Pictured above (L to R): Directors Ryan Immerkar, Lorne Henkelman, Donor-Matt Black, Directors Lynda Parsons and Lew Taylor. (Submitted) Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) recently received a donation of $20,000 from Matt Black. The endowment will create a new Education Fund with the CFSV. Matt […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | Once again the Benito Firemen’s Association hosted another fantastic meal at the Benito Rec Centre. Over 225 people from the Swan Valley and surrounding area were treated to a delicious meal and a fantastic silent auction. Our Volunteer Fireman are a small group, who provide many great advantages to the […]

Pictured above: Back Row: Coaches Craig Zamzow, Rick Betcher, Dave Kirk; Middle Row: Crystal Zamzow, Tucker Thompson, Noah Weir, Tyrell Leaske, Eli Betcher, Samantha Jo Moshenko, Kai Gorchynski; Front Row: Jackson Badowski, Tavyn Boychuk, Maddix Eisner, Andrew Pidskalny, Brady Burghart, Grace Kirk; Horizontal: Owen Martyniuk Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | The Swan Valley Pee Wee […]

Sydney Gilroy, Chloe Formo and Jasmine Rose attempt to box out the Dauphin players for the rebound. Submitted by: Lise Fraser | The Swan Valley JV Girls headed to Brandon this past weekend, February 15-16, 2019. The first opponent of the tournament was the Tigers’ zone rival, Dauphin Clippers. This game was of utmost importance […]

Submitted by: Bert Sutherland | On February 15, 2019 the North Mountain Riders held our 7th annual Pickerel Supper at the Westwood Inn. Full house for the event, we had a 50/50 draw and the lucky winner was Stan Anderson, taking home just over $1000.00. Local business & private individuals donated all kinds of items […]

Westman Communications News Release | Westman Communications Group (Westman) is investing over $300,000 in network and plant enhancements in Swan River. The network upgrade allows Westman to provide faster, more reliable Internet speeds and additional capacity to accommodate the increasing demand for Westman services. “Westman was proud to bring enhanced communication services to Swan River […]

Example of paint, murals and tactile display in Malton Village LTC Home, Mississauga, ON ValleyBiz Story | Submitted photos. Colour is an important part of our world. It can impact our emotions and our state of mind. Colour is often one the first considerations in our home improvement projects. So, what if colour could be […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | JV Girls played in the Neepawa Invitational Basketball Tournament on February 1-2, 2019. The first game of the tournament for the Tigers was against the Stonewall Rams. Once again the Tigers found themselves undersized but played a strong defensive game with a press, limiting their opponent to only 36 points. […]

Swan Valley School Division Media Release | The Swan Valley School Division Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that come fall term we will have a new Superintendent of Schools in the person of Jon Zilkey. Jon has a Master’s in Educational Administration along with degrees in Science, Physical Education and after degree in […]

ValleyBiz Story | Submitted Photos Robyn Tibble recently placing 3rd in class in the open show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, January 12-27, 2019. The show, which is considered ‘the Superbowl of the cattle show circuit’, saw Robyn compete against some of the best show people in the north American angus […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church Our 8th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on Saturday February 2, 2019. In spite of the snow storm that was raging outside, inside was filled with love and laughter. Julie Nahnybida catered a lovely meal followed by a delicious dessert. Our Entertainers kept things lively and […]

Submitted by: Swan River Constituency Office of MLA Rick Wowchuk | February 1, 2019: Rick Wowchuk is pleased to be able to present a $19,000 cheque this morning on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Ralph Eichler to Veterinary Board Member Stuart Walmsley. The Government of Manitoba is pleased to support the maintenance […]

Swan Valley Co-op Press Release | Due to ongoing and increasing losses over the last decade, the Board of Directors approved the closure of Swan Valley Co-op’s Fashion Gallery department. “Closing a service is never an easy decision and never something you want to do, but as a Co-op we have to ensure that we […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks We would like to thank everyone that made it out through all the snow to celebrate Elaine’s birthday with her. It was great to spend the afternoon visiting and catching up with friends and family, and the cake was good too!

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | Pictures by: Jessica Kovachik | It was a cold one, but that didn’t stop the activity from happening at the Cowan Community Centre on Saturday, January 26, 2019. There at the Community Centre, a Winter Blues Dance was held featuring a new band to the area, Country Reign, that came […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Submitted by: Shannon Cameron Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) ran another fantastic Triple P program on November 3rd and 17th, 2018. Families from the Valley had the opportunity to get together for the two Saturday sessions at École Swan River South School to share their experiences of raising children from newborn to approximately ten […]

Submitted by: Swan River NDP Constituency The annual Swan River NDP Constituency Christmas Supper was held at the Swan Valley Museum on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Socializing began at 5:00 p.m. with attendees being welcomed by Dennis Lischynski playing his guitar as he performed some favourite Christmas carols. The evening continued with a scrumptious ham […]

Submitted by: Becky Schullman | Birch River Turkey Bingo was the place to be this past Friday evening (December 7, 2018). The tables were packed with people of all ages playing their 25 cent bingo cards to help support the Birch River Swimming Pool It was amazing to see the community come together for a […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their AGM and Fall Granting Night on December 6, 2018. “Philanthropy has been defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially as the donation of money to good causes.” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. The Fall Grant recipients certainly […]

Submitted by: Kathleen Sterma, Head Librarian The North-West Regional Library Swan River was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 4th to the 8th, 2018. It was a very festive atmosphere with Decorated trees, Wreaths, Christmas music,cookies, and hot apple cider. Twelve trees were decorated in different themes with Community […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday December 7, 2018 the Swan Valley Stampeders presented a cheque in the amount of $670.50 to the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation to be used for Cancer Care. The funds were raised by donations collected and the proceeds from the 50/50 tickets sales at a recent Stampeders game.

Pictured above: Sitting L-R: Bev Leach, Linda Mcrae, Donna Jorundson, Christina Danyluk, Karen Kosolowsky Standing 1st row: Brenda Hunt, Julie Kooistra, Glenda Horochuk, Jayne Leadbeater, Lorraine Malcolm, Kim Kosokowky, Leigh Hunt Standing 2nd : Cheryl Dahl, Stephanie Jersak, Phyl Friesen, Maureen Bowles, David Gnida, Cindy Bobick, Rick Houle, Jessica Kovacik, Brian Dormer Standing with Tuba: […]

Submitted by: Lesley Sembaluk | The Christmas Coffee House that was put on by the Minitonas Metis Local on December 8, 2018 was a fun and entertaining evening. There was about 100 people in attendance, with performances from musicians and singers from all around the Swan Valley and beyond. Our youngest performer on the stage […]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorne | Pictured above is our Chase The Ace winner Matt Black and our 50/50 winner Tory Werbicki. The Bowsman Skating Rink and the Bowsman Curling Club would like to invite you to play Chase the Ace and 50/50 every Friday from 6:00-8:00 with the draw at 8:10, at the Bowsman Hotel. […]

Submitted by: Tim Mueller | Madge Lake Bible Camp Christmas Production/ Dessert Theater was a huge success.The first performance which happened Sunday morning saw the auditorium at Community Bible Fellowship filled to 90% capacity. For the evening performance it was standing room only. A big thank you to all who attended and supported this event. […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk A good time was had by all at the Lenswood Santa Brunch on Sunday December 2, 2018. Everyone enjoyed Christmas carols, pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice and a tonne of desserts. Santa arrived at 11:30 and was treated to a number of young and old guests telling him their wishes for Christmas. […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | Members of All Saint’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish spent Grey Cup Sunday cooking, packing and delivering about 25 hot perogy and cabbage roll suppers. Many of our Fill your Freezer orders were completed at this time as well. The support for our fundraiser was overwhelming. Thank you!

Front Row: Dayson Martin, Dade Werbicki, Easten Eggie, Scott Tibbett, Caleb Rooks, Payton Thompson, Matt Zamzow, Sam Lacasse Middle Row: Lincoln Staniland, Griffin Klatt, Alex Campbell, Trace Langan, Ben Poole, Damien Leask Back Row: Coaches Blaine Campbell, Sean Eggie, and Chris Zamzow During the weekend of November 23-25, 2018 the Swan Valley Atom A Stampeders […]