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RUSO - The man who was instrumental in keeping the town alive, serving more than 30 years as mayor, died earlier this week and likely took the town with him.
Bruce Lorenz, 86, passed away in a Minot hospital this past Tuesday. He was recently re-elected mayor of Ruso, garnering all three votes cast in a 100 percent turnout. Lorenz was living in a Minot care facility at the time of the election and told the Minot Daily News the day after votes were tallied that he had forgotten about checking the results.
No matter really. Lorenz voted for himself by absentee ballot and his limited campaign secured the votes of the only other residents in the state's smallest incorporated city. Lorenz's 3-nothing victory ensured another four-year term in office and brought some national attention to this tiny community.
However, his death seems destined to fulfill a prediction made by the long-time mayor and devoted resident of Ruso.
"If I ever leave I'm sure that will be the end," Lorenz told the Minot Daily News last January.
The North Dakota Century Code stipulates that an incorporated municipality shall have at least three council members. With Lorenz's death only two other other people currently reside in Ruso, a husband and wife who filled the necessary offices required for incorporation and recognition as a North Dakota city.
"It's the first I've heard of his passing," said Stephanie Dassinger, deputy director of the North Dakota League of Cities, this past Wednesday. "If Ruso no longer meets the requirements for a city there's probably a process that needs to take place. I don't know if there's much of a choice. Who unincorporates it? I don't know what to tell you."
Incorporated cities receive tax-based income from the state. The funds, which are distributed according to a population formula, are usually dedicated for infrastructure projects such as street lighting or repairs. Through the month of June Ruso received $701.51 in state money. That included $5.06 in city cigarette tax and a monthly highway tax of about $27.
Ruso has two street lights which are kept on by state funding. They may soon go dark as a result of the loss of incorporation. Dassinger said in the event that occurs the tax money normally paid to Ruso would go to McLean County.
Ruso had the unique status as the state's smallest incorporated city for several years, something that was a source of pride for Lorenz. His persistence is why Ruso maintained official city status. He moved to Ruso in 1956, acquiring a home with the financial help of a friend. In recent years, with age catching up to him, he resided in nearby Velva during the winter months. However, as soon as weather permitted, he returned to his beloved Ruso.
According to the League of Cities, only a handful of incorporated towns with a population less than 10 remain in the state. Based on the 2017 census they are: Bergen, pop. 8, Grano-9, Loraine-9 and Perth-9. Ruso was initially incorporated in 1909. By 1910 it was home to 141 residents.