“Whiskey’s for drinkin’ and water’s for fightin’,” the old-timers used to say. As usual, they were right. Fortunately, there are only two reasons for fighting over water in North Dakota: either because there is not enough, or because there is too much. There was a time, it has been said, when every resident could be satisfied with the amount of water across the territory that is now North Dakota, but that was back before the population of the State exceeded 1. In nature, there is neither too little nor too much water, there is only the amount of water that there is, and that’s it. It is only when the amount of water is insufficient to support the demands of the human population, or when the amount of water overwhelms the structures they have placed on the landscape and impedes their activities, that there is too little or too much. By that arbitrary standard, this Spring there is too much. The heavy rains of last October left every slough and pothole full and overflowing, and last Winter’s deep snow only added to the water supply. As the snow thawed this Spring, the snowmelt had nowhere to go but straight downstream. This Spring, water has run where no one has ever seen water run before, and it has run in amounts not seen since the commencement of European settlement on the prairies more than 140 years ago. Township roads, County roads and even State highways have been overwhelmed by the torrent. Sargent County is now experiencing its own “Devils Lake phenomenon” at Buffalo Lake in Shuman Township, about 6 miles north of Rutland. The lake, which has been dry several times in the past century, is now so full that it is running 6 feet deep through its natural outlet on its northern shore. Crooked Creek, normally a meandering stream that a reasonably athletic senior citizen can jump across with minimum effort, is now a river that, along with several smaller tributaries, is pouring water into the Buffalo Lake basin so fast that it has not only filled up Buffalo, but has also filled 2 deep holes, Nathe-Wyum Lake and Malady Lake, to the south of the main body of water. Well over 1,000 acres in Shuman Township have been engulfed by the flood. Crooked Creek had not run in its channel from Buffalo Lake to the Wild Rice River from 1916 until 1997, but water never forgets its way to the sea, and the Creek channel has now carried water to the Wild Rice every year since ’97. Downstream landowners are no more eager to receive the extra water than upstream landowners are to retain it, and therein lies the problem – how to get the water from point A to point B without drowning everything at both ends, as well as in between. One option is to let nature take its course, but nature is indifferent to the needs and desires of the human inhabitants of this land, and sweeps away homes and lives with impunity. At the present time, the homes of Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Woytassek and Mr. & Mrs. Colin Stockstad near Buffalo Lake, built on ground thought to be high and dry a few years ago, and the home of Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Erickson on the banks of Crooked Creek, north of the Lake, are being threatened by the rising water. Landowners, Township Supervisors, the Sargent County Water Resource Management Board and the County Commission met with County Engineer Damon Devillers at the County Courthouse in Forman on the morning of Tuesday, April 6, to review the situation and discuss possible actions to safeguard homes and property. The meeting will reconvene on Thursday, April 8, to receive the Engineer’s report and to decide on a course of action. Several options are expected to be reviewed, including creating a second, temporary, outlet on the east side of the Lake as was done in 1997, the so-called “Panama Canal” option. Tune in next week for the next installment in this saga of the duel between man and nature.
Sometimes things do work out. Members of the Sargent Central School Board were thrilled to learn last week that the $3.8 million bond issue that had been approved by the voters a year ago had been sold for 0% financing under a provision of the 2009 American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, better known as the Obama Economic Stimulus Bill. According to Sargent Central Superintendent Mike Campbell, the 0% interest rate will save $1.2 million in property taxes for the District’s property owners over the next 15 years. The District has already gained $32,000.00 because of the 0% interest provision. According to Board member Sandy Hanson, Sargent Central is the first school district in the nation to utilize the provision which provides Federal tax credits for investors who purchase the 0% bonds. The District is renovating facilities in the existing school building, built in the early 60’s, as well as constructing a new elementary classroom addition to the structure. The District could have sold the bonds earlier this year at a 3% rate, normally a good deal, but held tough for the 0% option and got it. So, congratulations to the members of the Sargent Central School Board and Superintendent Campbell for a job well done. Don’t let it go to your heads, though. The Sargent Central School District is composed of the communities of Brampton, Cayuga, Cogswell, Forman, Havana and Rutland.
There was more than the normal Easter excitement at Nordland Lutheran Church here last Sunday when, about 2/3 of the way through the early morning sunrise service, Quentin Hoistad suddenly lost consciousness, necessitating a 911 call for ambulance and emergency medical service. Quentin came to in a few minutes and, upon seeing Pastor Justin Senger standing near him, smiled and stated that, “the sermon was too long,” eliciting a laugh from worried family and friends. The Forman Squad of the Sargent County Ambulance Service responded to the call and transported Quentin to the Oakes Hospital. Quentin stayed in the hospital overnight and returned home on Monday morning, none the worse for wear and tear. The Nordland Congregation and Pastor Senger concluded their Easter services in the Fellowship Hall, where Holy Communion was distributed and the Luther League served the traditional Easter Sunday breakfast.
The migration of snow and blue geese through this area has come and gone, but the memories linger on. For enthusiastic goose hunters, the Spring Conservation Season is a tremendous opportunity to pursue one of their favorite activities. Blair Hemminger of Gwinner was in Rutland last week and reported that he and a friend, another retired Bobcat employee, had bagged 40 geese during one expedition in the western part of the County. Blair stated that the birds appeared to be in good shape, and must have dined well during their winter vacation in the rice fields of Texas & Louisiana, as they all had plenty of fat on them. He said that two of his favorite ways to prepare the meat were to wrap the cubed breast meat with bacon and grill the meat, or to use a breading and deep fry the cubed pieces. Either way is delicious, he says. During the Spring Conservation Season there is no limit on the number of geese that may be taken as the purpose of the hunt is to reduce their numbers in order to protect their Summer nesting range from overpopulation. Congratulations to Blair and friend for doing a public service by being successful hunters and for doing themselves a favor by enjoying a day afield, on the hunt. Blair’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Gina, Kris and Jack Jochim, are currently residents of our fair city.
The Rutland City Council held its regular April meeting at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5, at the Rutland Town Hall with Mayor Narum, Auditor Hoistad, and Aldermen Arneson, Christianson, Mahrer and Siemieniewski in attendance. The financial report showed that all funds are in the black, except for the sewer operating fund which was running a deficit of $1,500.00 due to repairs required at the sewage lagoon. Mayor Narum reported that the City had taken delivery of the new Bobcat skid-steer loader from Jacobson Equipment of Gwinner and that the old Bobcat had been sold to Ruby’s Apiaries of Milnor. The City has been acquiring a new Bobcat each year for the past several years under the company’s municipal discount program which allows the City to have a new machine to use each year with virtually no capital outlay. The Mayor also reported that Jacobson Heating, Plumbing and Excavating of Rutland was in the process of installing new LP gas external furnace and air conditioning units at the Town Hall. Rutland Park Board member Diane Pherson met with the Council to discuss the Park Board’s plans, programs and finances for 2010. The Park Board is planning to sponsor two softball tournaments this Summer, along with other fund-raising activities to support improvements to City park facilities. Diane reported that the outdoor basketball/tennis court on Main Street is in need of major repairs, and the Board is considering its options, which include possibly moving the facility to a location away from the vehicle traffic on Main Street. A committee composed of Lori McLaen, Cameron Gulleson, Diane Pherson, Calvin Jacobson and Bertha Siemieniewski met with the Council to discuss plans for improving the handicapped accessibility of the Town Hall. The committee reviewed a plan that would construct a new, completely handicapped accessible, front entry, would convert the existing City office into a handicapped accessible women’s restroom and would convert the existing men’s and women’s restrooms into a handicapped accessible men’s room. Estimated cost of the project is approximately $125,000.00. Financial resources committed by the Rutland Community Club and a grant obtained through Lake Agassiz Regional Council already account for about half of the required funding for the project. The Council approved the committee’s preliminary plan and authorized members to proceed as fast as resources will allow. The City office would tentatively move into new facilities planned for addition to the Rutland-Cayuga Fire District’s station on Bagley Street, one block east of Main. Council members also considered and approved a resolution to proceed with a street repair and resealing project to be completed this year. The City’s Engineering firm, Kadrmus, Lee & Jackson of Valley City, was directed to prepare plans and specifications for the project. The City’s streets were last resurfaced and sealed back in 1994. Due to State and County paving projects that are scheduled for the area this Summer, KLJ felt that 2010 would be an advantageous time to have the needed work completed. City Attorney Bill Anderson reviewed information about Home Rule for cities with the Council. Home Rule gives the people of a municipality more authority and responsibility for the direction of their own affairs, including the power to establish their own property tax mill levies and to levy a sales and use tax. The Council adopted a resolution establishing a Home Rule Charter Committee charged with responsibility for drafting and submitting a Home Rule Charter for Rutland to the Council, and named Paul Anderson, Larry Christensen, Gretchen Vann, Bertha Siemieniewski and Calvin Jacobson to the committee. The Council named Paul Anderson to serve as chairman of the committee. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council will be at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3. [Note: A Home Rule Charter Procedure document and Question and Answer sheet can be viewed by clicking on the links.]
Town Hall remodeling and renovation and preliminary plans for Uffda Day 2010 were the major topics at the Rutland Community Club’s April meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, in the Rutland Town Hall. Club members reviewed the proposed renovations to the Town Hall and gave the nod for the planning committee to proceed. At the present time, the Community Club has committed $24,000.00 to the project, and members indicated a willingness to provide additional resources if and when needed. Diane Pherson reported on the Uffda Day committee’s preliminary planning session of the preceding week. According to Diane, some changes in the events scheduling and activities are in the works. Uffda Day has been held annually in Rutland, on the first Sunday in October, since 1985, and draws several thousand visitors to the community each year. The Sargent County Enviro-thon team, composed of John Breker, Greg Breker, Jana Bopp, Bre’Ann Hanson and Shirin Nour attended the meeting and reported on the team’s participation in the 2009 National competition in North Carolina, as well as the team’s activities in 2010. The Sargent County team, composed of students from Sargent Central, has won the State title and represented North Dakota in the National competition on several occasions in recent years. The Rutland Community Club has provided financial support to the Enviro-thon team and congratulates them on a job well done. These young citizens make our community proud. The next meeting of the Rutland Community Club is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4.
Another sure sign that Spring is here to stay – the snowbirds are returning home. Orvis & Alphie Pearson arrived back in North Dakota, via Allegiant Air, on Tuesday, April 6. The Pearson’s returned from their winter home in the Phoenix AZ area a few weeks earlier than planned, due to the recent death of Alphie’s brother, Gene Johnson of Milnor, and the impending funeral services. The Pearson’s report a pleasant and enjoyable stay in the Sunshine State, but state that it’s good to get home, too. Well, welcome home, Orvis & Alphie. We’re glad you’re back!
That’s it for this week. For additional information about what’s going on in “The Little City That Can,” check out Rutland’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com. While you’re there, thank Debbie Banish for her excellent management of the site. Later.
The Rooster Crows – April 9, 2010
“Whiskey’s for drinkin’ and water’s for fightin’,” the old-timers used to say. As usual, they were right. Fortunately, there are only two reasons for fighting over water in North Dakota: either because there is not enough, or because there is too much. There was a time, it has been said, when every resident could be satisfied with the amount of water across the territory that is now North Dakota, but that was back before the population of the State exceeded 1. In nature, there is neither too little nor too much water, there is only the amount of water that there is, and that’s it. It is only when the amount of water is insufficient to support the demands of the human population, or when the amount of water overwhelms the structures they have placed on the landscape and impedes their activities, that there is too little or too much. By that arbitrary standard, this Spring there is too much. The heavy rains of last October left every slough and pothole full and overflowing, and last Winter’s deep snow only added to the water supply. As the snow thawed this Spring, the snowmelt had nowhere to go but straight downstream. This Spring, water has run where no one has ever seen water run before, and it has run in amounts not seen since the commencement of European settlement on the prairies more than 140 years ago. Township roads, County roads and even State highways have been overwhelmed by the torrent. Sargent County is now experiencing its own “Devils Lake phenomenon” at Buffalo Lake in Shuman Township, about 6 miles north of Rutland. The lake, which has been dry several times in the past century, is now so full that it is running 6 feet deep through its natural outlet on its northern shore. Crooked Creek, normally a meandering stream that a reasonably athletic senior citizen can jump across with minimum effort, is now a river that, along with several smaller tributaries, is pouring water into the Buffalo Lake basin so fast that it has not only filled up Buffalo, but has also filled 2 deep holes, Nathe-Wyum Lake and Malady Lake, to the south of the main body of water. Well over 1,000 acres in Shuman Township have been engulfed by the flood. Crooked Creek had not run in its channel from Buffalo Lake to the Wild Rice River from 1916 until 1997, but water never forgets its way to the sea, and the Creek channel has now carried water to the Wild Rice every year since ’97. Downstream landowners are no more eager to receive the extra water than upstream landowners are to retain it, and therein lies the problem – how to get the water from point A to point B without drowning everything at both ends, as well as in between. One option is to let nature take its course, but nature is indifferent to the needs and desires of the human inhabitants of this land, and sweeps away homes and lives with impunity. At the present time, the homes of Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Woytassek and Mr. & Mrs. Colin Stockstad near Buffalo Lake, built on ground thought to be high and dry a few years ago, and the home of Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Erickson on the banks of Crooked Creek, north of the Lake, are being threatened by the rising water. Landowners, Township Supervisors, the Sargent County Water Resource Management Board and the County Commission met with County Engineer Damon Devillers at the County Courthouse in Forman on the morning of Tuesday, April 6, to review the situation and discuss possible actions to safeguard homes and property. The meeting will reconvene on Thursday, April 8, to receive the Engineer’s report and to decide on a course of action. Several options are expected to be reviewed, including creating a second, temporary, outlet on the east side of the Lake as was done in 1997, the so-called “Panama Canal” option. Tune in next week for the next installment in this saga of the duel between man and nature.
Sometimes things do work out. Members of the Sargent Central School Board were thrilled to learn last week that the $3.8 million bond issue that had been approved by the voters a year ago had been sold for 0% financing under a provision of the 2009 American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, better known as the Obama Economic Stimulus Bill. According to Sargent Central Superintendent Mike Campbell, the 0% interest rate will save $1.2 million in property taxes for the District’s property owners over the next 15 years. The District has already gained $32,000.00 because of the 0% interest provision. According to Board member Sandy Hanson, Sargent Central is the first school district in the nation to utilize the provision which provides Federal tax credits for investors who purchase the 0% bonds. The District is renovating facilities in the existing school building, built in the early 60’s, as well as constructing a new elementary classroom addition to the structure. The District could have sold the bonds earlier this year at a 3% rate, normally a good deal, but held tough for the 0% option and got it. So, congratulations to the members of the Sargent Central School Board and Superintendent Campbell for a job well done. Don’t let it go to your heads, though. The Sargent Central School District is composed of the communities of Brampton, Cayuga, Cogswell, Forman, Havana and Rutland.
There was more than the normal Easter excitement at Nordland Lutheran Church here last Sunday when, about 2/3 of the way through the early morning sunrise service, Quentin Hoistad suddenly lost consciousness, necessitating a 911 call for ambulance and emergency medical service. Quentin came to in a few minutes and, upon seeing Pastor Justin Senger standing near him, smiled and stated that, “the sermon was too long,” eliciting a laugh from worried family and friends. The Forman Squad of the Sargent County Ambulance Service responded to the call and transported Quentin to the Oakes Hospital. Quentin stayed in the hospital overnight and returned home on Monday morning, none the worse for wear and tear. The Nordland Congregation and Pastor Senger concluded their Easter services in the Fellowship Hall, where Holy Communion was distributed and the Luther League served the traditional Easter Sunday breakfast.
The migration of snow and blue geese through this area has come and gone, but the memories linger on. For enthusiastic goose hunters, the Spring Conservation Season is a tremendous opportunity to pursue one of their favorite activities. Blair Hemminger of Gwinner was in Rutland last week and reported that he and a friend, another retired Bobcat employee, had bagged 40 geese during one expedition in the western part of the County. Blair stated that the birds appeared to be in good shape, and must have dined well during their winter vacation in the rice fields of Texas & Louisiana, as they all had plenty of fat on them. He said that two of his favorite ways to prepare the meat were to wrap the cubed breast meat with bacon and grill the meat, or to use a breading and deep fry the cubed pieces. Either way is delicious, he says. During the Spring Conservation Season there is no limit on the number of geese that may be taken as the purpose of the hunt is to reduce their numbers in order to protect their Summer nesting range from overpopulation. Congratulations to Blair and friend for doing a public service by being successful hunters and for doing themselves a favor by enjoying a day afield, on the hunt. Blair’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Gina, Kris and Jack Jochim, are currently residents of our fair city.
The Rutland City Council held its regular April meeting at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5, at the Rutland Town Hall with Mayor Narum, Auditor Hoistad, and Aldermen Arneson, Christianson, Mahrer and Siemieniewski in attendance. The financial report showed that all funds are in the black, except for the sewer operating fund which was running a deficit of $1,500.00 due to repairs required at the sewage lagoon. Mayor Narum reported that the City had taken delivery of the new Bobcat skid-steer loader from Jacobson Equipment of Gwinner and that the old Bobcat had been sold to Ruby’s Apiaries of Milnor. The City has been acquiring a new Bobcat each year for the past several years under the company’s municipal discount program which allows the City to have a new machine to use each year with virtually no capital outlay. The Mayor also reported that Jacobson Heating, Plumbing and Excavating of Rutland was in the process of installing new LP gas external furnace and air conditioning units at the Town Hall. Rutland Park Board member Diane Pherson met with the Council to discuss the Park Board’s plans, programs and finances for 2010. The Park Board is planning to sponsor two softball tournaments this Summer, along with other fund-raising activities to support improvements to City park facilities. Diane reported that the outdoor basketball/tennis court on Main Street is in need of major repairs, and the Board is considering its options, which include possibly moving the facility to a location away from the vehicle traffic on Main Street. A committee composed of Lori McLaen, Cameron Gulleson, Diane Pherson, Calvin Jacobson and Bertha Siemieniewski met with the Council to discuss plans for improving the handicapped accessibility of the Town Hall. The committee reviewed a plan that would construct a new, completely handicapped accessible, front entry, would convert the existing City office into a handicapped accessible women’s restroom and would convert the existing men’s and women’s restrooms into a handicapped accessible men’s room. Estimated cost of the project is approximately $125,000.00. Financial resources committed by the Rutland Community Club and a grant obtained through Lake Agassiz Regional Council already account for about half of the required funding for the project. The Council approved the committee’s preliminary plan and authorized members to proceed as fast as resources will allow. The City office would tentatively move into new facilities planned for addition to the Rutland-Cayuga Fire District’s station on Bagley Street, one block east of Main. Council members also considered and approved a resolution to proceed with a street repair and resealing project to be completed this year. The City’s Engineering firm, Kadrmus, Lee & Jackson of Valley City, was directed to prepare plans and specifications for the project. The City’s streets were last resurfaced and sealed back in 1994. Due to State and County paving projects that are scheduled for the area this Summer, KLJ felt that 2010 would be an advantageous time to have the needed work completed. City Attorney Bill Anderson reviewed information about Home Rule for cities with the Council. Home Rule gives the people of a municipality more authority and responsibility for the direction of their own affairs, including the power to establish their own property tax mill levies and to levy a sales and use tax. The Council adopted a resolution establishing a Home Rule Charter Committee charged with responsibility for drafting and submitting a Home Rule Charter for Rutland to the Council, and named Paul Anderson, Larry Christensen, Gretchen Vann, Bertha Siemieniewski and Calvin Jacobson to the committee. The Council named Paul Anderson to serve as chairman of the committee. The next meeting of the Rutland City Council will be at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3. [Note: A Home Rule Charter Procedure document and Question and Answer sheet can be viewed by clicking on the links.]
Town Hall remodeling and renovation and preliminary plans for Uffda Day 2010 were the major topics at the Rutland Community Club’s April meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, in the Rutland Town Hall. Club members reviewed the proposed renovations to the Town Hall and gave the nod for the planning committee to proceed. At the present time, the Community Club has committed $24,000.00 to the project, and members indicated a willingness to provide additional resources if and when needed. Diane Pherson reported on the Uffda Day committee’s preliminary planning session of the preceding week. According to Diane, some changes in the events scheduling and activities are in the works. Uffda Day has been held annually in Rutland, on the first Sunday in October, since 1985, and draws several thousand visitors to the community each year. The Sargent County Enviro-thon team, composed of John Breker, Greg Breker, Jana Bopp, Bre’Ann Hanson and Shirin Nour attended the meeting and reported on the team’s participation in the 2009 National competition in North Carolina, as well as the team’s activities in 2010. The Sargent County team, composed of students from Sargent Central, has won the State title and represented North Dakota in the National competition on several occasions in recent years. The Rutland Community Club has provided financial support to the Enviro-thon team and congratulates them on a job well done. These young citizens make our community proud. The next meeting of the Rutland Community Club is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4.
Another sure sign that Spring is here to stay – the snowbirds are returning home. Orvis & Alphie Pearson arrived back in North Dakota, via Allegiant Air, on Tuesday, April 6. The Pearson’s returned from their winter home in the Phoenix AZ area a few weeks earlier than planned, due to the recent death of Alphie’s brother, Gene Johnson of Milnor, and the impending funeral services. The Pearson’s report a pleasant and enjoyable stay in the Sunshine State, but state that it’s good to get home, too. Well, welcome home, Orvis & Alphie. We’re glad you’re back!
That’s it for this week. For additional information about what’s going on in “The Little City That Can,” check out Rutland’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com. While you’re there, thank Debbie Banish for her excellent management of the site. Later.