Langruth News: 2001 (Jan-July) 

Each month the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation (Editor:Ron Brown) mails out a newsletter called "Langruth Views" to the residents in the municipality to help keep people abreast of the happenings in the community. If you wish to subscribe to the Langruth Newsletter and have it mailed to you each month (great value for the price), please a cheque ($6.50Cdn for those in Canada, out of country letter rate for those outside of Canada) to:
    Lakeview Initiatives CDC, Box 129, Langruth, Manitoba   R0H 0N0
        Keep up the great work Ron!
I also add news as I hear it from people in Langruth.

Index of Langruth News:


News for Jan, 2001 Top


News for Feb, 2001Top

Randy Bott passed away on Feb 8th, 2001. Please click here for the Obituary.

Pancake Supper & Talent Auction
   The Langruth United Church and Grace Lutheran Church will once again be holding their annual fund raiser: the Pancake Supper & Talent Auction.
   Admission is $3.50 for adults, #2.50 for children twelve and under and preschoolers eat free. Come out, enjoy the food and be entertained by or take part in the talent auction. Baking, crafts, talents and assorted items will be put on the auction block.
   Come early to get a good look at the items to be announced. Supper starts at 5:00pm followed by the auction. A movie will be provided for your children to watch during the auction.
   Please call in your talents, baking, etc to Phyllis at 445-2323 or your group leader by Feb 25th so that a list can be made up ahead of time stating the donated articles, etc. to be auctioned. If you are not sure what you are donating (i.e. fish depending on the catch) please let Phyllis know so she can leave extra spaces throughout the list.
   Viola Wild is to be contacted for the Lutheran Church donations and Phyllis for the United Church donations.

Skating and Hockey News
   Skating lessons have started again at the Langruth rink on Monday afternoons from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sig McRorie is the volunteer instructor. Fees are $30 for the lessons. Lesson times are as follows: Learn to Skate 5:00 p.m., Power Skating 5:30 p.m., CanSkate #1 6:00 p.m. and CanSkate #2 6:30 p.m. Call Linda Johanson for more information.
   Recreation Hockey takes place every Wednesday night. 11 and Under skate from 6:15 - 7 :15 p.m.. 13 and Under skate from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.. Fees are as follows:$12.50 per player for 10 and Under, $25 per player for 13 and Under.
   Public Skating takes place on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fees are as follows: Family season pass is $65, individuals pay a fee of $35 for a season pass or $2 for daily public skating.
   Ladies hockey games and practices are on Friday nights from. 7:30- 8:30 p.m.
   The Lazers play Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m.. The Selects play Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. and Friday night at 9:30 p.m.
   The Ice Rental Fee is $40 per hour.

Beach By-Law Not Destroyed !
   Although the original by-law # 920 was destroyed in the municipal fire, a copy of the by-law does exist. A fine up to $1000 or a jail term of up to three months can be enforced. By-Law 920 states that the Highway Traffic applies to the Hollywood Beach area as well as a 30 km speed limit. Driving is not allowed on the recreation area.
   The By-Law states ìthat no person shall drive, park, or leave standing any motor vehicle or any other terrain vehicleî on the legally described recreation area ìthat lies between the waters of Lake Manitoba and a line drawn south westerly therefrom two hundred feet and parallel thereto.î Dogs must be leashed or contained within a vehicle.
   The Hollywood Beach Citizens Committee requested that council work on new by-laws and signs for the beach for control measures. The council has been very co-operative in agreeing to work on a new by-law . Certain amendments and additions will still have be made to the present by-law in order to ensure safety and control at Hollywood Beach. The present by-law states that the placing and maintaining of signs, etc. regarding restrictions is a municipal responsibility.

Kick Up Your Heels
   Get rid of the winter blahs by getting out and kicking up your heels and line dancing. Line dancing lessons are being taught every Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Langruth School. Just show up and have some fun!
 

Diatomaceous Earth
Giant Liquidation Sale!!
50 lb. bag only $28
Liquidating Langruth Warehouse Stock
Buy now before stock runs out!
Available from your local distributor or 
Thordarson Health Inc. 445-2236 2 Road 18 Langruth, Manitoba

Lakeview Initiatives to Hold AGM
   The First Annual General Meeting of the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation will take place on Thursday, February 22 , 7:30 p.m. at the Community Hall.
   At the meeting we will explain the purpose of Lakeview Initiatives CDC and talk about past (as the Langruth Business Council), present, and future projects of the organization.
   We want you to come out, hear what we have to say and hopefully get involved. This is a community organization and the board members will be elected/appointed by those who are in attendance at this AGM.
   So drop in, hear us out, ask some questions and help us set some goals for the future. We currently have several projects on the go (or in the planning stage) that will be presented at the AGM and we would appreciate your suggestions or feedback.

KINOSOTA TRAIL
GAME & FISH ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL MEETING

February 6th, 2001
7:30 p.m.
Legion Auxiliary Rooms
Everyone is Welcome to Attend

ìThe World is Run by Those Who Show Upî

The following article was submitted by Kristin Arksey. Part One appeared in the December 2000 issue of the Views. This is the conclusion.

~Part Two~
   We were further honored by being allowed to go into the Speaker's Chambers. This is usually reserved for official dignitaries, such as ambassadors, diplomats, or the Queen herself. The Senate is the area where the Queen visits if she is in Ottawa. A buffet luncheon of fancy sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fruit plates and dainties was spread out on a table with beautiful floral centerpieces and shining silver trays. Gentlemen in suits with white gloves poured the tea or coffee and even opened your can of pop for you. All of this took place in an atmosphere of wood panelling, brocade draperies and glowing chandeliers.
   Senator Molgat was very pleased to meet Kristin as well as Susan and Lloyd because he's also a fellow Manitoban who at one time represented the St. Rose Constituency and his heart remains here. He graciously stood with us so that we could get our picture taken with him in front of the roaring fireplace. It was certainly a cozy and welcoming, yet elegant, area for visiting dignitaries to enter and get a warm introduction to Canada.
   Following the morning events Kristin and her family visited "The Famous Five" sculpture installation which is just east of the Senate on the Hill. These five separate statues represent Nellie McClung (who lived in Manitoba for awhile) and 4 other women from Alberta who fought to have women declared as persons. In 1929, when their battle was won, women's lives throughout the British Empire were changed. The tour of Parliament was brief, as both the House of Commons and the Senate were sitting. We did ascend the Peace Tower and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. While in Ottawa we also visited the National War Memorial, The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and the Byward Market. The fresh flowers and produce in the market were unbelievable as well as fresh maple syrup and pumpkins galore.
   We took a bus tour past the governor-general's residence, the RCMP musical ride stables, the Rideau locks, the prime ministeis residence, a brief trip into Hull and out to the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Ottawa. We visited Melanie on the campus of Carleton University and she gave us a brief tour of her school. It was a whirlwind trip with Kristin, Susan and Lloyd returning home late Friday evening.
   Melanie is in the second year of a four-year Bachelor of Arts(Honours) in Political Science with a concentration in Canadian Politics and a Mention Francaise. She was recently a recipient of a scholarship through the IODE of Manitoba-a scholarship that she applied for through the Icelandic newspaper.
Grandma is very proud of you Melanie!!
 

Hot Item For Sale
One used electric furnace.
Price: $200.00 or best offer
Phone 445-2357 or 445-2171 for more info

We thought our readers would be interested in knowing about all the good work being done by local organizations. This month we are happy to feature the Legion Auxiliary Report submitted by Rena Arksey. Watch for the Langruth Seniors report next month.

Legion Auxiliary Annual Report
   Another year has come and gone. We are still very much alive in our Auxiliary. We are down to sixteen paid-up members and four life members. Only eight of these are residents, the rest live elsewhere and two are out of province.
   In January we helped at the Legion Bonspiel and a carload of us attended the January Zone meeting in Portage. In March we drove to Shoal Lake for the District meeting.
   We hosted the birthday party at the Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone again this year. We have five residents there now. As you know we lost Archie Johnson in October. The others in residence are Thura Boivin, Sveina Johnson, Olive Smith, Bill Smith and Mr. Brass. About ten years ago a family by the name of Woolford (Barb & Ken) moved to Langruth. They bought George Hannesonís house. Mr. Brass is Mrs. Woolfordís father and he lived with them until two years ago. He then moved to Gladstone (now you know who Mr. Brass is).
   We sponsored two boys to the Peace Gardens; Lucas Armstrong for soccer and Denton Callander for music (Denton is a very talented piano player and he played for us at the Legion Banquet).
   Four of us attended the 70th Anniversary Banquet of the Portage Ladies Auxiliary. We took them a potted plant for the occasion.
   Three members went to the Plumas Legion Banquet and when the book ìWomen of the War Yearsî was published in Gladstone we purchased one and presented it to the elementary school for the children to read.
   We have made good money at the Bingos selling chips, bars, drinks, coffee, etc. We do not pay any rent to the Community Hall, so as a gesture of our appreciation the Auxiliary gave them a cheque for $500 towards a new roof for the hall.
   We donated to the University Scholarship, Gladstone Music and Arts Festival (our kids from here take part in this), Joint Hospital, Terry Fox, Arthritis Society, and we still give a $50.00 scholarship to a Grade XI student. This year Dana Gardiner was the winner. We also gave our Branch a cheque for $2,000 to help with their renovations. The whole inside of our building is getting a facelift, starting with new drywall. We did the Auxiliary rooms two years ago.
   We were very fortunate not to have many to send cheer to this year. The only one I have is to Leona Carson when she had surgery in Winnipeg. We are pleased to see how well she is doing.
   Thatís it for another year. Last year we did not have a Christmas party but we are planning one for this year. All the best to everyone and if you ever get a chance come and visit us at one of our meetings.
~Merry Xmas, Health & Happiness for 2001~
Your Auxiliary Correspondent, Rena

Editors Note: . . . and you thought all they did was drink tea! Who says nothing goes on in a small community? Just look at this monthís calendar; there isnít room for everything that takes place. If you would like to submit a report detailing your groupís activities we would love to have it. Come on, blow your own horn a bit, let the world know about the good works youíve done or the interesting times youíve had.

SNOWMOBILE
DERBY
FEBRUARY 3, 2001
LANGRUTH, MB
REGISTRATION AT
SKATING RINK
11 AM TO 1:30 PM
FEES: $10 PER DRAW OR
$25 FOR 3 DRAWS
50% OF GROSS TAKE
WILL BE GIVEN
AWAY IN PRIZES
 

ERIC MACMILLIAN INSURANCE AGENCY
110 BROADWAY AVE. WEST
BOX 241 PHONE 445-2379
LANGRUTH, MB  R0H 0N0
 

HALL RENTAL RATES
Effective January 1, 1999

Bingo
    $65.00
Bazaars
    $65.00
Concert Shows
    $65.00
W.I. Fall Fair
    $65.00
Meetings-Day/Evening
$65.00
Teas
$65.00
Showers
$65.00
Socials
$125.00
Bartenders
$50.00
Wedding Receptions:  
  Afternoon lunches or banquet
$100.00
  Banquet & Dance
$125.00
  Banquet & Dance & liquor
$200.00
Damage deposit for socials
$500.00

The Lakeview Fire Departmentperiodically receives safety bulletins from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. The following is a reprint of the most recent advisories. As you can see most of the items are commonly used in households or shops (coffee makers, lighters, cordless tool rechargers, etc.) so we wanted to pass this information along to our residents.

Recalls/Advisories
   Warning about potentially hazardous coffeemakers - certain models of Phillips brand drip style countertop coffeemakers may present a fire hazard. These coffeemakers are manufactured by Ever Splendor Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan. The model numbers are HD5260, HD5270, HL5286 and HL5330. These models are NOT UL listed. For further information, please contact Philips Electronics Ltd., at (416) 292-5161.
   Voluntary Recall of DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. Battery Chargers Models DW9107, DW9108 97-15 and 97016. Under certain circumstances, the charger may continuously charge a battery pack, which may present a potential for a fire or electric shock hazard or battery burst incident. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Langlois at (416) 747-4266 - CSA International.
   Voluntary Recall by DeWalt Industrial Tool Co. to upgrade DW872 Type 1 Multi-Cutters. The positive drive system on the saw prevents the blade from slipping which creates the potential for the work piece to come loose from the vise jaw and fence and may present a possible risk of personal injury. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Langlois, (416) 747-4266 at CSA International.
   Voluntary Recall of KitchenAid Home Appliances Food Processors. KitchenAid is recalling approximately 10,000 food processor blade units. A cap on the blade unit can become dislodged during use. When dislodged, the cap can get mixed with food, presenting a choking hazard. Affected model numbers are KFP300, 4KFP300 and RRKFP300, KFP350, 4KFP350, RRKFP350, KFP450 and RRK450. The food processors are white, almond, blue, red, green, yellow or black. Please call KitchenAid at 1-866-444-3574 for more information.
   Warning - grain-filled pillows - heating in a microwave oven can pose a fire hazard. Testing by Health Canada showed that flameless burning can occur if a pillow is heated longer than the manufacturer's maximum recommended heating period. Tests were conducted on two materials: buckwheat husks and oat grain. The buckwheat husks are more flammable but oat-grain filled pillows will also ignite if overheated. A further risk is increased by heating the pillow several times a day without allowing it to cool between each use, or by storing it in a hot or dry location. For further information, please contact the nearest Health Protection Branch at (204) 983-5490.
   Voluntary Recall to Repair DeWalt Industrial Tool DW9116 Battery Chargers - these chargers are for 9.6 to 18-volt batteries used with DeWalt cordless tools. Metal clips inside the charger could come loose and stick through the charger's vents, possibly resulting in consumers receiving an electric shock. For more information, please contact DeWalt at 1-888-388-3273.
   Warning - Dangers associated with certain Disposable Lighters - The following brands of lighters are being seized: ACTX, AMERICAN MATCH, AM, BEST, C-LITES, EVERGLIDE, GIL, HAPPY, HARRY, KING, LIBERTY LITES, LIVING PICTURE AG, MAZLITE, ROLLNLITE, SNAPLITE, SPIIN-LITE, STRIK'N'LITE, SUN, TOUCH LITE, VIVA, WAX. These lighters do not meet Canadian safety standards. These lighters present fire, injury and burn hazards because they have been known to explode or leak gas when dropped. For more information, please contact the Product Safety Office of Health Canada at (204) 983-5490.
   Voluntary Recall to Repair Variable Speed Portable Electric Band Saws - Milwaukee Electric Tools Corporation are recalling the band saws that were sold from January 18, 2000 through September 15, 2000. They have a switch that may stick in the "ON" position. Please call Milwaukee Corporation at 1-800-274-9804 or 1-888-889-5045 for more information.
   Voluntary Corrective Action Program for Rheem PV40 and PVV50 Power Vented Water Heaters - cracks have developed in the ABS fitting at the power-vent blower connection to the plastic vent piping on certain units. For more information, please contact Ted Clark at 1-800-371-4955.

Langruth Views ~ February 2001
February 2001
Distributed by the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation


News for March, 2001  Top

Lakeview Initiatives Holds First AGM
          On Thursday, February 22nd Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation held its first Annual General Meeting with approximately 30 people in attendance. Committee members currently working on projects gave brief presentations and answered questions. A history of the Langruth Community Business Council (the brainchild of Lynne Jonasson and Mossann Reed) and the many projects they tackled was also explained to the audience.
          The following is a list of some of the projects in the planning stage, currently underway or that have been completed (some annual events are listed as well): "Langruth Views" Newsletter, Christmas Tree Lighting, Dessert Theatre, Benches, Picnic Area, Christmas Craft Sale, Great Blue Heron Monument, Jackfish Lake Nature Site (partner), Tourist Information Sign, Hwy. 16 Billboard, Purple Martin Park (playground - partnered with Langruth Elks), Recreation Park (Sports Grounds) Redevelopment, Mudd Bogg, Important Bird Area Program (partnered with The Canadian Nature Federation, Bird Studies Canada, BirdLife International and the Natural Legacy 2000 Program), Main Street Beautification, Einarson Park, Westlake Tourism Association, Good Samaritan Alternative Housing (Seniors), C-FAN Central, Community Works Loans Program, and Hollywood Beach.
          At the end of the meeting the new Board of Directors was established from the people in attendance. They are: Kevin Johnson (President), Phyllis Thordarson (Vice-President), Ron Brown (Secretary-Treasurer), Barry Arksey, Brent Armstrong, Chris Johnson, Kim Johnson, Leslie Little, Erna Wiebe, and Jane Wilson.
 

Talented People Needed!
         Can you play the kazoo, carry a note. or bang out a great version of chopsticks on the piano? Then the Langruth Talent Show WANTS YOU ! Sing, play an instrument or entertain in some other way that plays well over radio and help raise money for a new floor in the Langruth Community Hall. The broadcast will take place from the Community Hall on March 10th at 8:00 p.m. on CFRY. Please call Linda Hackywicz at 445-2371 to register.
         We know there are many talented musicians and singers, both young and old, in our area and this is an opportunity for them to help out the community (and show off a bit). Of course everyone can help by calling in a pledge for their favorite entertainer. Don't forget to let friends and relatives in the CFRY broadcast area know about this event as well.

Parents & Tots (Moms & Tots)
   Held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lakeview Children's Centre on:
-   Wed. March 14th, Come out with your preschool children and join the playgroup.
-   Wed. March 28th. Let the C-FAN staff care for your preschool children while you hear a guest speaker and have coffee and cookies with other parents. (These sessions are FREE)

Library Closed in March
       The Langruth Library will be closed for renovations from March 8th to mid-April (approximately). Watch for further updates and date of reopening.
         Exterior renovations are planned for the summer and should not interfere with the operation of Library.

A Special Thank You
Thanks to friends and neighbours for the phone calls, flowers, food and donations received during the recent loss of our Mother, Gladys Isfeld. It was very much appreciated.
~ Clarence & Ann ~

Crowd Enjoys Annual Talent Auction
After a pleasant pancake supper a large crowd was on hand for a bit of good natured competition during the Grace Lutheran and United Church talent auction. Pies, bread, handmade crafts and numerous other items went to the highest bidder, all under the careful control of volunteer auctioneer Cecil Robertshaw.

When all was over everyone had enjoyed the evening and the chuches each realized a profit of approximately $1,900.00.

Thank You For a Job Well Done
   The Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation has evolved from the Langruth Community Business Council which began seven years ago. Their vision, insight, tireless hours of volunteer effort, and their many projects and events have made this community a better place to live, and are greatly appreciated. The community has benefited from your dreams and your successes.
   Thank you to all who have been members of the Langruth Community Business Council over the last seven years. The Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation would not have evolved to what it is today without your valuable efforts.

INCOME TAX SERVICES
DROP IN OR PHONE
ERNA WIEBE
110 BROADWAY AVE. WEST
LANGRUTH, MB ROH ONO
PHONE: 445-2059

Central Plains Cancer Care Seminar
Everyone is invited to attend an informative meeting regarding the services offered by Central Plains Cancer Care. The meeting will take place on April 10, 2001 at 2:00 pm in the Legion Auxiliary Rooms.

Langruth School Says "Thank You!"
   Thanks to everyone who supported the Langruth School used book sale. The donatations were tremendous, with nearly 1500 books sent in! Lots of readers came and bought reading material, profiting the school with over $300.00. The money will be used to enhance our own library collection.
   The unsold books are going to another worthwhile cause - The Winnipeg Children's Hospitial booksale, which takes place every spring.
 

The Langruth Seniors
Today, Tuesday, January 16th, 2001, a group of older persons known as the Langruth Seniors will hold their first business meeting of the New Year.
   A New Year may be an emotional time, for it is then that the concept of time takes on new meaning: a time to reflect - to laugh or even perhaps to shed a tear, as we look back, look forward and wonder what a New Year holds for us.
   Langruth Senior Citizens formed a group "The Happy Gang"  on April 14th and it continues to survive. We are grateful for the dedication of those former members and for those who continue to support the Seniors efforts of promoting, sharing and caring in a rich bondage of Community Spirit.
   For 2001 Meetings will be held in the Ladies Auxiliary to the Langruth Royal Canadian Legion club Room at 2:00 p.m. each Tuesday of the month (except the fourth Tuesday, when that week on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. a delicious dinner will be served and a social time enjoyed.
   At present every Friday is whist night. Come and meet your neighbours - enjoy entertainment, coffee and cookies at a Depression price of one looney per player.
   Looking back on the year of 2000, we remember with pleasure hosting the North West Region Meeting on April 17th. At this time, a group of Langruth Elementary pupils presented lively mucical items under the direction of Mrs. A. Sigurdson. The following day, April 18th, we attended The Central Region Meeting hosted by the Gladstone Seniors. Here we elected a new slate of officers and enjoyed a lovely dinner and a time of card playing.
   At our June Meeting, Mrs. Jenny Cooper of Amaranth Seniors taught us the art of using pressed dried flowers for the making of greeting cards.
   We attended the Langruth Decoration day  Service, placing a spray of fresh flowers at the  Cenotaph.
   A bus trip was fun for everyone as we celebrated The Gathering of Nations held at Swan
Lake, MB.
     Cars were provided for transportation to Portage la Prairie to enjoy supper out and then view and enjoy the RCMP Musical Ride.
     The North West Meeting was hosted by Glenella Seniors. The weather was fine and provided for good attendance to discuss the business, wholesome dinner, entertainment and a great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones was enjoyed by all. A few of our seniors journeyed to pay the McCorrachie Homes a visit, and were very pleased with the collection of antiques.
     With all our fun and travels at the end of November, our thoughts turned to a future need for funds. We complied with selling articles from a table at the Langruth Craft Sale.
      We hear the count down for Christmas and make plans fur our Christmas party. Everyone helped with games and prizes and a festive lunch.
      I would be amiss if I did not tell you how much we enjoyed dress rehearsal of the Amaranth Elementary School Christmas Concert. A big bouquet to Mr. Tom Bales, his staff and those performers: "The Pupils".
      Langruth Seniors appreciate the friendship  established with Amaranth Seniors by each month sharing our suppers and programme of games.
      As we begin a New Year, we say "Thank  You" to all who helped make the past a pleasure.

We look forward to our New Year,
For Yesterday is History,
Tomorrow a Mystery,
Today is a Gift.
Come. Enjoy an afternoon with us.
                         - The Langruth Seniors -
 

The following letter was submitted to Logberg-Hemskringla by John Johannson. We felt it would be of interest to our readers. It will appear in two installments.

~Part One~

Here is a story about another Icelandic family in Canada which I think will be of interest to several of your readers.

My paternal grandparents were Johann Johannsson and Katrin Sigridur Olafsdottir.They came to Canada from Glaumbae on Skagafjordir in 1888 with 2 children, Johann, 3 and Sarah, 1.

Grandfather Johann was born July 9, 1856 at Husabakka i Seluhreppi i Skagarfirthi.

Sigridur was born July 16, 1854 a Hofs Stathum I Vinhalishreppi I Hunavatnasyslu.

They made their first home in Canada in Churchbridge , Saskatchewan where grand dad got his first job - on the railroad. I believe the reason he did not go to Gimli when they came to Canada was because his sister and her husband, Gunnar Hallson had gone to Gimli with their four children in 1875.She and her four children all perished in the smallpox epidemic in 1877. Gunnar moved to North Dakota after this disappointment where he was one of the first settlers in what is now Hallson, North Dakota.

Johann and Sigridur stayed in Churchbridge for five years and moved to Manitoba in 1894. . During this time three more children were born, Helga, Arni ( my father ) and Annie (Gudmundina ).
The trip to Manitoba took over two weeks. They travelled by oxen and covered wagon and slept under the wagon at night. They took a cow with them to have fresh milk for the baby Annie.

They were looking for land that would be suitable for cattle farming, close to the lake for fishing and near timber for house building . They did not know at the time it would be seven years before they found what they wanted. They stopped at Leifur from 94 to 96, (their sixth child, Runa was born there in 1894), at Siglunes from 96 to 97, at Olafsonís farm east of Amaranth from 97 to 99, at Valdimarsonís farm at Big Point from 99 to 01 and finally homesteaded in Hollywood in 1901. This farm became the base from which his grandson, Steini built a very large farm which is very successfully operated today by his son Murray. The original homestead is still in the name of the great grandson, Murray. It will become a heritage farm in 2001.

The Hollywood community had reached a sufficient population by 1904 to enable the building of their first school in the area. Mr. Windsor, a teacher from England was hired with the strong requirement that the children learn to speak English. My father, Arni attended this school for three years. This was the first time he heard anyone speak anything but Icelandic. Mr. Windsor, made a rule that the children were not to speak Icelandic on the playground. To enforce the rule he used to whip the offender with a willow stick. Arni attended this school for three years during which time he learned arithmetic and to read and write and speak English remarkably well.

My grandmother, Sigridur, was trained as a midwife in Iceland. Since there were no doctors in the community, she was frequently called on to attend at a birth. After 1897 she delivered 302 babies without losing one. The families where these births took place were living all the way from Siglunes to Westbourne, a distance or 45 miles. Her only method of transportation to these homes was by horse and buggy or sleigh, summer and winter. Under normal circumstances she stayed with the family for two weeks. She did not expect to be paid for her services but most of the people wanted to give her something. Since nobody had any money in those days they often gave her pieces of crystal or glassware. She accumulated a large collections of these items.
~ End of Part One ~
 

The Langruth Serenaders
- by Sigga Moore
Cambridge, Ontario
(Reprinted from "Logberg-Heimskringla")

IN THE THIRTIES THE Langruth Serenaders drew crowds from all the villages around--Westbourne, Gladstone, Plumas, Amaranth, Alonsa, and even Portage la Prairie. Fortunately, Langruth had a large dance hall. The Serenaders drew the crowds.
      Most members of the Orchestra were Olsons--a rare family of eight boys and two girls.
Frank--saxoPhone and clarinet
Bill--an excellent teacher; Alberta
Oli violin; Detroit
Kjartan--piano; a banker outside Canada
Norman--violin
John--Clarinet and saxophone, and his improvising was so inventive
Stanley-a watchmaker, like his grandfather Olafur Thorleifson
Hardy--John taught Hardy to play clarinet, so he too played around with the melody, even more impressively
Gwen--got her ALCM (England) at nineteen years
Elfreda--a good listener, she is proud of her siblings and effusive over all the Olson successes.
      All have left this earth except the two girls and Stanley.
      Langruth is a village on an old beach of Lake Agassiz. We call it a ridge and it was like a highway-- always dry. George W. Langdon and a Mr. Ruth came west from St. Thomas to develop our wilds, hence "Langruth."
    S.B. Olson (Steini Thorsteinn) came to Canada from Iceland in 1886. He went directly to Pingvalla (north of Churchbridge) but the soil was shallow (two or three inches) and very stoney. Hence they gravitated east, finally settling at Big Point (east of Langruth nearer Lake Manitoba). There S.B. married Gudny Thorleifson, daughter of Margret and Olafur Thorleifson. They moved ro Langruth where S. B. set up a lumber business and built a house. Here their ten children were born. They retired at the Pacific Coast.
 

Protect children from gas fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, urges Safe Kids Canada
.....

Keep children away from the doors of gas fireplaces. Children have been badly burned by touching these doors. The doors heat to more than 200ºC in minutes and remain hot for more than 45 minutes after shut off.

Keep smoke alarms in good working order. Check them monthly, replace the batteries twice a year and be sure there is a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home, particularly next to sleeping areas. Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.

Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, especially near bedrooms. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced by any appliances that run on fossil fuels such as wood, gas oil or coal. Know the early warning signs of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning: tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and reddening of the skin.

Heating sources are among the leading causes of fire in Canada. There were 3,857 fires started by heating equipment in 1997 (the most recent year for which statistics are available for Canada). These fires killed 20 Canadians, including two children and injured a further 147. Another 24 deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from sources other than motor vehicle exhaust. Home heating equipment is the likely cause of many of these fatalities. For more information, check the Safe Kids Website: http://www.safekidscanada.ca
Next month: extension cords.

Langruth Views
March 2001
Distributed by the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation
 

Langruth Proves to be a town on the move
BY SHARRON ARKSEY THE HERALD LEADER PRESS, March 6, 2001.
  LANGRUTH -An economic development advisor with Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs sees good things happening in the small community of Langruth.
  "This community is coming alive, I can sense it," Al Peto said at the annual general meeting of the Lakeview Initiatives community development corporation in Langruth on Feb. 22.
  "There are many things happening in Langruth," he said. "This is a different community than it was five or six years ago.
  " Peto pointed to the large number of community improvement projects now being considered and initiated by area residents.
  Projects range from ecotourism to child care and parent resource services to main street beautification to an investigation into senior citizen residences for the community.
  A second annual Mudd Bogg competition is being planned for Sept. 2 with an enlarged program and headline entertainment.
  The first edition of Monster Madness in September 2000 drew 800 people to the Langruth community and generated $6,000 in profits. Organizer Kevin Johnson is looking for bigger and better results in 2001.
  Proceeds from the event will go towards the development of a recreation park for Langruth, including improvements to the existing ball diamonds on the sports grounds, landscaping and tree planting, a golf course, improved parking facilities, a revitalized curling club and maintenance of the community's skating rink.
  Since 1997, the community has been a member of the Westlake Tourism Association, focusing on ecotourism in Langruth and neighbouring areas.
  Langruth has recently been designated as an Important Bird Area of Canada under a program partnered with Canadian Nature Federation, Bird Studies Canada, Birdlife International and the Natural Legacy 2000 Program. Three local infermation sites will be set up and the Langruth school will participate through its web site and bird monitoring activities.
  Hollywood Beach, located northeast of Langruth, is home to a wide variety of birdlife, including at least one endangered species. A series of improvements to the beach are planned.
  The Birdwatching Capital of the World highway sign at the junction of highways 50 and 16 will be redone and once again erected. The sign had been removed last year after it was vandalized.
  Committee spokesperson Phyllis Thordarson said that a $4,950 grant has been applied for to assist with completion of these projects.
  Work is ongoing on the JackFish Lake project in the Big Grass Marsh. A joint project of the rural municipalities of Westbourne and Lakeview and the town of Gladstone, Jackfish Lake is being billed as "a miniature Oak Hammock Marsh" Overly wet conditions during the past year have proven an obstacle, but committee representative Isaac Wiebe said that work will continue as soon as possible.
  A$13,000 grant under the Manitoba Hydro Main Street Beautification program has been approved for the planting' of trees along Langruth's Main Street and at Einarson Park at the southeast end of town. Trees are to be ordered and planting will be done this spring.
  Childcare - Family Access Network (C-FAN) will begin renovations in mid-March to the Westlake Co-op building purchased last year. When completed, C-FAN Central will serve as home base for a parent-child resource centre, a rural child care education program, the Langruth library, well baby clinics, the Baby First Home Visitor and public health services, a mini business development/adult education centre, a fetal alcohol syndrome education program and the Early Start Home Visitor program.
  Investigations are also being conducted into the feasibility of a senior citizens housing project similar to those offered through the Good Samaritans Society in Alberta and Luther Care projects in Saskatchewan.
  Indications are hopeful that the community will also qualify for funding under Community Connections, a federavprovincial program designed to put technology into communities.
  Although grant funding has already been approved for some projects such as Main Street Beautification, the development corporation is still awaiting word on other applications. But members are adamant that the projects will go ahead, grant money or no grant money.
  "We will get things done whether we get the grant money or not, spokesperson Phyllis Thordarson said, a sentiment that was echoed by others at the annual meeting.

Johnson will head Lakeview development corporation
BY SHARRON ARKSEY THE HERALD LEADER PRESS, March 6, 2001
  LANGRUTH -- Kevin Johnson will chair the Lakeview Initiatives Community Development Corporation for the coming year, following the corporation's first ever annual meeting on Feb. 22.
  Phyllis Thordarson will serve as vice-chair and Ron Brown will be secretary- treasurer.
  Other board members elected for a three year term were Barry Arksey, Brent Armstrong, Chris Johnson, Kim Johnson, Leslie Little, Erna Wiebe and Jane Wilson.
The recently formed Lakeview Initiatives Comniunity Development Corporation has its roots in the Langruth Business Council established in the fall of 1993.
   Over the past seven and a half years, the business council has initiated a wide range of community events and projects to promote the Langruth area.
  Accomplishments included the erection of a sign near the junction of highways 50 and 16, the establishment of a monthly community newsletter, the construction and placing of the blue heron monument at Langruth's south end and annual events such as the community yard sale in May and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in December.
  In partnership with the local B.P.O. Elks organization, the council set up ,Purple Martin Park playground in the village's centre.
  Business council members served as interim board members for the new community development corporation until the annual meeting was held.  With a community development corporation now in place, the door is open for participation in such provincial programs as the community works loans program.
  Under this program, a local CDC raises between $10,000 and $25,000 in order to qualify for matched two-to-one funding by the province. Tapping into this pool of funds, approved clients can receive loans of up to $10,000 at competitive interest rates to help them start or expand a business.
  But the loans program is only one of several projects in the future for the Lakeview initiatives CDC.
  In addition to the board itself, several sub-committees exist to oversee individual projects within the corporation's mandate. Volunteers are being sought to take positions on the committees of their choice.

House for Sale (rural)
$99,500 - this spacious 7 bedroom 2400 sq ft home features a large eat-in kitchen and a full basement ready to be developed. The 1 1/2 storey house has lots of room for a large family or it could be divided into a duplex. Nestled on 320 acres hay/pasture/crop land with a large cattle shelter and corrals just west of Langruth. Call Dennis Burch for more details at 204-274-2448. MLS.


News for April, 2001  Top

Flooding has hit the Langruth area. Westbourne has declared an emergency. The culverts just can't handle the water volume. The gravel over culverts has been washed out in some places to 10 feet wide right down to the culvert. About 30 to 40 washouts in total have occurred. Some residents can't leave their homes because their driveways have been washed out or the road to town has been washed out. Lack of a large backhoe is increasing the frustation and attempts to repair the roads. A machine from a local municipality can be borrowed from time to time, but it is often called away to fight its own problems at home.

Flood Waters begin to recede
Municipalities still dealing with a lot of water
From the Portage Herald Leader, April 24,2001
BY PATRICK CARON
THE DAILY GRAPHIC
     Spring flooding is subsiding in the rural municipalities of Lakeview and Westbourne, but municipal officials say they are not out of the woods yet.
     Isaac Wiebe, reeve of the RM of Lakeview, said water levels from overland flooding went down over the weekend but Highway 265, between Plumas and Langruth, is still not driveable because of flooding.
      It's mostly under control," Wiebe said. "But water is still flowing over 265. It just cannot get west to Jackfish Lake ditch. That's the problem there.
     Wiebe said the biggest headache for the municipality now is dealing with the 40 or 50 washed out roads.
     "We've been fitting up the east- west roads so people could at least get to the highway," Wiebe said. "Now we have to deal with the washed out north-south roads.
      Ed Stroeder, reeve of the RM of Westbourne, said while water levels were going down on the Whitemud River through the village of Westbourne, problems are mounting at Steel Bridge near Woodside.
      "Westbourne is out of immediate danger," Stroeder said. "But Steel Bridge and Woodside is still a concern for us."
      Stroeder said RM crews were transporting sandbags from Westbourne homes that were threatened by flooding last week to homes near Woodside.
      He said: he hoped the sandbag would not have to make the return trip anytime soon.
      "The big variable there is the weather and how fast it melts and gets into the marsh," he said. "But it's supposed to be warm toward the middle of this week so that will send another rush of water our way. Hopefully the river can take whatever is to come now."
     While Stroeder said he'll be watching river levels closely, he also has to deal with over land flooding.
     "There again we need a little co-operation from the weather to dry things up a bit," he said "It's going to be a challenge."
     Denzil Gamble, who has Lived for 33 years in Westbourne, said he was breathing a sigh of relief last weekend' as the water level on the Whitemuud River was returning to normal levels.
     Gamble said now he has to start working on removing sandbags, branches and other debris.
     "First I was filling sand bags and worryiing about my house," Gamble said. "Now I have to start cleaning up.

Lakeview to release budget in May
BY SHARRON ARKSEY
THE HERALD LEADER PRESS
LANGRUTH - Details of the 2001 financial statement for the Rural Municipality of Lakeview will be released at a public meeting on May 14, in conjunction with council's regular monthly meeting.
     The budget was given first reading at council's April 9th meeting.
LEASE RENEWED - A lease agreement with Crown Lands for the Laleview PFRA community pasture was renewed.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE - Six community members were ratified as members of the Langruth Library Committee.
   Members are Henriette Kleemola, Viola Wild, Linda Hackywicz, DeeDee Armstrong, Elaine Smith and Marie Leclerc.
CONVENTION - Chief administrative officer Ron Brown will attend the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association Conference in Brandon from April 22 to 25.
ACCOUNTS PAID - Accounts for the month of March totalling $24,849 and utility accounts in the amount of $1,307 were approved for payment.
 

Langruth Views

Church Celebration

The Langruth United Church is celebrating their 75th Anniversary on June 17, 2001 at 11:30 a.m. at the Church.İ Everyone is welcome, including all former ministers and adherents.İ Dinner will follow at 1:30 p.m.İ Tickets are $10.00İ RSVP by June 1st to Rena Arksey, Box 103, Langruth, MB R0H 0N0,İphone 445-2357 or email barksey@mb.sympatico.ca

Talent Show a Success

Over $9,000 was raised through the generosity of sponsors at the Langruth Talent Show held on March 10th.İ Twenty-five contestants of all ages took part and entertained everyone in the hall and all of the CFRY listeners at home during the four hour show.
Thanks to the all of the sponsors the Community Hall is well on its way to installing a new floor.

 

Time to Read the Water Meter

İİİİİİİİİİİ Town residents with water service are asked to read their meters for the end of March.İ Please phone your reading in to the Municipal Office (445-2243).İ You may call at any time and leave your name and meter reading on the answering machine if after office hours.İ If you experience difficulty in reading your meter please let the RM know - they can help.İ Having residents themselves do three readings per year helps keep down the cost of operating the water system.İ Your cooperation is appreciated.
Meter Reading


0


 

Moms & Tots Meet Again

The Lakeview Childrenís Centre will be hosting more sessions of ìMoms & Totsî on April 4th and April 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.İ Please call Donna at 445-2360 if you would like more information.

 

Take care of your dog

İİİİİİİİİİİ An alarming number of rabid animals were reported in this area last summer.İ If you value your animalís health please take advantage of the Vaccination Clinic that will be held in the Lakeview Fire Hall on April 19th fromİ 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.İİ Dogs kept within Langruth must be vaccinated and licensed.

 

Spring Ahead, Fall Back

İİİİİİİİİİİ Daylight savings time returns to Manitoba early in the morning of Sunday, April 1, when clocks across the province will be advanced one hour.İ Under the Official Time Act, daylight savings time takes effect the first Sunday in April and continues until the last Sunday in October.İ This year, the precise time change occurs at 2 a.m., Sunday, April 1, at which time clocks are advanced to 3 a.m.
İİİİİİİİİİİ This is also an ideal time to change all the batteries in your smoke detectors.İ Batteries should be changed in the spring and fall at the same time you change your clocks.İ If you donít haveİ smoke detectors - Get Some!İ They are inexpensive, easy to install and save lives.

Submitted Article

The following letter was submitted to Logberg-Hemskringla by John Johnannson.İ We felt it would be of interest to our readers.İ It will appear in two installments
~ Part Two ~
After Hollywood and Big Point (the Big Point community celebrated their 100 year anniversary in 1994) were well established, a small town started to emerge at the junction of the railroad and the Big Point road.İ This was the beginning of the town of Langruth.
Two of Dads sisters (Helga and Annie) married two Erlendson brothers who had established businesses in Langruth.
Helgaís son Arnold was the first boy to be born to settlers in Langruth.İHe started his career in the bank and after a short time became the municipal clerk in Lundar, a position he filled for 40 years until his retirement.
Annieís daughter, Katie was the first settlerís daughter to be born in Langruth.
Aunt Runa married George Garrett who was principal of the Portage Collegiate for many years. During the war years she convened the work for the Red Cross in Portage for the entire war. She went to the Red Cross headquarters every day.
       My father, Arni, homesteaded two quarters in Big Point in 1910.İ He married Gudlaug Ingimundson in 1911.İ My sister, Sigga was born in 1912.İ Siggaís mother died 3 years later and she was brought up by their Afi and Umma Ingimundson.İ She learned to speak old country Icelandic from them and she is still fluent in it today.

My mother came from Chester, Nova Scotia and became the first principal in the new high school in Langruth in 1920.İ Later that year she married my Dad.İ They lived on the family farm for 46 years and raised three daughters and four sons.

Mother taught for over 30 years, mainly in the one room Big Point School, and during the same time raised seven children.İ She was a good teacher because although she had nine grades to teach in the one room, a disproportionately large number of her students there went on to graduate from University.

Both Mother and Father placed strong emphasis on education and always encouraged us to go on with our studies.İ The result of this is seen in the fact that over twenty of their children and grand children have University degrees and four are in University this year.İİİİ ~The End ~
 

Time to Get Ready for the Seventh Annual
İAll-Around-Town
İYARD SALE
Saturday, May 19, 2001
İfrom 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Great Yard Sales in and Around Langruth


We will have maps available again this year. 
İIf you want your sale included on the map please call Ron at 445-2243.

 

Cats

Town residents are asked to please control their cats.İ Several complaints have been received about cats annoying other residents by soiling doorsteps, clawing garbage and property, and by driving dogs crazy.İ If you are a cat owner please take heed.
Income Tax Services

Drop In or Phone


Erna Wiebe
110 Broadway Avenue West
Langruth, MBİ R0H 0N0


Phone:İ 445-2059

Community Canvas Results

İİİİİİİİİİ The Langruth Community Canvas collected $3,434.00 in the Fall of 2000.İ The break down of donations received is as follows:
Canadian National Institute for the Blind - $503
Canadian Red Cross - $421
Child & Family Services of Central Manitoba Foundation - $340
Salvation Army - $402
Central Plains Cancer Care Services - $857
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba - $911
İİİİİİİİİİİ The canvassers were Karen Oliver, Marsha Lasson, Jessie Yungkurt, Rita Organ, Linda Johanson, and Isabel Thomson.
Farm & Rural Stress Line

1-866-367-3276

Call Monday to Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All calls are confidential.
The Lakeview Fire Department periodically receives safety bulletins fromİ the Office of the Fire Commissioner.İ The following is a reprint of the most recent advisories. 

 

Extension Cords

İİİİİİİİİİİ Article 4-010 of the Canadian Electrical Code explains the use of flexible cords.İ It states that ìFlexible cord shall be permitted to be used for: (a) Electrical equipment for household or similar use Ö which is intended to be: (i) Moved from place to place.îİ An example of this type of use would be to set up a projector to show a film. The extension cord is used to reach a receptacle and would then be removed.İThese cords are for temporary use only and are not to be left plugged in for hours or days at a time.İ 
İİİİİİİİİİİ There are two commonly used types of extension cords.İ The first is the flat; two-conductor cord sometimes referred to as a Christmas tree cord.İ These cords are usually white or brown in colour.İThis type of cord is approved for temporary indoor use.İ The second type of cord is the round three-conductor cord usually orange or blue in colour.İ These cords are used for plugging in vehicles in the winter.İ These cords are for outdoor use only.İ 
İİİİİİİİİİİ There have been a large number of fires in the Province of Manitoba caused by the improper use of extension cords.İ One fire fatality, this year is the result of an extension cord to a deep freeze 
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Colin Hogarth at 726-6845 or toll free at 1-888-253-1488. Submitted by Colin Hogarth, OFC, Fire Investigator

ERIC MACMILLAN INSURANCE AGENCY
110 BROADWAY AVE. WEST
BOX 241
LANGRUTH, MB R0H 0N0
445-2379

autopac

VISAİ ¨İİ MASTERCARDİİ ¨İİ INTERAC

AUTHORIZED PHOTO and
DRIVER LICENCE AGENT
Written & Road test Receipts

GENERAL INSURANCE

HOURS:İ Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Extended hours and Saturdays
By appointment.
Erna Wiebe

Success is not about having more.İ It is about what you are willing to give up in order to have what you really want.


News for May, 2001Top

Langruth pupils win awards for vocal, piano solos
BY SHARRON ARKSEY
THE HERALD LEADER PRESS
      Two Langruth students were recently awarded trophies for highest standing in vocal and piano solos, performed during the Gladstone Music Festival held from April 19 to 26.
      April Callander received the Ileen Rogers Memorial Trophy for earning the highest mark in a vocal class during the festival.
       Theresa Thordarson tied with William Morton ColZegiate Institute student Stephen Mowat for the highest mark in a piano solo, Grade 5 and up.
       Presentations were made at the final highlights concert held on April 27.
      Other Langruth students participating in the highlights concert were Amy Murray, Denton Callander, Roddy Thordarson, Matthew Kleemola, Kaitlin Wild and the girls choir.
      Students from the local school participated and did well in all of the categories offered at the annual festival.
     The kindergarten to Grade 2 class choir was awarded the Joyce and Cliff Brooks trophy in its category, while the 13 girls in the grades 2 to 5 girls choir were awarded the School Board Trophy for their excellent effort.
      The Grade 5 entry in the Orff ensembles category was awarded the C.T. Boyd Trophy.

Rural Langruth
#9717 - $99,500 - This spacious 7 bedroom, 2400 sq ft home features a large eat-in kitchen and a full basement ready to be developed. The 1 1/2 storey house has lots of room for a large family or it could be divided into a duplex. Nestled on 320 acres hay/pasture/crop land with a large cattle shelter and corrals just west of Langruth. Call Denis Burch for more details at 204-274-2448. MLS.

The ashes of the late Jim Jackson will be interned at the Lakeland Cemetery on May 19, 2001. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held in the Langruth Community Hall.
 

Still coping with flooding

Property owners along Whitemud River, Big Grass Marsh still battling water levels
BY DAVID MORRIS, The Herald Leader Press, May 22, 2001.
    People living near Big Grash Marsh and Whitemud River are still coping with flooded homes and farmland despite the fact crests reached their peaks more than a week ago.
    According to Manitoba Conservation, Big Grass Marsh, which drains into the Whitemud River north of Gladstone, crested on May 10.
     A day later, on May 11, the Whitemud River crested for the second time this spring. But since then, the levels ofthe two water bodies have dropped very little.
    On Friday, the marsh had seen its water level drop by about only nine centimetres since its crest, while the river has only gone down about 18 centimetres since May 11.
     "It's probably going to take at least a month before the water levels are back to normal," said Alf Warkentin, senior river forecaster with Manitoba Conservation. "It's gota long way to go yet.
     Warkentin said the river is continuing to cause flooding at Woodside, while the marsh has been slow to drain because of wind.
     "The wind is really playing with the levels in the marsh," he said."If the wind comes from the south there isn't a lot of water draining into the river. If it comes from the north it's a lot better."
     The slow drainage has meant farmers in the area are still dealing with flooded land.
     Barb Hill and her three daughters returned to their farm house north of Langruth last Wednesday after living in Gladstone with relatives for three weeks. Her husband Garry stayed on the farm to look after the cattle.
     "Up until Tuesday all of our roads were cut off. There was no access to the farm," she said. "My husband was getting me to bring him supplies and he would have to meet me on a quad (all-terrain vehicle).
       Hill said Highway 265 west of her farm was still washed out on Sunday.
       What was more worrisome was the state of the Hill's180 head of cattle. With half of their pasture still under water, the Hills must haul feed to the pasture.
        "We're having an awful time getting to them," explained Hill.
       "Garry was trying to get feed to them with the tractor and the silage wagon,  but he'd only get stuck. He pulled the axle right off of the wagon.
       "It's not getting any better," she added. "When we get the rain it only seems to get worse.
      Further downstream from the marsh, farmers living in the Steele Bridge district are battling the swollen Whitemud.
      Glenn Bjarnarson said his farm yard, about nine kilometres east of Gladstone, was still flooded out by the river and he was having difficulty getting feed to his 200 cattle in the flooded pasture.
      "I'd say 75 per cent of my pasture is still nooded," he said.
      "I have the cattle on some high hills but they're eating the grass as fast as its growing. If we get any more rain, I don't know what will happen."
      Normally, Bjarnarson grows grain and hay for his cattle during the summer   months on 140 acres. But  this year, he doesn"t expect to grow nearly enough feed.
      In Woodside, the situation isn't much bettler.
      Kathy Madsen said the river is still over its banks and has flooded her farm yard, forcing her family to park its vehicles on the road and walk to the house.
.........

Thura Boivin
   Passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2001, at the Seven Regions Health Centre, Gladstone. Thura Boivin, age 74 years, of Third Crossing Manor, Gladstone, formerly of Langruth, Manitoba.
   A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2001, at 2:00pm at the Langruth Cemetery with Pastor Norris Nordin officiating.
   In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Langruth, Manitoba, R0H 0N0
   Clark's Funeral HOme, Gladstone in care of arrangements.
 Langruth Views, May, 2001:page1,page2,page3,page4,page5,page6,page7,page8


News for June, 2001Top

June seemed like a busier month for news than usual in Langruth. The washed out culverts were finally repaired - the buried telephone cable in the field along the Big Point road is still hanging in the air over sections washed out as the water in the ditch tried to make it own way to the lake. The Portage Herald Leader Press had more articles than normal about Langruth - front page in June 12th issue. Farmers were getting in that late seeding after the fields finally dried up - and then hoping for rain to germinate the seeds. Yellow lady slippers were everywhere - don't pick the pink ones. Even the wood ticks seemed to be busier this spring - and after you felt one crawling across your skin you were kept busy checking for more only to find that it was a false alarm. And there was still time for Decoration day and the United Church 75th Anniversary ( click here for pictures ).

Langruth fuel station banned from serving old customers
By David Morris
The Herald Leader Press, June 12, 2001
 Some farmers near Langruth and Amaranth are fuming over a court decision that has barred them from doing business with bulk fuel supplier in Langruth.
     "As a consumer, I don't think the ruling the judge made is fair," said Karen Dick: who along with her husband farms south of Amaranth. "It infringes on my rights to get the best price."
     On June 5, Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench Justice Brenda Keyser ruled Westshore Fuel and Oil Ltd. in Langruth could not do business with customers of the Esse bulk fuel station in Amaranth.
     The ruling came after a dispute between Imperial Oil and the former Amaranth Esso dealer.
     The large oil company terminated its contract with Kevin Johnson on March 19.
      Johnson said the termination was by mutual agreement after he became unhappy with Imperial Oil's lack of support following a rash of break-ins during the past year that left many of Johnson's business records destroyed or incomplete.
      Johnson took the two bulk fuel delivery trucks he owned and used as the Esso dealer in Amaranth to the gas station he has owned in Langruth for the past four years.
      Johnson continued to sell bulk fuel to his old Esso customers in Amaranth from his Langruth gas station and changed the name of his business from Westlake Fuel Ltd. to Westshore Fuel and Oil Ltd.
      However, the court injunction restricts Johnson from soliciting orders or supplying products to anyone who bought fuel from him during his last year as the Amaranth Esso dealer.
      The injunction expires on March 19, 2002 - one year after Johnson's contract with Esso was terminated.
      The injunction means Johnson can no longer do business with about three-quarters of his bulk fuel customers and potentially threatens the future of his Langruth operation.
      "If this issue isn't able to be rectified, I'll have to close my doors," said Johnson. "We have some customers here but not enough to keep it going.
     The court injunction said Johnson can no longer display the Esso brand name on his delivery trucks and he must forfeit all his ledgers, record books and customer lists he used as an Esso dealer to Imperial Oil.
     According to an Imperial Oil spokesperson, the company is now operating the bulk fuel site in Amaranth. Johnson said that's one of the reasons why so many of his customers continued to do business with him after his contract with Imperial Oil was terminated.
     "The customers are all pissed off about this," he said. "They want to support a local business."
     Dick, and her husband Darcy, said they usually buy between $5,000 and $6,000 of fuel each year to run their farm machinery. According to Dick, last week Westshore's price was seven cents a litre cheaper than Esso.
     "When you buy as much fuel as we do it adds up, said Dick. "That can be a lot of money for us."
     The Dick family is angry at Esso's court action and may take it's business to the Co-op fuel dealer in Gladstone.
     "I think we're going to change," she said.
     Ron Brown, administrator for the Rural Municipality of Lakeview, said if Langruth lost it's only gas station, it would be a huge blow to the community.
     "If (Westshore) is forced to close, all we have left in our town is the grocery store," he said.
     "People here want to deal with somebody locally and they really don't care what Esso says. We have so few local businesses in this area, why wouldn't we want to support local."
     Meanwhile ,a spokesperson with Imperial Oil defended his campany's court action.
     Pius Rolheiser said the court action became necessary after Johnson failed to honour a contract he signed with imperial Oil when he became the Amaranth dealer.
     "There was a non-competition clause which essentially said when (Johnson's) contract was terminated he would agree not to compete with us for a certain period of time," he said.
      "We believe that he was in violation of that clause and the court agreed."
      Rolheiser added his company plans to continue to provide service to its customers.
      "From our perspective, it's not our intent to disadvantage or establish any hardships for our customers. We want to continue to do business in (Amaranth)," he said.

Province has to stop flood waters
Build diversion from Big Grass Marsh to Lake Mantitoba, farmers, municipalities say
By Patrick Caron
The Herald Leader Press, June 12, 2001
     Farmers and local municipal leaders want the Manitoba government to look at building a diversion from Big Grass Marsh to Lake Manitoba to stem future floodwaters from swamping the region.
     Farmers and homeowners in the region spent most of this spring battling flood waters that gushed from the marsh into the Whitemud River, forcing it to overflow it's banks.
     GarY Hill, a cattle farmer who operates on the edge of the marsh, said excess water has been a problem for the last three years with this spring being the worst he and his family can remember.
     Hill said it's time for a real change.
     "I've been told that the (Red River Floodway) has saved millions of dollars over the years, maybe billions, by avoiding flooding," said Hill, who lives west of Langruth on the edge of the marsh. "Why can we not get some money put in to this problem in the marsh if it saves this kind of money? We have to be worth something.
     Hill said a big part of the problem is the increased drainage in the Whitemud watershed, north and west of the marsh.
     "If you get (7.5 centimetres) of rain in Riding Mountain National Park, four days later there will be a (30-centimetre) rise in the marsh," Hill said.
     However, he's not interested in draining the marsh and he is not trying to dump the problem of excess water in the marsh onto farmers along the shores of Lake Manitoba.
     "I don't want to see my problems solved on the backs of someone else, Hill said.
     He added if there is a diversion from the marsh to Lake Manitoba, the dam at Fairford, which controls the outflow from the lake, must be upgraded to handle the exra volume.
     Hill said the only other solution would be to slow the flow into the marsh. But he suggested that would be difficult considering there is a lot of illegal drainage contributing to the problem.
     Ed Stroeder, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Westbourne, agrees trying to control the water that flows into the marsh would be hard because of both legal and illegal drainage.
     "We're not going to stop legal drainage and we're sure as heck not able to stop the illegal drainage, said Stroeder. "It's just going to just keep coming.
     Stroeder's municipality was hit hard by flood waters from the marsh.
     He said 400 cubic metres a second flowed into the marsh during the height of the spring runoff, but the Whitemud River could handle only 170 cubic metres of water per second at Steele Bridge without overflowing.
     "It doesn't take a whole lot of understanding to realize that there's more water than the marsh can take and it has to go somewhere," Stroeder said. "Another outlet is the best common sense approach to solving this problem."
      Isaac Wiebe, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Lakeview in which part of the marsh lies, said a diversion coupled with work to the Fairford Dam might be the only solution.
     "You can't control a hold back of water further up," said Wiebe. "At one time a diversion seemed almost impossible, but I think it's going to have to come to that to give the Whhitemud River a break. That little river is tired."
     Wayne Motherall, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, said drainage has beome one of the leading issues for the organization that represents all Manitoba municipalities.
     He said flooding at Big Grass Marsh, and other areas in the province, is ample proof the province needs to address this problem.
      "There needs to be a review of the whole drainage issue in Manitoba," Motherall said. "That has not been done yet, but we are pressing the province.
     He argued drainage should be a local issue with licensing decided at the watershed level.
      The provincial government agrees there needs to be something done about drainage.
     It is considering giving watershed authorities more control over licensing. Manitoba Conservation has already started a pilot project with the Whitemud Watershed Conservation District.
     "We are looking at several possibilities including new water management plans," said Steve Topping, director of the water resources branch of Manitoba Conservation.
     Topping said part of dealing with overall water issues will be looking into whether a diversion from the Big Grass Marsh to Lake Manitolia is in the region's best interest.
     Topping said the last time the province conducted a survey on the diversion was in the early 1970s. That study found the $20-million price tag for a 90 cubic metre per second ditch was not economically viable.
     "It was determined then that the benefit-to-cost ratio was very low," he said. "But I don't believe that all the benefits were calculated into that."
     Topping said the government is now looking to hire an engineering firm to complete another study into a diversion.
      He said this will fulfill Premier Gary Doer's promise to the RM of Westbourne to look into a diversion.
     At this point, there is no timeline for completing the study and the government doesn't know how much it will cost or who will pay for a diversion.
     Topping stressed the government will seek public input into any recommendations.

Teens object to graduated licensing
 The Herald Leader Press, June 12, 2001
Editor's note: The following is a selection of letters written by students in a Senior 1 English language arts class at William Morton Collegiate in Gladstone. (Only the Langruth student article is included in this web site.)
     There are many sides to this issue with some people thinking that it is fair and others thinking it is unfair and too strict.
     Some people may think it is fair because it is said to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in highway accidents. Other provinces have started this program and have seen a 37 per cent reduction in highway accidents. This could ease parental grief for parents who have lost children to highway accidents.
     Same people may think it is unfair because new drivers should be allowed to prove themselves. Some people believe that teenagers need the opportunity to practise and develop their skills for driving. Eighty-six per cent of new drivers are being accused and blamed for what others are doing. Only 14 per cent of new drivers are in accidents.
      I don't agree with this new program. It has a big effect on teenagers who live on farms and away from their schools. I live a half an hour from my school and my family owns a farm. When I have after-school activities my parents don't have time to drive over to pick me up. The new program also doesn't help us to become new drivers because if we can't drive then how are we going to develop the skills that we need to begin driving? We need practice if we are to become more experienced drivers.
      I think this program has some good points, but some of it could be better suited for students living on farms and in the country. The law says that we are allowed to drive farm trucks, but does that also include tractors and other farm machinery? I also think that the stages could be shorter. If each stage was three months long, I think that would be more appropriate for everyone. This will help us to gain more experience, develop skills and become more able to travel the roads safely.
           Kaleigh Jackson,  Langruth


News for July, 2001Top

Girl with the looks moved from Portage to Langruth to Red Deer to Hollywood. A July 18th article in the Winnipeg Free Press documents her story. Reagan Dale Neis is George and Jocelyn (Alex Garrett's daughter) Neis's daughter.
 

   Portage girl's got 'the look'
   Actor Neis stars in promising WB sitcom after storybook rise to Hollywood  heaven
   Wed, Jul 18, 2001
   Brad Oswald in Hollywood-Previewing Fall TV
   PASADENA -- So, here's something you don't see every day in Hollywood: a
   TV-star bio sheet for a network series that starts with "born in Portage la
   Prairie, Canada."
   Actually, it's a pretty safe bet that this particular geographic designation
   has NEVER appeared in a television show's cast list. But this week, well,
   there it was -- in the production notes for a promising new WB Network comedy
   called Maybe It's Me.
   The star of the show (which will air in Canada on CTV) is
   just-about-19-year-old Reagan Dale Neis, who was born in Portage and spent
   her toddling years in Langruth before her family relocated to Red Deer, Alta.
   And hers is a classic tale of small-town-girl-makes-good-in-the-land-of-broken-dreams.
   Neis, who says she has known since age four (which, by the way, is when her
   parents sold the family farm and headed west to Alberta) that she was
   destined to be a performer, decided just after graduating high school that
   Hollywood was where she needed to be.
   With a head full of dreams and really very little else to go on, Neis packed
   up her car last fall and travelled south to Los Angeles in search of a
   showbiz career. Within weeks of her arrival, she was plucked from a lineup at
   an open-call audition by a talent manager who thought she had "the look."
   "My managers literally found me on the street and gave me their card," Neis
   explained this week at a poolside WB Network party on the studio lot where
   Maybe It's Me will be shot. "I thought, 'This cannot possibly be legitimate,'
   but I phoned them, and they were, and they had all these great people who are
   in (TV) series.
   "They've been so good to me. I truly came down here not knowing anything --
   what SAG (the Screen Actors Guild) was, how to become a member, what the
   rules are. I literally knew nothing ... I come from a city of 60,000 people,
   so being down here is pretty overwhelming. My managers have been unbelievably
   helpful in terms of setting up auditions for me."
   And only a couple of months and a handful of auditions later, Neis read for
   the producers of Maybe It's Me. And as soon as they saw her, they concluded
   that yes, it WAS her.
   "It was one of those absolute dream things where we actually saw her on the
   first day of casting," said series creator Suzanne Martin. "You know, when I
   was pitching the story and what I was looking for to the WB, I told them,
   'She has to be beautiful, and she has to be this, and she has to be that.'
   And I was willing to drop almost any of those qualities quickly if I found
   somebody who had, like, three out of four of them.
   "And then she walked in, and she was just everything. It has been such a
   pleasure working with her."
   The series, which was originally titled Maybe I'm Adopted (the name was
   changed after the network received e-mail messages claiming the title was
   offensive to families with adopted children), concerns itself with the
   day-to-day struggles of 15-year-old Molly Stage (Neis) to carve out a normal
   teen existence while sharing a home with a large and rather wacky family.
   Fred Willard and Julia Sweeney co-star as Molly's soccer-obsessed father and
   insanely frugal mother, whose off-kilter antics are based squarely on series
   creator Martin's real-life parents.
   The show goes into full production next month and will premiere on the WB and
   CTV this fall. In the meantime, Neis will be kept busy by a frantic schedule
   of promotional appearances, interviews and photo sessions aimed at creating
   the same sort of stardom for Maybe It's Me's cast members that has happened
   for the stars of Dawson's Creek, Felicity and Charmed.
   "It's surreal and a little bit frightening," she said as she took in the
   sights and sounds of her first major media event. "I mean, I come to this
   party and get out of the car, and there's all these photographers standing
   there wanting to take my picture. It's different, that's for sure."
   Neis credits her family for helping her stay focused and determined during
   her uncharacteristically short journey to TV stardom.
   "They've been so supportive," she said. "There were many nights when I would
   call home and I was crying, saying it's too hard and I didn't think I could
   do this and I was so lonely and scared.
   "My dad literally packed up his car and drove down to California to stay with
   me for a couple of weeks, because he knew how much this means to me. And then
   my mom flew down and stayed with me for a couple of months. And then just
   after she went home, I got this part."
   And in Hollywood, this is usually the point where the script says, "And the
   rest, as they say, is history."



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