Reflecting on 2017, we look back on close to 700 local articles and events posted on ValleyBiz. Thank you to our site users, contributors and advertisers for giving ValleyBiz the opportunity to share your stories across the Valley and around the world. A special thank you to Paull Funeral Home and Swan Valley Funeral Services […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great night of shopping for those last minute gifts and stocking stuffers on Friday, December 22, 2017. The Minitonas Christmas Market was held at the Minitonas Community Hall and featured many different vendors including Barefoot Books, Discovery Toys, Tupperware, 31 Bags, Norwex, Epicure, Arbonne, Jamberry and much […]

Submitted by: Beverly Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the 2017 Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. There were donation boxes located at eight local businesses in order to collect community donations of toys and money. As well, […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted a luncheon Community Information meeting in the SVRSS Muti-Purpose room on December 14, 2017. Approximately 35 community members, students and SVCTC Board members participated in this event. This meeting was held in order to share the Data results from the SVCTC Youth Survey […]

Back Row: Liam McArthur; Middle Row: Nolan Woodward, Brandon Grazier, Carter Addis, Jack Mullin, Henry Branconnier; Front Row: Jett Cook, Noah Weir, James Parsons, McKenna Gray, Crystal Zamzow, Mackenzie Lukey; Missing: Comrie Quill Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of December 16 & 17, 2017 the Pee Wee B Stampeders encountered a stiff […]

Submitted by: Beth Gust, Pictures and Video by Kevin Penner | Swan Valley Museum was the venue last Saturday, December 16, 2017 for a Live Nativity Event. Valley churches organized the scenes which included a marketplace manned by local vendors showing their wares and a manger scene, complete with the Biblical characters, musicians, and live […]

Pictured above: Crowd Favorite, Solid Rock Youth Group Tree Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The North-West Regional Library was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 5th to the 9th, 2017. It was a very festive atmosphere with decorated trees, gingerbread Houses, Christmas music, cookies and hot apple cider. Eighteen […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | Members of the Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 filled boxes of delicious goodies to fill orders received from the community. Proceeds from the 2017 sales will go to Phase 2 of the Bocce Ball Court in Legion Park – signage, benches & plantings. Thank you to everyone who supported our […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | Celebrating Christ’s Birth Through Word & Song was the theme of the Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017. More than sixty people got together to sing carols and listen to the Christmas themed presentation by various musicians from through the Swan River Valley. We […]

Corey Grandfield with the SVRSS Varsity Hockey Team receiving a grant for hockey jerseys. Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their annual granting night on December 7, 2017. “We are here tonight to harvest the fruits of philanthropy in the Swan River Valley,” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. Since […]

Submitted Story | The Minitonas Knox United Church held their Ladies Christmas Program on Monday, December 4, 2017. The evening included some beautiful special music by Brenna Smith on violin. The short program told the wonderful sweet Christmas story featuring various candies and Christmas Carols throughout. First, there was the “Rocky Road” travelled by Mary […]

ValleyBiz Story | On December 9, 2017 the Municipality of Swan Valley West (SVW) held a ceremony at the Thunderhill Ski Club turn off to dedicate a Commemorative Road Sign in honour of the many contributions made by Mr. John Cotton, long time member and founder of the Thunderhill Ski Club and Thunderhill Ski Facility. […]

Submitted by: Angie Henkelman |The Swan Valley Peewee A Stampeders hockey team enjoyed spreading Christmas cheer to Swan River residents on Friday, December 8, 2017. The team sold Carol-grams (singing Christmas Carol telegrams) for $20. At departure on Friday, they had more than twenty bookings including stops at the Hospital and Lodge, Lions Manor, Westside […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held its 54th annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. This concert takes place the first Sunday in December every year and is the only non-adjudicated festival that we organize. The program showcased a variety […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | Lenswood had a great turn out on Sunday, December 3, 2017 for their annual Santa Brunch. It was well attended once again. There were lots of pancakes, sausage, coffee and desserts. All the kids were excited to see Santa so they could tell them what they wanted for Christmas this […]

Submitted by: Edwin Crook | St. James Anglican Church held a well attended Christmas tea on December 3, 2017. Great weather, greater conversation and visiting and greatest sandwiches, dainties and beverages made for an enjoyable afternoon for one and all. There was also a bake table for those wanting to take home a treat.

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a short and sweet presentation of what they’ve been working on so far this year. The evening was also a chance for our youngest dancers, the Sadochuk’s to get a taste of dancing in front of a crowd. These little ones are always […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | On Saturday, December 2, 2017 Swan Valley Minor Hockey Association and the Swan Valley Jr. A. Stampeders teamed up to bring in the Montreal Canadiens Alumni team to play a group of local hockey players. Early indications are that approximately 675 fans came out to witness some ex-NHL players play […]

Pictured above: Bill Woytkiw and his son were 1st in line for Martha Verhoek’s peanut butter squares while Rose Chernenkoff dropped off her baking at the United Church table. Submitted by: Karen Gade | The balmy temperatures encouraged shoppers to attend one of the most successful Benito United Church Craft and Trade Show’s on Sat, […]

Submitted by: Karen Peters | A big thank you to the Swan Valley and area for their support of this year’s Ten Thousand Villages Christmas sale on November 16-18, 2017. Thank you to our volunteers Lena & Lorne Friesen, Karen Peters, Lowell & Jenny Friesen, Betty Warkentin, Doris Reimer, Dorren Miles, Nasseem Mousavi, Jake & […]

Manitoba PC Caucus Media Release | Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, welcomes the announcement by the provincial Progressive Conservative government of an investment in the Community Mobilization intervention program that ensures at-risk individuals in Swan River can reduce contact with the law, establish healthy life goals and become successful members of society. “Our community […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of Nov 24th-26, 2017 the Pee Wee B Stampeders travelled to the Wescana Inn Pee Wee tourney. Pictured above: Back Row: Coach Derrick Lukey, Coach Craig Zamzow, Liam McArthur; Middle Row: Nolan Woodward, Jack Mullin, Crystal Zamzow, Brandon Grazier, Carter Addis, Jett Cook, Coach Warren Gray; Front […]

Submitted by: Marty Thomas | Pictures by: Chris Yelinink va4sky | The Ham Radio Meeting held on November 18, 2017 at the Swan Lake Watershed Building was attended by 9 individuals. 3 hams and 3 that are thinking of getting into the hobby attended in Swan River and 3 called in on the teleconference from […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan, Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge # 185 | We are overwhelmed by the generous support the community has provided towards the construction of a bocce ball court. The Legion Park is the venue of this outdoor facility that can be enjoyed by community groups, family and individuals of any age […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | We had a great turn out for the Lenswood Harvest Wind-up dance on Saturday Nov. 18, 2017. We had approximately 160 people attend the social with ages ranging from a few months old to 70+ years old. It is always nice to see families come out and enjoy themselves, we […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | On Sunday, November 19, 2017, St. Andrew’s United Church held their annual fall supper. A new menu of ham, meatballs, perogies, cabbage rolls, beet leaf rolls and many other items were enjoyed by everyone who attended and the many who ordered their meal for delivery. The desserts were fabulous, with […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | On Friday Nov. 17, 2017 Swan Valley Band Boosters held a Holiday Shoppe. This event featured 16 home business, baking and craft booths as well as a sweet shoppe concession stand. Shoppers had a chance to win door prizes and enter a basket raffle. Band booster used this evening to […]

Submitted Story | The Swan Valley Splash park recently received a donation from another generous Swan Valley business. Del Davy of Swan River Salvage is pictured above with Splash Park Board Member, Jaimie Walker. The donation will go toward the building of a splash park in Swan River. Planning To Make A Splash In The […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose | The Benito Child Care Center board, staff and parents would like to thank all who attended our fundraiser supper and auction on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The generosity of local businesses was seen in the wide variety of auction items sold during the evening. Many local valley businesses also donated […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great day at the Minitonas Christmas Market on Saturday, November 18, 2017! Lots of people came out to shop and have lunch. Even Santa came to check out what was there and take some pictures with the kids.

Submitted by: Heather Nielsen, RISE Economic Development Officer | Swan Valley RISE, partnering with Swan Valley Sport Fish Enhancement, would like to announce the approval of the Partner 4 Growth grant for trail mapping. The project is budgeted for $24600 with $12200 coming from the province and $12400 being shared between Swan Valley RISE and […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | It had been several years since the community centre hosted a fall supper, therefore the committee decided to hold a fall supper by selling advance tickets only. This allowed their small group of volunteers the ability to cater to a specific number of guests and prepare a predetermined amount of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The opening ceremonies for the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship presented by Westman Communications Group, were held at the Swan River Curling Club on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Lloyd Lawson from the 1979 Provincial Championship team from Swan River threw the first ceremonial rock along side team members Lorraine Goodman, Mary Todorchuk […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their third annual Cultural Gala on November 10, 2017 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. The sold-out event was once again an evening to remember. As guests walked in the door they were surrounded by elegance in a room richly decorated in red […]

ValleyBiz Story | On November 11, 2017 a small crowd gathered at the cenotaph in Swan River as wreaths were laid in honor of the fallen. Following the laying of wreaths, a Remembrance Day service was held at the Veteran’s Community Hall in Swan River. “We are gathered today to remind ourselves again, that there […]

ValleyBiz Story | They were young, as we are young, they served, giving freely of themselves. To them we pledge, amid the winds of time, to carry their torch and never forget. We will remember them. On November 8, 2017 about 180 grade 5 and 6 students heard these words as they gathered to place […]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Our 38th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 3, 2017 was a huge success. The wintery weather definitely got everyone into the festive shopping mood. There was a large variety of crafters displaying their wares for the browsing public. Shoppers could then enjoy a delicious warm bowl of […]

Submitted by: Al Berkan |The 55th Annual Rotary Radio Auction was held on November 2, 2017. The bell rang 140 times as individuals got the item they were hoping to acquire. These items donated by local businesses resulted in us raising over $13,000 to be used to support local Rotary projects. The main projects this […]

Submitted by: Barb Lewis | Dispute the snowy weather, the Swan Valley Air Cadets Squadron #519 had a good turn out for the garage sale on November 4th, 2017! We want to thank everyone who donated and who shopped, ate chili and drank coffee!! The cadets also sold poppies at various sites throughout Swan River […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | On Saturday October 28th, 2017 the Pine River Community Centre opened the doors to celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday with just under 50 people in attendance. The centre was decorated in Canadian pride with red and white balloons decaled with maple leaves and Canadian flags. The balloons were placed in vases […]

The following information is provided in response to an editorial on CJ104 Radio where Bill Gade criticizes a news website in the Valley. While his incomplete accusations did not include the name of the website, we thought we would clarify our readership numbers to remove confusion. ValleyBiz Main Page October 2017 Averages 34,000 pageviews per […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | On Saturday, October 28, 2017 the Birch River Senior Group held their annual craft sale. Over 20 tables of crafts, baking, sewing, knitting, local frames, pictures available for sale. Thank you to everyone that came out. Lots of Chili and visiting was enjoyed by all. A BIG Thank You to […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) is facing some difficult challenges. Citing declining divisional enrollment, schools operating under capacity and a reduction in provincial funding, the school board has indicated significant changes will be necessary to improve the “possibility of long term viability of the SVSD”. “We feel as a board that […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | We hope you had a chance to visit the Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) Spooktober- Fest Haunted House! It was a smashing event which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. There were over 1640 visitors, who attended Spooktober-Fest at the SV Historical Museum over the three days of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Valley Agricultural Society (SRVAS) invited representatives from various community groups and organizations for a “Community Conversation” to help determine the desired future for the Ag Society. About 40 people attended the planning session on October 26, 2017. Liz Roberts, President of Liz Roberts & Associates, a consulting firm out […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The 5th Annual Benito Fireman’s Steak Supper was a great success as the Fireman served and fed close to 300 hungry supporters. Neighboring communities with volunteer services were also in attendance to show their support and appreciation of the work these men and women do. Over and above the ticket […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | Pictures by Jennifer Simpson | On Friday October 27, 2017 Swan Valley Band Booster held a new and exciting fundraiser. A paint night with local artist Suzanne May was held at the SVRSS cafeteria. In just 2½ hours participants received step by step instruction to complete a beautiful fall themed […]

To our family, friends and community members, You have truly touched our hearts with your love and friendship. Special thanks to Colinda, Corina, Crystal and Darlene for organizing such a wonderful fundraising supper Saturday, October 21, 2017. Special thanks to Lee Graff, Tripp Family, Murley Family, Emerson Family, Lana Sagert, Louisiana Pacific, Minitonas Community Store, […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | Big thank you to the community for coming out and supporting the Ladies Auxiliaries Fall Tea and Bake Sale at the Benito Legion hall. We hoped all who came enjoyed the warm homemade biscuits and muffins!

Submitted by: Jason Delaurier | On the Morning of Saturday, October 21, 2017 the party faithful from the Swan River constituency gathered at the Elks Hall in Swan River for their 2017 Brunch and AGM. The attendees were entertained by local fiddling talent Brittney Moore and guitarist Ken Thompson. After a brunch of eggs, bacon, […]