Submitted by: Violet Plett | The 4th Annual Barrows Gospel Jamboree was held July 14 – 16, 2017. This year we had record attendance. Friday evening and Saturday were nice and warm and sunny. Click any picture for a larger version. Sunday morning we had some rain and strong wind, so we had to move [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley West ratepayers head to the polls today to elect a new Head of Council. Swan Valley West By-Election Details Wed. July 19th, 2017 Polling Stations Swan Valley West Council Chambers 216 Main Street West, Swan River, MB 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Benito Satellite Office 103 Main Street, Benito, MB [...]

Municipality of Swan Valley West Media Release | The Municipality of Swan Valley West created a ‘Canada Day Grant’ in honor of our country’s 150th Birthday (Anniversary of Confederation) and budgeted a total of $900 for 6 Grants of $150 each. The Swan Valley West Canada 150 Grants have now all been awarded. Below is [...]

Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture July 10, 2017 | Northwest Region High temperatures this week brought in a few thunderstorms. A thunderstorm came through the region on Thursday evening with strong winds, sheet rain, and some localized hail. The Minitonas area received the strongest of the storm with some crops pushed down, [...]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshy | The Benito and District Recreation Centre was the site of the Benito Canada Day 150 celebration on July 1st, 2017. The Benito and District Fire Department made sure everyone got off to a good start at 8:00 am with their annual Pancake Breakfast. Click any picture for a larger version. [...]

ValleyBiz Story | A dedication service was held June 19, 2017 to honour Constable William Wainwright who lost his life in the line of duty on October 5, 1935 in Pelly, SK. Wainwright was a 10 year veteran of the Village of Benito Police. A plaque in memory of Wainwright was unveiled at the Benito [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | Benito Rec Centre hosts Benito Canada Day 150 July 1, 2017 Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast 8:00 am – 11:00 pm Benito Rec Centre ALL DAY FUN 8 Team Slowpitch Tournament 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Kids Bouncy Castle & Activities 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Gymkhana 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun We had a great time at Benito Legion hall as we snacked on biscuits, scones and muffins at the Benito Women’s Auxiliary Down Home Tea and Bake Sale on June 10, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. It was great to see everyone who came out to support us [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Valley’s finest jazz students from Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS), Ecole Swan River South School (ESRSS), Minitonas Middle Years School (MMYS) and Benito showcased their talents to a captivated audience on June 7, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening included performances by 5 individual bands along [...]

Story Submitted by: Nicole Bobick Our first Wellness Day exceeded our expectations – it was a lot of fun! The goals were to share a day with Benito School, make new friends and experience a variety of wellness activities. Above picture by Nicole Bobick Other Pictures by ValleyBiz – Click for a larger version. Students [...]

Submitted by: Cheryle Zbirun | Benito Women’s Auxiliary Down Home Tea & Bake Sale Sat. June 10, 2017 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Benito Legion Hall Come on Down for biscuits, Scones, Muffins and Momma’s Homemade Jelly. 50/50 Draw, Hampers, Door Prize, Bake Sale Draws made @ 3:15 Kids Can Go Fishin’ in the Dark [...]

Submitted by: Karen Gade | The Benito United Church Spring Supper was held at the Benito Rec. Centre on June 4, 2017. A total of 215 took advantage of having their meal prepared for them that evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Support was evident from throughout the Valley and our Saskatchewan neighbours [...]

Submitted by: Maxine Larway | Close to 150 people came out on Friday, May 26, 2017 for the official grand opening of RiverViews Condos and Suites and Fundraiser with proceeds going to the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Pictured above: Mayor Glen McKenzie cutting the ribbon, with owners Brian Vandepoele, Scott and Maxine Larway, Marilyn and [...]

Northwest Region Crop Report Prepared by: Manitoba Agriculture May 23, 2017 | Northwest Region As a result of warmer weather and limited precipitation through the week, good seeding progress was made throughout most of the Northwest Region. Soil moisture remains excessive in various areas with fields worked and seeded in less than ideal conditions. Some [...]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | Swan Valley 4H Beef Show & Sale May 27, 2017 10:00 am Swan Valley Agricultural Grounds Come down to the Agriculture grounds and watch the local 4H kids show their projects, have lunch and stay for the sale! The Kinsmen food booth will be open and serving 4H Beef burgers!! [...]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On May 14, 2017 Durban Community held a Mother’s Day brunch. Lot of decorating took place to prepare the hall and tables for the event. Lots of work went into making the gifts, little purses, that every Mother received. Click any picture for a larger version. Thanks to the Sas [...]

Submitted by: Karen Gade | Benito United Church Spring Supper Sun. June 4, 2017 5:00 pm DST Benito Rec Centre Turkey, Ham, Assorted Salads & Desserts Adults: $15 12 & Under: $10 Pre-School: Free For take outs please call 204-539-2375 after 3 p.m.

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | It was a great time at Benito Legion hall on Sat. May 13, 2017 as we celebrated Mothers day in our best hats and making memories with our mothers, grandmothers, daughters and friends. Click any picture for a larger version. It was a wonderful turn out and everyone enjoyed the [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 11th day of April, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Deputy Reeve; Terry Neely Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Glen Foster, David Minish, Irwin Steen, Brian Burick CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent with [...]

Submitted by: Linda Carpentier | On Thursday May 4, 2017 Green Briar Bookstore and Art Gallery hosted Linda Carpentier reading excerpts from her recently published book Stories of Our Time. Click any picture for a larger version. The book is a collection of fictional stories which take inspiration from the real world of people and [...]

Submitted by: Cheryle Zbirun | Benito Women’s Auxiliary invites you to the Mothers Day High Tea Sat. May 13, 2017 2 pm to 3:30 pm Benito Legion Hall 50/50 Draw, Hampers, Door Prize, and Bake Sale. Draws made at 3:15. Feel free to wear your best hat!

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater (Commuications, PR, Manager) On Monday, 1 May 2017, the Swan Valley Community Band presented their Spring Concert, “Music Monday!” In 1994, Julie Kooistra had a Dream and that Dream is now celebrating its 23rd year. Click any picture for a larger version. In all those years, there have been many musicians [...]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the April 24, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. Robert Ter Horst and Beverley Polon from Swan Valley Communities That Care presented a Life Skills Training Program to the Board. The Program aligns with the Division’s Strategic Plan. The Program will be presented to [...]

Submitted by: Linda Carpentier | Book Signings/Readings Thurs. May 4, 2017 3:00pm -6:00pm Green Brier Bookstore, 120-5th Ave. N. Swan River Sat. May 6, 2017 2:00pm – 4:00pm The Page-Turner Café 156 Main St. Benito Valley author Linda Carpentier will read from her book Stories of Our Time. Refreshments will be served. For information call [...]

Submitted by: Heather Nielsen | Swan Valley RISE and the Long Term Care Crisis Committee is working diligently and quickly to address the crisis of not enough beds and care for our elders and their families. Lack of beds for our elders is a local community, provincial, and national issue. We have a hard working [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Following an eventful Swan Valley West council meeting on April 25,2017 that saw council pass a resolution to end the lawsuit against CJ104 Radio and station owner Bill Gade, Reeve Verne Scouten officially tendered his resignation. More information on the events leading up to Scouten’s resignation will be available soon. Scouten confirmed [...]

Submitted by: Josina Zander | The Durban Covenant Women hosted a “Ladies Day Out” April 22, 2017. Ladies gathered from Norquay, Swan River, Benito and surrounding Durban area. Click any picture for a larger version. Beautifully decorated tables were set with the Palm branches and spring flowers, symbols of the victory of the season. Socializing [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 30th day of March, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Reeve Scouten Welcomed New Council Member, Irwin Steen. CAO, Carolyn Gordon confirmed that the Oath of Office was taken by Councillor [...]

Submitted by: Michelle McKenzie | The Arran Rec Board held a Wing & Rib Night on April 8, 2017. The wing night went off with people showing up from Norquay, Pelly, Swan River, Benito, Kenville, and various other towns in the area. Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you to all who came [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Primary Care Centre (SVPCC) continues to face the challenge of individuals simply not showing up for appointments. In 2016, there were 1,200 “no shows” – that’s the equivalent of the SVPCC being closed for 3 weeks. Stock photo It is usually not possible to contact a patient on the [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 16th day of March, 2017 at 5:10 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish, Terry Neely CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent with Prior [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 28th day of February, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent with Prior Written Notice: [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 13th day of February, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish, Terry Neely, Stan Potten CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent [...]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the March 13, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. The Board was informed that the SVRSS exterior renovation had been approved, in principle, by the Public Schools Finance Board to go to tender. The Architect, Andrew Lewthwaite attended the Board Meeting to update Trustees [...]

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | On March 4, 2017 approximately 70 people stopped by the Thunder Hill Ski Area to enjoy a beautiful day over looking the Swan River Valley to celebrate the end of an eight year project for the Thunder Hill Ski Club. Pictured above: Long time club member, John Cotton prepares to [...]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the February 27, 2017 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. The Board deliberated about the 2017-2018 School Division Budget. This is a difficult budget year given the decrease in provincial support coupled with wage and benefit increases. Given that reality, the Board will be presenting [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association kicked off the 2017 Festival season with the Band Festival on February 21 through 24. The Band Festival features music students from across the Swan Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Performances by individuals, ensembles and bands were held during the day at [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | This weekend Benito School students and Staff hosted a Dinner Theatre on February 24 & 25, 2017. Country-Ella is an interactive play set in a hillbilly county. Click any picture for a larger version. Based on the story Cinderella, narrated from the country point of view. Over 100 people were [...]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | Swan River hosts Hockey Manitoba Atom A Provincials March 3-5, 2017 See below for a season recap and provincials preview. Photo Courtesy of Wildflower Photography. Click for a larger version. Front Row (L to R): Christian Hart, Tavyn Boychuk, Andrew Pidskalny, Comrie Quill, Tucker Thompson Middle Row (L to R): [...]

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | Thunderhill Ski Club Inc. Grand Opening & 50th Anniversary Sat. March 4, 2017 1:00 p.m. 50 Years on the Slopes Thunderhill Ski Club (THSC) was started by the Benito Elks Club as a Centennial project in 1967. It began with a rope tow that was one of the longest in [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Volunteer Fireman’s Association hosted their annual Fireman’s Supper on February 26, 2017. This year featured prime rib prepared and served by Benito Premium Meats. Click any picture for a larger version. Over 230 hungry supporters attended and we’re treated to a fantastic meal. Along with the feature protein [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 24th day of January, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster David Minish, Terry Neely, Stan Potten CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 10th day of January, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster David Minish, Terry Neely, Stan Potten CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent [...]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn | The Benito and District Recreation Centre was busy from February 14 through 19, 2017 where 27 curling teams took part in the 10th Annual Open Bonspiel Pictured above: Kim Pierce from Benito Premium Meats presents the First event trophy to skip Mark Maga, third Glen Maga, second Robert Vessey and [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | Benito 10th Annual Open Bonspiel Feb 13-19, 2017 4 Events – Pick a Prize $120 Entry Fee / Rink 32 team limit Saturday Banquet Included Entry Deadline February 11, 2017 Contact: Rick: 204-539-2811 Scott: 204-539-2667 (daytime)

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 29th day of December, 2016 at 5:40 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster David Minish, Terry Neely, Stan Potten CAO; Carolyn Gordon Delegations; [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk Benito School Presents … Country-Ella Dinner Theatre Fri. February 24, 2017 Sat. February 25, 2017 Benito School Gymnasium Doors open at 5:45 pm Country-Ella is a tale of a trendy city girl who visits her family in the country and the shenanigans that then ensue. An evening of food and fun [...]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk Benito Volunteer Fire Department invites you to the Annual Fireman’s Supper Sun. February 26, 2017 Benito Rec Centre 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Prime Rib Cooked and Served by Benito Premium Meats $18 per plate – 12 years and up $15 per plate – 11 years and down Chinese Auction Everyone [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 13th day of December, 2016 at 5:35 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish Terry Neely, Stan Potten CAO; Carolyn Gordon Absent with Prior [...]

Regular Meeting of the Council of the Municipality of Swan Valley West, held in the Council Chambers at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba this 29th day of November, 2016 at 7:12 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster, David Minish Terry Neely, Stan Potten CAO; Carolyn Gordon Delegations; [...]