Category Archives: Local Interest

Local Roots of Excellence in Geography & History Education

Submitted Article | Photo courtesy Connie Wyatt Anderson Former Swan Valley resident Connie Wyatt Anderson, has been named geography teacher of the month by Canadian Geographic. Wyatt Anderson grew up in Mafeking and is the daughter of Terri and Bradley Wyatt. She has received many other distinctions throughout her career including: the Queen Elizabeth II […]

2019/01/30Local Interest

Missing Youth Safely Located

RCMP Media Release | UPDATE January 29, 2019 Jasmine Lavallee has been safely located. The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

2019/01/29Local Interest

Community Foundation Announces Spring Grant Intake

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is pleased to announce the Spring Granting Period. The initial Spring Grant Intake is now open and applications are being accepted. Organizations are reminded that only one application can be accepted per calendar year. “We recognize that groups have spring and […]

2019/01/29Local Interest

Planning Continues for Manitoba 55+ Games in Swan River

Submitted by: Erin Brown On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, a small but committed group came out to learn and support the upcoming Manitoba 55+ Games, being held in Swan River June 11 – 13, 2019. Host Committee Chairperson Murray Mullin outlined the structure of the event, the different sports and activities that would be taking […]

2019/01/28Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – December 18, 2018

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 18th, 2018 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Wintoniw, Delaurier, Whyte, Friesen, Moriaux, and Gray present. 1. Call meeting to order 2. Adoption of the Agenda Resolution No: 2018.531 Moved By: Phylis Friesen Seconded By: […]

2019/01/27Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – Decemeber 4, 2018

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, December 4th, 2018 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Wintoniw, Delaurier, Whyte, Friesen, Moriaux, and Gray present. 1. Call to order 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2018.519 Moved By: Duane Whyte Seconded By: David Gray […]

2019/01/26Local Interest

Swan River RCMP Search for Missing Youth

RCMP Media Release | UPDATE January 29, 2019 Jasmine Lavallee has been safely located. The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance. Swan River RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old, Jasmine Lavallee. She was last seen on 4th Street in Swan River on January 15, 2019, at approximately 10:50 […]

2019/01/25Local Interest

Community Recognized for Support of Building Renovation

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary held an appreciation tea on Saturday January 19, 2019 to thank the community for their on going support of the Benito Legion Hall Building Renovation. We had a great Saturday afternoon and would like to thank everyone who braved the cold to join us! Again we […]

2019/01/25Local Interest

Charges Laid in Swan River Homicide

RCMP Media Release | Tyler Brass, 30, from Swan River has been charged with Second Degree Murder in relation to the homicide of a 39-year-old male on January 18, 2019. Swan River RCMP Investigate Homicide

2019/01/24Local Interest

Animal Protection League Reflects on Successful Year

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | The Swan Valley Animal Protection League AGM was held at the Northwest Regional Library on January 15, 2019 at 7pm. The meeting was well attended. Sherry Martin, President, thanked everyone for the hard work throughout year in all areas. SVAPL had a very successful year with fundraising and Corporate and […]

2019/01/24Local Interest

Minitonas Curling Club Donates $10,431 to Long Term Care

ValleyBiz Story | Representatives from the Minitonas Curling Club presented a cheque in the amount of $10,431 to the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation to be used for long term care at the Swan Valley Lodge and Swan Valley Personal Care Home. The donation represents the proceeds of the land and building of the Minitonas […]

2019/01/23Local Interest

Elaine Kelbert 75th Birthday Celebration – February 3, 2019

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | Elaine Kelbert 75th Birthday Celebration Sun. February 3, 2019 Cake & Refreshments 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Friends and family of Elaine Kelbert are invited to come out and celebrate her 75th birthday on Sunday February 3, 2019. We will be having cake and refreshments between 2 – 4 pm […]

2019/01/22Local Interest

Hot Tunes on a Cold Night With Dirty Catfish Brass Band

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 […]

2019/01/22Local Interest

Dolyna Dancers Celebrate Ukrainian New Years

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 […]

2019/01/21Local Interest

Swan River RCMP Investigate Homicide

RCMP Media Release | On January 18, 2019, at approximately 11:40 pm, Swan River RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence located on 5th Avenue South in the community of Swan River. Upon arrival, officers were led to an injured and unresponsive 39-year-old male, from Swan River, in the residence. EMS […]

2019/01/20Local Interest

Bellsite’s 40th Ann. Snowmobile Poker Derby – Feb 24, 2019

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | BELLSITE’S 40th Annual Snowmobile POKER DERBY Sun. February 24, 2019 A Scenic Mountain Route, North Mountain Riders Groomed Snow Pass Trail (this event will happen with sunshine, snow or rain). REGISTRATION: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Bellsite Community Hall FEE: DRIVERS $30.00 (3 POKER HANDS) (Advance Registration before 1pm & you must […]

2019/01/20Local Interest

Town of Swan River – November 20, 2018

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Whyte, Delaurier, Gray, Moriaux, Friesen, and Wintoniw present. 1. Call to order 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2018.504 Moved By: David Gray Seconded By: Duane Whyte […]

2019/01/20Local Interest

Swan Valley School Division Minutes – January 14, 2019

Swan Valley School Division Executive Summary of the January 14, 2019 Submitted by: Tim Mendel Superintendent/CEO 1. The Bowsman Early Learning Centre construction has started. Please check out the short video on our website and Facebook page. 2. The Board is moving toward a greater presence on social media. Given that a large number of […]

2019/01/20Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – November 6, 2018

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor Jacobson presiding and Councillors Whyte, Friesen, Moriaux, Gray, Delaurier and Wintoniw present. 1. Call to order 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2018.481 Moved By: Johnny Wintoniw Seconded By: Phylis Friesen […]

2019/01/19Local Interest

Town of Swan River Minutes – October 16, 2018

The Council of the Town of Swan River met on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 at 7:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers with Mayor McKenzie presiding and Councillors Whyte, Jacobson, Friesen, Moriaux, Delaurier and Sakal present. 1. Call to order 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution No: 2018.458 Moved By: David Moriaux Seconded By: Jason Delaurier […]

2019/01/19Local Interest

Billy Beal Classic Ice Fishing Derby – March 16, 2019

Submitted by: Brett Church| Swan Valley Lions Clubs 22nd Annual Billy Beal Classic Ice Fishing Derby Sat. March 16, 2019 1pm to 4pm Whitefish Lake Contestants will be competing for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. 1st prize being guaranteed $10,000 cash Cost of Entry tickets are Adult: Advanced $40 | Walk-on $50 Under 16″ […]

2019/01/18Local Interest

Minitonas-Bowsman Minutes – December 18, 2018

Regular Meeting of the members of the Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, held in the Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 18th day of December, 2018 A.D. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Reeve; W. Pacamaniuk Councillors; G. Bartel, S. Walmsley, L. Hutman, C. Densen, W. Kolisnyk & D. Wagner Acting C.A.O; – Patti Simpson Delegations: […]

2019/01/17Local Interest

Benito Ladies Auxiliary Appreciation Tea – January 19, 2019

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | Benito Legion Hall Building Renovation Appreciation Tea Sat. January 19, 2019 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Free Coffee & Cake! Join us on Saturday January 19th 2019 from 2pm – 3:30 pm at the Benito Legion Hall for free coffee and cake! (Gluten free option available) The Ladies Auxiliary would […]

2019/01/15Local Interest

Manitoba 55+ Games Volunteer Info Night – Jan. 16, 2019

Submitted by: Erin Brown | 2019 Manitoba 55 + Games Volunteer Information Night January 16, 2019 7 pm Swan River Curling Club/ Community Centre Main Floor, Bingo Room Do you or someone you know like to play floor shuffleboard? Pickleball? Cribbage? Darts? All these and more are going to take place in Swan for the […]

2019/01/14Local Interest

RM of Mountain Minutes – December 21, 2018

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Friday, December 21, 2018 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Robert Hanson Councillors: Wilmer Malcolm, Connie Forbes and Arnie Pedersen Councillor Nadolney was absent with notice. 1. Call to Order At 10:00 a.m. […]

2019/01/13Local Interest

60 Guest Attend Christmas Supper

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 […]

2019/01/11Local Interest

The Dirty Catfish Brass Band – January 20, 2019

Sponsored by: Swan Valley Band Boosters Inc. and The Swan Valley Band Council The Dirty Catfish Brass Band Sun. January 20, 2019 SVRSS Cafeteria 7:30 pm Music in the true New Orleans brass tradition, Drenched with rhythm, Brimming with soul, Guaranteed to make your feet dance ! Adults $10.00 SVSD Students $3.00 9 and under […]

2019/01/09Local Interest

Health Care Improvements Continue Throughout the Region

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 […]

2019/01/08Local Interest

Bellsite Rocking at New Year’s Eve Dance

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 […]

2019/01/07Local Interest

Wonderful Afternoon at Benito Auxiliary Christmas Tea

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 […]

2019/01/06Local Interest

Dolyna Dancers Malanka Concert – January 14, 2019

Submitted by: Amy Hofford | Dolyna Dancers Malanka Concert January 14, 2019 SVRSS Cafeteria 6:30 pm

2019/01/04Local Interest

Winter Blues Dance – January 26, 2019

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik Winter Blues Dance Cowan Community Centre January 26, 2019 With Country Reign 9pm – 1am Lunch will be served

2019/01/03Local Interest

UCN Celebrates Workforce Dev. Centre Grand Opening

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 […]

2019/01/03Local Interest

Estate & Legacy Planning Seminar – To Be Rescheduled

Submitted by: RBC Dominion Securities Estate & Legacy Planning Seminar This Event will be Rescheduled At a Later Date Wine & Cheese will be served. Please join experts from RBC Royal Bank, RBC Dominion Securities and Oakes Law Office for an educational presentation and discussion. We’ll cover important financial, tax and legal considerations when planning […]

2019/01/02Local Interest

Wishing You Everything Good in 2019

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 […]

2019/01/01Local Interest

Swan Valley West Minutes – December 6, 2018

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 this 6TH day of December 2018 at 7:00 pm. Present: Reeve: William Galloway Councillors: Carrie Blosha Glen Foster Bill Gade Tyler Kushniryk Matt Wills Darryl Pierrepont CAO: Deidre Bilyk Delegations: […]

2018/12/30Local Interest

RM of Mountain Minutes – December 5, 2018

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of the Rural Municipality of Mountain held Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 in the R.M. of Mountain Council Chambers in Birch River, Manitoba. Members Present: Reeve: Robert Hanson Councillors: 1 – Wilmer Malcolm 2 – Stephen Nadolney 3 – 4 – Connie Forbes 5 – Arnie Pedersen 6 – […]

2018/12/29Local Interest

Community Makes Generous Donations to CTC Toy Drive

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 […]

2018/12/28Local Interest

Bellsite New Years Eve Dance – December 31, 2018

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | Bellsite and Midnight Run Band welcome you to the Bellsite New Years Eve Dance Usual dance hours 9-1 Cash bar and lunch served. Music by: Lawrence, Brenda and Dale Gaudry, Louise Lamb and Leonard Constant

2018/12/27Local Interest

Community And Entrepreneurship Grants Available

Submitted by: Community Futures Parkland | Our annual grant & award application and nomination forms are now available on our website. All applications and nominations are due on February 4, 2019. The Volunteer Awards are a great opportunity to nominate someone in your community who generously donates their time and energy to enhance community spirit. […]

2018/12/27Local Interest

Christmas Wishes From ValleyBiz

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.

2018/12/25Local Interest

Successful Evening at Pelly Coffee House

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 […]

2018/12/24Local Interest

Minitonas-Bowsman Minutes – December 4, 2018

Regular Meeting of the members of the Council of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, held in Council Chambers, in Minitonas, Manitoba this 4th day of December, 2018 A.D. at 7:04 p.m. Present: Reeve: W. Pacamaniuk Councillors: S. Walmsley, L. Hutman, C. Densen, W. Kolisnyk & Doug Wagner Acting C.A.O. – Patti Simpson Absent with Notice: Councillor […]

2018/12/23Local Interest

Swan Valley West Minutes – November 29, 2018

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 this 29th day of November 2018 at 7:00 pm. Present: Reeve: William Galloway Councillors: Carrie Blosha Glen Foster Bill Gade Tyler Kushniryk Darryl Pierrepont CAO: Deidre Bilyk Absent with Prior […]

2018/12/22Local Interest

Music Fills the Air at Christmas Carol Festival

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

2018/12/20Local Interest

SVAPL Annual General Meeting – January 15, 2019

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League Annual General Meeting January 15, 2019 Northwest Regional Library 7:00 pm Everyone is Welcome! Membership $20 per year. Election of Officers will take place followed by a regular meeting. Please Join Us!

2018/12/19Local Interest

A Wonderful Christmas Afternoon of Music at Harley House

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 […]

2018/12/19Local Interest

SVRSS Band Presents Annual Christmas Concert

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 […]

2018/12/18Local Interest

Swan River Among Top 25 Communities Vying for $25,000

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 […]

2018/12/18Local Interest

Festive, Furry Fundraiser for Animal Protection League

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, […]

2018/12/17Local Interest