Mother Nature has had the mercury in the thermometer bobbing up and down like a pumpjack this past week, from 17 below zero last Thursday to 25 above this Tuesday, and the forecast is for more of the same in the days ahead. Well, it is January in North Dakota, after all. From 3 to 5 inches of new, wet snow, depending on where you stepped, fell on Rutland and vicinity last Sunday, January 22, the first significant precipitation event for this region since last August. The weather experts up in Fargo are pegging snowfall so far this Winter at a little over 10 inches, A little more than one-third of the 28 inches that is “normal” for this time of year, if North Dakota weather is ever normal, that is. But, here we are at the end of January, and only 2 weeks of what could be called winter weather, so far. If the 200 inches of snow predicted for the Winter of 2011-12 by one of the Farmer’s Almanacs last Fall is going to materialize before the arrival of Spring, stand by for February and March.
Edith Malpert of this community has been a patient in the Oakes Community Hospital since Thursday, January 12, receiving Treatment for a stubborn leg infection. Her many friends here wish her a speedy recovery and return home.
This community was saddened on Wednesday, January 18, when word was received here that long time community member Paul Shasky had passed away at a Fargo hospital. He was 87 years old at the time of his death. Paul was born on the Shasky family farm in Rutland Township to Roman and Nina (Nelson) Shasky in 1924. He grew up on the family farm, attending grade school at Rutland Consolidated and graduating from Forman High School in 1942. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II as a tail-gunner in a B-17 bomber, with numerous combat missions over Nazi Germany on his record. After the war, he returned to Rutland Township where he helped out on the farm and played baseball on the Rutland Roosters baseball teams of 1946 & 47, along with his brothers, Harvey, Alvin & Willis. The Rutland Roosters baseball teams of that time are still legendary, and the hard-hitting, hard throwing Shasky brothers formed a formidable “Murderers’ Row” that knocked many a baseball out of the park, and many a pitcher off of the mound. He attended classes at Interstate Business School in Fargo and went into the service station business in Wahpeton. In 1950 he married Patricia Roscoe, and they made their home in Wahpeton where they brought up their 4 children. In August of 1950, Paul was recalled to the Army for service in the Korean War, this time in the infantry. Upon his discharge from the Army in August of 1951, he returned to Wahpeton and was engaged in the service station business until his retirement. Following retirement, he and Pat made their home on the farm in Rutland Township, a little west and south of the site of the old Rutland Consolidated School. They were active in Nordland Lutheran Church and the Rutland Senior Citizens and participated in all of the other activities in the Rutland community. Pat passed away in 1998. Paul is survived by 1 daughter: Mary Jean Wessels of Dilworth MN; by 3 sons: David of Moorhead MN;Vernon of Wahpeton; and, Keith of Wahpeton. And, by 2 brothers: Willis of Breckenridge MN; and Ronald of Jamestown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman & Nina Shasky; by his wife, Patricia; and by 2 brothers: Harvey and Alvin. The funeral service was at 2:00 p.m.on Tuesday, January 24, at Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland with burial in the Rutland Cemetery. Pastor Mike Toomey of Fargo officiated at the service. Vertin’s Funeral Home of Wahpeton was in charge of arrangements. Paul’s many friends in the Rutland community extend their condolences to the Shasky family.
CORRECTION: It was reported here last week that the Sargent County Relay For Life fund-raiser held in Rutland in June of 2011 was the 4th largest, per capita, in a region composed of the States of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. That was incorrect. The Rutland event was actually the 4th largest, on a per capita basis, in the region composed of the States of North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. So, instead of being 4th best in a 4 State region, it was 4th best in a 12 State region in which more than 500 Relay For Life events took place. All in all, a pretty good showing for the Sargent County Relay For Life Committee, and for the little city that can.
Rutland native, now District Court Judge, Dan Narum of Lamoure, visited the Rutland General Store and discussed world events with The Assembled Wise Men at the Round Table on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 18. Dan was in town on unofficial business, paying a visit to his uncle, Rutland Mayor Ron Narum.
Dick Anderson and Peder Gulleson of this community were among those touring the Murphy Oil Co.’s ethanol plant at Hankinson on Thursday, January 19. They were among about 2 dozen Sargent County residents who took the bus from Forman that morning to participate in the tour that was organized by Sargent County Extension Agent Julie Hassebroeck. They report that the facility is quite impressive, processing about 130,000 bushels of corn into approximately 350,000 gallons of ethanol every day. The ethanol is blended with gasoline and increases the nation’s supply of that fuel by at least 10%. In addition to ethanol, the plant also produces thousands of pounds of protein and fiber to supplement livestock feed rations.
Gretchen Vann and Debbie Liermark return from a mid-Winter vacation trip to Holland on Thursday, January 19. The two sisters had accompanied their mother Antonia “Toos” Vanderwolf, and visited a number of cousins and old friends in the old country. They report that the people of Holland appear to be doing well, and that the economy there appears to be strong.
The Old Curmudgeon, former owner, editor and publisher of The Sargent County Teller, Richard Bradbury, reported in on Sunday, January 22, with the news that he and Janet are wintering quite nicely on the Warren Ranch near Rapid City SD. Richard states that he has a recliner, a coffee pot, satellite TV and a high speed internet hook up, as well as an indoor biffy, so life is good. He also reports that he got in some golfing during the 70 degree days in the first half of January, taking in both the course on the nearby Air Force Base and the Rapid City Municipal Course. He states that the abundance of elk, deer, Canada geese and other wildlife that make the golf courses their homes have left deposits on the fairways that have created some sticky, and stinky, hazards for the golfer to contend with. Well, he can rest assured that he has the unbounded sympathy of all of the Assembled Wise Men gathered at the Round Table. Ya, you bet!
Mike & Diane Kulzer spent the January 20-22 weekend up in Washburn ND, visiting at the home of Jeff & Katy Kulzer. While there, the Kulzers drove down to Bismarck to see their grandchildren play basketball, and to visit with their daughter, Carla, who lives in Dickinson. Mike was back on the job at Kulzer Feed & Seed on Monday, January 23, while Diane was on the road to Minneapolis for a visit with their son, Chad, and to spend some “Grandma Time” with grandchildren there.
Rutland Township lost another long time resident early on the morning of Monday, January 23, when Lila (Mrs. Orville) Nelson passed away at Four Seasons Healthcare Center in Forman. She was 82 years old at the time of her death. Lila and Orville have been active participants in nearly all activities in the Rutland community during the past half century. Lila was the eldest daughter of the late Peder & Inga Pederson. She grew up on the family farm in Ransom County, attending a 1 room country school through the 8th Grade, and graduating from Milnor High School. She married Orville Nelson in 1956, and they made their home on the farm in Rutland Township for the next 55 years. In recent years, Lila has been actively involved in the Sargent County Historical Society, and has been a member of the Rutland Senior Citizens Club. Lila is survived by her husband, Orville; 3 daughters: LeDora Wohler of Horace; Teresa Kirby of Fargo; and, Julie Johnson of Galesburg; 2 sons: Trent and Wyatt, both of Forman; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; 1 sister, Doris Ann (Mrs. Ronald) Narum; and 2 brothers: Arnold; and, Orville. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Forman. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, also at Trinity Lutheran Church in Forman. Burial will be in the South Trinity Cemetery in Rutland Township, near the Nelson’s farm home. Price Funeral Home of Britton & Forman is in charge of arrangements. The Rutland community extends its sympathy to the family of Lila Nelson, a good friend and neighbor.
Steve & Sheila Wyum return from Hawaii on the evening of Monday, January 23, and report that America’s “Pacific Paradise” is still a paradise, especially when, while strolling on the beach, a report is received that it is 17 degrees below zero at home. The Wyums had gone to Hawaii on a 2 week tour sponsored by the North Dakota Farmers Union.
The Rutland Community Development Corporation’s 35th Annual Meeting was held on the evening of Monday, January 23, at The Rutland General Store. Shareholders enjoyed a wine tasting session, featuring local wines produced by John & Cindy Steffes at their Prairiewood Vineyard & Winery near Elliot ND, and a delicious supper featuring a pork roast entrée prepared and served by the staff of the General Store, prior to the meeting. The corporation’s financial report, delivered by treasurer Rob Hoflen, showed net assets of more than $26,000.00 in the form of cash, promissory notes and mortgages being owned by the corporation. Currently, the RCDC is participating in community economic development with 2 Rutland businesses. The terms of 3 directors: Lori McLaen; Cameron Gulleson; and, Rob Wyum; were expiring, and Lori announced that she would not be a candidate for re-election, while both Cam and Rob threw their hats into the ring. Jill Anderson was elected to the directorship formerly held by Lori McLaen, and both Cameron and Rob were re-elected to 3 year terms on the board. Reports were received from Rutland City Council member Bertha Siemieniewski on the progress of the Rutland Town Hall improvement project; from Rodney Erickson on progress with his renovation of the former Lariat Bar building at 202 First Street, and other business development plans that he is working on, including acquisition of an aerial crop spraying business; and, from Joe, Patty & Olivia Breker, representing the developers of Coteau des Prairies Lodge, situated in the hills southeast of Rutland. The Lodge is the first serious attempt to capitalize on the tourism potential of this area. “The Old Parsonage” situated in the old Baptist Church parsonage on Main Street, is another new business that has started up in Rutland during the past year. Following the business meeting and reports, County Extension Agent Julie Hassebroeck presented a program describing methods of, and the necessity for, consistent and aggressive marketing programs for developing businesses in rural communities. The board of directors reorganized following the shareholders meeting, and the following officers were selected for 2012: Bill Anderson, president; Rodney Erickson, vice-president; Mike Kulzer, secretary; Rob Hoflen, treasurer; Jill Anderson, director; Rob Wyum, director; and, Cameron Gulleson, director. Shares in the Rutland Community Development Corporation are available for $50.00 per share, and anyone who would like to be an active participant in the economic development of theRutland community can contact secretary Mike Kulzer or treasurer Rob Hoflen to purchase shares.
Jill Anderson of this community recently accepted a position as an electrical engineer with Ulteig Engineering of Fargo. Ironically, her first job with her new employer was to head east to Rutland,Vermont, to assist with the modernization of the power grid centered there. Rutland, North Dakota, was given its name by railroad workers hailing from Rutland, Vermont, when the Great Northern Railway constructed tracks through here back in 1886. Jill’s previous employment experience includes stints at DMI, the wind tower manufacturers, in Fargo; Bobcat at Gwinner; and, Boeing Aircraft in Minneapolis. Jill, a native of Hibbing MN, is married to Mike Anderson of this community. She and Mike reside on the Anderson family farm in Ransom Township, 2½ miles north and 3½ miles east of Rutland. She is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities afforded by her new job.
Shelly Pherson has contacted family and friends here with the news that being a cargo handler at Bogram Air Force Base, Afghanistan, is a ful-time job, often requiring 12 hour shifts to get the right stuff in the right aircraft headed in the right direction. Shelly also sent her mother, Ione, a photo of herself doing a handstand on the runway of the Air Base. Last Summer, Shelly had her photo taken while doing a handstand on the steps of the U. S. Capitol in Washington DC, and she has made a handstand photo her signature souvenir from the sites of interest that she has visited. On the other hand, as Afghanistan is on the other side of the Earth, it is possible that the photo is upside down and Shelly is actually standing in mid-air, holding the world on the palms of her hands. Those who know her would agree that, with Shelly, anything is possible.
Pam Gulleson was home this weekend, taking a few days off from the campaign trail. Her schedule has her off to Washington DC this week for meetings with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) concerning that group’s decision to target the North Dakota Congressional campaign in the 2012 election. The seat had been held by Democrats Byron Dorgan and Earl Pomeroy since 1980, but was captured by Republican Rick Berg in 2010. Berg is not running for re-election to the House, but is seeking the Senate seat currently held by Kent Conrad in this Fall’s General Election. Both polling and fund raising indicate that Pam has a good chance of becoming the next member of the U. S. House of Representatives from North Dakota. A Rutland resident since her marriage to Bill Gulleson in 1981, Pam brings a myriad of experiences to her candidacy, including 8 sessions representing the 26th District in the North Dakota Legislature.
Meanwhile, on the national scene, the Republican Presidential Primary contest, which started out like a circus clown act, is becoming a down and dirty mud wrestling contest between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Massachusetts Governor Willard “Mitt” Romney, with Congressman Ron Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum throwing in a little more dirt and water, whenever the situation warrants. The GOP choice is boiling down to either a serial philanderer, adulterer, prevaricator and flim-flam artist or a “vulture capitalist” who hides his money in off-shore tax havens in order to avoid paying the taxes paid by real Americans. President Obama, who has been on the sidelines with the rest of us, watching the GOP self-destruct, weighed in on Tuesday, January 24, with the Annual State of the Union Address. The President says that America’s glass is half full, and can get even more full if we all shoulder our responsibilities as citizens, work hard and pay our fair share of taxes. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, delivering the Republican response, said that the glass is half empty, and getting emptier. Well, at least there is bipartisan agreement that we have a glass. A month ago, it appeared that the Republicans had the advantage over the President. But now, with unemployment going down, the economy picking up, the Republicans tearing themselves apart and the President taking the offensive, it appears that the tables have turned. Oh well, “in politics,” it is said, “a day is a lifetime and a week is eternity.” A lot can happen between now and Election Day 2012, and we will all have to watch closely to figure out Who’s on First and What’s on Second in this ball game.
Well, that’s the news from Rutland for this week. For more information about what’s going on in the little city that can, stop by the community’s Internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com, and check out the Rutland blog and Facebook page while you’re at it, too. Don’t forget to keep the pressure on North Dakota’s Congressional delegation to SAVE OUR POST OFFICE.
The Rooster Crows — January 27, 2012
Mother Nature has had the mercury in the thermometer bobbing up and down like a pumpjack this past week, from 17 below zero last Thursday to 25 above this Tuesday, and the forecast is for more of the same in the days ahead. Well, it is January in North Dakota, after all. From 3 to 5 inches of new, wet snow, depending on where you stepped, fell on Rutland and vicinity last Sunday, January 22, the first significant precipitation event for this region since last August. The weather experts up in Fargo are pegging snowfall so far this Winter at a little over 10 inches, A little more than one-third of the 28 inches that is “normal” for this time of year, if North Dakota weather is ever normal, that is. But, here we are at the end of January, and only 2 weeks of what could be called winter weather, so far. If the 200 inches of snow predicted for the Winter of 2011-12 by one of the Farmer’s Almanacs last Fall is going to materialize before the arrival of Spring, stand by for February and March.
Edith Malpert of this community has been a patient in the Oakes Community Hospital since Thursday, January 12, receiving Treatment for a stubborn leg infection. Her many friends here wish her a speedy recovery and return home.
This community was saddened on Wednesday, January 18, when word was received here that long time community member Paul Shasky had passed away at a Fargo hospital. He was 87 years old at the time of his death. Paul was born on the Shasky family farm in Rutland Township to Roman and Nina (Nelson) Shasky in 1924. He grew up on the family farm, attending grade school at Rutland Consolidated and graduating from Forman High School in 1942. He served in the Army Air Corps during WW II as a tail-gunner in a B-17 bomber, with numerous combat missions over Nazi Germany on his record. After the war, he returned to Rutland Township where he helped out on the farm and played baseball on the Rutland Roosters baseball teams of 1946 & 47, along with his brothers, Harvey, Alvin & Willis. The Rutland Roosters baseball teams of that time are still legendary, and the hard-hitting, hard throwing Shasky brothers formed a formidable “Murderers’ Row” that knocked many a baseball out of the park, and many a pitcher off of the mound. He attended classes at Interstate Business School in Fargo and went into the service station business in Wahpeton. In 1950 he married Patricia Roscoe, and they made their home in Wahpeton where they brought up their 4 children. In August of 1950, Paul was recalled to the Army for service in the Korean War, this time in the infantry. Upon his discharge from the Army in August of 1951, he returned to Wahpeton and was engaged in the service station business until his retirement. Following retirement, he and Pat made their home on the farm in Rutland Township, a little west and south of the site of the old Rutland Consolidated School. They were active in Nordland Lutheran Church and the Rutland Senior Citizens and participated in all of the other activities in the Rutland community. Pat passed away in 1998. Paul is survived by 1 daughter: Mary Jean Wessels of Dilworth MN; by 3 sons: David of Moorhead MN;Vernon of Wahpeton; and, Keith of Wahpeton. And, by 2 brothers: Willis of Breckenridge MN; and Ronald of Jamestown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman & Nina Shasky; by his wife, Patricia; and by 2 brothers: Harvey and Alvin. The funeral service was at 2:00 p.m.on Tuesday, January 24, at Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland with burial in the Rutland Cemetery. Pastor Mike Toomey of Fargo officiated at the service. Vertin’s Funeral Home of Wahpeton was in charge of arrangements. Paul’s many friends in the Rutland community extend their condolences to the Shasky family.
CORRECTION: It was reported here last week that the Sargent County Relay For Life fund-raiser held in Rutland in June of 2011 was the 4th largest, per capita, in a region composed of the States of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. That was incorrect. The Rutland event was actually the 4th largest, on a per capita basis, in the region composed of the States of North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. So, instead of being 4th best in a 4 State region, it was 4th best in a 12 State region in which more than 500 Relay For Life events took place. All in all, a pretty good showing for the Sargent County Relay For Life Committee, and for the little city that can.
Rutland native, now District Court Judge, Dan Narum of Lamoure, visited the Rutland General Store and discussed world events with The Assembled Wise Men at the Round Table on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 18. Dan was in town on unofficial business, paying a visit to his uncle, Rutland Mayor Ron Narum.
Dick Anderson and Peder Gulleson of this community were among those touring the Murphy Oil Co.’s ethanol plant at Hankinson on Thursday, January 19. They were among about 2 dozen Sargent County residents who took the bus from Forman that morning to participate in the tour that was organized by Sargent County Extension Agent Julie Hassebroeck. They report that the facility is quite impressive, processing about 130,000 bushels of corn into approximately 350,000 gallons of ethanol every day. The ethanol is blended with gasoline and increases the nation’s supply of that fuel by at least 10%. In addition to ethanol, the plant also produces thousands of pounds of protein and fiber to supplement livestock feed rations.
Gretchen Vann and Debbie Liermark return from a mid-Winter vacation trip to Holland on Thursday, January 19. The two sisters had accompanied their mother Antonia “Toos” Vanderwolf, and visited a number of cousins and old friends in the old country. They report that the people of Holland appear to be doing well, and that the economy there appears to be strong.
The Old Curmudgeon, former owner, editor and publisher of The Sargent County Teller, Richard Bradbury, reported in on Sunday, January 22, with the news that he and Janet are wintering quite nicely on the Warren Ranch near Rapid City SD. Richard states that he has a recliner, a coffee pot, satellite TV and a high speed internet hook up, as well as an indoor biffy, so life is good. He also reports that he got in some golfing during the 70 degree days in the first half of January, taking in both the course on the nearby Air Force Base and the Rapid City Municipal Course. He states that the abundance of elk, deer, Canada geese and other wildlife that make the golf courses their homes have left deposits on the fairways that have created some sticky, and stinky, hazards for the golfer to contend with. Well, he can rest assured that he has the unbounded sympathy of all of the Assembled Wise Men gathered at the Round Table. Ya, you bet!
Mike & Diane Kulzer spent the January 20-22 weekend up in Washburn ND, visiting at the home of Jeff & Katy Kulzer. While there, the Kulzers drove down to Bismarck to see their grandchildren play basketball, and to visit with their daughter, Carla, who lives in Dickinson. Mike was back on the job at Kulzer Feed & Seed on Monday, January 23, while Diane was on the road to Minneapolis for a visit with their son, Chad, and to spend some “Grandma Time” with grandchildren there.
Rutland Township lost another long time resident early on the morning of Monday, January 23, when Lila (Mrs. Orville) Nelson passed away at Four Seasons Healthcare Center in Forman. She was 82 years old at the time of her death. Lila and Orville have been active participants in nearly all activities in the Rutland community during the past half century. Lila was the eldest daughter of the late Peder & Inga Pederson. She grew up on the family farm in Ransom County, attending a 1 room country school through the 8th Grade, and graduating from Milnor High School. She married Orville Nelson in 1956, and they made their home on the farm in Rutland Township for the next 55 years. In recent years, Lila has been actively involved in the Sargent County Historical Society, and has been a member of the Rutland Senior Citizens Club. Lila is survived by her husband, Orville; 3 daughters: LeDora Wohler of Horace; Teresa Kirby of Fargo; and, Julie Johnson of Galesburg; 2 sons: Trent and Wyatt, both of Forman; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; 1 sister, Doris Ann (Mrs. Ronald) Narum; and 2 brothers: Arnold; and, Orville. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Forman. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, also at Trinity Lutheran Church in Forman. Burial will be in the South Trinity Cemetery in Rutland Township, near the Nelson’s farm home. Price Funeral Home of Britton & Forman is in charge of arrangements. The Rutland community extends its sympathy to the family of Lila Nelson, a good friend and neighbor.
Steve & Sheila Wyum return from Hawaii on the evening of Monday, January 23, and report that America’s “Pacific Paradise” is still a paradise, especially when, while strolling on the beach, a report is received that it is 17 degrees below zero at home. The Wyums had gone to Hawaii on a 2 week tour sponsored by the North Dakota Farmers Union.
The Rutland Community Development Corporation’s 35th Annual Meeting was held on the evening of Monday, January 23, at The Rutland General Store. Shareholders enjoyed a wine tasting session, featuring local wines produced by John & Cindy Steffes at their Prairiewood Vineyard & Winery near Elliot ND, and a delicious supper featuring a pork roast entrée prepared and served by the staff of the General Store, prior to the meeting. The corporation’s financial report, delivered by treasurer Rob Hoflen, showed net assets of more than $26,000.00 in the form of cash, promissory notes and mortgages being owned by the corporation. Currently, the RCDC is participating in community economic development with 2 Rutland businesses. The terms of 3 directors: Lori McLaen; Cameron Gulleson; and, Rob Wyum; were expiring, and Lori announced that she would not be a candidate for re-election, while both Cam and Rob threw their hats into the ring. Jill Anderson was elected to the directorship formerly held by Lori McLaen, and both Cameron and Rob were re-elected to 3 year terms on the board. Reports were received from Rutland City Council member Bertha Siemieniewski on the progress of the Rutland Town Hall improvement project; from Rodney Erickson on progress with his renovation of the former Lariat Bar building at 202 First Street, and other business development plans that he is working on, including acquisition of an aerial crop spraying business; and, from Joe, Patty & Olivia Breker, representing the developers of Coteau des Prairies Lodge, situated in the hills southeast of Rutland. The Lodge is the first serious attempt to capitalize on the tourism potential of this area. “The Old Parsonage” situated in the old Baptist Church parsonage on Main Street, is another new business that has started up in Rutland during the past year. Following the business meeting and reports, County Extension Agent Julie Hassebroeck presented a program describing methods of, and the necessity for, consistent and aggressive marketing programs for developing businesses in rural communities. The board of directors reorganized following the shareholders meeting, and the following officers were selected for 2012: Bill Anderson, president; Rodney Erickson, vice-president; Mike Kulzer, secretary; Rob Hoflen, treasurer; Jill Anderson, director; Rob Wyum, director; and, Cameron Gulleson, director. Shares in the Rutland Community Development Corporation are available for $50.00 per share, and anyone who would like to be an active participant in the economic development of theRutland community can contact secretary Mike Kulzer or treasurer Rob Hoflen to purchase shares.
Jill Anderson of this community recently accepted a position as an electrical engineer with Ulteig Engineering of Fargo. Ironically, her first job with her new employer was to head east to Rutland,Vermont, to assist with the modernization of the power grid centered there. Rutland, North Dakota, was given its name by railroad workers hailing from Rutland, Vermont, when the Great Northern Railway constructed tracks through here back in 1886. Jill’s previous employment experience includes stints at DMI, the wind tower manufacturers, in Fargo; Bobcat at Gwinner; and, Boeing Aircraft in Minneapolis. Jill, a native of Hibbing MN, is married to Mike Anderson of this community. She and Mike reside on the Anderson family farm in Ransom Township, 2½ miles north and 3½ miles east of Rutland. She is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities afforded by her new job.
Shelly Pherson has contacted family and friends here with the news that being a cargo handler at Bogram Air Force Base, Afghanistan, is a ful-time job, often requiring 12 hour shifts to get the right stuff in the right aircraft headed in the right direction. Shelly also sent her mother, Ione, a photo of herself doing a handstand on the runway of the Air Base. Last Summer, Shelly had her photo taken while doing a handstand on the steps of the U. S. Capitol in Washington DC, and she has made a handstand photo her signature souvenir from the sites of interest that she has visited. On the other hand, as Afghanistan is on the other side of the Earth, it is possible that the photo is upside down and Shelly is actually standing in mid-air, holding the world on the palms of her hands. Those who know her would agree that, with Shelly, anything is possible.
Pam Gulleson was home this weekend, taking a few days off from the campaign trail. Her schedule has her off to Washington DC this week for meetings with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) concerning that group’s decision to target the North Dakota Congressional campaign in the 2012 election. The seat had been held by Democrats Byron Dorgan and Earl Pomeroy since 1980, but was captured by Republican Rick Berg in 2010. Berg is not running for re-election to the House, but is seeking the Senate seat currently held by Kent Conrad in this Fall’s General Election. Both polling and fund raising indicate that Pam has a good chance of becoming the next member of the U. S. House of Representatives from North Dakota. A Rutland resident since her marriage to Bill Gulleson in 1981, Pam brings a myriad of experiences to her candidacy, including 8 sessions representing the 26th District in the North Dakota Legislature.
Meanwhile, on the national scene, the Republican Presidential Primary contest, which started out like a circus clown act, is becoming a down and dirty mud wrestling contest between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Massachusetts Governor Willard “Mitt” Romney, with Congressman Ron Paul and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum throwing in a little more dirt and water, whenever the situation warrants. The GOP choice is boiling down to either a serial philanderer, adulterer, prevaricator and flim-flam artist or a “vulture capitalist” who hides his money in off-shore tax havens in order to avoid paying the taxes paid by real Americans. President Obama, who has been on the sidelines with the rest of us, watching the GOP self-destruct, weighed in on Tuesday, January 24, with the Annual State of the Union Address. The President says that America’s glass is half full, and can get even more full if we all shoulder our responsibilities as citizens, work hard and pay our fair share of taxes. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, delivering the Republican response, said that the glass is half empty, and getting emptier. Well, at least there is bipartisan agreement that we have a glass. A month ago, it appeared that the Republicans had the advantage over the President. But now, with unemployment going down, the economy picking up, the Republicans tearing themselves apart and the President taking the offensive, it appears that the tables have turned. Oh well, “in politics,” it is said, “a day is a lifetime and a week is eternity.” A lot can happen between now and Election Day 2012, and we will all have to watch closely to figure out Who’s on First and What’s on Second in this ball game.
Well, that’s the news from Rutland for this week. For more information about what’s going on in the little city that can, stop by the community’s Internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com, and check out the Rutland blog and Facebook page while you’re at it, too. Don’t forget to keep the pressure on North Dakota’s Congressional delegation to SAVE OUR POST OFFICE.