As you look ahead to the New Year, may you learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow. The New Year offers a fresh, clean page – here’s hoping that life writes a beautiful new chapter for you this year. We wish you a 2017 filled with great stories to share. HAPPY NEW […]

Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Marvin Kovachik Councillors: 1 – Wilmer Malcolm 2 – Stephen Nadolney 3 – Nestor Rizok 4 – Connie Forbes 5 – Jesse Larocque 6 […]

Submitted by: Phyl Firesen | Approximately 35 people attended a memorial candle lighting service on December 23, 2016 to light up the Birchwood Cemetery in memory of their loved ones. As the candles were lit, names were read of the loved ones for whom each of the 75 individuals candles were purchased.

Submitted by: Violet Plett | Gospel Singers in Concert Kene & Milly Jackson January 5, 2017 Time – 7 p.m. Wuskwi Sipihk Hall (Indian Birch – by the highway) No Admission Charge – Free Will Offering Everyone Welcome Come and enjoy an evening of Gospel music For more information call: Melvin Plett 545-2375 or 281-3019 […]

Submitted by: Bev Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community fortheir generous donations to the Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. There were donation boxes located at nine local businesses in order to collect community donations of toys and money. As well, the Swan […]

Merry Christmas from ValleyBiz.ca This video is a humorous telling of the Christmas story by Southland Christian Church in Nicholasville, Kentucky. We hope it brings a smile to your face and fills your home with laughter. Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Click below to start the video.

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley Band Booster (SVBB) is winding up its Friday night bingos at the end of the year (2016). “Band bingo has existed for over 40 years.” said SVBB Bingo Chairperson, Susan Ross.” “We would definitely like to thank all the players and volunteers who have supported us over the years.” Ross […]

Submitted by: Robin Warner | We would like to thank the Swan River community for helping so much to make our Crafty Flea Market a big success. The event was held in the Taylor School Gym on Saturday, December 10th, from 12 noon until 4pm. Click picture for a larger version. So many volunteers made […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka | Birch River Thrift Shop Grand Opening January 12, 2017 10 AM – 5 PM 216 3rd St, Birch River Come see the Thrift Shop’s new building. Enjoy coffee and cookies, and check out all the great clothing and household items for sale. The Thrift Shop is an outreach of and […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Christmas Cheer Board | We were able to provide 51 hampers to those in need. Students from Riverdale School helped with sorting of groceries and packing hampers. Click any picture for a larger version. The Riverdale students sang a few Christmas Carols before they left. Lion members helped with donation pick […]

Submitted by: Leila Richard | Approximately 65 people attended the Pine Creek First Nation Coffee House on December 18, 2016. Committee members along with attendees served a delicious Christmas Meal with a large variety for all to enjoy. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured right are several dancers that were eager to learn […]

Submitted by: Anna Fullerton | Alone at Christmas? Join us at Elks Hall December 25, 2016 5:00 pm Come early to socialize. Call us if a ride is needed or if housebound, takeout & delivery is available. Donations of help, food or financial are gratefully accepted. To register, call asap Anna F. 734-5274 or Billie […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Swan Valley Community Band makes a donation to the Swan Valley Christmas Cheer Board from their Silver Collection gathered at their recent Christmas Concert. Click picture for a larger version. Pictured is Cheer Board representative, Carli Ulmann, accepting from the Band’s Director, Julie Kooistra, a $150 donation. As the audience […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 15th, 2016 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Moriaux, Friesen, Whyte, Jacobson, Delaurier and Sakal present.   1 Call to order 2 Adoption of Amended Agenda Resolution No: 2016.560 Moved By: David Moriaux Seconded By: Jason Delaurier RESOLVED that the Amended Agenda for […]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the December 12, 2016 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. The Board approved two Band Trips for ESRSS. One trip is in Manitoba to the Brandon Jazz Festival and the other is to the Moose Jaw/Regina Spring Fest. 2. The Numeracy Committee presented an Early […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The Swan River Library was dressed up for the Christmas season with the FESTIVAL OF TREES event held from December 6 through December 10, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. This event is jointly sponsored by the library and the Chamber of Commerce. Sixteen trees and twenty-five gingerbread […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | On December 7, 2016, the SVRSS Cafeteria was ringing with music which included performances from the Swan Valley Community Band, Tarnished Brass Quintet, and St. Andrew’s United Church Senior and Junior Choir. Click any picture for a larger version. The Concert was attended by a enthusiastic capacity crowd. And, as […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | Memorial Service & Candle Lighting Birchwood Cemetery December 23, 2016 5:00 pm Light up our cemetery this Christmas with a beautiful red memorial candle for your loved one. Candles available at: Buds N Blossoms $10.00 per candle Proceeds go toward Communities in Bloom Swan River

Prairie Mountain Health Media Release | Prairie Mountain Health is starting a ‘low-risk obstetrics program’ at Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River. What this means is that physicians will begin to talk with expectant mothers that are around 20 weeks gestation age, about delivering in Swan River. Based on some of these timeframes, and […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On Dec 9-11, 2016 the Atom A Stampeders attended the Dauphin Atom tournament. Click picture for a larger version. Pictured above: Back Row: Comrie Quill, Eli Betcher, Brady Burghart, Jackson Badowski, Andrew Pidskalny, Maddix Eisner, Crystal Zamzow, Samantha Jo Moshenko Front Row: Tucker Thompson, Christian Hart, Owen Martyniuk, Grace Kirk, […]

Submitted by: Pine Creek First Nation Coffee House Committee Christmas Coffee House Sun. December 18, 2016 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Minegoziibe Anishinabe School Admission: $5 Children : $2 No drugs or alcohol. Featuring: Peter and Florestine Ferland Talents: Dancing, Jigging, Singing etc. Christmas Meal Potluck Welcome 50/50 Draw – Silent Auction – Door Prizes […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | There was a great turn out for the Santa Brunch in Lenswood on Sunday, December 4, 2016. Everyone enjoyed pancakes, sausage, deserts, coffee, juice and great conversation. Click any picture for a larger version. Santa arrived at 11:30 and was greeted by a number of children who waited in line […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | FXR Sled for Eternity Snowmobile Ride February 11, 2017 Swan Valley Historical Museum Swan River, MB Registration starts 8:30 am $50 (Passenger $35) 2016-17 Snopass required Join us for the FXR Sled for Eternity snowmobile ride in support of the Adult & Teen Challenge Brandon women’s centre. This year’s ride […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | On the weekend of December 2-4, 2016, the Swan River Novice Colts travelled to Flin Flon to compete in the Mel Pearson Invitational Novice Hockey Tournament. Pictured above: Front Row (L-R): Ashton Cochrane, Sam Lacasse Middle Row (L-R): Lily Nemetchek, Logan Gray, Nicholas Puchailo, Alex Campbell, Trace Langan Back Row […]

Submitted by: Eugenia Barker | Another Guiding Good Choices parent workshop concluded on Dec. 1, 2016. Guiding Good Choices is a five-session program that teaches parents of children ages 9-14 how to reduce the risk that their children will develop drug problems. Click any picture for a larger version. However, parents also learned how to […]

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 15th day of November, 2016 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve: C.Eisner Councillors: J. Caruk, L. Hutman, L. Mychalchuk, G. Bartel, C. Densen & S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Additions to Agenda: 4.11 Employee […]

Submitted by: St Andrew’s United Church November 25, 2016 – a lovely but very busy evening in Swan Valley saw The Great Plains at St. Andrew’s United Church for the fall concert tour! Click any picture for a larger version. Saskia and Darrel sing a mix of country, and gospel and gave us a little […]

ValleyBiz Story | On December 7, 2016, GX94 made a $1,000.00 donation to the Swan Valley Food Bank. Pictured: Jake Warkentin, Swan Valley Food Bank and Tonya Cherry, GX94 Midday Host Funds were raised through the sale of the 2016 GX94 Christmas Goodies cookbook. “It is made up of recipes from GX94 listeners and 100% […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers held their annual Old Fashioned Christmas concert on Monday December 5, 2016. As usual they performed to a packed house, a nice short and sweet show. Click any picture for a larger version. Each group got to present the crowd with what they’ve learned so […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival held its 53rd annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church. It was a full house. Click any picture for a larger version. The audience was entertained with traditional Christmas carols as well as jazzy festive numbers. The participants ranged in […]

Submitted by: Robin Warner | The Crafty Flea Market Sat. December 10, 2016 Noon – 4pm Taylor School Gym Chili Meal Deal $5 Live Entertainment including our fiddlers and choir among others! Over 20 vendors (crafts, home based businesses, baking etc), Huge flea market with proceeds to our new playground. Come on out, browse, sit […]

Submitted by: Judy Kostyskyn | The Annual Swan River Constituency NDP Christmas Supper was held at the Swan Valley Museum on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Following cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious roast pork supper. Click any picture for a larger version. Ron Kostyshyn acted as Emcee for the evening. Following supper, everyone was honoured […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | There was lots of laughter and chatter as friends met for a delicious lunch and tea at St. James Anglican Church on December 3, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. The bake table which featured a variety of jams as well as home baking was an important feature […]

ValleyBiz Story | A spokesperson from the Municipality of Swan Valley West informed ValleyBiz that the attendant’s shack at the Benito Landfill had been vandalized and burned down. The burned building was discovered by the landfill attendant on Friday December 2, 2016. “It appears this has happened since the dump was last open on Monday […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted two presentations by Dr. John Walker on November 30, 2016. The subject of these presentations was Positive Parenting in Challenging Situations. Click any picture for a larger version. Over 40 people attended the very informative presentations held at the SVRSS School. Dr. John […]

Submitted Story | On behalf of Minister of Agriculture Ralph Eichler, MLA Rick Wowchuk presents a cheque for $9,500.00 to Stuart Walmsley from the Swan Valley Veterinary Board. Click picture for a larger version. The Government is pleased to provide support for the maintenance and operation of local veterinary services.

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 1st day of November, 2016 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve: C.Eisner Councillors: J. Caruk, L. Hutman, L. Mychalchuk, G. Bartel, C. Densen & S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Delegations: 7:00 p.m. Tent Town […]

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the November 28, 2016 Regular Board Meeting Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 18th day of October, 2016 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve: C.Eisner Councillors: J. Caruk, L. Hutman, L. Mychalchuk, G. Bartel, C. Densen & S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Delegations: 7:30 p.m. Minitonas Arena […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Moriaux, Friesen, Whyte, Delaurier and Sakal present. Councillor Jacobson was absent with permission. 1 Call to order 2 Adoption of Amended Agenda Resolution No: 2016.539 Moved By: Jason Sakal Seconded By: Phylis Friesen […]

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 4th day of October, 2016 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve: C. Eisner Councillors: J. Caruk, L. Mychalchuk, G. Bartel, C. Densen & S. Walmsley C.A.O. – K. Chartrand Absent with Notice: Councillor: L.Hutman Additions […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | Christmas Craft Sale Sat. December 10, 2016 9am – 2pm Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre 1413 Main Street Over 36 Tables Knitting, sewing, jewelry, soaps, barn board art, oils, baking, mustards, teas, jams, Christmas shopping galore. Luncheon catered by Michelle Walker Contact: Brenda 204-734- 2823 Tanya 204-734- 8618

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | On Sunday, Nov 20, 2016 the Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region held its first Floor Hockey Skill Development Clinic at the Lt. Colonel Barker V. C. School in Dauphin. Click picture for a larger version. The Riding Mountain Rebels comprising of athletes from Winnipegosis and Dauphin and the Swan Valley […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On November 29, 2016 members of Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge packed pre-ordered Christmas Baking boxes. The Ladies outdid themselves this year with a beautiful and tasty selection of goodies. For the first time Christmas baking boxes will be available to purchase at the Coop grocery store: Monday, December […]

Submitted by: Lucile Neufeld | Ladies Christmas Program Mon. December 5, 2016 Minitonas Knox United Church 7:30 pm Presented by Minitonas Knox United Church UCW

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On Nov. 25-27, 2016 the Swan Valley Atom “A” Stampeders hosted the Atkinson’s Sports Excellence/Pizza Place Atom Tourney. Click any picture for a larger version. Friday afternoon the tourney kicked off with the Taylor School Choir doing a great job singing O Canada, followed by our VIP Ray Atkinson (above) […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Swan Valley Tiger’s Bowling Team had a great Bring a Buddy Tournament on November 29, 2016 at Up Your Alley in Swan River. Seven teams played the pins and everyone had fun! Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above (left to right): 2nd place winners, Jamie and […]