Tag: zoning

The Rooster Crows – Apr. 29, 2022

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By Bill Anderson

The thunderstorm that moved through the Rutland community late on Friday night and early Saturday morning, April 22 & 23, was a real rip-roaring, rumbling, rattling, rocking & rolling sound and light show, combined with a downpour that dumped .84 of an inch of rain at the Mike & Debbie Banish farm south of town; 1 inch at the Chuck & Mary Beth Anderson farm in Weber Township; .85 of an inch at the Mark & Kathy Wyum home in Rutland; 1½ inch of rain at Jesse Brakke’s Ransom Township farmstead between Rutland & Cayuga; and, more than 2 inches at Rick Bosse’s farm near Brampton. A 4.6” gully-washer near Crete, in the northwestern corner of Sargent County, washed out a substantial section of County Road #2 near Kraft Lake, according to Sargent County Commissioner Lyle Bopp. The temperature shot up to 72 above by Noon on Saturday, and then began a rapid decline to 24 degrees by 6:00 on Sunday morning, as the weather front moved through. The forecast for the week calls for more rain and more cold, with freezing temperatures most nights until the first week of May is behind us. Well, at least there was half a day of nice weather on Saturday, April 23. There was some consternation on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 26, when a bright object appeared in the sky to the south southwest of Rutland. Concerns were relieved, though, when it was confirmed that the object was actually the Sun, making its first appearance in quite some time. It was a welcome sight, and it is hoped that it will show up a little more often in the future. There is general agreement that a week or two without freezing temperatures sometime between now and Labor Day would be nice.

Rodney Erickson reports that the paperwork he submitted to the U.S. Postal Service concerning a new Post Office location in Rutland has been received by the office in Colorado in charge of the project and is under consideration. Rodney was informed that it might take a month or two for the Postal Service to get someone up to Rutland to look things over and make a recommendation about the floor plan for a new facility. It takes a lot of planning to figure out how to put a lobby for the public up front; office space, work area & storage in the rear; and a screen line with customers’ Post Office boxes and a service window in between. Speed does not appear to be of the essence. The Post Office boxes, service window and other USPS equipment were removed from the old Post Office last week and taken to the Gwinner Post Office to be stored until they can be installed at the new location. Let’s hope that the Postal Service can remember where it put this stuff when the time comes to use it again. As of the end of April, it will have been 7 months since the door on the old Post Office was locked “for a few days.” Since then, several local volunteers have been making daily trips to Forman to pick up mail at the Post Office there and deliver it to the intended recipients in Rutland. A few years ago, before the gang that now runs the Postal Service from its lair in Washington DC was appointed, the aim of the operation was to be faster, more efficient, and less expensive. The current Postmaster General has a new goal: slower; less efficient; and, more expensive. It is time for the Congress of the United States, the body that has the statutory and Constitutional responsibility to oversee the operations of the Postal Service, to fire the Postmaster General and the entire Board of Governors of the USPS. They can then be replaced with competent individuals of good character who have the best interests of the American people in mind. So, come on John, Kevin and Kelly, step up and do your job!

In another Main Street development, The Stock Growers Bank, formerly The Sargent County Bank, has listed the Lariat Bar and its contents with the Steffes Auction Company in Fargo, to be sold sometime in mid-June. According to Casey Bopp of Stock Growers Bank, it is the Bank’s intention to sell the property as a “turnkey operation,” ready for a new buyer to get up and running in short order. The Lariat Bar has been closed since March 5, when former operators Pete & Michelle Denault, decided to terminate their lease. The Denaults had a good business going but decided to leave the business due to personal concerns. Anyone wishing to obtain additional information about the Lariat Bar in Rutland can contact Casey Bopp at Stock Growers Bank in Forman, 701-724-3216, or check out Steffes Auction’s web site at steffesgroup.com. The Lariat Bar is a great business opportunity for anyone who is willing to put forth some effort. It’s better than having a license to print your own money.

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Hens Do Crow! March 6, 2020

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The Rutland City Council held a public hearing on Monday, March 2, on a petition to amend the City Zoning Ordinance to include the Kathleen Brakke Addition to the City of Rutland and to approve the plat as presented. The property, currently zoned agricultural, is within the legal limits of the City. The water/sewer lines are adjacent to the area; if the lines are extended to the Addition in the future, the cost would be assessed to those specific property owners as a special assessment district. The Zoning change was approved as submitted. Following the public hearing, the Council convened the regular meeting and adopted the Arbor Day resolution required to apply for tree removal and planting grant funding and approved the Auditor’s bond. A City-wide clean-up day was scheduled for Saturday, May 2. The City’s municipal waste site will be open from 1-4 p.m. Council Member Erickson reported that the City is losing about 12,00 gallons of water daily based on the tower fill needs and the daily readings. The source of the leak was found on Tuesday evening near the City Shop and repairs are in process.

On Saturday, March 7th, the Rutland community will have a Celebration of Life for Jerry Sapa who passed away on February 26 in Fargo. The event will be held at the Rutland City Hall from 2-4 p.m. with a short service at 4 p.m. followed by a light meal. Another Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8th from 2-4 pm. With a short service at 4 p.m. at the Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo.

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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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The Rooster Crows – August 31, 2018

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By Bill Anderson

September arrived a week early, with morning temperatures bouncing off the 50 mark every day from Saturday, August 25 to Wednesday, August 29, and daytime highs hovering in the 60’s. The forecast calls for a warmup for the Labor Day weekend, but we have been given a taste of things to come. As the late Clayton McLaen often observed, “North Dakota has two seasons: winter; and, getting ready for winter.” There are plenty of pleasant days remaining in 2018, and the wise resident of the northern plains will use at least some of them to get ready for what’s on the way. Dick Meyers has informed The Assembled Wise Men at The Lariat that he is following Clayton’s advice and is getting ready for winter by making airline reservations for a flight to Arizona at the first sign of frost.

Joanne Harris reports that she attended the 60th Anniversary Reunion of her high school graduating class, the Morris High School Class of ’58, on Friday & Saturday, August 10 & 11, in Morris MN. Six decades ago there were 92 graduates in the class, states Joanne, and 62 still survive. Of those, 33 attended the reunion, and 29 were unable to attend, for a variety of reasons. Morris is the county seat of Stevens County MN, and the Stevens County Fair was going on during the same weekend as the MHS Class of ’58 reunion, so there were many old friends from her childhood days in town. According to Joanne, some of her classmates are beginning to show their age, prematurely of course.

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Rutland’s Vision

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A “Vision Statement and Strategic Plan” was developed for Rutland using the collated input from the Study Circles, Community forums and other Horizon work during the year. The Vision Statement is shown below and future blog segments will address where we are in working on each of the goals and strategies.

GOAL 1: Volunteers will be the driving force in providing services and activities that would otherwise not be available in a community the size of Rutland. Those currently active in the community will invite and encourage individuals of all ages not currently active, to engage in leadership roles and will be open to the new ideas these new volunteers bring to the table.

STRATEGIES RESPONSIBILITY BY EVALUATION
Appoint two (2) Volunteer Coordinators to coordinate service needs and match with volunteer interests, abilities and availability. Horizons Steering Committee June 1, 2008 Volunteer Coordinators appointed and services are coordinated with Seniors, the Senior Center, and volunteers to provide needed services.

GOAL 2: Rutland will be a clean and inviting community in which to live and work

STRATEGIES RESPONSIBILITY BY EVALUATION
“Clean Up/Help your Neighbor Day” will be held Volunteer Coordinators; all able-bodied community members September 30, 2008 Trees are trimmed, yards and debris cleaned up, minor repairs are made.
Remove or renovate substandard buildings Building owners, City Council January 2010 Buildings are improved or demolished
Repair and replace sidewalks City, Property Owners January 2009 Sidewalks are repaired or replaced on a regular cycle to ensure safe pathways for visitors, Seniors, youths
Establish a Renaissance Zone City, Renaissance Zone Committee January 2009 A Renaissance Zone is created for future development and funding possibilities
Install a “Welcome to Rutland Sign” or move burger to outskirts City, Community Club October 2008 Sign is installed near highway to draw passing motorists

GOAL 3: Rutland’s economy will expand and diversify providing a thriving Main Street, while retaining existing business and services. Tourism will be a significant area for economic growth.

STRATEGIES RESPONSIBILITY BY EVALUATION
Upgrade and maintain current commercial infrastructure City, Business Owners December 2008 Infrastructure improvement plan is developed and guidelines established for ongoing physical plant maintenance
Identify potential community amenities for a tourism publicity campaign Horizons Advertising Committee Spring 2008; ongoing Publicity draws increased tourism
Explore possible niches and incentives for new business Rutland CDC Start in 2008; ongoing Needed businesses and available incentives will be identified
Explore the feasibility for a new business “incubator” City, private investors, Rutland CDC December 2012 Incubator potential explored; report presented on pursuing project or identifying alternatives to draw new business
Develop an advertising program for needed services/businesses Community Club, RCDC, Advertising Committee June 2009 Targeted advertising program is developed and publicity appears in local, regional and national publications
Identify potential routes for a hiking/biking trail Hiking/Biking Trail Committee 2010 Potential trail routes are identified along with possible funding sources
Identify potential funding sources for projects City, Advertising Committee, Hiking/Biking Trail Committee June 2008; ongoing Funding sources are identified and applications submitted for various projects

GOAL 4: Rutland will have appropriate housing and services for disabled and elderly with the goal of keeping that population in the community.

STRATEGIES RESPONSIBILITY BY EVALUATION
Provide improved handicap accessibility in current apartments Housing Association, Horizons Housing Group 2017 Current apartments are handicap accessible.
Build housing specifically for elderly and disabled Rutland Housing Authority, Rutland Housing Inc., Private investors 2017 One- level housing has been built with walk-in showers, lever door handles and other handicap appropriate devices.
Provide improved mobility for seniors Volunteer Coordinators, Senior Center, Community Club   Increased mobility is provided through volunteer efforts or through existing services such as Sargent County Health Services
Identify potential funding sources for projects Horizons Housing Group, Rutland Housing Authority June 2008; ongoing Funding sources are identified and applications submitted for various projects

GOAL 5: Rutland will provide a recreational program addressing the social, educational and cultural needs of all age groups.

STRATEGIES RESPONSIBILITY BY EVALUATION
Develop a recreational program for the entire community Park Board, Rec/Community Center Committee, Community Club Immediately; ongoing Activities are regularly occurring in the community for all age groups.
Provide better management oversight and fuller use of existing infrastructure Facility owners, Community Club, Park Board, City December 31, 2008 Existing infrastructure is available and utilized more for community needs and services
A multi-use building will be available for recreational and educational purposes. Facility owners, Community Club, Park Board 2015 A multi-use building is available – either through existing or new
Identify potential funding sources for projects Park Board, Rec/Community Center Committee, Community Club, City   Funding sources are identified and applications submitted for various projects

The Rooster Crows – April 4, 2008

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By Bill Anderson

March, the month that was put on the calendar to let people who don’t drink know what a hangover feels like – too depressing to live, too tough to die – departed on Monday, throwing a snowstorm and several inches of wet, sloppy snow our direction as it slammed the door on its way out. April Fool’s Day, Tuesday, April 1, fooled us by pretending it was still March.

The Spring conservation snow goose hunting season has been open since mid-February, but there were no geese here until the last 10 days of March. For the past 2 weeks, millions of the birds have been moving through this area, feeding in last year’s corn and soybean fields and providing some great hunting for those hardy enough to go afield and smart enough to outfox them. The purpose of the conservation season is to reduce the numbers of snow and blue geese to a level that can be sustained by their Summer range in northern Canada, so the usual rules that govern waterfowl hunting during the regular Fall season don’t apply. Hunters may remove the plugs from the magazines on their automatic and pump action shotguns, making 5 shots available before reloading is required, and there is no limit, other than their shooting ability and carrying capacity, to the number of snow and blue geese they are allowed to harvest. They must, however, have a valid North Dakota hunting license to avoid running afoul of the law. It’s not a sure thing, either, as the geese seem to fail to appreciate that all of this shooting is for their own good and continue to outsmart the hunters on many occasions, even if they are birdbrains. Hunters from Minnesota, Iowa and Montana, as well as North Dakota, have landed in Rutland, along with the geese.

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