Rain, rain and more rain! Another 1.5 inch monsoon from Friday through Monday left the Rutland Park Board’s annual men’s slowpitch softball Tournament as one of its casualties. Lou Sanderson Field, which was already saturated, became a quagmire by last Saturday morning, at the time play was scheduled to commence. Arrangements were made to use the diamond at Williamson Park in Havana, but Saturday’s steady drizzle scotched that plan, too. By mid-week, water was still standing on parts of Rutland’s outfield and infield. The tournament has been rescheduled, and will be played at Williamson Park on the 19th and 20th of June, weather permitting. A tile drain has been installed at Lou Sanderson Field, but not in time to do much good by last weekend. If the current wet cycle continues, as it has for the past 17 years, a more extensive tile system will be needed to keep the playing field useable. Bargain hunters were not deterred by a little rain, however. The community garage sale held here last Saturday drew quite a few shoppers, and most of the dozen or so residents who were selling off surplus property report that they did OK.
A tour group consisting of Joe & Patty Breker and Mark & Kathy Wyum of this community; Dennis & Jodie Haugen of Hannaford ND; Kerry & Linda Swindler of Mott ND; Eugene & Kathy Breker of West Fargo; Steve & DeeAnne Paulson of Austin TX; and, Doug & Shar Speicher of West Fargo; accompanied their guests, Chris & Kim Jones of Australia, on a tour of ND last week. They were also joined on the first leg of the tour by Paul & Sue Anderson of Rutland; Pam Gulleson of Rutland; and, Janet Kiefer of Cayuga. They took a look at one of the deactivated USAF Inter-Continental Ballistic missile silos near Cooperstown; viewed the huge expanse of the ever-growing Devils Lake flood phenomenon; toured the oil and coal fields of western North Dakota; made a brief stop in Medora; and, enjoyed the hospitality of Logging Camp Ranch in the North Dakota Badlands. After seeing the scenic grandeur of the Badlands, the Australians were puzzled at why anyone would give that beautiful country such a name. Joe reports that they were informed by local residents that the oil now being produced from the Bakken and Three Forks formations flows under its own pressure, requiring no pumping, and is of such high quality that crude oil from some wells can be burned in internal combustion engines without refining. The group used the Rutland General Store’s tour bus for the trip, and report a most enjoyable time. They returned home on Friday, June 11. Chris & Kim Jones, inventors of the No-Till Drill system being manufactured by Amity Manufacturing of Wahpeton, will be touring farm shows in the region for a few more weeks before returning to their home near Sydney, Australia.
Harold Young is back home at the Prindiville farm on the south side of Rutland, after suffering through a long Winter in Arizona. Harold arrived on the evening of Thursday, June 10, and spent all day Friday mowing and working on the yard. The Prindiville family is planning a family gathering at the farm over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and Harold keeps the family’s homestead in showplace condition throughout the Summer. He has also resumed his graduate studies at the Round Table in the General Store.
Rutland native Mary (Pires) Raine and Bill Hawk of Farmington Pennsylvania have been visiting Mary’s old home town for the past week. They are staying at 403 Anthony Street, better known as “Ole’s Place,” during their visit. Mary, a 1963 graduate of RHS, is the eldest daughter of the late Joyce (Jacobson) Carlson of this community. Bill is a native of the mountain country of western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and was promoting ethanol production long before it became a key component of the nation’s energy supply, back when it was still known as “moonshine.” They plan to spend several weeks visiting friends and family here.
County Commissioners Steve Wyum of Rutland, Maurice Orn of Stirum & Mike Walstead of Forman, accompanied by County Road Superintendent Sparky Engquist, drove down to Pickerel Lake SD on Monday, June 14, to check out a new road surfacing material manufactured from soy, canola and corn oils, rather than petroleum. Later that day, Mr. Walstead and Mr. Engquist flew out to Billings County, in the North Dakota oil fields, to see how the new product was holding up under the heavy truck traffic there. They report that the new material has possibilities, but will have to be tried on an experimental basis locally before any widespread use would be justified here. The new material is considerably less expensive than petroleum based products, but is not as durable, either.
John Hoflen of Bismarck has been in Rutland since Monday, June 14, installing the City’s new computer hardware and software system. The City’s current system is well over 20 years old, the technological equivalent of a crank telephone in the age of modern electronics. John reports that he and Sharon have purchased a new home in Laveen AZ, southwest of Phoenix, and will be moving from Bismarck at the end of the month. The move is a permanent one, says John, and the next time they are back in North Dakota he and Sharon will be tourists, asking if the winters really do get cold up here on the northern plains.
Jack Brummond, a well known denizen of the Havana territory was in Rutland on the afternoon of Monday, June 14, campaigning for John Hoeven and looking for a good deal on lunch. Jack pulled up a chair at the Round Table in the Rutland General Store, where he obtained both a free lunch and a free enlightenment session from the Assembled Wise Men, the latter being the price he had to pay for the former. Jack stated that he enjoyed the lunch.
Steve & Sheila Wyum, accompanied by Bill Anderson, drove up to Fargo on the evening of Tuesday, June 15, where they attended the premier showing of the Prairie Public TV documentary “ The Charisma of Competence,” at the restored Fargo Theater. The documentary studies the life and times of former North Dakota Governor William L. Guy. The program will be broadcast over Prairie Public TV next Thursday, June 24.
Wedding bells will be ringing at Nordland Lutheran Church on Friday, June 18, as Casie Hawkinson of Britton SD becomes the bride of Bryce Carlson of this community. Brice and Casie had exchanged vows last month, so that Bryce’s father, the late Clifford Carlson, could see them wed. This Friday’s ceremony, on the date originally scheduled for their marriage ceremony, will have a reaffirmation of their vows at the Church with Pastor Justin Fenger officiating, followed by a reception at the Rutland Town Hall. Pastor Fenger will be following Bryce’s example next weekend, on Saturday, June 26, when he and fiancé , Katie Christianson, will be married at Nordland. The Rutland community extends congratulations and best wishes to both couples.
Bids will be opened for the City of Rutland’s proposed street repair and resealing project at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18, in the Community Room of the Sargent County Bank’s Rutland Station, says Mayor Ron Narum. The City Council may hold the bids for up to 30 days following the opening before accepting or rejecting them. A public hearing on the project is set for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 21, in the Rutland Town Hall.
Miss Kylee Hambeck has been home from college this past week. Kylee is the eldest daughter of Diane & Lenny Pherson of this community. She reports that she has been taking a Summer Course at NDSU in pursuit of her Education degree, and that she plans to graduate in December, after student teaching this Fall. Kylee hopes to secure a position teaching High School history and psychology. She is a young lady of exceptional talent and ability, and her many friends here have every confidence that she will achieve her objectives.
With Spring planting now completed, some local farmers have turned their attention to other interests, such as fishing. Jerry Woytassek stopped in at the General Store to purchase some minnows on Monday afternoon, and presented an interesting question to the Assembled Wise Men. Jerry and his wife, Patty, built a new home on the north shore of Buffalo Lake a few years ago, and his question was: Is it O.K. to go fishing on the lake you live on? It is a well known practice of those who own lake cabins to hook up their boat trailers and go fishing on other lakes, while folks with cabins on other lakes come over to their lake to fish. It is also a well known practice of anglers to take their boat across the lake from the boat ramp before fishing activity commences. Are these activities just common practices or quirks in the nature of anglers, or have they achieved the status of enforceable rules by virtue of their long-standing practice and common acceptance by those who practice the pursuit of piscatorial prey? The Assembled Wise Men have not yet ruled on the matter, but stay tuned. In the meantime, though, it is O.K. for Jerry to fish on his own lake, if he can control the urge to haul his boat to the Missouri River or Lake of the Woods.
Have you ever seen an empty suit of clothes walking around and talking? Well, you probably have, but just didn’t realize it. An “empty suit” looks good on the outside, but lacks substance on the inside. An empty suit claims credit for the accomplishments of others, and often even claims credit for accomplishments that have never been accomplished by anyone. For instance, an empty suit might claim credit for the creation of 40,000 jobs in a State’s economy, while failing to mention that more than 46,000 jobs disappeared over the same period of time, resulting in a net loss of 6,000 jobs. An empty suit might claim credit for a “Comprehensive Energy Policy” adopted by a State Legislature that he did not propose, did not support and that is not comprehensive. It is, though, as close to an energy policy as the State has, and it is not opposed by the energy industry, so, why not claim credit for it? An empty suit might claim credit for a big budget surplus when the surplus is actually the result of oil extraction tax revenues collected as the result of an initiated measure passed by the people 30 years ago, when the empty suit was still a high school student in an empty sweatshirt, empty jeans and empty sneakers. The examples given are purely hypothetical, and do not attempt to describe any individual, unless you happen to recognize one who fits the bill. So, take a look around and you might spot 1 or more empty suits that you just hadn’t recognized before. They are a phenomenon that usually have a very short shelf life, but every now and then one comes along that manages to avoid detection for a decade or more. It has been rumored that some might be found in North Dakota’s political circles, but readers will have to make their own judgments about that.
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. Take a look at the Rutland blog and Facebook page, too. Later.
The Rooster Crows – June 18, 2010
Rain, rain and more rain! Another 1.5 inch monsoon from Friday through Monday left the Rutland Park Board’s annual men’s slowpitch softball Tournament as one of its casualties. Lou Sanderson Field, which was already saturated, became a quagmire by last Saturday morning, at the time play was scheduled to commence. Arrangements were made to use the diamond at Williamson Park in Havana, but Saturday’s steady drizzle scotched that plan, too. By mid-week, water was still standing on parts of Rutland’s outfield and infield. The tournament has been rescheduled, and will be played at Williamson Park on the 19th and 20th of June, weather permitting. A tile drain has been installed at Lou Sanderson Field, but not in time to do much good by last weekend. If the current wet cycle continues, as it has for the past 17 years, a more extensive tile system will be needed to keep the playing field useable. Bargain hunters were not deterred by a little rain, however. The community garage sale held here last Saturday drew quite a few shoppers, and most of the dozen or so residents who were selling off surplus property report that they did OK.
A tour group consisting of Joe & Patty Breker and Mark & Kathy Wyum of this community; Dennis & Jodie Haugen of Hannaford ND; Kerry & Linda Swindler of Mott ND; Eugene & Kathy Breker of West Fargo; Steve & DeeAnne Paulson of Austin TX; and, Doug & Shar Speicher of West Fargo; accompanied their guests, Chris & Kim Jones of Australia, on a tour of ND last week. They were also joined on the first leg of the tour by Paul & Sue Anderson of Rutland; Pam Gulleson of Rutland; and, Janet Kiefer of Cayuga. They took a look at one of the deactivated USAF Inter-Continental Ballistic missile silos near Cooperstown; viewed the huge expanse of the ever-growing Devils Lake flood phenomenon; toured the oil and coal fields of western North Dakota; made a brief stop in Medora; and, enjoyed the hospitality of Logging Camp Ranch in the North Dakota Badlands. After seeing the scenic grandeur of the Badlands, the Australians were puzzled at why anyone would give that beautiful country such a name. Joe reports that they were informed by local residents that the oil now being produced from the Bakken and Three Forks formations flows under its own pressure, requiring no pumping, and is of such high quality that crude oil from some wells can be burned in internal combustion engines without refining. The group used the Rutland General Store’s tour bus for the trip, and report a most enjoyable time. They returned home on Friday, June 11. Chris & Kim Jones, inventors of the No-Till Drill system being manufactured by Amity Manufacturing of Wahpeton, will be touring farm shows in the region for a few more weeks before returning to their home near Sydney, Australia.
Harold Young is back home at the Prindiville farm on the south side of Rutland, after suffering through a long Winter in Arizona. Harold arrived on the evening of Thursday, June 10, and spent all day Friday mowing and working on the yard. The Prindiville family is planning a family gathering at the farm over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and Harold keeps the family’s homestead in showplace condition throughout the Summer. He has also resumed his graduate studies at the Round Table in the General Store.
Rutland native Mary (Pires) Raine and Bill Hawk of Farmington Pennsylvania have been visiting Mary’s old home town for the past week. They are staying at 403 Anthony Street, better known as “Ole’s Place,” during their visit. Mary, a 1963 graduate of RHS, is the eldest daughter of the late Joyce (Jacobson) Carlson of this community. Bill is a native of the mountain country of western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and was promoting ethanol production long before it became a key component of the nation’s energy supply, back when it was still known as “moonshine.” They plan to spend several weeks visiting friends and family here.
County Commissioners Steve Wyum of Rutland, Maurice Orn of Stirum & Mike Walstead of Forman, accompanied by County Road Superintendent Sparky Engquist, drove down to Pickerel Lake SD on Monday, June 14, to check out a new road surfacing material manufactured from soy, canola and corn oils, rather than petroleum. Later that day, Mr. Walstead and Mr. Engquist flew out to Billings County, in the North Dakota oil fields, to see how the new product was holding up under the heavy truck traffic there. They report that the new material has possibilities, but will have to be tried on an experimental basis locally before any widespread use would be justified here. The new material is considerably less expensive than petroleum based products, but is not as durable, either.
John Hoflen of Bismarck has been in Rutland since Monday, June 14, installing the City’s new computer hardware and software system. The City’s current system is well over 20 years old, the technological equivalent of a crank telephone in the age of modern electronics. John reports that he and Sharon have purchased a new home in Laveen AZ, southwest of Phoenix, and will be moving from Bismarck at the end of the month. The move is a permanent one, says John, and the next time they are back in North Dakota he and Sharon will be tourists, asking if the winters really do get cold up here on the northern plains.
Jack Brummond, a well known denizen of the Havana territory was in Rutland on the afternoon of Monday, June 14, campaigning for John Hoeven and looking for a good deal on lunch. Jack pulled up a chair at the Round Table in the Rutland General Store, where he obtained both a free lunch and a free enlightenment session from the Assembled Wise Men, the latter being the price he had to pay for the former. Jack stated that he enjoyed the lunch.
Steve & Sheila Wyum, accompanied by Bill Anderson, drove up to Fargo on the evening of Tuesday, June 15, where they attended the premier showing of the Prairie Public TV documentary “ The Charisma of Competence,” at the restored Fargo Theater. The documentary studies the life and times of former North Dakota Governor William L. Guy. The program will be broadcast over Prairie Public TV next Thursday, June 24.
Wedding bells will be ringing at Nordland Lutheran Church on Friday, June 18, as Casie Hawkinson of Britton SD becomes the bride of Bryce Carlson of this community. Brice and Casie had exchanged vows last month, so that Bryce’s father, the late Clifford Carlson, could see them wed. This Friday’s ceremony, on the date originally scheduled for their marriage ceremony, will have a reaffirmation of their vows at the Church with Pastor Justin Fenger officiating, followed by a reception at the Rutland Town Hall. Pastor Fenger will be following Bryce’s example next weekend, on Saturday, June 26, when he and fiancé , Katie Christianson, will be married at Nordland. The Rutland community extends congratulations and best wishes to both couples.
Bids will be opened for the City of Rutland’s proposed street repair and resealing project at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18, in the Community Room of the Sargent County Bank’s Rutland Station, says Mayor Ron Narum. The City Council may hold the bids for up to 30 days following the opening before accepting or rejecting them. A public hearing on the project is set for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 21, in the Rutland Town Hall.
Miss Kylee Hambeck has been home from college this past week. Kylee is the eldest daughter of Diane & Lenny Pherson of this community. She reports that she has been taking a Summer Course at NDSU in pursuit of her Education degree, and that she plans to graduate in December, after student teaching this Fall. Kylee hopes to secure a position teaching High School history and psychology. She is a young lady of exceptional talent and ability, and her many friends here have every confidence that she will achieve her objectives.
With Spring planting now completed, some local farmers have turned their attention to other interests, such as fishing. Jerry Woytassek stopped in at the General Store to purchase some minnows on Monday afternoon, and presented an interesting question to the Assembled Wise Men. Jerry and his wife, Patty, built a new home on the north shore of Buffalo Lake a few years ago, and his question was: Is it O.K. to go fishing on the lake you live on? It is a well known practice of those who own lake cabins to hook up their boat trailers and go fishing on other lakes, while folks with cabins on other lakes come over to their lake to fish. It is also a well known practice of anglers to take their boat across the lake from the boat ramp before fishing activity commences. Are these activities just common practices or quirks in the nature of anglers, or have they achieved the status of enforceable rules by virtue of their long-standing practice and common acceptance by those who practice the pursuit of piscatorial prey? The Assembled Wise Men have not yet ruled on the matter, but stay tuned. In the meantime, though, it is O.K. for Jerry to fish on his own lake, if he can control the urge to haul his boat to the Missouri River or Lake of the Woods.
Have you ever seen an empty suit of clothes walking around and talking? Well, you probably have, but just didn’t realize it. An “empty suit” looks good on the outside, but lacks substance on the inside. An empty suit claims credit for the accomplishments of others, and often even claims credit for accomplishments that have never been accomplished by anyone. For instance, an empty suit might claim credit for the creation of 40,000 jobs in a State’s economy, while failing to mention that more than 46,000 jobs disappeared over the same period of time, resulting in a net loss of 6,000 jobs. An empty suit might claim credit for a “Comprehensive Energy Policy” adopted by a State Legislature that he did not propose, did not support and that is not comprehensive. It is, though, as close to an energy policy as the State has, and it is not opposed by the energy industry, so, why not claim credit for it? An empty suit might claim credit for a big budget surplus when the surplus is actually the result of oil extraction tax revenues collected as the result of an initiated measure passed by the people 30 years ago, when the empty suit was still a high school student in an empty sweatshirt, empty jeans and empty sneakers. The examples given are purely hypothetical, and do not attempt to describe any individual, unless you happen to recognize one who fits the bill. So, take a look around and you might spot 1 or more empty suits that you just hadn’t recognized before. They are a phenomenon that usually have a very short shelf life, but every now and then one comes along that manages to avoid detection for a decade or more. It has been rumored that some might be found in North Dakota’s political circles, but readers will have to make their own judgments about that.
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. Take a look at the Rutland blog and Facebook page, too. Later.