ValleyBiz Story | Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, was in Bowsman on April 6, 2018 to provide details on the Manitoba Government’s announcement of new early learning and child-care spaces. “This exciting announcement demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality childcare to Manitoba families,” said MLA Wowchuk. “I am pleased that we are creating new […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) President Johnny Wintoniw and Vice President Warren Genik attended the March 20, 2018 Town of Swan River (Town) Council meeting to follow up on their request for $225,000 in funding over the next 3 years. Don’t Axe the Tax Says Chamber of Commerce After some review […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | We had a great time this week (March 26 – March 28, 2018) with 3 Gospel concerts performed in Sapotaweyak, Barrows and Wuskwi Sipihk by Kene and Milly Jackson, from Alberta. In Barrows and Indian Birch, we also had addidtional local singers. They sang during the fundraising supper in Barrows, […]

Submitted by: Evelyn Bredin | Approximately 30 ladies met at Community Bible Fellowship for the annual Women of the Valley Conference on March 24, 2018. The day began with a Continental Breakfast / Social Time which led into the program of the day. Following an ice breaker by Myrna Zinkiew, Tobey Thiessen, Margaret Nemez, Michelle […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care has completed another cycle of both the Positive Parenting program (Triple P) and the Guiding Good Choices (GGC) parenting programs. Parents and caregivers participated in the programs, which ran from January 18 to March 22, 2018. These parent workshops were held at Taylor School. Triple […]

Pictured (L-R): Reeve Bill Galloway, Councillor Irwin Steen, Ken Sutherland ValleyBiz Story | On March 27, 2018 the Municipality of Swan Valley West (SVW) held a ceremony to dedicate a Commemorative Road Sign for Ken Sutherland Drive at Road 220 N on Hwy #10 in honour of Ken Sutherland’s contributions to the community. It was […]

Sample Playground Equipment: Source Minitonas Middle Years School ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) has received formal approval from the Province of Manitoba to close Minitonas Early Years School and renovations to accommodate the students at Minitonas Middle Years School have already begun. While the students are out of the school for […]

Submitted by: Shayne Yaschyshyn |The Swan Valley Splash Park (SVSP) committee was struck by a number of individuals develop a Splash Park at the old Kinsmen Pool site on 9th Avenue North. This committees intent was to raise all of the capital money needed to develop the park. Early in the discussions with the Town […]

Pictured above: 1st Event Sponsored by Rogers, Winners Darlene Beck, Joanne Hart, Shelly Jersak, Fran Argue Submitted by: Marilyn Peters | The Swan River Ladies Curling Club held its 90th annual bonspiel March 16 to 18, 2018 with 28 teams participating. The luck of the Irish was with some while not so much with others […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | The Swan School of Dance held their annual recital on Wednesday March 21, 2018 in front of a full and appreciative crowd. Dance disciplines including Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Ballet were show cased during the evening. The show concluded with a very special number featuring our Tap Teacher, Teri […]

Submitted Story: Photos by Doug Watson, Dale Nobel, Brett Church | The Swan Valley Lions want to sincerely thank all the people that came out to enjoy the 21st annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby at Whitefish Lake on March 17, 2018. Over 600 people that came out enjoyed the beautiful weather and great food. […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | On Sunday March 11, 2018 the Pine River Community Centre opened its doors to 130 guests anticipating a delicious supper and with the aroma of baked chicken in the air it made their mouth water. The supper consisted of breaded chicken drumsticks and thighs, sweet and sour pork strips served […]

Submitted by: Jessica Bergen | The second Everything’s a Quarter sale put on by the Parent Pack was a huge success! With donations accepted from the public, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre was filled with many new and gently used items for sale. With absolutely everything for sale at only 25 cents, things moved quickly! […]

Submitted by : Jessica Lacasse | Mike Scott presented his story to a group of students and community members in Swan River on March 13, 2018. Over 200 people came out to hear Mike share his experience with child welfare, addictions and resilience. It was an inspiring event in which everyone was challenged to be […]

Submitted by: Prairie Mountain Health | The severity of the recent Town of Swan River water supply system issue at the end of January had Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) on high alert. As potable water is a necessity in the provision of health care services, the Swan River incident proved that having emergency planning and […]

Pictured above: Front Row: Owen Martyniuk, 2nd Row: Damien Leask, Trace Langan, Matt Zamzow, Caleb Rooks, Payton Thompson, Dade Werbicki, 3rd Row: Christian Hart, Grace Kirk, Maddix Eisner, Tyrell Leaske, Alex Campbell, Tucker Thompson, Tavyn BoychukBack Row: Coaches Jason Eisner, Blaine Campbell, Chris Zamzow Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | The Atom A Stampeders earned a […]

Submitted by St. Andrew’s United Church Women | The annual World Day of Prayer service was held Friday March 2, 2018 and was hosted by St. Andrew’s United Church. The theme being “All God’s Creation Is Very Good” focusing on the environment. Seven local denominations took part featuring the Country of Suriname. We read and […]

Star & Times Photos submitted by Jessica Bergen | The Swan River Skating Club held their annual carnival on Monday, March 12, 2018. The ‘Under the Sea’ theme was a big splash, and audience members were thrilled with the skill each skater showed. A big thank you to all who helped make it a success […]

Submitted Story | The Swan Valley Peewee A Stampeders were victorious at the Hockey Manitoba Provincial Championships in La Broquiere on March 2-5 by capturing the Peewee A Provincial title. In the Championship game, the Peewee Stamps again faced a strong Mitchell Mohawks, a team that desperately wanted revenge for an overtime loss in the […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Vesselli Dance Club held their 36th Annual Concert on March 10, 2018. Family and friends, along with spectators from the community gathered in the Benito School Gym to enjoy the fantastic presentation put on by the dancers. The entire club kicked off the show with the Privyt – […]

Submitted photo: Manitoba Winter Games Gold Medal Winners! Presley Sagert, Skip; Madison Sagert, Lead; Bryn Zamzow, Second; Eden Betcher, Third ValleyBiz Story| The Manitoba Winter Games took place March 4-10, 2018 in Thompson, MB and several athletes from the Swan Valley made the trip to compete in the province’s largest ongoing multi-sport program. The Manitoba […]

Pictured above: Front Row: Jada Kujanpaa, Sydney Gilroy, Ireland Staples, Brenna Schure, Ali Kujanpaa, Brynlee Spencer Back Row: Coach: Lise Fraser, Sydney Fedorchuk, Lauren Klatt, Adria Bateman, Caitlyn Stewart, Erica Sembaluk-Hart, Jasmine Rose, Josie Black. Asst. Coach: Erica Forsyth, Manager: Jennifer Zamzow Submitted by: Lise Fraser | What a season it has been for the […]

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time begins tonight. The official time to set your clocks ahead 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, March 11, 2018 Set your clock to: 3:00 am Each year, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Submitted by: Judy Kostyshyn | The NDP Spring Sale was held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Swan Valley Museum. A variety of home based businesses provided new and innovative products for shoppers to choose from. The event also included a lunch menu of homemade soups, pies & bunwiches, which were enjoyed by all […]

Submitted by: Leon Church | The second annual Mighty Bucks Loonie Toonie Tournament went on as planned in Bowsman on the weekend, Feb 23 & 24th, 2018. The host Bucks finished the weekend with a 3-1 record, but failing to reach the finals with a 2-1 loss to the SCN Braves in a semi final. […]

RM of Mountain Public Notice The RM of Mountain is pleased to announce Paige Larocque has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality effective March 5th, 2018. Paige has 7 years of municipal experience and graduated with a Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration. Council would like to thank our office staff; Kim, Paige & […]

SVSD Public Notice | The Swan Valley School Division has announced that due to hazardous winter conditions, all SVSD buses are cancelled for Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Star & Times Photos submitted by: Jessica Bergen | The Minitonas Skating Club put on a great carnival on March 1, 2018 featuring 10 solos, 3 group numbers and 3 learn to skate groups, showcasing what they have learned this year. A big thank you to all who came out to support our club. We […]

Swan Valley School Division Public Notice March 5, 2018| Due to hazardous winter conditions all buses are cancelled. As well, schools in Benito, Birch River, Bowsman and Minitonas will be closed today. Schools in the Town of Swan River will remain open.

Media Release| On February 28, 2018, Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, announced that the Manitoba Government is making major investments to ensure local health care facilities are properly maintained. “I am pleased that our Progressive Conservative government is investing in health care facilities in our constituency,” said MLA Wowchuk “This investment will ensure that […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk |The Annual Benito Firemen’s Association Supper held at the Benito Rec Centre on Sunday Feb. 25, 2018 was a huge success. The volunteer firefighters and their families hosted the Swan Valley and surrounding area for a terrific meal. Community members showed their support by either cooking turkeys or donating supper items […]

Pictured above: 1st prize winner of the All Roads Lead to Bocce Lap Quilt, Darla Leslie along with her son Kolton Leslie of Minitonas. Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Congratulations to the winners of the Special Olympics Parkland Region’s Fabulous Valentine Quilt Raffle. A total of $1750 was raised from the Russell, Swan River and […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | A total of $5,200.00 was given away in cash prizes at the 2018 Bellsite 39th Annual Poker Derby on February 25, 2018. An estimated 200 sleds attending with 209 registered drivers. Lisa Towers wins 10% of prize money($1,040.00) with 300 ghostriders (the most ghostriders prize). Honourable mention to Bert Sutherland […]

Pictured above: The final for the 1st event had the youngest team and the oldest team pitted against each other with Presley Sagert’s rink versus Joyce Trevellyn’s rink. Back row: Penny Stadnick, Emily Gillies, Presley Sagert, Eden Betcher Front row: June McKenzie, Joyce Trevellyn, Bryn Zamzow, Madison Sagert Submitted by: Deanna Martin |The 2018 Bowsman […]

ValleyBiz Story | Some of our users may have had trouble accessing ValleyBiz.ca beginning February 27, 2018. If you received a message that ValleyBiz has expired there is no need to panic. ValleyBiz has no plans of discontinuing service to the Swan Valley. The company we pay to host the ValleyBiz website had their internet […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow and Angela Mullin | Pictured Above, Pee Wee B Stampeders: Back Row – Brandon Grazier, Jett Cook, Liam McArthur, Jack Mullin, Henry Branconnier, Comrie Quill, Carter Addis, & Noah Weir Front Row: Crystal Zamzow, Mackenzie Lukey, James Parsons, McKenna Gray, Nolan Woodward On the weekend of Feb 24-25, 2018 the Pee […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Eight community centres across the province will receive more than $84,000 to purchase and install commercial-grade kitchen equipment to support local food entrepreneurs, announced Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “With this funding, our government is investing in the future of food innovation, product development and Manitoba’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Eichler. […]

Media Release | Nine charities and organizations in southern Manitoba will be the beneficiaries of national accounting, tax and consulting firm MNP’s Reach Out – Pay it Forward program for the next year. Starting February 1, 2018 and running until January 2019, for every client referral provided to our southern Manitoba offices, MNP will reach […]

Pictured above: 1st in the 1st Event Winners sponsored by the J.A Lyons Memorial Trophy. Presenter Tom Lyons congratulates Skip Neil Watkins, Third Marty Anderson, Second Carter Watkins and Lead Karter Meyn Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Recreation Complex was a busy place this past week. On February 13-18, 2018, the Complex hosted […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church | The 7th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on February 10, 2018. The Veterans Hall was decked out in red decorations and many hearts! The entertainment was wonderful and they performed for a very appreciative crowd. The roast beef supper with all the trimmings as delicious! […]

Submitted by: Rachael Stober | The CBFCS Parent Advisory Council put on a Dessert Night/Duelling Pianos/Silent Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, February 10, 2018 and raised $2500 for a multi-sports pad project that will benefit the entire community of Swan River. Almost 100 people in attendance enjoyed fabulous desserts from our local Swan Valley Co-op […]

Swan Valley School Division Board Announcement February 14, 2018 | The Board conducted Community Meetings throughout the Valley sharing some of the challenges it faces over the next few years. During these Community Meetings, the Board solicited feedback from attendees and invited all Valley residents to participate in a survey to provide suggestions to the […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | We had an absolutely amazing day at our 2nd annual Swan River Sled for Eternity on February 10, 2018! We had 68 registered riders out on the trails and we were blown away by the faithfulness of our fundraisers with our final total coming in at close to $80,000 raised. […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | JV Girls Basketball Team travelled to the Yorkton Raiders Basketball Tournament this past weekend and posted an undefeated record. The Tigers’ first opponent of the tournament was the home team, Yorkton Raiders. Yorkton was big and fast, jumped out for an early lead and were ahead by 9 points at […]

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | The Winter Blues Dance was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Cowan Community Centre. Pure Country (featuring Kenny Thompson and Brittney Moore) put on a good show by filling the Centre with music till approximately 1:30 am. Even though it was a chilly night, people came from near […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is pleased to announce a new Spring Granting Period. The initial Spring Grant Intake is now open and applications are being accepted from organizations who did not receive a grant during the Fall 2017 granting period. “We recognize that groups have spring and summer projects […]

Pictured above: Clinicians perform during the final Jazz concert. ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) Band Council held their Sixth Annual SVSD Jazz Retreat and Improvisation Workshop on January 19 – 20, 2018. Students from across the Valley worked with esteemed music educator Graydon Cramer (drums) from Brandon, Kyle Wedlake (tenor saxophone) […]

Town of Swan River Public Notice February 2, 2018 6:16 pm | This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Issue Update: The well specialists have flushed and inspected the well cribbing of well #2. They have confirmed that the cribbing is compromised above the pump level. We cannot put a new pump in the […]

Town of Swan River Public Notice February 1, 2018 9:00 pm | This issue only affects Town residents and businesses. Issue Update: The well specialist company has successfully removed the pumps and related pipes from both failed wells. Work is now focused on flushing the wells and reinstalling a complete new pump and related hardware. […]

Submitted by: Jeff Hay | Bingo at the Elks Hall in Swan River will proceed as scheduled despite the ongoing water situation in the Town of Swan River. Doors open at 6:00 pm Thursday & Friday February 1 & 2, 2018 If any questions, or for more information, call the hall at 204-734-4879.