Submitted by: Glenda Turton, Pictures by Shauna Klekta | It may have been the coldest weekend of the winter, but the SVRSS was hot with music by the Dirty Catfish Brass Band on Sunday. The Dirty Catfish Brass Band is an eight-member band based in Winnipeg, MB. They all have University level music degrees from [...]

Submitted by: Amy Hofford | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a great performance at their Malanka Concert held at the SVRSS on January 14, 2019. Family and friends were treated to a performance from each dance group, starting with the youngest, and always adorable Sadochuk’s group (above). The Malanka Concert was a chance [...]

Submitted by: Anna Fullerton and Billie Werenich For the 4th consecutive year, we had a successful Alone at Christmas supper on December 25th, at the Elks Hall, thanks to the many volunteers who donated cash, food or their time. We thank the Elks Hall, Swan Valley Co-op, Valley Biz, and the many volunteers who helped [...]

Submitted by: Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River | Our government is taking significant steps to improve health care across western Manitoba and provide patients throughout our region with better care, sooner. In mid-December, we opened a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner at Dauphin Regional Health Centre, adding capacity for up to approximately 3,500 [...]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | It was a clear, cold evening. The coldest if all 2018. This brought the attendance down for the Bellsite’s New Years Eve Dance. The smaller than normal group of followers for the band “Midnight Run” didn’t slow the band down, they provided a superb variety of dance music to keep [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun We had a wonderful Saturday afternoon eating trifles and enjoying the sun beaming in through the newly installed windows! Thank you to everyone for coming out on December 8, 2018 and supporting the Benito Ladies Auxiliary Christmas tea and bake sale! We would not have gotten this far in our renovation [...]

ValleyBiz Photo – Submitted Story | The University College of the North (UCN) celebrated the grand opening of the Swan Valley Workforce Development Centre at a ceremony held on December 17, 2018. Following in the footsteps of the very successful Northern Workforce Development Centre in Thompson, the Swan Valley Workforce Development Centre will be a [...]

The New Year is the perfect occasion to appreciate all the good things that the past year has given you and all the good things that are yet to come. Over the past year we have shared many of the special moments that have taken place in our community. We wish everyone a 2019 full [...]

Pictured above: Donations being dropped off at the December 15, 2018 SV Stampeder’s game. Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro | The Swan Valley Communities That Care Toys 4 U Toy Drive has been happening in the valley now for a few years, but this was my first year coordinating the initiative. I am overwhelmed by the [...]

Christmas Wishes from ValleyBiz May Christmas blessings find you wherever you are this Christmas. May the Spirit of Christmas fill your soul with Peace and your heart with Hope for the New Year.

Submitted by: Darlene Kruk | The Pelly Coffee House held a very successful supper & entertainment evening on Saturday. Supper at 6.00 pm consisted of smokies,sauerkraut and perogies. 25 entertainers and musicians provided the entertainment and a potluck lunch followed. Draws were made for door prizes,50/50′s and lastly a raffle. 1st raffle of a TV [...]

Revival Group Submitted by: Phil Friesen The Swan Valley Fine Arts Christmas Carol Festival took place on December 2, 2018. A variety of groups and individuals presented musical selections in celebration of the Christmas season. Junior Choir Brad Slepicka Just for Joy Temple Baptist Church Choir Brenna Smith, Lana Edmonds, Brad Slepicka

Submitted Story | Sunday December 9th, 2018 ”Christmas Afternoon” at the Harley House was the scene of a crowded room of happy faces. This log house was a wonderful setting for a musical afternoon. Visitors gathered to hear the “Highly Strung” ukulele group perform a variety of Christmas tunes. The ukulele players have been taking [...]

Pictured above: SVRSS Senior Jazz Combo: Nick Baskier, Olivia Chmelowski, Jessica Kovachik, Aurora Rusk, Emma Stevens, Jillian Thelander, Justyna Vandepoele Submitted by: 2019 SVRSS Band Trip Fundraising Committee The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) presented their annual Christmas Concert, Suites & Treats, on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 under the direction of Glenda Turton. The [...]

Submitted Story | Swan River will be one of the communities included on Co-op’s 2019 Fuel Up to Win Game Card after voting made it one of the top 25 communities in Western Canada. As part of the #Fuelupmytown contest, anyone could share hashtags on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram between Nov. 1 and 21 to [...]

Submitted by: Shannon McCarthy | Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) hosted their annual Paw Prints holiday photoshoot for pets. It was attended by dozens of adorable pets and was hosted at Formo Motors who generously donated their space and time. Pets of all kinds came out to be given the star treatment; many dogs, [...]

Submitted by: Shannon Cameron Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) ran another fantastic Triple P program on November 3rd and 17th, 2018. Families from the Valley had the opportunity to get together for the two Saturday sessions at École Swan River South School to share their experiences of raising children from newborn to approximately ten [...]

Submitted by: Swan River NDP Constituency The annual Swan River NDP Constituency Christmas Supper was held at the Swan Valley Museum on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Socializing began at 5:00 p.m. with attendees being welcomed by Dennis Lischynski playing his guitar as he performed some favourite Christmas carols. The evening continued with a scrumptious ham [...]

Submitted by: Becky Schullman | Birch River Turkey Bingo was the place to be this past Friday evening (December 7, 2018). The tables were packed with people of all ages playing their 25 cent bingo cards to help support the Birch River Swimming Pool It was amazing to see the community come together for a [...]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their AGM and Fall Granting Night on December 6, 2018. “Philanthropy has been defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially as the donation of money to good causes.” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. The Fall Grant recipients certainly [...]

Submitted by: Kathleen Sterma, Head Librarian The North-West Regional Library Swan River was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 4th to the 8th, 2018. It was a very festive atmosphere with Decorated trees, Wreaths, Christmas music,cookies, and hot apple cider. Twelve trees were decorated in different themes with Community [...]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday December 7, 2018 the Swan Valley Stampeders presented a cheque in the amount of $670.50 to the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation to be used for Cancer Care. The funds were raised by donations collected and the proceeds from the 50/50 tickets sales at a recent Stampeders game.

Pictured above: Sitting L-R: Bev Leach, Linda Mcrae, Donna Jorundson, Christina Danyluk, Karen Kosolowsky Standing 1st row: Brenda Hunt, Julie Kooistra, Glenda Horochuk, Jayne Leadbeater, Lorraine Malcolm, Kim Kosokowky, Leigh Hunt Standing 2nd : Cheryl Dahl, Stephanie Jersak, Phyl Friesen, Maureen Bowles, David Gnida, Cindy Bobick, Rick Houle, Jessica Kovacik, Brian Dormer Standing with Tuba: [...]

Submitted by: Lesley Sembaluk | The Christmas Coffee House that was put on by the Minitonas Metis Local on December 8, 2018 was a fun and entertaining evening. There was about 100 people in attendance, with performances from musicians and singers from all around the Swan Valley and beyond. Our youngest performer on the stage [...]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorne | Pictured above is our Chase The Ace winner Matt Black and our 50/50 winner Tory Werbicki. The Bowsman Skating Rink and the Bowsman Curling Club would like to invite you to play Chase the Ace and 50/50 every Friday from 6:00-8:00 with the draw at 8:10, at the Bowsman Hotel. [...]

Submitted by: Tim Mueller | Madge Lake Bible Camp Christmas Production/ Dessert Theater was a huge success.The first performance which happened Sunday morning saw the auditorium at Community Bible Fellowship filled to 90% capacity. For the evening performance it was standing room only. A big thank you to all who attended and supported this event. [...]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk A good time was had by all at the Lenswood Santa Brunch on Sunday December 2, 2018. Everyone enjoyed Christmas carols, pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice and a tonne of desserts. Santa arrived at 11:30 and was treated to a number of young and old guests telling him their wishes for Christmas. [...]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | Members of All Saint’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish spent Grey Cup Sunday cooking, packing and delivering about 25 hot perogy and cabbage roll suppers. Many of our Fill your Freezer orders were completed at this time as well. The support for our fundraiser was overwhelming. Thank you!

Front Row: Dayson Martin, Dade Werbicki, Easten Eggie, Scott Tibbett, Caleb Rooks, Payton Thompson, Matt Zamzow, Sam Lacasse Middle Row: Lincoln Staniland, Griffin Klatt, Alex Campbell, Trace Langan, Ben Poole, Damien Leask Back Row: Coaches Blaine Campbell, Sean Eggie, and Chris Zamzow During the weekend of November 23-25, 2018 the Swan Valley Atom A Stampeders [...]

Pictured above: Just for Joy Singers – Back Row: Linda Fried, Melody Hunt, Margaret Nemez, Lisa Eisner, Darlene McKibben, Tobey Thiessen, Kelly Burick, Alicia Friesen, Katharina Rinsdorf, Middle Row: Lydia Neufeld, Rita Thiessen, Peggy Kalynuk, Front Row: Cheryl Dahl, Rachel Eisner, Evelyn Bredin, Missing: Grace Jersak Submitted by: Darlene McKibbon | The Just for Joy [...]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the evening of Friday, November 16, 2018 a small group of hardy souls braved the cold weather to attend the opening night of “The Bible-The Source of All Truth” Seminar at the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church. The presenter, Pastor Liviu Tillihoi, commented that today, people are looking for [...]

Submitted by: Karen Peters | Ten Thousand Villages was hosted for it’s 20th year in Swan River on November 15, 16 and 17, 2018. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit fair trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by disadvantaged artisans from more than 120 artisan groups in more than 35 countries. Thank you to [...]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The tea was a success. Good food, festive decorations and fellowship. There was a lot of baking to buy. Everybody had a good time catching up and visiting with friends. Trinity Lutheran Church feels blessed to host this event.

Submitted by: Swan River Constituency Office of MLA Rick Wowchuk | MLA Rick Wowchuk welcomed community members and stakeholders to the Pre-budget Consultation held at the Westwood Inn. Community members and stakeholders were invited to provide their input on the pre-budget consultation chaired by MLA Reg Helwar. This gathering brought many items to the forefront [...]

Submitted by: Lynda Parsons | Swan Valley Credit Union hosted their annual fall seminar at the Westwood Inn on November 8th, 2018. This year the event focused on the benefits and resources available to Manitobans living with disabilities. The first speaker, Justin Boonen (District Vice President of Retail Sales, Mackenzie Investments) began the evening by [...]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Consumers Co-op In October 2018, we asked you, our loyal customers to donate to our local Community Cancer Care Program at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre. The Swan Valley Co-op then matched the amount. We are proud to present a cheque for $1,333.90! We are proud to be part of [...]

Comrade Boyd McLure and Comrade Peggy Davy Ring the Bells of Peace Submitted by: Royal Canadian Legion BR#48 | The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #48 and the community of Birch River gathered on November 11, 2018 to remember. This annual Remembrance Day Service in Birch River is always well attended and we are thankful that [...]

RCMP Media Release | The Swan River RCMP is reminding everyone to be safe in school zones. A number of close calls reported to local schools has promoted the need to educate pedestrians and drivers alike on the rules set out by The Highway Traffic Act which requires pedestrians to cross roadways by using and [...]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | A great time was had by all at the Minitonas Market on November 10, 2018! Thank you to everyone that came out to support our local home businesses and to everyone who contributed to our silver collection for our veterans.

Government of Manitoba Media Release | Manitoba Agriculture has established two new grant programs totalling $900,000 to support agricultural and economic development, following a generous gift from the estate of Alexander Cherban, Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today. “We are deeply touched by Mr. Cherban’s unwavering support for the agriculture industry in his community and [...]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | This year the Pine River Fall Supper was held on Remembrance Day therefore before the supper started there was a tribute to those who served and continue to serve in the military. There was a guest of honour present and special thanks were given to Mr. Anthony (Tony) Baschak as [...]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | Lenswood Community Hall was rocking to the beat of Ken Thompson and Brittany Moore on Saturday night November 10, 2018 at the annual Harvest Windup. A happy crowd of all ages socialized and danced the night away. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and especially the [...]

“Take up our quarrel with the foe: to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” – In Flanders Fields ValleyBiz Story | Taking up the torch was the theme of the Remembrance Day service in Swan River on November 11, 2018. The day of remembrance began with a [...]

Submitted by: The Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their 4th Annual Cultural Gala on Friday, November 9, 2018 at the War Veterans Community Hall in Swan River. “Here in the Swan Valley, volunteerism and philanthropy is at the core of who we are.” said Lorne Henkelman, [...]

Submitted by: Scott Swaiko | The Swan Valley Rotary Club held its annual radio auction on Thursday November 8, 2018. Local businesses donated 135 items which were auctioned off, raising over $13,000. The funds will be used to support Swan Valley community initiatives such as the Healthy Choices/Warn Lunch Program at ESRSS, the Animal Protection [...]

Pictured above: Hon. Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Manitoba with Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, Community Foundation of Swan Valley Board Members and Herb and Bernice Bohnhardt. Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Manitoba, attended the Community Foundation [...]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church Minitonas Knox United Church served close to 400 guests during their annual fall supper on November 4, 2018. Thank you to all who attended. Even with long lineup was long at times, everything progressed smoothly and quickly and it was not long before everyone had a chance to enjoy [...]

Pictured above: Kevin Thome in cockpit with Dr. Andy Maxwell Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School values hands on experiences for all students and seeks opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. This fall has provided great opportunity to take advantage of that, despite working around the crazy, fall weather. The Gr.5/6 [...]

​​Pictured above: The MRI Unit is now contained inside the recently constructed building addition, which is connected to Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Prairie Mountain Health Release | The MRI Unit was successfully delivered to Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) on Monday, October 22, 2018. Crews from Winnipeg transported a majority of the MRI equipment, including [...]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Birch River Northern Neighbors would like to thank everyone who came out and supported our special German Supper. Lots of German dishes and Desserts were enjoyed.Everything looked good and tasted GREAT. Also a BIG Thank You to everyone that helped out to make our supper a Huge Success.