Monthly Archives: December 2015

Thunderhill Slopes Open – January 1, 2016

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | Thunderhill Ski Club Inc. has been very busy getting the slopes ready for the season. But nature has not been helping and as we are a natural snow base, it has been taking its time. But the time has arrived – Opening Day is Friday, January 1, 2016. 19/23 slopes […]

2015/12/31Local Interest

Candles Shine in Memory of Loved Ones

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | On Wednesday, December 23, 2015 a Memorial Candle service was held at the Birchwood Cemetery. The beautiful red memorial candles were designed to burn through Christmas and 65 candles were placed in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the sale of the memorial candles were directed toward the Richardson Recreation […]

2015/12/30Local Interest

Aquatic Centre Winterfest Features Festive Activities

Submitted by: Richardson Recreation & Wellness Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre | The Richardson Recreation & Wellness Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre held their Winterfest December 19 to December 24, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The afternoons were filled with festive crafts, fun games and holiday themed activities for all […]

2015/12/29Local Interest

RCMP Arrest Marvin Chartrand in Duck Bay

RCMP Update | Marvin Chartrand, Wanted for 2nd Degree Murder has been arrested in Duck Bay without incident. Thank you to the public & media for the help

2015/12/28Local Interest

Arrest Warrant Issued in Duck Bay Homicide

RCMP Release | Further investigation has confirmed that a 45 year old male from Duck Bay, Manitoba was the victim of a homicide. A Warrant of Arrest for 2nd Degree Murder has been issued for Marvin CHARTRAND, 38, from The Pas, Manitoba (photo below). The suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous, members of […]

2015/12/28Local Interest

More Road Upgrades Planned for Swan Valley

Submitted by: Ron Kostyshyn, MLA for Swan River Rural Manitobans know better than anyone how important it is to have safe, good quality infrastructure. Every day, truckers, farmers and drivers — you might be one of them — count on our roads, highways and bridges to be safe, well-maintained and designed to keep traffic moving. […]

2015/12/28Local Interest

RCMP Investigate Death in Duck Bay

RCMP Release | Winnipegosis RCMP, RCMP Major and Serious Crime Units as well as RCMP Forensic Identification Services are investigating the death of an adult male in Duck Bay. No further details are available at this time as the investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as additional details become available.

2015/12/27Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – December 1, 2015

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 1st, 2015 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councilors Jacobson, Moriaux, Friesen, Whyte, Delaurier and Sakal present.    1.  Call to order 2.  Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 1 Moved By: Jason Delaurier Seconded By: David Moriaux […]

2015/12/27Local Interest

Minitonas-Bowsman Minutes – December 1, 2015

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 1st day of December, 2015 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve –C. Eisner Councillors: G. Bartel, J. Caruk, C. Densen, L. Hutman, L. Mychalchuk, S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Additions to Agenda: 3.6 Utility […]

2015/12/26Local Interest

Neighbors Gather at Downtown Christmas Party

ValleyBiz Story | The Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman hosted an old fashioned, downtown Christmas party in Minitonas on the evening of Friday, December 18, 2015. Neighbors gathered around the cozy fire to catch up and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Click any picture for a larger version. Hot dogs and hot chocolate were provided and […]

2015/12/25Local Interest

Celebrating Christmas with More Live Nativity Pictures

Pictures submitted by: Reverend Jenny Sprong | Earlier in December a live nativity was presented in Swan River. The event was initiated by Durban Covenant Church and came together with other churches and many volunteers from the community! Click any picture for a larger version. The journey to meet the baby in the manger began […]

2015/12/25Local Interest

Christmas Hampers Delivered to 44 Families

Submitted by: Crystal Duchesne | The Swan Valley Christmas Cheer Board once again coordinated the delivery of hampers to help share the holiday spirit with 44 families. Click any picture for a larger version. Many volunteers assisted in packaging the hampers, including students from Community Bible Fellowship, Riverdale and Swan Valley Regional Secondary School. Town […]

2015/12/24Local Interest

Swan River RCMP Stop 11 Year Old Driver

ValleyBiz Story | Swan River RCMP reported an unusual situation while setting up for a recent checkstop. A vehicle was stopped for driving without adequate lighting and an 11 year old was found driving the vehicle, with another 11 year old as a passenger. RCMP have dealt with the situation. So far during this holiday […]

2015/12/24Local Interest

Seventh-Day Adventist Church Shares Christmas Message

Submitted by: June Jamieson Eighty people braved the snow to attend the Christmas program at the Seventh-day Adventist Church held on December 19, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. All enjoyed the congregational carol singing and the individual and small group musical presentations. Pastor Rick Harwood presented a message on the Birth of […]

2015/12/24Local Interest

Swan River RCMP Investigate Damage to Election Signs

Swan River RCMP Report | On December 17, 2015 Swan River RCMP received a report of damage to election signs in Swan River. In subsequent days more election signs have been damaged or removed. Charges under the Canada Elections Act and under the Criminal Code can result when someone tampers with election signs. Anyone with […]

2015/12/23Local Interest

Swan Valley Explores Syrian Refugee Sponsorship

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, December 18, 2015 St. Andrews United Church hosted an information meeting to assess the interest and discuss the feasibility of sponsoring refugee families from Syria. Click any picture for a larger version. Reverend Jenny Sprong, minister of St. Andrews United Church, welcomed approximately 45 attendees including Swan River MLA Ron […]

2015/12/23Local Interest

Family Believes Fentanyl Was Motive in Local Homicide

Submitted by: Darlyn Hunt | Darlyn Hunt and Jenni Sandilands, daughters of Rene Di Stefano, AKA “Rambler”, believe their father was killed over the Fentanyl prescribed to manage his pain from cancer. Di Stefano was found deceased inside his home on August 8, 2015 following a suspicious fire that fully engulfed the residence. RCMP Major […]

2015/12/22Local Interest

2015 SVCTC Toys 4 U Drive Helps Make Christmas Special

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. Click any picture for a larger version. There were donation boxes located at nine local businesses in order to collect community donations […]

2015/12/22Local Interest

Chayce Osatchuk Receives Healthy Living Award For Youth

Submitted by: Province of Manitoba | Ten Grade 12 students from across the province are being recognized for outstanding contributions to healthy living in their communities, Premier Greg Selinger announced December 17 at the 2015 Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth ceremony. “It is truly uplifting to see so many young Manitobans, the future leaders […]

2015/12/21Local Interest

RM of Mountain Minutes – November 18, 2015

The Rural Municipality of Mountain Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, November 18th, 2015 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Marvin Kovachik Councillors: 1 – 2 – Stephen Nadolney 3 – Nestor Rizok 4 – Connie Forbes 5 – […]

2015/12/20Local Interest

Minitonas-Bowsman Minutes – November 17, 2015

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 17th day of November, 2015 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve –C. Eisner Councillors: G. Bartel, J. Caruk, C. Densen, L. Hutman, L. Mychalchuk, S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Additions to Agenda: 4.15 Response […]

2015/12/19Local Interest

40 Vendors at Christmas Craft & Trade Sale

Submitted by: Tanya Powell The Christmas Craft & Trade Show held December 12, 2015 at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre was a big success with close to 40 vendors participating. Click picture for a larger version. There was a steady stream of people throughout the day who enjoyed the great selection of crafts and excellent […]

2015/12/18Local Interest

Aquatic Centre Winterfest – Dec 19 – 24, 2015

Submitted by: Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre | Winterfest Activities December 19-24, 2015 Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre Cost: Regular Drop-in Fee Tots are free. Child (3-12) $5.25 Saturday, December 19, 1-5pm Game: What Time is it Santa Claus? Activity: Free Frosty Craft: Build an Olaf Snowman – inside Sunday, December 20, 1-5pm […]

2015/12/17Local Interest

Santa Stops for a Visit at Lenswood Community Hall

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | A good time was had by all at the Lenswood Community Club’s Santa brunch. It turned out to be a perfect day for Santa’s arrival, just before Santa arrived it started to SNOW!!! Click any picture for a larger version. There was a great turn out for the event. We […]

2015/12/17Local Interest

A Unique Experience at Live Nativity in Swan River

Submitted by: Karen Peters | Almost 900 were privileged to attend and take part in the Live Nativity at the Swan Valley Museum on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. As you walked into the building, the census people were there to count you in and immediately you came upon […]

2015/12/16Local Interest

Initial Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshop Complete

Submitted by: Jen Patterson | Swan Valley Communities That Care has completed its initial cycle of the Guiding Good Choices parenting program. Twelve parents/caregivers participated in the program, which ran from November 10 to December 8, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. Swan Valley Communities That Care hosted the workshop and provided families […]

2015/12/15Local Interest

Dale Jersak Commended for Life Saving Actions

Sutmitted by: Teri Martin | On December 1, 2015, Dale Jersak was commended in a Manitoba Legislative Assembly Member’s Statement by Minister Rob Kostyshyn for saving the life of Henry Natyna on May 5, 2015. Pictured: Ron Kostyshyn (R) commending Dale Jersak (L)for his actions. Click picture for a larger version. The Member’s Statement reads […]

2015/12/14Local Interest

RCMP Seek Information Regarding Stolen Boat

Swan River RCMP Release | Swan River RCMP Detachment and Manitoba Crime Stoppers are seeking the public’s assistance with solving the following incident: Between the first and second week of October, 2015 a yellow Landcaster boat was stolen from a farm in the RM of Swan Valley West. Fighting crime is a community effort. Anyone […]

2015/12/13Local Interest

Swan Valley West Minutes – October 27, 2015

Minutes of 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 on this 27th day of October, 2015 at 7:12 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster David Minish, Terry Neely, Stan Potten […]

2015/12/13Local Interest

Swan Valley West Minutes – October 13, 2015

Minutes of 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 on this 13th day of October, 2015 at 6:20 p.m. Present: Reeve; Verne Scouten Councillors; Carrie Blosha, Brian Burick, Glen Foster David Minish, Terry Neely, Stan Potten […]

2015/12/12Local Interest

Vote Swan Valley in Final Four Sledtown Showdown

Submitted by: Kurtis Twilley | Swan Valley is one of 4 finalists competing for the title of best snowmobile destination in western Canada for 2016. The Swan Valley beat out 15 other Manitoba destinations to become the Manitoba finalist. Click here to vote and defend Swan Valley’s title as the top snowmobile destination in Canada. […]

2015/12/11Local Interest

Festival of Trees Lights Up the Library

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles The North West Regional Library was a busy spot as the host the Festival of Tree December 1 -5, 2015. The public support was tremendous. Hot apple cider , cookies and Tim Bits were enjoyed by all. Pictures by ValleyBiz Click any picture for a larger version. Fifteen trees were decorated […]

2015/12/10Local Interest

Bowsman Chase The Ace New Jackpot $2,293

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorn | The winner from last week’s Chase the Ace consolation prize hosted by the Bowsman Skating Rink and Bowsman Curling Club was Mitch Bordian. The prize was presented by Cliff Cook. Click image for a larger version. The game continues every Friday night from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Bowsman Hotel. […]

2015/12/10Local Interest

St. James Anglican Church Tea Well Attended

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | Sounds of chatting and laughter filled the hall in St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Christmas Tea and Bake Sale. Click any picture for a larger version. This annual event was well attended and enjoyed by everyone involved. The ACW sincerely appreciates all who helped […]

2015/12/09Local Interest

Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers Entertain at Christmas Concert

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers held their annual Old Fashioned Christmas Concert Monday December 7, 2015 at the SVRSS Cafeteria. Click any picture for a larger version. Each dance group performed one dance and gave the crowd a glimpse of what they’ve been working on and what’s to come at our […]

2015/12/09Local Interest

Warm Weather Brings Happy Shoppers to Benito

Submitted by: Karen Gade | Blue skies and above 0 temperatures on December 5, 2015 made the trek to Benito for the annual Craft and Trade Show very enjoyable. Over 35 exhibitors were set up and ready for the 10 a.m. start. Click any picture for a larger version. Popular stops were Skyler Blosha’s cookies, […]

2015/12/08Local Interest

IIU Investigating Injuries From RCMP Arrest in Swan River

IIU Media Release | The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a male in Swan River that resulted in internal injuries requiring hospitalization. The RCMP has advised the IIU that officers responded to a complaint and went to the residence of a male suspect in Swan River […]

2015/12/08Local Interest

Swan River Novice Colts Win!!

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | The Swan River Novice Colts traveled to Flin Flon during the weekend of December 4-6, 2015 to compete in the annual Mel Pearson Memorial Novice hockey tournament. Click picture for a larger version. After 3 round robin games and a final game, the Swan River squad emerged victorious with the […]

2015/12/08Local Interest

Swan River RCMP Investigate Theft of Snowmobile

Swan River RCMP Media Release | RCMP are investigating the recent theft of a 2014 Polaris Switch Back Assault snowmobile that was stolen from Rough Country Sports, located in Swan River, MB. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686, or to call Crime Stoppers. Anyone with […]

2015/12/08Local Interest

Community Foundation Reaches over $2 Million in Funds

Submitted by: Vivian Rooks On Thursday, December 3, 2015 the Community Foundation of Swan Valley held their annual meeting and granting night at the Westwood Inn at 7:00 P.M. Click any picture for a larger version. Mark Provencher, of BMP Chartered Accounts, was present and summarized the financial position of the foundation. In his summation […]

2015/12/07Local Interest

Music Fills the Air During Annual Carol Festival

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | A near capacity crowd gathered to enjoy the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival’s fifty-second annual carol festival held Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. President of the festival association, Janene Stewart, welcomed the audience and expressed her thanks for all […]

2015/12/07Local Interest

Swan Valley Special Olympics Unveils Sealed Bid Auctions

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics has teamed up with Western Corporate Solutions to provide high quality framed sports and entertainment memorabilia for sealed bid auction. Click any picture for a larger version. Unveiling the Jets Opening Night Triple Play Framed Print at the Super 8 in Swan River are Special Olympic Athletes (L-R); […]

2015/12/06Local Interest

Seventh-day Adventist Christmas Program – Dec. 19, 2015

Submitted by: June Jamieson | “Fear Not! A Savior is Born!” Annual Christmas Program Sat. December 19, 2015 4:00 p.m. Seventh-day Adventist Church 1200 – 1st St South, Swan River Light supper to follow Please come & bring a friend!

2015/12/05Local Interest

Royal Purple Elks Christmas Baking a Success

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Another successful baking Fundraiser was enjoyed this season. The order deadline for the Royal Purple Christmas Baking fundraiser was November 29, 2015 with orders picked up December 5, 2015. All monies raised are donated back to the community.

2015/12/05Local Interest

Memorial Service & Candle Lighting – December 23, 2015

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | Memorial Service & Candle Lighting Birchwood Cemetery December 23, 2015 5:00 pm Light up our cemetery this Christmas with a beautiful red memorial candle for your loved one. Most candles will burn through Christmas. Candles available at: Buds N Blossoms $15.00 per candle Proceeds go toward the Richardson Recreation & […]

2015/12/04Local Interest

Guests Attend Swan River NDP Christmas Supper

Submitted by: Connie Gray | On Saturday, November 28, 2015 the Annual Swan River NDP Christmas Supper was hosted at the Swan River museum. After the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious roast pork supper. Pictured above, left to right: Nolan Low, Brittney Stratuliak, Ron Kostyshyn, Madison Stratuliak, Johnathon Stratuliak Click any picture for a […]

2015/12/04Local Interest

Lenswood Santa Brunch – December 13, 2015

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | Lenswood Community Club Santa Brunch December 13, 2015 9:00 am – 12 noon Santa arrives at 11:00 am Pancakes, sausage, desserts and beverage $7 Adults $4 Ages 6-12 Preschoolers free Door prizes, silent auction, candy guess. Lots of good food and conversation for everyone. For more information call: Susan 204-238-4355, […]

2015/12/03Local Interest

Valley Stage Players’ Delight Audiences

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players’ production of Billy St. John’s comedy, “Senior Follies” played to very appreciative and enthusiastic audiences on November 27, 28 and 29, 2015 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. The comedy told the hilarious tale of two con artists […]

2015/12/03Local Interest

Dolyna Dancers Christmas Concert – December 7, 2015

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers present: Old Fashioned Christmas Concert Mon. December 7, 2015 6:30 pm SVRSS Cafeteria Join us for a great evening of dancing and treats. Christmas Raffle Draw There will be an appearance from a special guest following the concert!

2015/12/02Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – November 17, 2015

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 17th, 2015 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councilors Jacobson, Moriaux, Friesen, Whyte and Sakal present.  Councillor Delaurier arrived at 8:15 pm. Public Hearing – Variation Application No. 2/2015 No persons were present to make representation […]

2015/12/02Local Interest