Heat! Heat! Heat! The warmest temperatures of the year, the warmest since 2008, pushed the mercury up into the mid-90’s on Thursday and Friday of last week. More moderate temperatures, and a few sprinkles moved in on Friday, though, and the weekend weather got progressively better, culminating with a very nice day on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Whether it was the nice weather or the homing instinct, a larger than average crowd was on hand for military ceremonies at local cemeteries as well as for the program and community dinner at the Town Hall on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The ceremonial detail composed of members of Bergman-Evenson Post #215 has now seen a changing of the guard, with Cal Jacobson serving as Sergeant at Arms for the second year and with Larry Christensen taking over as Chaplain from Milton McLaen, who has performed those duties since 1953. Both Cal and Larry are veterans of the Vietnam conflict. The members of the detail were: Andrew Hoflen; John Harris; Ted Lee; Roger Nelson; Roger Pearson; Norman Preble; Larry Christensen; and, Cal Jacobson. Justin Jacobson played Taps at the conclusion of military rites. The 11:00 a.m. program at the Town Hall featured a patriotic reading by Legion Auxiliary president Sonja Christensen and several musical selections by a musical group composed of: Diane Smith; Shannon Mehrer; Hilary Mehrer; Marianne Parker; Claire Brakke; Pam Maloney; Taryn Maloney; Brianne Maloney; Carolyn Christensen; Jeanne Leinen; and, Peder Gulleson; accompanied by Kathy Brakke on the piano. Several members of the American Legion Post were recognized for their service, with Don Donaldson and Milton McLaen receiving awards for 65 years of continuous service, Roger Pearson and Norman Preble receiving awards for 45 years of continuous service, and Andrew Hoflen receiving an award for 40 years of continuous service. Kathy Brakke also provided music for the prelude, advancement of the colors and retirement of the colors. The program was followed by the traditional community pot-luck dinner, with the Rutland Community Club supplying the scalloped potatoes with ham. The committee in charge of dinner preparations said that at least 146 persons stayed for dinner, coffee and conversation with old friends.
Janet Kiefer reports that the Memorial Day crowd in Cayuga was also larger than average, with about 127 at the community gathering in the Cayuga Hall.
Richard Breker and Carol Naylor of Randsburg CA visited in the Rutland community from Tuesday, May 25 to Tuesday, June 1. They were guests at the Breker Family Farm home in Tewaukon Township. Richard’s current home at Randsburg, an old gold mining town, is on the edge of Death Valley, he reports. Richard’s friends here are not surprised that he is living on the edge of somewhere, as “on the edge” is where he has been for most of his active, interesting and colorful life, which included Marine Corps service during the Korean War. Richard and Carol’s return trip to Randsburg will be via Buffalo WY, where they plan to visit Carol’s daughter and watch her grandchildren play baseball.
Rob Bauman departed for his home in Portland Or on Wednesday, May 26, accompanied by his granddaughters, Sadie & Marcie Bauman of Lidgerwood. Rob plans to bring the girls back to Lidgerwood in August, and spend another month visiting in the old home town at that time.
Donald Donaldson of Concord CA arrived in Rutland on Thursday, May 27, accompanied by his nephew, Robert Sundlie of Troy, Ohio. Don & Bob resided at 115 Dakota Street during their time in Rutland. Don’s nephew, Perry Donaldson of Fargo, also joined them for the Memorial Day weekend. Don reports that his wife, Toddles, is doing well, but did not feel up to making the trip back to North Dakota.
Greg Donaldson and Bob Sundlie spent part of Friday fishing at Lake Tewaukon and were amply rewarded for their efforts with a stringer full of nice walleyes and northern pike. Greg, one of the areas most experienced, and successful, anglers, reports that the walleye fishing in the Wild Rice River has tapered off, but the angling success at Lake Tewaukon and at Sprague Lake has increased proportionally. According to Greg, catching success on area waters has been very good so far this Spring. Greg also reports that he obtains his minnows, leeches and other bait from the excellent stock at the Rutland General Store.
Leif & Phyllis Sundlie of Palm Springs CA arrived in Rutland on Saturday, May 29, for a week-long visit with friends and family here. The Sundlies flew direct from Los Angeles CA to Fargo via Allegiant Air. Leif, as many will recall, was the star pitcher for the Rutland Roosters baseball team back in the 1940’s and early 50’s. The team was reorganized as an amateur club after WW II, when Leif and many others from this community were coming home following discharge from wartime military service. He recalled one game that the Rutland team played up in Crete in 1946 as an example of the Roosters “Murderer’s Row” batting lineup. Left field at the Crete diamond sloped down hill, Leif recalled, and the first batter up for Rutland, Bud Harles, hit a long fly ball over the left fielder’s head that just kept rolling after it hit the ground. By the time the fielder retrieved the ball, Bud was safe at Home Plate with one run scored. Leif was the next batter up, and he hit the ball to left field as well, only a little farther than had Bud, and he, too, circled the bases before the ball was recovered and returned by the fielder. The next batter up was Harvey Shasky, a real power hitter. Leif recalled that Harvey hit the ball so far to left field that it was never found and is, presumably, still rolling downhill at the Crete ballpark. Harvey strolled Home to put another run on the scoreboard. Leif says that his batting average was only in the low 300’s, but he was a pitcher and wasn’t expected to be a good hitter, too. Today, a player with a .300 average would get paid several million just to suit up.
Richard Meyers of Sun City AZ arrived in Rutland on Saturday, May 29, and moved into his Summer quarters in Rutland Housing’s 6-plex on Dakota Street. Dick says that the controversial immigration law recently adopted in Arizona has provoked considerable debate, most of it between people who have no idea what they are talking about. He said that he read the new law and thinks that it is neither as bad as its opponents say it is, nor as good as its proponents claim it to be. Dick’s observations and commentary are sure to add some spice to the Round Table discussions at the General Store this Summer, although there is nothing that kills a good argument faster than an informed participant.
A bridal shower for Katie Christianson, bride to be of Paster Justin Fenger, was held at the Fellowship Hall of Nordland Lutheran Church here on Saturday, May 29. Miss Christianson and Pastor Fenger have set their wedding date for Saturday, June 26th.
Tim and Leisha Anderson of Dillon MT, accompanied by their children: Timmy; Caitlyn; Riley; and, Cooper; arrived in Rutland on Saturday, May 29, to visit friends and family here. Tim is a grandson of Irene Anderson of this community and the late Earl W. Anderson. His uncles, Paul Anderson and Bill Anderson, are current Rutland residents. Tim’s father was the late Harvey O. Anderson, RHS Class of ’59. The Andersons own a custom fencing business in Dillon. They construct and maintain all kinds of fences, reports Tim, from sheep tight woven wire to decorative rail yard fences. They had visited the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore on their way to Rutland, and planned to take a look at Medora on their trip back to Montana. Like his grandfather Earl, Tim believes in packing a lot of travel into a short time. The Andersons departed Rutland, bound for Dillon, on the afternoon of Monday, May 31, after attending Memorial Day observances here.
Ed Nelson of Crookston ND was in Rutland on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 & 30, visiting at the home of his mother, Lois Nelson. Ed is now fully retired from teaching and coaching duties in the Crookston school system after a 43 year career there.
Stan Kulzer and boys, Nick, Noah & Jonas, were visiting at the home of Stan’s parents, Norbert & Beverly Kulzer, over the Memorial Day weekend. Stan reports that his wife, Karen, and her sisters were suffering at a resort in Cancun, Mexico, observing the 50th birthday of one of Karen’s sisters, while he and the boys were enjoying themselves in Rutland. Stan, Nick & Noah returned to Sioux Falls on Monday afternoon, but Jonas stayed in Rutland to entertain his grandparents for a few more days.
Rusty Silseth arrived in Rutland on Sunday, May 30, to attend Memorial Day services here. Rusty was the catcher on the 1946 Rutland Roosters baseball team that Leif Sundlie pitched for, and the old Roosters’ battery got together to do some posing at the Town Hall on Memorial Day. Rusty is still a shy and bashful country boy, but reports that Ray Erickson has been helping him emerge from his shell.
Bob and Nancy Cooper of Minneapolis stopped in Rutland on Sunday, May 30, while on their way to make Memorial Day preparations at cemeteries in the Brampton area. Bob is a 1953 graduate of Brampton High School, a class of 4, and states that he graduated in the top 25% of his Class. He reports that he keeps up with news from the home community by reading the columns of The Teller.
Some of those visiting in Rutland on Memorial Day were: Marvin Evenson & Pam Evenson of Sioux Falls; Mr. & Mrs. Lee Carpenter of Blain MN; Pat Prindiville of Horace ND; Arden Anderson of Wahpeton; Shirley Mahrer of Hankinson; Dick & Donna Kupitz of Bismarck; Ed Christensen of Bismarck; Dr. Gerald Parker & Marianne Parker of Casselton; Tim & Leisha Anderson of Dillon MT and children, Timmy, Caitlyn, Riley & Cooper; Susan (Kulzer) Brummond of Colorado Springs CO; Dave & Pat Kulzer of Condon MT; Stan Kulzer & boys, Nick, Noah & Jonas of Sioux Falls; Lorraine Donaldson & James Donaldson of Fargo; and, many others.
Lorraine (Schildberger) Bangoura of Elk River MN visited Rutland on Tuesday, June 1, accompanied by her brothers, Marne Shildberger of Hankinson and Gary Schildberger. They toured the old home town and renewed memories of their childhood here. Lorraine is a member of RHS Class of ’55. Marne was born at the Meyers Maternity Hospital here in 1953. Their father, Augustine Schildberger was school principal and band instructor in Rutland from 1950 to 1956. Mr. Schildberger organized the Rutland School Band program during his tenure here.
David Sundlie of Bismarck and Bonita (Bauman) Sundlie of Horace ND were in Rutland on Tuesday, June 1, to visit with Leif and Phyllis Sundlie and other friends in the community. David reports that he recently retired from the paper business and expects to remain in Bismarck. David’s father, A. C. “Slim” Sundlie operated the Farmers’ Union service station here from the 1930’s to the mid 60’s. Dave is a 1965 graduate of SCHS. Bonita reports that she is still working and going strong up in Horace, with no plans to retire, slow down or even take a breather. Her parents were the late Walter & Josie (Breum) Bauman of this community and she is a 1962 graduate of RHS.
Barry Christianson of this community has accepted a position with the State Highway Department’s maintenance crew headquartered in Forman. Barry was previously employed by Northern Plains Ag of Forman. His new duties began on June 1. Barry will be filling the position formerly held by Hal Nelson.
Joe Breker reports that seeding of his 2010 crop will be completed by week’s end, with 95% of his potential crop acres dry enough to plant. Joe reports that the tile drainage system he had installed on some boggy, low ground at the base of the hills a few years ago improved that land immensely, allowing it to be among the first acres seeded this year. Last week, it was reported here that the Breker’s had a visitor from Peru at their home, but the report was incomplete. Their visitor’s name is Wilder Benites, and he is a citizen of Chimboti, Peru. Chimboti is a city of about 400,000 population in the southern part of that country. Wilder does some speaking and presentations during his visits to the U.S., and Joe is working on scheduling a presentation in Rutland before Wilder returns to Peru in October.
With the BP oil disaster rapidly turning the Gulf of Mexico into a new Dead Sea, North Dakotans are reminded of what might have been the fate of this State’s coal and oil region had not a calm and steady hand been guiding her policies a generation ago. This week, on Tuesday, June 1, the man who established North Dakota as a model of responsible energy development, former Governor Arthur A. Link, died at home in Bismarck at the age of 96 years. Over the years, Gov. Link and his wife, Grace, had been frequent visitors in this community, often staying at the home of their old friends, the late Ole & Clara Breum. Art even played his violin in the Old Fiddlers Contest during the Rutland Centennial Celebration back in 1982, and witnessed the making of the World’s Largest Hamburger. He had served his State long and well, as a State Legislator and Speaker of the ND House of Representatives; as U. S. Congressman from the Western District of North Dakota; as Governor; and, as Chairman of the State’s Centennial Committee. He remained an active campaigner for education, environmental and economic development issues right up to his death. His last visit in Rutland was in 2004, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. He and Grace were guests at a birthday reception held at the Bill & Pam Gulleson home, and resided at 115 Dakota Street at that time. Although he had become physically frail in recent years, Art’s moral courage, his intellect and his confidence in the future of North Dakota never failed. When a man like that believes in us, how can we have doubts? Perhaps the last of the true Prairie Populists, Gov. Art Link’s devotion to this State left an enduring legacy of wise and practical environmental policies that still guide energy development in North Dakota today, 30 years after he left the Governor’s office. His own words are probably his most fitting epitaph. The following quote is from Gov. Link’s speech to North Dakota’s Rural Electric Cooperatives back in 1973:
“We do not want to halt progress. We do not plan to be selfish and say “North Dakota will not share its energy resource.” No, we simply want to insure the most efficient and environmentally sound method of utilizing our precious coal and water resources for the benefit of the broadest number of people possible. And when we are through with that, and the landscape is quiet again, when the draglines, the blasting rigs, the power shovels and the huge gondolas cease to rip and roar, and when the last bulldozer has pushed the last spoil pile into place, and the last patch of barren earth has been seeded to grass or grain, let those who follow and repopulate the land be able to say, our grandparents did their job well. The land is as good and, in some cases, better than before. Only if they can say this will we be worthy of the rich heritage of our land and its resources.” Governor Arthur A Link, October 11, 1973.
Because Art Link’s hand was on the helm of this State at a turbulent and challenging time in its history, future generations of North Dakotans will be able to say, “Our grandparents did their job well.”
Well, that’s it for this week. For more information about what’s going on in the Little City That Can, check out the community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com. Check out the Rutland blog and Facebook page, too, as long as you’re wasting your time on the net, anyway.
The Rooster Crows- June 4, 2010
Heat! Heat! Heat! The warmest temperatures of the year, the warmest since 2008, pushed the mercury up into the mid-90’s on Thursday and Friday of last week. More moderate temperatures, and a few sprinkles moved in on Friday, though, and the weekend weather got progressively better, culminating with a very nice day on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Whether it was the nice weather or the homing instinct, a larger than average crowd was on hand for military ceremonies at local cemeteries as well as for the program and community dinner at the Town Hall on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The ceremonial detail composed of members of Bergman-Evenson Post #215 has now seen a changing of the guard, with Cal Jacobson serving as Sergeant at Arms for the second year and with Larry Christensen taking over as Chaplain from Milton McLaen, who has performed those duties since 1953. Both Cal and Larry are veterans of the Vietnam conflict. The members of the detail were: Andrew Hoflen; John Harris; Ted Lee; Roger Nelson; Roger Pearson; Norman Preble; Larry Christensen; and, Cal Jacobson. Justin Jacobson played Taps at the conclusion of military rites. The 11:00 a.m. program at the Town Hall featured a patriotic reading by Legion Auxiliary president Sonja Christensen and several musical selections by a musical group composed of: Diane Smith; Shannon Mehrer; Hilary Mehrer; Marianne Parker; Claire Brakke; Pam Maloney; Taryn Maloney; Brianne Maloney; Carolyn Christensen; Jeanne Leinen; and, Peder Gulleson; accompanied by Kathy Brakke on the piano. Several members of the American Legion Post were recognized for their service, with Don Donaldson and Milton McLaen receiving awards for 65 years of continuous service, Roger Pearson and Norman Preble receiving awards for 45 years of continuous service, and Andrew Hoflen receiving an award for 40 years of continuous service. Kathy Brakke also provided music for the prelude, advancement of the colors and retirement of the colors. The program was followed by the traditional community pot-luck dinner, with the Rutland Community Club supplying the scalloped potatoes with ham. The committee in charge of dinner preparations said that at least 146 persons stayed for dinner, coffee and conversation with old friends.
Janet Kiefer reports that the Memorial Day crowd in Cayuga was also larger than average, with about 127 at the community gathering in the Cayuga Hall.
Richard Breker and Carol Naylor of Randsburg CA visited in the Rutland community from Tuesday, May 25 to Tuesday, June 1. They were guests at the Breker Family Farm home in Tewaukon Township. Richard’s current home at Randsburg, an old gold mining town, is on the edge of Death Valley, he reports. Richard’s friends here are not surprised that he is living on the edge of somewhere, as “on the edge” is where he has been for most of his active, interesting and colorful life, which included Marine Corps service during the Korean War. Richard and Carol’s return trip to Randsburg will be via Buffalo WY, where they plan to visit Carol’s daughter and watch her grandchildren play baseball.
Rob Bauman departed for his home in Portland Or on Wednesday, May 26, accompanied by his granddaughters, Sadie & Marcie Bauman of Lidgerwood. Rob plans to bring the girls back to Lidgerwood in August, and spend another month visiting in the old home town at that time.
Donald Donaldson of Concord CA arrived in Rutland on Thursday, May 27, accompanied by his nephew, Robert Sundlie of Troy, Ohio. Don & Bob resided at 115 Dakota Street during their time in Rutland. Don’s nephew, Perry Donaldson of Fargo, also joined them for the Memorial Day weekend. Don reports that his wife, Toddles, is doing well, but did not feel up to making the trip back to North Dakota.
Greg Donaldson and Bob Sundlie spent part of Friday fishing at Lake Tewaukon and were amply rewarded for their efforts with a stringer full of nice walleyes and northern pike. Greg, one of the areas most experienced, and successful, anglers, reports that the walleye fishing in the Wild Rice River has tapered off, but the angling success at Lake Tewaukon and at Sprague Lake has increased proportionally. According to Greg, catching success on area waters has been very good so far this Spring. Greg also reports that he obtains his minnows, leeches and other bait from the excellent stock at the Rutland General Store.
Leif & Phyllis Sundlie of Palm Springs CA arrived in Rutland on Saturday, May 29, for a week-long visit with friends and family here. The Sundlies flew direct from Los Angeles CA to Fargo via Allegiant Air. Leif, as many will recall, was the star pitcher for the Rutland Roosters baseball team back in the 1940’s and early 50’s. The team was reorganized as an amateur club after WW II, when Leif and many others from this community were coming home following discharge from wartime military service. He recalled one game that the Rutland team played up in Crete in 1946 as an example of the Roosters “Murderer’s Row” batting lineup. Left field at the Crete diamond sloped down hill, Leif recalled, and the first batter up for Rutland, Bud Harles, hit a long fly ball over the left fielder’s head that just kept rolling after it hit the ground. By the time the fielder retrieved the ball, Bud was safe at Home Plate with one run scored. Leif was the next batter up, and he hit the ball to left field as well, only a little farther than had Bud, and he, too, circled the bases before the ball was recovered and returned by the fielder. The next batter up was Harvey Shasky, a real power hitter. Leif recalled that Harvey hit the ball so far to left field that it was never found and is, presumably, still rolling downhill at the Crete ballpark. Harvey strolled Home to put another run on the scoreboard. Leif says that his batting average was only in the low 300’s, but he was a pitcher and wasn’t expected to be a good hitter, too. Today, a player with a .300 average would get paid several million just to suit up.
Richard Meyers of Sun City AZ arrived in Rutland on Saturday, May 29, and moved into his Summer quarters in Rutland Housing’s 6-plex on Dakota Street. Dick says that the controversial immigration law recently adopted in Arizona has provoked considerable debate, most of it between people who have no idea what they are talking about. He said that he read the new law and thinks that it is neither as bad as its opponents say it is, nor as good as its proponents claim it to be. Dick’s observations and commentary are sure to add some spice to the Round Table discussions at the General Store this Summer, although there is nothing that kills a good argument faster than an informed participant.
A bridal shower for Katie Christianson, bride to be of Paster Justin Fenger, was held at the Fellowship Hall of Nordland Lutheran Church here on Saturday, May 29. Miss Christianson and Pastor Fenger have set their wedding date for Saturday, June 26th.
Tim and Leisha Anderson of Dillon MT, accompanied by their children: Timmy; Caitlyn; Riley; and, Cooper; arrived in Rutland on Saturday, May 29, to visit friends and family here. Tim is a grandson of Irene Anderson of this community and the late Earl W. Anderson. His uncles, Paul Anderson and Bill Anderson, are current Rutland residents. Tim’s father was the late Harvey O. Anderson, RHS Class of ’59. The Andersons own a custom fencing business in Dillon. They construct and maintain all kinds of fences, reports Tim, from sheep tight woven wire to decorative rail yard fences. They had visited the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore on their way to Rutland, and planned to take a look at Medora on their trip back to Montana. Like his grandfather Earl, Tim believes in packing a lot of travel into a short time. The Andersons departed Rutland, bound for Dillon, on the afternoon of Monday, May 31, after attending Memorial Day observances here.
Ed Nelson of Crookston ND was in Rutland on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 & 30, visiting at the home of his mother, Lois Nelson. Ed is now fully retired from teaching and coaching duties in the Crookston school system after a 43 year career there.
Stan Kulzer and boys, Nick, Noah & Jonas, were visiting at the home of Stan’s parents, Norbert & Beverly Kulzer, over the Memorial Day weekend. Stan reports that his wife, Karen, and her sisters were suffering at a resort in Cancun, Mexico, observing the 50th birthday of one of Karen’s sisters, while he and the boys were enjoying themselves in Rutland. Stan, Nick & Noah returned to Sioux Falls on Monday afternoon, but Jonas stayed in Rutland to entertain his grandparents for a few more days.
Rusty Silseth arrived in Rutland on Sunday, May 30, to attend Memorial Day services here. Rusty was the catcher on the 1946 Rutland Roosters baseball team that Leif Sundlie pitched for, and the old Roosters’ battery got together to do some posing at the Town Hall on Memorial Day. Rusty is still a shy and bashful country boy, but reports that Ray Erickson has been helping him emerge from his shell.
Bob and Nancy Cooper of Minneapolis stopped in Rutland on Sunday, May 30, while on their way to make Memorial Day preparations at cemeteries in the Brampton area. Bob is a 1953 graduate of Brampton High School, a class of 4, and states that he graduated in the top 25% of his Class. He reports that he keeps up with news from the home community by reading the columns of The Teller.
Some of those visiting in Rutland on Memorial Day were: Marvin Evenson & Pam Evenson of Sioux Falls; Mr. & Mrs. Lee Carpenter of Blain MN; Pat Prindiville of Horace ND; Arden Anderson of Wahpeton; Shirley Mahrer of Hankinson; Dick & Donna Kupitz of Bismarck; Ed Christensen of Bismarck; Dr. Gerald Parker & Marianne Parker of Casselton; Tim & Leisha Anderson of Dillon MT and children, Timmy, Caitlyn, Riley & Cooper; Susan (Kulzer) Brummond of Colorado Springs CO; Dave & Pat Kulzer of Condon MT; Stan Kulzer & boys, Nick, Noah & Jonas of Sioux Falls; Lorraine Donaldson & James Donaldson of Fargo; and, many others.
Lorraine (Schildberger) Bangoura of Elk River MN visited Rutland on Tuesday, June 1, accompanied by her brothers, Marne Shildberger of Hankinson and Gary Schildberger. They toured the old home town and renewed memories of their childhood here. Lorraine is a member of RHS Class of ’55. Marne was born at the Meyers Maternity Hospital here in 1953. Their father, Augustine Schildberger was school principal and band instructor in Rutland from 1950 to 1956. Mr. Schildberger organized the Rutland School Band program during his tenure here.
David Sundlie of Bismarck and Bonita (Bauman) Sundlie of Horace ND were in Rutland on Tuesday, June 1, to visit with Leif and Phyllis Sundlie and other friends in the community. David reports that he recently retired from the paper business and expects to remain in Bismarck. David’s father, A. C. “Slim” Sundlie operated the Farmers’ Union service station here from the 1930’s to the mid 60’s. Dave is a 1965 graduate of SCHS. Bonita reports that she is still working and going strong up in Horace, with no plans to retire, slow down or even take a breather. Her parents were the late Walter & Josie (Breum) Bauman of this community and she is a 1962 graduate of RHS.
Barry Christianson of this community has accepted a position with the State Highway Department’s maintenance crew headquartered in Forman. Barry was previously employed by Northern Plains Ag of Forman. His new duties began on June 1. Barry will be filling the position formerly held by Hal Nelson.
Joe Breker reports that seeding of his 2010 crop will be completed by week’s end, with 95% of his potential crop acres dry enough to plant. Joe reports that the tile drainage system he had installed on some boggy, low ground at the base of the hills a few years ago improved that land immensely, allowing it to be among the first acres seeded this year. Last week, it was reported here that the Breker’s had a visitor from Peru at their home, but the report was incomplete. Their visitor’s name is Wilder Benites, and he is a citizen of Chimboti, Peru. Chimboti is a city of about 400,000 population in the southern part of that country. Wilder does some speaking and presentations during his visits to the U.S., and Joe is working on scheduling a presentation in Rutland before Wilder returns to Peru in October.
With the BP oil disaster rapidly turning the Gulf of Mexico into a new Dead Sea, North Dakotans are reminded of what might have been the fate of this State’s coal and oil region had not a calm and steady hand been guiding her policies a generation ago. This week, on Tuesday, June 1, the man who established North Dakota as a model of responsible energy development, former Governor Arthur A. Link, died at home in Bismarck at the age of 96 years. Over the years, Gov. Link and his wife, Grace, had been frequent visitors in this community, often staying at the home of their old friends, the late Ole & Clara Breum. Art even played his violin in the Old Fiddlers Contest during the Rutland Centennial Celebration back in 1982, and witnessed the making of the World’s Largest Hamburger. He had served his State long and well, as a State Legislator and Speaker of the ND House of Representatives; as U. S. Congressman from the Western District of North Dakota; as Governor; and, as Chairman of the State’s Centennial Committee. He remained an active campaigner for education, environmental and economic development issues right up to his death. His last visit in Rutland was in 2004, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. He and Grace were guests at a birthday reception held at the Bill & Pam Gulleson home, and resided at 115 Dakota Street at that time. Although he had become physically frail in recent years, Art’s moral courage, his intellect and his confidence in the future of North Dakota never failed. When a man like that believes in us, how can we have doubts? Perhaps the last of the true Prairie Populists, Gov. Art Link’s devotion to this State left an enduring legacy of wise and practical environmental policies that still guide energy development in North Dakota today, 30 years after he left the Governor’s office. His own words are probably his most fitting epitaph. The following quote is from Gov. Link’s speech to North Dakota’s Rural Electric Cooperatives back in 1973:
“We do not want to halt progress. We do not plan to be selfish and say “North Dakota will not share its energy resource.” No, we simply want to insure the most efficient and environmentally sound method of utilizing our precious coal and water resources for the benefit of the broadest number of people possible. And when we are through with that, and the landscape is quiet again, when the draglines, the blasting rigs, the power shovels and the huge gondolas cease to rip and roar, and when the last bulldozer has pushed the last spoil pile into place, and the last patch of barren earth has been seeded to grass or grain, let those who follow and repopulate the land be able to say, our grandparents did their job well. The land is as good and, in some cases, better than before. Only if they can say this will we be worthy of the rich heritage of our land and its resources.” Governor Arthur A Link, October 11, 1973.
Because Art Link’s hand was on the helm of this State at a turbulent and challenging time in its history, future generations of North Dakotans will be able to say, “Our grandparents did their job well.”
Well, that’s it for this week. For more information about what’s going on in the Little City That Can, check out the community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com. Check out the Rutland blog and Facebook page, too, as long as you’re wasting your time on the net, anyway.