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 […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region was very happy to receive donations from The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre and the Northwest Metis Council. Click any picture for a larger version. Accepting the donation for Special Olympics in green and black is: L-R Jeremy Stephen, Ricky Zimmer, Angie Ferland and John Schabert. […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | Tuesday Night Gals Golfers held their first event “Opener” night on May 19, 2015. Best ball scramble, prizes, appetizers and exchange of ideas was enjoyed by 28 ladies. Above: Registration at Tuesday Night Golf Opener. Click picture for a larger version. Ken Treasure did an hour of free instruction/tips on […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland | The Lenswood Mother’s Day Dance was held Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Lenswood Community Hall featuring music by Ken Thompson. Click any picture for a larger version. There was great music, great crowd, great dancing, and a lot of laughter 🙂

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | On the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Elks Hall, Martyn Snell & his students from Avenue Music presented “On Broadway” to a full house. Click picture for a larger version. Guests were treated to songs from Broadway musicals throughout the years, as well as a lovely selection […]

Submitted by: Marnie Waddell Fundraising Committee Chair | Saturday, May 9, 2015 Swan Valley Regional High School grads gathered at Gardwine to help sort and organize bottles for their Bottle Drive Fundraiser. Click any picture for a larger version. The weather was beautiful making the work much easier. The bottle drive technically didn’t start until […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | The Swan Valley Community Band held their Spring Concert on May 7, 2015 in the multipurpose room of the SVRSS. Over 70 people in the appreciative audience, stopping for doughnuts & coffee afterwards. Above: Julie Kooistra has been Directing, and Founder of SV Community Band, since September 1994. Click any […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Special Olympics Parkland Region, Swan Valley Tiger Sharks held their first Fun Meet at the Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatics Centre on April 25, 2015. The athletes had great time with the Swan Valley Rapids Swim Club who joined the Tiger Sharks in an afternoon of demonstrations, relays and […]

Submitted by: Austen Anderson | High School Rodeo descended on Swan River on May 9 and 10, 2015 and it was a huge success. The Ag Society grounds as well as Main Street were full of contestants, family and spectators eager for some spring rodeo action. Pictures by Della Mckay, Joan Mosiondz & Lois Mosiondz […]

Submitted by: Sharon Glasscock The Early Years Wellness Fair held at the Swan River Curling Rink on May 6, 2015 was a huge success. Over 200 children, 140 families attended. Click any pictures for a larger version. Children had a blast drumming, crawling through the cardboard maze , playing games, playing at the Speech & […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Community groups throughout Manitoba will receive more than $3 million in grants from the Community Places program to support a wide range of improvements at recreational, cultural and community facilities, Housing and Community Development Minister Mohinder Saran announced today. “Community groups provide the essential recreational and social facilities and […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk The ACL Resource Centre was rocking in the afternoon on Sunday, May 3, 2015 as the Parkland Region Special Olympic athletes moved and grooved at Dance Fever 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. A big thank you to all those who pledged our athletes; over $1300 was raised. DJ […]

Submitted by: Malcolm Shaw | The Swan River Elks and Royal Purple Elks recently installed new officers for the ensuing year. Pictured left are members of the Swan River Elks Lodge Click pictures for a larger version Back row left to right Bro. Malcolm Shaw, Bro. Leonard Sakal, Bro. Pete Borowski, Bro. Wilbert Schoenrath, Bro. […]

Submitted by: Donna Marek-Jorundson | A small but enthusiastic group met on Thurs. April 30, 2015 at the Northwest Regional Library to discuss establishing a seed exchange day in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger view. It was decided that a seed exchange day will be held in the month of March 2016. […]

Submitted by: Ian Kitch | Twenty-five local basketball players attended an incredible basketball camp on May 2, 2015 at the SVRSS. Click any picture for a larger version. Coach Gil Cheung of the Brandon University Bobcat Basketball program brought players Mikaela Stanton, Keegan Robinson, Kenonte Ramsey and Earl Thompson Jr. to Swan River for a […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | The final performance of the year for the Bowsman Accomplished Musicians, held on April 30, 2015 was a success! All year the students have practiced under the instruction of Mr. Marcel Hapel. Thursday nights concert showcased all the hard work. Pictured above: Intermediate Fiddlers Kierstin Griffith & Jillian Hrycyk performed […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Art Show was worth the drive into the country. You opened the church doors and entered a world of colour, arts and crafts: God given talents shared to be enjoyed. Click any picture for a larger version. The food and a chance to visit with friends were a drawing […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Minitonas Fiddlin Program held its 9th annual Spring Concert on April 24, 2015 at the Minitonas Early Years Auditorium. Picture by Jen Zamzow – Click for a larger version. The spotlight was placed on 38 of our grade 1 to grade 8 young musicians in the program under the […]

Submitted by: Brett Church | The Minitonas and District Lions Club would like to thank everybody that attended the Medical assistance supper on April 26, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. A full house enjoyed a wonderful meal. The Lions Club would also like thank everybody that helped with preparing and serving the […]