Submitted by: Barry Stephen | Another good year for the Bowsman Curling Club’s pancake breakfasts on July 26, 27 and 28, 2019. Friday started off at Formo Motors from 8:00am till 9:30am before the parade and Mustang Mania. A good crowd enjoyed our pancakes and sausages. Then, on to our new location at the Veterans [...]

Submitted by: Debbie (Bell) Soloway | This year the weather was great as the sun shone upon us and the flag flapped in the breeze. Everyone enjoyed seeing and petting the little puppy that Rita and Rhoda Jones brought for a visit. The games were for all ages to enjoy together, they started off with [...]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin The Milk Run is a series of horse shows along what is believed to be the route the Milk Truck took years ago to pick up the farmers milk! Dax Mullin, Kailey McArthur & Tyler Petelski started in Gilbert Plains show on Saturday, July 13, 2019. On Sunday we moved on [...]

Submitted by: Kendal Stechyshyn | Despite a cooler day the Benito Child Care Centre had a great turn out for their BBQ fundraiser July 19, 2019. The parents, kids and staff would like to thank all those who came out to support, the volunteers and our sponsors. Thank you to Key Chev for hosting the [...]

Submitted Photo The Swan River Elks & Royal Purple made a donation in the amount of $2,000.00 to the Benito Skate Park. The cheque was presented on July 11,2019 by Exalted Ruler Malcolm Shaw Benito Skate Park President, Tracy Kerr.

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | The Town of Swan River celebrated Canada Day with a family friendly afternoon. The day featured kids bouncers and games, 2 mini trains, kites and frisbies. Free ice cream was served and live music was featured at the entertainment stage. The day was topped off at dusk with fireworks at [...]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn | Benito was bustling on Canada Day with a full day of activities for all ages to enjoy. To start the festivities, the Benito Volunteer Firefighter’s hosted a Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice were served to approximately 420 people with all money raised going to the CZ Miller Trust [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Music filled the air on June 16, 2019 as the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School presented their year end concert at the Festival Stage in the Swan River Legion Park. The concert featured the Grade 9 band and Senior band along with a number of selections from the Toronto-Niagara Falls Tour Band. [...]

Submitted by: Brenna Smith | On June 26, 2019 it was a sad day in Birch River as the community said their good byes to Birch River School. The evening began with past students, current students, parents, and community members touring around the school looking at pictures, trophies, and yearbooks from the past. The evening [...]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | The Anglican Lutheran congregation was happy to be able to host ‘Company’s Coming’ at St. James on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. On this morning once a month in the summer, guests from the Lodge and Personal Care Home are given the opportunity to meet together to visit and renew acquaintances [...]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | The Pine River LUD Committee held their sixth Annual Town Wide Yard Sales on Saturday June 15, 2019 th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. This year there were eight exhibitors and Mother Nature kept the rain away, even though visitors told us they drove in rain to get here. The [...]

Submitted by: Royal Canadian Legion Birch River Branch #48 | On June 16, 2019 the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #48 – Birch River hosted a Fathers Day Brunch! We got off to a slow start (we think everyone slept in), in the end our attendance was great! Lots of visiting and planning for the days [...]

Submitted Story | The Twisted Sisters Relay for Life team raised $14,700 during the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life held in Swan River on June 14,2019. Team members included, Leanne Huttman, Elaine Forsyth, Kim Paterson, Carleigh Mosiondz, Susan Crawford, Bev Hogue, Lori Watts, Claudia Sutherland, Lana Sagert, Lorraine Mullin, Tracey Laforce, Caitlynd Sutherland, Rhodel [...]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | Thank you to everyone who made our fundraiser concession on June 16, 2019 a great success. Thanks to Calvin Campeau for organizing the ball tournament and for inviting us to come and do the concession booth as a fundraiser for Barrows Gospel Jamboree which we host each year. There were [...]

Submitted by: Ione Anderson | Minitonas 4-H Beef Club held it’s 64th achievement at the Swan Valley Ag Society grounds on Saturday June 15, 2019. Despite being a little cool it was a great day for all the members, leaders and families. Donna and Tomina Jackson, a mother and daughter duo from Inglis MB traveled [...]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Animal Protection League The Swan Valley Animal Protection League is in the process of relocating their facility, complete with a new building approximately 60′ by 20′ in size, with indoor pens and cat runs, an office area, an intake/quarantine area, etc. Some of our current buildings are getting to the point [...]

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2019 Swan Valley Regional Secondary School June 21, 2019 Chase your dreams. Burst out at the seams. Live life to the fullest and give it nothing but your best. Be Like a Tree: Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Celebrate [...]

Pictured above: Scott Beehler just before the pie in the face challenge. Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler | The Community Bible Fellowship Christian School (CBFCS) Amazing Race held Saturday June 15, 2019 was a great event. There were 16 challenges that teams completed. Challenges tackled many aspects of intellect and physical ability. Above Left: Jayden Thiessen [...]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | On Saturday, June 15, 2019 the Bowman & District Lions Club and the Swan River Golf & Country Club had the 2019 Friends of the Valley Golf Bonanza “FUN”draiser. Proceeds from this event will be split 50/50 between the Bowsman Lions and the Swan River Golf & Country Club. The [...]

Submitted by: Jessie Foster | We had a great turnout for the Blue Sky Team Penning competition on June 15, 2019. there were 71 open teams and 6 youth teams. Thank you to all of our sponsors and to Stan Foster for providing the livestock for the event. 1st Place: Rachel Olyarnyk, Jamie Taylor, Cassie [...]

Submitted by: Violet Plett Barrows 6th Annual Gospel Jamboree held on June 7-9, 2019 has come and gone. We started out Friday evening with a beautiful evening and a small crowd. However, on Saturday morning, it was very cold and windy and looked like rain, so we moved the event into the Community Hall. The [...]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | What a fun-filled, action-packed weekend! Rough Country Kubota has definitely gained favor with Jace, who was Peter’s right hand man, next to Luke, in ground maintenance throughout the weekend. Jace continuously tells his dad from North Dakota that he needs a Kubota! As organizers, going back & forth from rodeo [...]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | The Pine River Community Centre sponsored a Fundraising Supper on Sunday June 9, 2019. The guests enjoyed a delicious supper consisting of a plate full of spaghetti and meatballs smothered in a tangy tomato sauce with a bowl of caesar salad on the side and garlic bread, followed by a [...]

Submitted by: Kendal Stechyshyn | May 30, 2019 turned out to be a beautiful day for the Wellman Lake United Church Camp to host a fundraising BBQ. The event was sponsored by and held at Giant Tiger. The camp board would like to thank Giant Tiger, our 20 volunteers, who cooked, helped set up and [...]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The kids from the Big Woody 4H Beef Club have worked hard all winter on their projects and books. Jack Mullin I have been in 4H for 6 years, this is my steer – Coleminer, I named him after my Stamps Billet because he likes to eat! Coleminer is a [...]

Submitted by: Deanna Chess The Swan Valley Animal Protection League held their annual Plant Night on Tuesday June 5, 2019. About 10 ladies attended the night and created a variety of different planters under the instruction of Lynn from Lynn’s Plants and Things. It was a fun evening for everyone who attended and a couple [...]

Submitted by: Glenda Turton Day 1: Late on May 14, 2019, thirty-five SVRSS band students, 6 chaperones and band directors Glenda Turton and Mark Matejka boarded a bus bound for the Winnipeg airport. By noon on the 15th of May, they were already landing at Pearson International Airport in Toronto; the beginning of an 8 [...]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On June 01, 2019, Durban held a dance to celebrate their 89th anniversary of the community hall. The Zayshley Band from the Yorkton area supplied the great music which everyone enjoyed and kept the dance floor busy and a fun time was held by all. Thanks to all the volunteers [...]

Submitted by: Falon Cooke | The Swan River curling rink was buzzing with families and kids of all ages during the annual Taylor School Fun Festival. The BBQ supper concession, carnival games, and prize tables were a constant circuit of activity. The night ended in anticipation as organizers drew the winners’ names from the hundreds [...]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The Big Woody Light horse and Beef club participated in the Highway Cleanup on June 1st. MB4H and MIT organize the program and invite 4h clubs across the province to participate. This was the 1st year our club participated, we chose to do Highway 10 North of the Bypass to [...]

Submitted by: Kevin Sprong The Healing Labyrinth Walk took place May 26, 2019 on a crisp, spring morning with eight people taking part. Each one was asked to think of an area of healing they would like to focus on. Some suggestions were that they may want to consider an area of grief. Others were [...]

Submitted Story | Pictured above: Sara Henkelman, Youth Engagement Leader, Manitoba Youth Job Centre The Manitoba Youth Job Centre (MYJC) is now open! The MYJC is a community based summer employment referral service throughout rural and Northern Manitoba. We help youth ages 12-29 search efficiently for jobs and connect them with local employers who are [...]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | On behalf of the Skate Park Committee, we would like to thank you Swan Valley Co-op for being a Gold Sponsor for the Benito Skate Park Project. Accepting the donation on behalf of the Skate Park is Tracy and Matthew Kerr. The Benito Skate Park would like to thank everyone [...]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk The Benito Skate Park would like to extend a big thank you to Raymond Kostiuk for his Silver Donations of $1000. Accepting the cheque are his 4 grandsons who can hardly wait for this park to get started. After numerous fundraisers, donations and grants, the park is over half way to [...]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | The Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary had a wonderful turnout the Annual Strawberry Tea on May the 10th, held at the Swan River Valley Health Facility cafeteria lunch room. Delicious strawberry shortcake was served, along with a sale of baking and plants. The winner of $1505.05 for the 50/50 was [...]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | We all had a lovely day at Benito Legion hall on Saturday May 11, 2019 as we celebrated Mothers day with our 3nd annual High tea! It was a wonderful turn out and everyone enjoyed the dainty sandwiches and deserts along with the huge assortment on the bake table. The [...]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | We had a great turn out for the Benito Skate Park Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12, 2019 with over 140 attending. The Benito Skate Park Committee would like to thank everyone who came out for our Mother’s Day Brunch. It was an overwhelming success and we greatly appreciate your [...]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | Swan Valley High School Rodeo finally had a dry and somewhat warmer rodeo weekend compared to years past! We received much praise with regards to the facility, the grounds were great, and the food was delicious! The past weekend was definitely a jammed pack weekend. We kicked off Friday night [...]

Pictured above: Henry Rasmussen, Kathy Eggie, Joel Mateika, Teresa Mckay and June Mckenzie Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley MMP LLP has chosen the Foundation to be the recipient of $1300.00 they collected through a fundraising drive. Thank you MMP LLP, and staff member representative Joel Mateika. We appreciate your generosity and support of [...]

Submitted by: Kristy Sutherland The Bowsman Ladies Curling Club held their annual planter workshop and had a great time planting at Terry’s Greenhouse on May 2, 3 and 4, 2019. We had about 65 guests attend through the three sessions who were able to learn about various plants and get creative. Guests were treated to [...]

Pictured above: Henry Rasmussen, Kathy Eggie, Byrne Mckay, Teresa Mckay and June Mckenzie Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The graduating “Class of 1968” represented by Byrne Mckay, has held several reunions since 1968. They have helped other classes financially to organize reunions and because of excellent attendance at their last gathering have a [...]

Pictured Above: Grand Exalted Ruler Bro. Ron Potter, Exalted Ruler Malcolm Shaw, Dwight Thompson lodge secretary Submitted by: Malcolm Shaw | Grand Exalted Ruler of Canada Rod Potter, made a visit to The 2 Swan River lodges on Wednesday evening. Bringing greeting for the national office, the Elks of Canada. His main speech was about [...]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Trinity Lutheran Church Spring Tea on May 11, 2019 was a great reason to get together, visit and buy delicious baked goods. The room was beautifully decorated, and the volunteers in the kitchen and on the floor were happy to welcome all guests. Thanks to all who came. You [...]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | We had a lovely Show on the afternoon of May 4, 2019. Great art, good food and great company. The exhibitors were: Naomi Nemez, Shirley Nemez, Peyton Nemez, Martyn Snell, Wilma Barkman, Mary Jane Eichler, Barb L’Abbe, Julie Kooistra, Beth Braun, Lydia Neufeld, Obi Okonkwo and Renate Wille The visitors [...]

Submitted by: Subin Jose | About 35 people attended a community potluck hosted by Swan Valley Settlement and Immigration Services on Friday, May 3, 2019. It was a very great opportunity for immigrants within the Swan Valley community to meet and interact with each other, and with other members of the community. The new coordinators, [...]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie | It was a great turnout at the Minitonas Knox United Church Spring Tea on May 4, 2019. Delicious desserts and refreshments were enjoyed with friends catching up in conversations. Many baskets to enter your tickets on and hopefully be lucky enough to take one home, or two or three! Thank [...]

Submitted by: Ione Anderson | 4-H in rural areas is more than meetings, record books and achievements. It’s about “learning to do by doing”, it’s about head, health, heart and hands, and above all else it’s about family. Doug Glasscock supported the Minitonas 4-H Beef Club throughout his life and through his passing found ways [...]

Pictured above: Julie Kooistra, Director/Founder Former SVSD Band Instruction/Music Specialist Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Just last Wednesday, May 1, 2019, the Swan Valley Community Band performed their 25th Spring Concert “Spring into Blossoms”, under the direction of Julie Kooistra. The group welcomed guest performances from the Benito Grade 7/8 Band led by Brad Slepicka, [...]

Swan Valley Stampeders Media Release | With regret, the Board of Directors of the Swan Valley Stampeders announce that Head Coach and General Manager, Barry Wolff, has chosen not to return for the 2019-2020 season and has resigned from his position effective immediately. Wolff’s contract with the Stampeders was for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, [...]

Submitted by: Duane Whyte | Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement hosted 400 plus people for another great fish dinner and fundraiser on April 27, 2019. Darren Staples (above) won the $1,000 dollar bill and Glen Thompson won the boat. Check our website for fantastic information.