Submitted by: Chris Reimer | Despite it being ideal harvest weather close to 30 area farmers and industry advisors attended MNP’s “Putting Your Best Farm Forward” seminar on August 13, 2015 Click any picture for a larger version. Peter Manness, a professional agrologist and advisor within MNP’s Farm Management Consulting Group, delivered an insightful seminar […]

Submitted by: Samantha Burnett | Playground and Swan River Day Camp: Overall the summer was very good with both didn’t have as many kids as we have in the past but we had fun with the kids we had. Click any picture for a large version. In the following pictures we made slime during the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The 17th Annual Durban Demo Derby took place on Sunday, August 9, 2015. Roaring engines, spinning tires, flying mud and mangled metal are the ingredients for a good, old fashioned smashup, and fun for spectators of all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. Time between heats was spent on “precision” […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39 held a service at the Cenotaph in Swan River on Sunday August 9, 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Europe and Victory over Japan. Click any picture for a larger version. Veterans Keith Fulford (left) and Bill Brooks (right) shared memories […]

Submitted by: Jaimie Walker | The video showcasing Swan River and making the case for a splash pad in Swan River has been chosen as one of 10 finalists in the $25,000 Manitobaville contest. Please help our community win $25,000.00 for a spray pad in our town by voting every day. Instructions: 1. Click here: […]

Canada/Manitoba News Release | Town of Neepawa and the Rural Municipalities of Mountain, Dauphin, and Harrison Park are benefitting from the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund. The governments of Canada and Manitoba are announcing funding for four additional projects for communities in Manitoba’s Parkland region under the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Thirty front-line paramedics will be hired to provide better care closer to home for families in the Prairie Mountain Health and Southern Health–Santé Sud regional health authorities, Premier Greg Selinger announced on July 30, 2015. “Paramedics are often the first to care for critically injured patients and it’s important […]

ValleyBiz Story | The track was fast, the cars were flying and the fans were cheering as the Swan Valley Stock Car Club celebrated their 30th anniversary with 2 days of racing on August 1 & 2, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The anniversary event brought in visiting racers with over 30 […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre took place in Swan River on July 30, 2015. During the event, it was announced that an additional 5 new physicians will be joining the clinic. Pictured above are Harry Showdra, Vice-Chair of Prairie Mountain Health Board, Penny Gilson, […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | On July 15th and 16th, 2015 the North West Regional Library hosted a Photographic Post Processing Workshop. What to do with your photo once it is on your computer. Click any picture for a larger view. The workshops were full and everyone benefited from the instructions by René R. Coultier. […]

ValleyBiz Story | Riders rode, ropers roped, drivers drove, dust flew and the fans roared! It was time to get your yeehaw on for four days of grandstand action at the 2015 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Click any picture for a larger version. The pictures below capture some of the grandstand action.

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup is something kids look forward to each year and this year there was even more ways for them to be involved. Two new events had kids running wild and woolly. Click any picture for a larger version. The Wild Pony Race is junior version of the Wild Horse Race. […]

Submitted by: Sheree Soura | Over 200 people enjoyed viewing the 7 beautiful gardens in Swan River on July 20 during the annual Garden Walk held by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Also included in the walk was the Swan River Arberatum. Click any picture for a larger version. This year the self guided […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was a beautiful sunny morning for the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade on Friday, July 24, 2015. Crowds of people gathered, enjoying the many entries and the excitement of children scrambling for candy. Click any picture for a larger version. The parade theme this year was “Showcasing the Valley” with […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | The St. Andrews United Church rodeo luncheon was the perfect place to get a great lunch, cool off and mingle with everyone after a fantastic parade!

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup kicked off with the annual McKay BBQ at the Centennial Arena on Thursday, July 23, 2015 For just a toonie, the BBQ featured a burger, softdrink, ice cream and coffee. Click any picture for a larger version. With all proceeds going to local charities, live entertainment, friendly faces and […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, July 13, 2015 a Shared Services Agreement and Municipal Fire Protection Agreement were signed between the Town of Swan River and the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman. Click picture for a larger version. The agreement was signed by Reeve Clint Eisner (left) on behalf of the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman and Mayor Glen […]

Media Release | On July 13, 2015, Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, hosted a meeting in Swan River with Mr. Sean Finn, CN Rail Line’s Executive Vice-President of Corporate Services & Chief Legal Officer, and community representatives from the Swan Valley area. Click picture for a larger version. Representation was from a […]

Submitted by: Jacquie Mydynski-Arp | On Fridy, June 19, 2015 a retirement luncheon was held in the SVRSS Cafeteria to honour the Retirement of Henry Barkowski who retired after 45 years of service to the Swan Valley School Division. Pictures by: Rob McDonald Photography Click any picture for a larger version Over the noon hour […]

ValleyBiz Story | The newly amalgamated Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman continued the tradition of the Minitonas Canada Day Pancake Breakfast. Breakfast was cooked and served by Minitonas-Bowsman Council members. Click any picture for a larger version. From 8 am to 10 pm a steady stream of people stopped by for some good food and good company.

Submitted by: Benito Rec. Board | Canada Day in Benito offered day long entertainment for young, old and everyone in between. The community gathered together to celebrate Canada Day with many different events and activities. Click any picture for a larger version. This day started with a pancake breakfast put on by the Benito Volunteer […]

ValleyBiz Story | At dusk on Canada Day, a single firework signaled the show was about to begin at the Ag Grounds in Swan River. The patriotic sound of O Canada drifted out from under the grandstand. Click any picture for a larger version. Then came the barrage of thundering booms, pops and crackles – […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler | Community Bible Fellowship Christian School exists to challenge students through a Christ-centred education to pursue a life of Godly character and academic excellence. We recognize traits of Godly character in all our students and one trait is highlighted about each student during our closing program. JK/K Class Payton Newbury – […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | The Pine River LUD Committee held their second Annual Summer Start Sale on Saturday June 20th, 2015 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and some families continued until the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. The town was busy with the hustle and bustle of everyone looking for that […]

Many communities across the province will be sprucing up main street areas and other public places with support from the Hometown Manitoba grant program, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced on July 22, 2015. “We’re investing in 101 projects to beautify and restore main street areas and public places, such as parks, […]

Submitted by: Mark Simpson | Friends of the Golf Club FunDraising Bonanza was an over-the-top massive success!! Thank you to the Bowsman Lions and all service clubs, volunteers, club members, golf course staff and management and all of the sponsors! Click any pictures for a larger version. June 20th, 2015 marked a milestone in the […]

Prairie Mountain Health Media Release | Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues to work with stakeholders, health partners and organizational leaders to improve overall Aboriginal health along with developing a skilled and diverse workforce to assist with that goal. The Regional Aboriginal Health program, coordinated by Bonnie McKay— based out of the Minnedosa Health Centre—continues towards […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | More Than $1.1 Million for Road Infrastructure Will Keep Communities Connected, Improve Transportation Safety, Create Good Jobs: Minister Caldwell OCHRE RIVER-Road improvements this year will benefit the Parkland region residents, tourist destinations, commuter and commercial traffic as the Manitoba government invests more than $1.1 million in partnership with municipalities […]

Manitoba farmers and other agricultural stakeholders are invited to provide their input about agricultural risk management programs at a series of upcoming public consultations or through an online questionnaire, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced June 18, 2015. “The task force appointed earlier this year is making good progress and we now […]

ValleyBiz Story | Approximately 2,000 people attended the Swan Valley Folk Fest on June 12 & 13, 2015 at the Swan River Curling Rink. The curling rink was filled with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of 13 different countries and cultures. Click any picture for a larger version. The entertainment lineup featured a variety […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week June 8-13 was celebrated in the Swan Valley with a BBQ Hamburger Fundraiser on Wednesday, June 10th, 2015. Star and Times photo by Stacy Grindle Click any picture for a larger version. The side walk in front of Home Hardware was bustling with activity as […]

Submitted by: Charlene Rooks | The Swan Valley Relay For Life took place on June 12, 2015 – outside at the Swan River Fair Grounds. Due to the awesome fundraising efforts by Relay teams and sponsors, the total amount raised reached $40,000! Click any picture for a larger version. Overall, it was a very successful […]

Submitted by: Tracy Burick | The third Ford Drive 4UR School event, to be held in the valley, was at Community Bible Fellowship Christian School this past Saturday, June 13, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The school received $20 for every participant who came and test drove a Ford. The weather was […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | The Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) Board have developed a logo to identify our youth initiative. The SVCTC Public Relations (PR) Sub-committee with assistance from SVRSS Visual Arts teacher George van der Walt and student Brett Betcher were instrumental in the design of this logo. SVCTC is working to […]

Prairie Mountain Health Media Release | First-year medical students enrolled in the University of Manitoba‟s (U of M) Faculty of Medicine visited Swan River during “Rural Week” (May 25-29, 2015). Rural Week 2015, coordinated by Manitoba’s Office of Rural and Northern Health (ORNH), the U of M and rural regional health authorities, will provide an […]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon | Association for Community Living – Swan River hosted their 54th Annual General Meeting on June 9, 2015 at the Elk’s Hall in Swan River. Over 50 people were in attendance to enjoy a meal catered by Dianne Sims. Click any picture for a larger version. Greetings from the Town of […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted their 3rd Annual General Meeting at the Elks Hall on June 8th, 2015. It was a very successful meeting with 54 in attendance. Click any picture for a larger version. Honourable Melanie Wight, Minister of Children & Youth Opportunities, was the guest speaker […]

Submitted by: Kevin Kirkpatrick | Ray Piche, Federal Liberal candidate for the Dauphin Swan River Neepawa riding, speaking to a standing room only crowd at Y Not Johnny’s on June 6, 2015. Ray spoke on a variety of topics such as Bill C 51 and the Truth and Reconciliation Report. His positive and hopeful message […]

Submitted by: Shasta Scott | The Compassionate Friends held their third annual balloon release on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the Legion park. We had a beautiful afternoon and a nice turnout of people that came together to send off messages to our ones.

Submitted by: Jen Patterson | On Thursday June 4th, 2015 the Swan Valley Inter-Agency hosted a Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to all who came out to enjoy breakfast and support the organization! Click any picture for a larger version. A special thank you to the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre and to all the volunteers! Following […]

Submitted by: Barb Holms | Minitonas Knox United Church held a Spaghetti Supper on Friday, June 5, 2015 in the Minitonas Town Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the excellent homemade spaghetti sauce as there were many compliments and some requests for the recipe. The salads, garlic bread and dessert topped […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On June 06, 2015, Durban Community celebrated the 85th anniversary of their hall by having a banquet and dance. We had guests from near and far, many from Saskatchewan and as far away as BC. Click any picture for a larger version. The band from Winnipeg, The Ukrainian Old Timers, […]

Submitted by: Marnie Waddell | Another fundraiser has come and gone and this one was the best yet. Beautiful weather, a fantastic group of volunteers and the support of our community made my day. Click any picture for a larger version. As chair of the fundraising committee, I was panicking right up until the last […]

Submitted by: Uriah Waldner | The Manitoba Youth Job Centre has now been opened for nearly three weeks! Whaaat! Registrations have already trickling in along with Job Orders already so don’t hesitate to join in (employers or youth!). Even if you’re 12-16 don’t think you’re too young. Our centre offers, as it does every year, […]

Submitted by: Minitonas 4H Beef Club The May 30, 2015 Minitonas 4H Beef Show & Sale was a fun filled day. All members in attendance! “Thank You” to all who came to watch the show and to all the buyers for purchasing the steers. Click any picture for a larger view. Special “Thank You” to […]

Submitted: Melissa Bielik Michif Child and Family Services held a Community Garage Sale, Bake Sale, and Hot Dog / Hamburger Sale on Friday, May 29, 2015. All proceeds will be going to Children in Care Summer Camp. Click any picture for a larger version. We would like to thank the following businesses for their utmost […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath More than 60 people turned out for the annual Newcomer Pot Luck Supper. Great food and conversation enjoyed by all. Click any picture for a larger version.

Written by: Rev Kathy Highmoor Hillsview Pastoral Charge On May 22, 2015 concert band, Country Blend entertained a crowd of over 100 people with, what they describe as “a tribute to the legends of country music.” Click any picture for a larger version. Songs made famous by Rita McNeil, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton […]

Written by: Rev Kathy Highmoor | May sunshine beat down upon the Hillsview Hikers on Monday, May 25, 2015 as they stepped off the 28km from Bowsman to Minitonas. Click any picture for a larger version. Hikers left Bowsman United with stomachs full of pancakes and ham. The group ranged in age from just months, […]

Submitted by: Elaine Hunt | On the evening of May 22, 2015, Greg Wood, a comedian illusionist, performed for a crowd of 90 children and adults at Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone that attended was treated to many fun-filled, humorous, and surprising acts. It was obvious the audience enjoyed […]