ValleyBiz Story | Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local snowmobile clubs, and with a little help from Mother Nature, the Swan Valley is buzzing with excitement as we share our snow with sledders from the snow-free parts of the Prairies. We are fortunate to have two snowmobile clubs in the Swan […]

Story by: Nancy McLennan | February of 2012 appears to be a turning point for Valley House Concerts. Since the House Concerts began in 2008, over 900 people have attended the shows and professional musicians have earned almost $13,000 in revenue. Pictures by Micheline Carstairs (Click any picture for a larger version) On Wednesday (Feb […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetzer | North Mountain Riders will be holding their 1st Annual Porcupine Bash February 25 & 26, 2012 Ride the best of the Porcupine Mountains in the Swan River Valley. Saturday, February 25, 2012 Guided Rides Leaving at 9am and 10am from the Westwood Inn Hotel parking lot Trailside lunch provided by […]

Submitted by: Barry Waito | The Boots in the Backcountry Introductory session on Monday Feb 13th at 7:00 pm attracted 34 registrants. Of these, 27 were able to make the meeting with the balance requesting to be kept up to date with further sessions. The meeting started with Barry Waito introducing himself, talking about the […]

Submitted by: Florence Gray The Luthern and Anglican ladies got together at the Luthern Church to make quilts for Luthern World Relief. Over the 3 day span (Feb 13-15) about a dozen women worked together using donated material, thread and wool to make 38 quilts. Click any picture for a larger version. First, one team […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten Part II of the Swan Valley Human Library took place last week at the Northwest Regional Library in Benito. Tuesday, February 7th, the 5th-8th grades came over from the school and checked out several books. Click any picture for a larger version. Both the “books” and the “readers” seemed to enjoy […]

A Regular Meeting of Council of the Village of Benito was called to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday February 14, 2012 in the Village Council Chambers. Present – Mayor Meadows; Deputy Mayor Scouten; Councilor Schneider; Councilor Offenberger; Councilor Zebinski Chief Administrative Officer – Pat Ellingson Mayor Meadows called the meeting to order at 7:00 […]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Rural Municipality of Swan River, held in the Council Chamber at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Present: Deputy Reeve Don Machan Councillors: Glen Foster, Richard Barteski (left the meeting at approx. 10:20 a.m.), Terry Neely, […]

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Town of Minitonas, held in the Council Chambers, Minitonas, Manitoba this 1st day of February, 2012 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Barkowski Councillors: Robb, Caruk, Bartel & Windsor C.A.O.: Carolyn Gordon Delegations: 8:00 pm B. Waito re: Local Business 8:30 pm M. Leslie re: Public […]

Submitted by: Janine Stewart | Swan River will soon have a new option for licensed school age child care services. Photo by Caitlin Stewart Heyes Child Care Centre Board of Directors: Kim Kuruliak, Crystal Ross, Robyn Eisner, Janine Stewart, Michelle Eisner (click for a larger version) Heyes Child Care Centre hopes to open its doors […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Bobick, Jacobson, Friesen, Whyte, Friesen and Sakal present. Variation Order Hearing: Variation Order No. 1/2012 was called to order by Mayor McKenzie who advised that the purpose […]

ValleyBiz Story | When Gerry Stevenson moved here from The Pas 13 years ago, he turned his passion for sled dog racing into an annual community event. The 13th Annual Birch River Sled Dog Race took place this weekend with 9 teams participating. Click any picture for a larger version. Following a circuit that includes […]

RCMP Media Release | UPDATE – February 17, 2012: On February 15, 2012, 48-year-old George Louis LAMIRANDE of Pine Creek F.N. was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder. He remains in custody pending a February 21st court appearance in Dauphin. LAMIRANDE and the victim, identified as 26-year-old Steven Ray GENAILLE of Duck Bay, were […]

Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy | “No boys and no donkeys allowed, go away!” and so did David Copperfield’s Aunt Betsey open the 200th Anniversary Celebration of Charles Dickens at the North-West Regional Library in Swan River last night. Click any picture for a larger version. An entertaining and spectacular portrayal of Aunt Betsey was played […]

Submitted by: Service to Seniors | Service to Seniors were very pleased with the turnout for the Telehealth Heart & Stroke presentation they hosted on Monday, February 6th at the Swan Valley Health Facility. 33 people attended the session that dealt with the signs and symptoms of what has been termed “The Silent Killer.” The […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten Swan Valley Human Library Part II The Human Library is happening as a result of the partnership between the Northwest Regional Library and Swan Valley Settlement Services. Come be a part of this “novel” event!! Saturday, February 11th 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Benito Branch of the Northwest Regional Library See […]

Submitted by: Barry Waito | Free Introductory Session on Adventure Hiking (day trips, weekend or longer) Are you interested in hiking? This session will provide useful information about hiking for novice to advanced hikers, including; how to plan for a hike, tips on clothes and equipment, food and packing tips, and safety and environmental awareness. […]

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Rural Municipality of Minitonas, held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 25th day of January, 2012 A.D. at 7:00pm. Present: Reeve McIntosh, Councillors: Pacamaniuk, Klekta, Eisner & Rinsdorf C.A.O.: Carolyn Gordon Additional Correspondence: Vacation Request E. Rinsdorf – C. Eisner RESOLVED THAT the Agenda be […]

Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens; the author of popular classics such as Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist. Many of his books have been made into movies! To celebrate the life and works of this world renowned author, we will be […]

Submitted by: Doreen and Doug Windsor St. James Anglican Church hall was filled to capacity on Saturday afternoon, February 4th for its’ very successful Valentine Tea Tasting event. Click any picture for a larger version. Much laughter augmented the fellowship which was enjoyed by each and everyone after they chose from a wide selection of […]

The Sarah Kirsch concert scheduled for February 4, 2012 has been cancelled due to sickness.

ValleyBiz Story | The local Lions Clubs are getting ready to host the 15th Annual Billy Beal Classic Ice Fishing Derby which is set to take place at Whitefish Lake on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm. Proceeds Benefit Swan Valley Residents For those who like to fish, spending the day […]

Submitted by: Louise Schabert | The Benito Open Mixed Bonspeil will be on from Feb. 13 to Feb. 19. All curlers welcome. To Enter Phone: Rick or Lenore 539-2811, or Scott 539-2667

Submitted by: Kay Markle | “High Blood Pressure the Silent Killer” Public Education Session Hosted by: Service to Seniors Monday, February 6, 2012 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm FREE Swan River Hospital via Manitoba Telehealth (Report to Front Desk) ‘High Blood Pressure … The Silent Killer” takes an in-depth look at high blood pressure. You […]

Submitted by: Doreen Windsor | Everyone is invited to share the joys of a Valentine Tea Tasting Event on St. James Anglican Church Saturday, February 4th 2:00 to 4:00pm Included are specialty teas, coffee and tasty dainties, home made to befit this fun occasion. Amicable hostessess will be ladies of St. James Anglican Church at […]

Submitted by: Nancy McLennan | Northwest Regional Library Presents … Soprano Sarah Kirsch and piano accompanist Chris Kayler One Show Only Northwest Regional Library Saturday, February 4 at 8pm Advance Tickets at the Library $25 Fundraiser With a penchant for adventurous repertoire, Sarah Kirsch has dedicated herself to the rejuvenation of classical syle. Mastering Ravel, […]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Rural Municipality of Swan River, held in the Council Chamber at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Present: Deputy Reeve Don Machan Councillors: Glen Foster, Richard Barteski, Terry Neely Earl Hrappstead, Brian Burick Absent: Reeve Lorne […]

A Regular Meeting of Council of the Village of Benito was called to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday January 24, 2012 in the Village Council Chambers. Present – Mayor Meadows; Deputy Mayor Scouten; Councilor Schneider; Councilor Offenberger; Councilor Zebinski Chief Administrative Officer – Pat Ellingson Delegation: Maintenance Report – Assistant Maintenance Supervisor William Woytkiw […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers with Deputy Mayor Delaurier presiding and Councillors Bobick, Jacobson, Friesen and Whyte present. Absent were Mayor McKenzie and Councillor Sakal Delegations: Dennis Kowal, Louise Oberton and Shirley Mullett regarding sponsorship for the Immigration/Settlement […]

Minutes of Council meeting held in Bowsman Council Chambers on January 18, 2012 at 7:45 p.m. Present were Mayor Leanne Hutman and Councillors Daphne Currie, Joyce Readman and Courtney Densen. Absent with notice Councillor Garry McFadyen. DELEGATIONS 8:15 Stan Giles – Maintenance Dept. Report, Fire Dept. Report CALL TO ORDER ADOPTION OF AGENDA Courtney Densen, […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | The Friends for Grandmothers of Africa were delighted to host nearly forty guests in the North-West Regional Library on January 24. The event was held to express the group’s appreciation for the interest and support which has been given to the Stephen Lewis Foundation by the community and therefore to […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley RISE (204) 734-3668 | Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy (RISE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shauna Klekta as the Economic Development Officer for the Swan Valley. The Economic Development Officer sets the tone and direction for economic growth and opportunity within a community. Hiring an individual […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley RISE (204) 734-3668 | A new Valley wide initiative has been established to champion economic development in the Swan Valley Region. Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy Inc. (RISE), was established by a group of municipalities who recognized the necessity of an active, strategic approach to economic development. The […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach The local Friends for Grandmothers of Africa have appreciated the local interest and support for the last three years. You are invited to join the group for a visit and refreshments Tuesday, January 24, 2012 2 – 4 p.m. North-West Regional Library

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Rural Municipality of Minitonas, held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 11th day of January, 2012 A.D. at 8:00 am. Present: Reeve McIntosh, Councillors: Pacamaniuk, Klekta , Eisner & Rinsdorf C.A.O.: Carolyn Gordon Delegations: 10:00 am Shawn Airey – Toromont Cat 10:20 am Jim Stevenson […]

A Regular Meeting of Council of the Village of Benito was called to order at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in the Village Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Meadows Councilor Schneider, Councilor Offenberger, Councilor Zebinski Chief Administrative Officer – Pat Ellingson Absent with Permission – Deputy Mayor Scouten Delegation: Pacak Kowal, Hardie & Company […]

Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre Media Release | Site preparation for the new Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre is nearing completion and construction is scheduled to begin in the near future. ValleyBiz File Photo With the Town of Swan River taking the lead in the ongoing planning and construction of the Wellness Centre, […]

Perimeter Aviation Announcement | Trevor Ryder, VP Operations of Perimeter Aviation addressed Swan Valley Community Members in the following letter dated January 16, 2012. Perimeter Aviation regrets to inform you that effective Jan 30, 2012; Perimeter will no longer be providing scheduled air service to the Swan River Airport. Perimeter has been extremely impressed by […]

RCMP Media Release | Missing Person – UPDATE RCMP Swan River Detachment continue efforts to locate Beverly Lynn CHARTRAND of Benito, MB. Ms. CHARTRAND is describe as approximately 161 cms ( 5’3”), 125 kgs (225 lbs ) with either dark brown or bleached colored hair. She was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweat shirt […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten | Part One of the first Swan Valley Human Library event took place January 12-14th at the Northwest Regional Library in Swan River. It was a great time! Click any picture for a larger version. There were 15 Human Books available at different times for “checkout” (30 minute conversations/demonstrations) to Readers […]

PHRA Media Release | Parkland International Medical Graduate (IMG) Recruitment Update At present, we have two IMGs who will have completed their one year of training on February 4, 2012. Dr. Wagdi Salib and Dr. Jaswinder Kanwal have begun the process of applying for their conditional registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of […]

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Council of the Rural Municipality of Swan River, held in the Council Chamber at 216 Main Street West, Swan River, Manitoba on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Present: Reeve Lorne Henkelman Deputy Reeve Brian Burick Councillors: Glen Foster, Don Machan, Richard Barteski, Terry Neely, Earl Hrappstead […]

UPDATE: ValleyBiz has learned through local sources that the Swan River Fire Department was not dispatched to the scene and that members of the Pine River Fire Department provided assistance. __________________ RCMP Media Release | On January 12, 2012 just before 10:00 am the Parkland RCMP Detachment, along with the Winnipegosis Fire Department, Swan River […]

Regular Meeting of the members of Council of the Town of Minitonas, held in the Council Chambers, Minitonas, Manitoba this 4th day of January, 2012 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Barkowski Councillors: Robb, Caruk, Bartel & Windsor C.A.O.: Carolyn Gordon Delegations: 7:00 pm RM of Minitonas Council re: Joint Administrative Issues 8:00 pm F. […]

RCMP Media Release | Swan River RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Beverly Lynn CHARTRAND, age 30, of Benito , Manitoba . Beverly was last seen walking near her home in Benito, Manitoba early Sunday morning, January 8th. If anyone has seen Beverly, or knows her whereabouts, they are asked to contact the […]

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers with Councillor Friesen presiding and Councillors Bobick, Jacobson, Sakal and Whyte present. Absent were Mayor McKenzie and Councillor Delaurier. 1. RESOLVED that Councillor Friesen be authorized to Chair the January 3rd, 2012 meeting […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten | Come One! Come All! January 12: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm January 13: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm January 14: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm To the Human Library at the Swan River Northwest Regional Library “Human Books” will share their stories and be available […]

The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive met on January 5th , 2012 at the Chamber of Commerce Board Room. The minutes of the December 1, 2011 meeting were reviewed and approved. President Wayne Grier reported that the Chamber made a presentation to the Highway Traffic Board Hearing on the Chamber’s concern regarding the location […]

Submitted by: Dee-Ann Clarkson | There was a good turn out for Friday night shinny in Minitonas. Everyone had a great time. If you missed out, join in next time. Click for January Dates Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Blaine Hart | The Minitonas Arena is offering Hard Puck Shinny Fridays at 7:15 to 8:45 January Dates: January 6 January 20 January 27 $2 at the door Everybody of all ages and abilities welcome. Stop by and throw in your stick for a recreational game of hockey, get some exercise and have […]