saturday, December 14, Santa Day sponsored by the Rutland Community Club. Be sure to check the Rutland website for upcoming events.

That’s it from Rutland this week. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and on the Rutland blog. Keep up with events and announcements on the rutlandnd.com website and share your events by sending an email to rutlandnd@drtel.net. Later.