Submitted by: April Maxwell | Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival held its 53rd annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church. It was a full house. Click any picture for a larger version. The audience was entertained with traditional Christmas carols as well as jazzy festive numbers. The participants ranged in […]

Submitted by: Judy Kostyskyn | The Annual Swan River Constituency NDP Christmas Supper was held at the Swan Valley Museum on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Following cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious roast pork supper. Click any picture for a larger version. Ron Kostyshyn acted as Emcee for the evening. Following supper, everyone was honoured […]

ValleyBiz Story | A spokesperson from the Municipality of Swan Valley West informed ValleyBiz that the attendant’s shack at the Benito Landfill had been vandalized and burned down. The burned building was discovered by the landfill attendant on Friday December 2, 2016. “It appears this has happened since the dump was last open on Monday […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted two presentations by Dr. John Walker on November 30, 2016. The subject of these presentations was Positive Parenting in Challenging Situations. Click any picture for a larger version. Over 40 people attended the very informative presentations held at the SVRSS School. Dr. John […]

Submitted Story | On behalf of Minister of Agriculture Ralph Eichler, MLA Rick Wowchuk presents a cheque for $9,500.00 to Stuart Walmsley from the Swan Valley Veterinary Board. Click picture for a larger version. The Government is pleased to provide support for the maintenance and operation of local veterinary services.

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | On Sunday, Nov 20, 2016 the Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region held its first Floor Hockey Skill Development Clinic at the Lt. Colonel Barker V. C. School in Dauphin. Click picture for a larger version. The Riding Mountain Rebels comprising of athletes from Winnipegosis and Dauphin and the Swan Valley […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On November 29, 2016 members of Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge packed pre-ordered Christmas Baking boxes. The Ladies outdid themselves this year with a beautiful and tasty selection of goodies. For the first time Christmas baking boxes will be available to purchase at the Coop grocery store: Monday, December […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On Nov. 25-27, 2016 the Swan Valley Atom “A” Stampeders hosted the Atkinson’s Sports Excellence/Pizza Place Atom Tourney. Click any picture for a larger version. Friday afternoon the tourney kicked off with the Taylor School Choir doing a great job singing O Canada, followed by our VIP Ray Atkinson (above) […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Swan Valley Tiger’s Bowling Team had a great Bring a Buddy Tournament on November 29, 2016 at Up Your Alley in Swan River. Seven teams played the pins and everyone had fun! Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above (left to right): 2nd place winners, Jamie and […]

Media Release Submitted by: Swan Valley West | Earlier yesterday (November 29th [2016]) two of the more reputable media outlets in the Swan River Valley asked the Municipality of Swan Valley West if the municipal water supply in the LUD (local urban district) of Benito was safe. The answer was and is an unequivocal YES. […]

Submitted by: Heather Nielsen | It was a busy weekend for the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce. The annual tree lighting took place Friday at 4:30 with Santa, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Click any picture for a larger version. Black Friday was a resounding success! We could not have asked for better weather to […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Public Utilities Board (Board) has approved revised water and wastewater rates effective January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018 for the Town of Swan River (Town). Sewer rates will increase 93.09% in 2017 (from $2.75 to $5.31 per 1,000 gallons) and 39.55% in 2018 (to $7.41 per 1000 gallons). Water rates […]

ValleyBiz Story | Rumors are flying after concerns about the safety of the Benito Municipal water supply were raised over social media yesterday (November 28, 2016), citing staffing issues at the water plant. In a statement to ValleyBiz, David Minish, Media Spokesperson for the Municipality of Swan Valley West, said,”There is no concern as to […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Veterans Community Hall was the location this past weekend for a very successful production of the comedy, “Virgil and the City Slickers” by the Valley Stage Players. Click any pictures for a larger version. The production opened Friday night on November 25, 2016 to an enthusiastic audience who responded […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | Early arrivals to the Services to Seniors Cookie Walk lined up for the 10 a.m. opening at St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Board members and volunteers helped keep the lines moving as participants chose cookies to fill their boxes. […]

Submitted by: Karen Peters The Ten Thousand Villages Sale took place in Swan River on November 17 through 19, 2016. The sale featured handcrafted products made by disadvantaged artisans. Click any picture for a larger version. Many people stopped by to find some unique items, to get a start on their Christmas shopping and to […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | The “Let’s Just Praise the Lord Sing-along” at the Seventh-day Adventist Church was held on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. The voices of the fifty attendees combined to make a wonderful choir, singing along with old-time hymns. Special selections were given by a group […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | On Sunday, November 20, 2016, St. Andrew’s United Church held their annual fall supper. A scrumptious turkey dinner was enjoyed by everyone who attended and the many who ordered their meal for delivery. Click any picture for a larger version. The huge array of desserts was exciting for everyone young […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka | Despite the weather getting steadily colder, things were warm and cheery in Birch River at the Family Fun Night put on by Christian Fellowship Church on Saturday, November 19, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. With multi-generational participants from Swan River, Birch River, and Mafeking, everyone had a […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas Middle Years School “We Create Change” social justice team was in Winnipeg on November 16 – 18, 2016 to attend the WE DAY event at MTS Centre on November 18, 2016. Submitted photos. The 19 students from Minitonas joined approximately 16,000 students from across Manitoba for the inspirational event intended […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) hosted their second annual Cultural Gala on Friday November 18, 2016 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger view. Over 150 people attended the elegant evening that celebrated the benefit the CFSV provides to […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | Last Saturday, November 19, 2016, The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association had their first annual Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet. There were plenty of new and used merchandise to choose from. Click any picture for a larger version. Thanks to all the local snowmobile dealers who brought in their machines and […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Swan Valley Tiger Fire Floor Hockey team travelled to Portage La Prairie on November 5, 2016 to compete in the Special Olympics Manitoba Centre Ice Floor Hockey Tournament bringing home 2nd place blue ribbons. The Winnipeg Blue Devils won all three of their games to take home first. The […]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Our 37th annual craft sale was held on November 4, 2016. Crafters and shoppers enjoyed an unseasonably warm day for our event. Click any picture for a larger version. The War Veteran’s Hall was abuzz with activity as people browsed through the wonderful variety of wares available for purchase. Friends […]

Submitted by: Roxie Petelski | At Patti Bresky’s 40th Birthday party held at the Westwood Inn banquet room on October 15th, 2016 she invited family and friends to attend a special event. In celebration of her 40th birthday, she decided to shave her head in honor of people fighting cancer. Click any picture for a […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Hills Ranch had a strong showing in the Yorkton Exhibition 2016 Havest Showdown on November 2-5, 2016, bringing home the titles of Reserve Grand Champion and Grand Champion Pen of Three Open Heifers. Photos by Peter Baron Photography Pictured above: Reserve Grand Champion Winner, Scott Tibble/Swan Hills Ranch (center) with Judge […]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | The Lenswood Community Hall was rocking to the music of Ken Thompson and Brittany Moore for the Lenswood Harvest Windup Dance on Saturday November 5, 2016. Young and old alike had a great evening dancing and socializing.

Submitted by: Austen Anderson | It was a beautiful day on November 10th when the Minitonas 4-H Beef Club gathered to host a fundraising BBQ for the Mangin family. Joe is a leader in our club and Bailey and Nolan are members. Click picture for a larger version. Over 800 burgers were sold between 11:00 […]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church | The Minitonas Hall was packed on Sunday November 6, 2016 for the fall supper put on by Minitonas Knox United Church. Click any picture for a larger version. The hearty meal included turkey, meatballs, vegetables, salads and all the trimmings followed by a delicious selection of pies for […]

Submitted by: Michelle McKenzie It was a gorgeous day on Saturday, November 5, 2016 and there was a good turnout for the Arran Rec Board Wing & Rib Night held in the Arran Gymnasium. Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you all who came out, and thanks to all the volunteers.

Submitted by: Heather Nielsen | It’s an exciting time in Swan Valley! Swan Valley RISE has been awarded a grant through the Tourism Development Fund for $17,250. The funds will be used for developing a multi-year, valley wide Tourism Development Plan. The plan will provide direction for the development and promotion of tourism sites and […]

ValleyBiz Story | We will remember them. “We remember because this peace that we enjoy today cost us too much.” said Rev. Marcel Archambault during a Remembrance Day Service on November 11, 2016 at the Veteran’s Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. Following the March to the cenotaph, Veternas place wreaths to […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The Swan Valley Stampeders and the booster club are selling Movember Tshirts. Sizes range from youth XL to 2Xl adult and the shirts are $20 each, with $14 from each shirt sold going to Cancer Care Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. Tshirts are available at all […]

Submitted by: Rebecca Popoff | On Thursday, November 3, 2016 Formo Motors delivered 2 trucks loaded with non-perishable food items to the food bank! It was a grand total of 2138 pounds! Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you everyone for your generous donations this year this will help fill up the Christmas […]

ValleyBiz Story | “We’re a small club, but we’re a mighty club.” said Rotarian Dave Theunissen while reflecting on the Swan Valley Rotary Club’s (SVRC) past successes. Over the years the “small club” has raised more than $500,000 for community projects. Click any picture for a larger version. Looking back, the first major project for […]

ValleyBiz.ca | Two students from Benito were recognized for having the first and second place winning entries in the 2015-2016 Manitoba State level of the Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest. Click any picture for a larger version. Rachel Negrave (left) won 1st Prize for the Alcohol Division Age 12-14 and Anika Badowski […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government has appointed new boards for the five provincial regional health authorities to guide the provision of health-care services across the province, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Regional health authority boards are responsible for the resources and performance of the health-care system, […]

Submitted by: Cramer Coulthart | The Valley Axemen got off to a roaring start in their first season in the North Central Hockey League this weekend. Squaring off against the Foxwarren Falcons, the Axemen trailed early but led by the Riddell boys stormed back to a 5-3 win. It was a physical game Friday night […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | The annual Bowsman Community Halloween Party was put on by the Bowsman Lions Club at the Bowsman Legion Hall on Halloween night. Click any picture for a larger version. There were prizes for costumes, a pumpkin carving contest, and door prizes as well as drinks, hot dogs, and treats. The […]

Submitted Story | The Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman held a logo contest this summer and a few submissions were received. Council reviewed all submissions and while there were some good entries, the one that appealed to Council the most was submitted by the Tent Town Garden Club. Pictured above: Reeve Clint Eisner with Tent Town Garden […]

A friendly reminder from ValleyBiz that Daylight Savings Time ends November 6, 2015 The official time to set your clocks back 1 hour is: 2:00 am Sunday, November 6, 2015 Set your clock to: 1:00 am Each year, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in […]

Submitted by: Jacee Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank everyone who came out to support their first annual Fall Craft Sale. Hope to see everyone next year! Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | The annual craft sale held by the Birch River Northern Neighbors was again a success. 20 plus tables with all kinds of goodies to choose from. Click any picture for a larger version. Once you were done looking at all the baking, knitting, jams, jellies and endless crafts that all […]

Swan Valley School Division Announcement | We are pleased to announce that Mr. Mark Simpson has been appointed to the position of Principal of both the Minitonas Early Years School and the Minitonas Middle School effective January 9th, 2017. Mark has been a valued member of our Division since 2001. He has been a teacher […]

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. Click any picture for a larger version. There were over 1,450 visitors, who attended Spooktober-Fest at the John […]

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst | On Oct. 23rd, 2016 Temple Baptist Church hosted Potter’s Clay, a Male Quartet that sings Traditional Gospel Music. There were approx. 175 people in attendance. Thank you to all who attended, it was an encouraging evening of uplifting music.

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | The Swan Valley Ducks Unlimited Committee held their 35th Annual Banquet and Auction this past Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the War Veterans Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. The gathering of 160 people were welcomed into the hall by being served lovely appetizers as they viewed […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The Friendship Centre craft sale held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 was a huge success with close to 300 people stopping in to take a look. Click any picture for a larger version. There were over 35 tables and lots of great Xmas ideas and food samples on hand. Don’t […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | Building on the success of last year’s event, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is gearing up to host their second annual Cultural Gala on November 18, 2016. Valley residents are once again invited to attend a formal evening of delicious food served during a showcase […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, October 11, 2016 Finance Minister Cameron Friesen was in Swan River to host a public, pre-budget consultation from 5pm to 7pm at the Westwood Inn. Local MLA Rick Wowchuk acted as the moderator for the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Pre-consultation meetings are taking place in several […]