With crashing thunder, flashing lightning, pounding hail and destructive winds, the storm on the night of Wednesday, May 2 marched from west to east across Sargent County, tracking along Highway #11, with Rutland on its south edge, leaving a trail of wreckage in its wake. Rutland and its immediate vicinity received .3 of an inch of rain out of the tumult.  The storm did its worst damage in Cayuga, where many trees were down and the power line was damaged south of Cayuga, along County #12.  The cupola on the westernmost of the 2 old grain elevators in Cayuga was blown completely off the building, turned 90 degrees and then dropped straight down on the east side of the structure, leading to some speculation that a tornado may have been at work in the midst of the storm’s action.  The old elevators have been abandoned and unused for more than 15 years, and the only regret about the damage is that the storm did not complete its work and remove them entirely.

Lenny Runyan reports that his father, Warren Runyan Sr. of Reading, Michigan, passed away on April 9, 2012, at the age of 77. Reading is in the southeastern corner of Michigan, near the Ohio border.  Lenny had spent a couple of weeks in Reading, tending to his father’s estate before returning to his home, here.  He reports that the recovery of the auto industry has the economy looking up in Michigan.  Lenny also states that raccoons and skunks have been decimating his chicken flock this Spring, but he has plans to alleviate the problem that may not be conducive to the survival of raccoons and skunks.  Lenny and his wife, Kathy, reside on the former Francis & Rozilla Maly farmstead, in the hills south of Rutland.

The Sage of Weber Township, Jack Brummond, drove up for a session at the Round Table on Thursday, May 3, and reported to the Assembled Wise Men that the corn planting is about completed in Weber Township, but that seeding of soybeans hadn’t started, yet.  In response to queries on the subject, Jack stated that his non-campaign for the Governor’s office has no campaign manager, no campaign fund, no campaign advertising, no campaign events and no campaign strategy.  The campaign is going nowhere, he says, and that’s just where he wants it.  If he keeps on non-campaigning this way, Jack is likely to become the most popular politician in North Dakota.

The members of Bergman-Evenson Post #215 of the American Legion met at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, on the front porch of Commander Larry Christensen’s home at 309 Dakota Street.  Commander Christensen distributed new uniform shirts, ties, trousers and jackets to the members, and discussed preparations for Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 28.  Theodore Lee reported on the work of the Veterans’ Memorial committee, and stated that a metal monument containing the names of all of the community’s military veterans, similar to one at Wendel MN, is currently under consideration.  Post members decided to hold 2 pancake and sausage breakfast fund-raisers during the upcoming year, the first in October and the second in February, and to dedicate the proceeds of the October fund-raiser toward the Veterans Memorial project.  Commander Christensen reported that there are 3 young men in the community who are eligible to go to Boys State this year.  Post members agreed to sponsor all 3, if they wish to attend.

“Take Me Out to the Ballpark,” is the theme song for the 2012 slow pitch softball season.  The members of the Rutland Men’s Slowpitch Softball team have their first game scheduled to be played at Forman on Tuesday, May 15.  The season opener at Lou Sanderson Field in Rutland will be on Tuesday, May 22, when the Roosters are scheduled to meet up with a team from Enderlin.  The concession stand will be open, so come on out to the ballpark!

Fishing enthusiasts have so many hotspots to go to this Spring that they spend most of their time spinning in circles, trying to decide which way to go.  Good catches of walleyes and northern pike are being reported at Buffalo Lake, north of Rutland; at Silver and Sprague Lakes, southwest of Rutland; at Lake Tewaukon, southeast of here; and, in a number of the larger sloughs and potholes throughout the area.  The angler does have to bait the hook, but otherwise the fish just catch themselves, local fishermen are reporting.

Janet Malstrom has been a patient at the Lisbon Hospital for the past 2½ weeks, doing battle with a recurring respiratory ailment.  Her many friends here wish her a speedy recovery and return home.  Janet’s husband, Joe Malstrom has been a patient at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo since Wednesday, May 2.  Joe had the middle toe on his right foot, what he refers to as the “roast beef” toe, amputated.  Joe says that they didn’t need an ambulance to get him to the hospital; they hauled him in with a Toe Truck.  Well, at least they didn’t amputate his sense of humor.

Patty Carlen returned to her farm home south of Rutland last week, after spending several weeks with her daughter, Pam, and son, Scott, at their homes in Bismarck.  During her Bismarck visit Patty ended up in the hospital for several days with a severe respiratory ailment, but she is now doing well, and is able to be out and about getting her yard and garden work done.  Welcome home, Patty!

The Nordland Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran churches of Rutland and Havana held a combined service at the new Silver Lake Park Pavilion on Sunday, May 6, at which five young members of the 2 congregations affirmed their faith in the rite of confirmation.  The 5 confirmands were: Emma Howey; Hailey Hamilton; John Carl Brummond; Austin Lehmann; and, Thomas Smith.  Pastor Ben Durbin officiated at the service, which was followed by a pot-luck dinner at the pavilion.  This was the first large event held at the pavilion since construction was completed, and those attending found it to be both attractive and functional.

One of Sargent County’s most valuable historical resources, Mr. Jimmy Rathert of Forman, departed this life on Saturday, May 5, at the age of 103 years.  Jimmy had grown up on the farm just south of Silver Lake now owned by Shannon & Toni Hajek, and had been a Sargent County resident for over a century.  Back in those early days, Jimmy said, the Ratherts did most of their trading in Rutland, but the farm’s central location between Rutland, Havana and Forman allowed him to get acquainted with most of the people residing in all 3 communities during the first third of the 20^th Century.  Jimmy was an excellent mechanic, and was intrigued by the big steam engines and early internal combustion powered tractors that were replacing horses and providing farm power during the days of his youth.  He recovered and restored many of these engines and tractors over the years, and a number of them are on display at the Sargent County Museum in Forman.  Jimmy knew the complete history of every one of these behemoths, and could describe every part in every machine in minute detail.  Although his eyesight failed in recent years, his mind did not, and he enjoyed regaling visitors to the museum with stories about his steam engines and tractors, which he recognized by touch.  He had suffered a broken hip on Thursday, May 3, and passed away at Sanford Hospital in Fargo on Saturday.  Jimmy was preceded in death by “just about everyone,” he used to say, including: his parents; his wife, Edna; his granddaughter, Jennifer; and, all of the friends of his youth.  He is survived by his son, Rudy, of  Forman.  All who knew Jimmy mourn his passing.  He gave to the future the opportunity to know a portion of its past.  The Rutland community extends its condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Rathert.

This community was saddened on Sunday, May 6, when word was received here that life-long community resident Marvin Pearson had passed away in a Fargo hospital at the age of 90 years.  Marvin was born on December 1, 1921, the eldest son of the late Gottfried and Martha (Anderson) Pearson of this community.  He grew up on the Pearson family farm in Ransom Township and attended the Ransom Township country school just south of the farm.  His formal education ended upon graduation from the 8^th Grade, but he continued to educate himself throughout his life.  On June 20, 1943,  Marvin married Audrey Hoistad, one of the daughters of the late John & Mabel Hoistad of this community.  Marvin and Audrey farmed in Ransom and Rutland Townships, purchasing the farm currently owned and occupied by their son, Dan, in the early 1950’s.  They continued to farm until they retired in the late 1980’s, and continued to reside on the farm to the end of their lives.  Audrey preceded Marvin in death several years ago.  He was a life-long member of Nordland Lutheran Church.  Marvin & Audrey lived simply, raised 5 good children, paid their bills and were good neighbors.  If all did that, this world would be a better place.  He is survived by 4 daughters: Maxine Harms of Breckenridge; Louise Hauger of Grimes IA; Nancy Pearson of Edina MN; and, Alayne McKay of Sarosota FL; and by one son, Dan, on the family farm in Rutland Township; by 2 brothers: Orvis; and, Roger; both of Rutland; and by numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife, Audrey; by one brother, Gordon; and, by one sister, Annette (Pearson) McDonald.  The funeral for Marvin Pearson is at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 11, at Nordland Lutheran Church in Rutland, with Rev. Ben Durbin officiating.  Price Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Interment will be in the Nordland Cemetery.  The Rutland community extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Marvin Pearson on the loss of their father, grandfather and family patriarch.

The Rutland City Council met at 8:00 p.m.on Monday, May 7, in the kitchen of the Rutland Town Hall with Mayor Ron Narum, Auditor Deb Banish and Aldermen Mike Mahrer and Bert Siemieniewski present.  Aldermen Lary Arneson and Barry Christianson were absent.  The financial report showed all funds to be in the black.  Mayor Narum reported that the ceiling of the Hall had been re-painted and that the re-painting and re-sealing of the Hall’s hardwood floor had also been completed.  He stated that it is recommended that the new seal coat be allowed to cure and harden before the Hall is used.  He also reported that Maguire Iron of Sioux Falls SD is set to paint the City’s water tower as soon as conditions permit.  Bert Siemieniewski reported that the walls and carpet in the front entry remain to be completed as part of the Hall remodeling project, and it was decided to replace the old paneling in the entry with textured and painted drywall.  The old carpet will also be replaced.  The Council discussed a rate for the temporary use of water and sewer services on lots owned by Glenn Kulzer of  Dillon MT.  A rate of $50.00 per season for turn on and turn off, plus $2.00 per day for days actually used was adopted.  In other business, the Council approved charitable gaming raffle permits for Bergman-Evenson American Legion Auxiliary and for the Rutland Cemetery Association.  The next meeting of the Rutland City Council is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, at the Rutland Town Hall.

Paul & Sue Anderson departed Rutland, bound for Phoenix AZ, on Tuesday, May 8.  The Andersons plan to visit Sue’s parents while they are in Phoenix, and also intend to get together with their youngest daughter, Betsy, who will be flying in from Houston TX.  Betsy is a history professor at a community college near Houston.

The Rutland Cemetery Association held its 2012 Annual Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, in the Community Room of the Sargent County Bank’s Rutland Station with board president Norbert Kulzer presiding.  Roger Pearson was re-elected to the board by a landslide margin.  Treasurer Mary Woytassek reported that the Association had more than $6,500 in expenses in 2011, due in large part to costs incurred for clean up and repairs after last Summer’s storm damage.  Members discussed whether or not a policy concerning the interment of cremated remains was necessary, and Mary Woytassek was appointed to check out practices at other cemeteries.  The Association will be seeking to replenish the funds expended after last year’s storms with various fund-raisers during the year, including a raffle for cash prizes and requests for donations.  Rutland Cemetery Association board members are: Norbert Kulzer; Larry Anderson; Mary Woytassek; Paul Anderson; and, Roger Pearson.  Donations may be mailed to: Rutland Cemetery Association, c/o Mary Woytassek, Treasurer, 13863 94^th Street Southeast, Rutland ND 58067.

The Old Parsonage at 217 First Street in Rutland will be holding its First Anniversary Celebration and 2012 Grand Opening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 11, 12 & 13, according to owners Sue Anderson and Kathy Brakke.  Sue & Kathy, assisted by Mary Ann Thornberg and Marcia Brakke, have been hard at work stocking shelves and putting together a number of attractive displays in preparation for the big event.  Mark it on your calendar, and be at The Old Parsonage in Rutland this weekend for a good time and a good deal.

Well, that’s the news from Rutland for this week.  For additional information about what’s going on in the little city that can, check out the community’s internet web site at www.rutlandnd.com, and take a look at the Rutland blog and Facebook pages, too.  Next week, on May 15, the Postal Service’s moratorium on closing rural Post Offices ends.  The word coming out of Postal Service headquarters in Washington DC is that the management is still hell bent on diminishing the services available at rural offices, so, don’t let up on the State’s Congressional delegation.  Now is the time to step up the effort to SAVE OUR POST OFFICE!  Later.