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 […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Vesselli Dance Concert was held on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The Benito Gymnasium was busting at the seams with family and friends of the dancers, and terrific community members. Click any picture for a larger version. The afternoon was sure to be a fantastic performance for everyone. The audience […]

Lloyd Gilchrist | More than forty awards, scholarships, and trophies were awarded to particpants in this year’s fiddling and guitar, speech arts, keyboard and vocal, and band festivals. This year’s awards concert also celebrated 80 years of festivals in the Swan Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Displays showing memorabilia from past years […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Dancers once again performed to a packed house at the Annual Dessert Concert on April 25th at the SVRSS. The “Pryvit” or “Welcome Dance” gave the audience a glimpse of what the evening would hold. Click any picture for a larger version. This dance included several Ukrainian regions, […]

Submitted Story | Swan Valley RISE (RISE) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) announced today that another future physician has been recruited to the Swan Valley. David Cazakoff, a 2nd year medical student at the University of Saskatchewan, has signed a return of service agreement to establish a medical practice in the Swan Valley when he […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | The 26th Annual Jamboree, held on April 25, 2015 in Birch River was again successful. There were many great talents showcase and young and old enjoyed the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Isabelle Davy and Eunice Rosteski started this evening 26 years ago. The Rosteski Children have […]

Submitted by: Chris Staniland | Adult and Teen Challenge of Central Canada made a stop in Swan River on Friday, April 24, 2015 as part of their spring tour. Staff and students of the men’s and women’s Teen Challenge program along with about 80 attendees gathered at Living Word Bible College for an evening of […]

Media Release | Swan River, April 25, 2015 Westman Communications Group is pleased to announce that with the pending completion of a $1.2 million fibre optic network build Swan River residents and businesses will soon have higher Internet speed options, enhanced video services, and as well for the first time, will have a choice for […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | St. James Anglican Church was buzzing on Saturday, April 25, 2015 as many enjoyed the ACW’s annual Spring Tea and Bake Sale. Click any picture for a larger version. Shirley Woodward and grandson Max enjoyed a break together. St. James ACW appreciates and thanks everyone for their support.

Submitted by: June Jamieson | The annual Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist church was held on Sunday April 19, 2015. The voices of the seventy attendees combined to make a wonderful choir, singing their favorite hymns. Click any picture for a larger version. Special selections were given by groups made up of the Potorieko, […]

Submitted by: Lesley Betcher | A full house enjoyed the “Family Camp Dinner Theatre” Sunday, April 19, 2015 presented by Wellman Lake Bible Camp. Click any picture for a larger view. A camp setting in the 1950’s, played by a cast of adults ,youth and children, brought much laughter and involvement from the audience.

Submitted by: Rose Kovackik | On Sunday, April 19, 2015, a crowd of people enjoyed a delicious supper at the Cowan Community Centre hosted by the Cowan Community Ladies. Pictured left: Some of the many helpers in the kitchen. Pictures by Roseanne Coma. Click any picture for a larger version. Doors opened at 4:30 pm […]

Submitted by: Sid Koop | Guest speaker, Sid Koop spent Friday evening, April 17,2015 speaking to over 100 youth and youth workers at CBF Church. Youth came from all over the Parkland area to hear Sid. Click any picture for a larger version. His topic was pornography and its prevalent destructiveness in today’s culture. Saturday […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | This year’s fine arts festival concluded it performance sessions with the band festival on April 13 through April 17, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. Sessions began on Monday with sessions held in Benito School, carried on in Minitonas on Tuesday at the Minitonas Middle Years School, at […]

Submitted by: Luella Lausman | A Spring Banquet was held at Community Bible Fellowship on April 11, 2015. A freewill offering was collected with proceeds going to Madge Lake Bible Camp. Click any picture for a larger version. Madge Lake Bible Camp has been offering exciting programs for 61 years to boys and girls and […]

Submitted by: Jason Delaurier | The Swan River PC association hosted their AGM and Spring Supper on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Over 75 people were in attendance to enjoy a delicious roast beef meal prepared by the Westwood Inn. Click any picture for a larger version. Guest Speakers included Brian Pallister, Leader of the Official […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The keyboard, vocal, and choral portions of the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival were held this past Wednesday to Friday, April 8-10, 2015 at the Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. Festival president April Maxwell (left) opened the session and welcomed prominent Winnipeg […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | The baked spaghetti luncheon put on by Swan Valley Animal Protection League on April 8/15 was a roaring success! Pictured left: Marnie Waddell counts the money at the door. Click any picture for a larger version. People of all ages came out to enjoy a great lunch of baked spaghetti, […]

Submitted by: Donna L D Burghart BAM Jam Camp held March 30 & 31, 2015, put on by the Bowsman School Parent Advisory Council, was once again a great success! Click any picture for a larger version. This was the 5th Anniversary for BAM Jam Camp and proved that the talent in our Valley just […]

Submitted by: Erin Brown | SWAN VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Annual General Meeting Westwood Inn March 25, 2015 7:00 p.m. Informal appetizer supper was served by the Westwood Inn. 1. Welcome – President Heather Nielsen. 2. Greetings from the Town of Swan River – Councillor David Moriaux brought greetings on behalf of the Town of […]

Municipality of Swan Valley West By-Election Results Council (2 Positions): 1. MINISH, David – 370 votes 2. BLOSHA, Carrie – 365 votes MACHAN, Donald – 354 votes RIEHL, Lonny – 304 votes GADE, Bill – 275 votes SASYNIUK, Nick – 77 votes

Submitted Story | Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy (RISE) recently designed a new tourism booklet as part of its mandate to help develop the Swan Valley region as a visitor destination. Click picture for a larger version. The eight page booklet was designed in consultation with Valley in the Mountains Tourism and […]

Submitted by: Gary Slack | The Swan River Men’s Curling Club held their 98th Annual Bonspiel on March 27, 28, 29, 2015 Winner of the first event was the Rick Kinaschuk team (pictured left). Click any picture for a larger version. Second event winner was the Terry Vopni team. Pictured right. Third event winner was […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | On Wednesday, March 25th, 2015 the students of the Swan School of Dance “wowed” a packed audience with a spectacular show! The two hour long recital featured 28 excellent dance numbers. Photos are courtesy of “Captured by Jennifer” Photographer. Click any picture for a larger version. From our tiny “Movers […]

Submitted by: Jaimie Walker | On March 23, 2015, the Swan River Skating Club took their final “Road Trip” of the year to a full house of enthusiastic fans. Click Any picture for a larger version. The performances were fantastic, it was really sweet to see the little ones in Canskate improving their basic skills […]

Submitted by: Darlene Beck | The Swan River Ladies Curling Club held their 87th annual bonspiel from March 20-22, 2015. 25 teams attended the event with many participating in the “Mexican Fiesta” theme! Pictured above: 1st event sponsored by Whites Drug Store to: Kari Goethe, Staci Brelinski, Jennifer Mangin & Charlene Fothergill. Click any picture […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festivals began another season of festivals with a very successful ‘Fiddlin’ Festival held at Temple Baptist Church on Friday, March 20, 2015 Click any picture for a larger version. The day began with an early morning session where fiddling students performed for adjudication. This year […]

Submitted by: Mike Rusk | Over 500 competitors took to the ice at Whitefish Lake on March 21, 2015. The weather was good and it was a great day. Celesta Church (pictured left) was the first prize $10,000 winner. Click any picture for a larger view. Kyle Lafreniere won both hidden time, and hidden weight […]

ValleyBiz Story | In a campaign ad on CJ104 radio on March 20, 2015, Bill [Gade] drew additional attention to an ad on ValleyBiz that had already gone viral. Bill alleged another by-election candidate placed the ad. “If they had the guts to put their name to it, you could choose whether or not you […]

Submitted Story: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of March 13-15, 2015 the Swan River Novice Stampeders travelled to Thompson, MB to compete in the 24th annual Jack Burden tournament. Pictured above: Back Row (L to R): Crystal Zamzow, Tavyn Boychuk, Tucker Thompson, Jeff Playford Front Row (L to R): Sammy Jo Moshenko, Eli Betcher, […]

Submitted by: Colleen Eisner | On Saturday, March 14, 2015 over a hundred ladies of every generation and denomination gathered together for a women’s conference. It was a day of enthusiastic worship, being encouraged by the word of God through guest speaker Falon Cooke and by Grace Jersak who shared how her faith has brought […]

Submitted by: Cherlye Zbirun | The Benito Women’s Auxiliary St. Patrick’s Day Tea & Bake Sale was a great success. The weather cooperated and gave us a beautiful afternoon to get together with friends & family. Click any picture for a larger version. Winners of the hamper draws were Zoe Zbirun and Evelyn Bateman. Winner […]

Submitted by: Rhonda Mykula | We had a great turnout for the Meet and Showcase this past weekend! Along with the Swan Valley Cheetahs, we had the Flin Flon Flinty’s, Grand Plains Gymcats, and the Neepawa Novas join us for a very successful meet on Saturday. Click any picture for a larger version. The Sunday […]

Submitted by: Denise Sigurdson | Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and helped out to make our Birch River “Skate the Rainbow” carnival a success for 2015! Click any picture for a larger version.

Submittedy by: Vicki Hubscher | On Sat March 7, 2015 Swan River figure skating club hosted provincials. The event was a huge success thanks to our volunteers and community support from many businesses in the Valley. Pictured Above: Emily Simpson 1st, Taniesha Hubscher 2nd, Kylie Talbot 3rd Click any picture for a larger version. Our […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | Approximately 50 people attended the World Day of Prayer at All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church on Friday, March 6, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. Neoma Steigler, the guest speaker, who recently returned from a winter holiday to the Bahamas, shared her experiences while there. Participants dressed in […]

Submitted by: Donna Leming | During 2 information sessions on March 5 & 9, 2015 CHIP facilitator Dave Ogram gave a DVD presentation by three of the “CHIP” Doctors explaining the benefits of the Complete Health Information Program. Click any picture for a larger version. Several participants from previous CHIP Programs, held in Swan River, […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax & Lynda Parsons | Lords and Ladies alike were welcomed to Medieval Magic hosted by the Minitonas Figure Skating Club under the direction of Michelle Windsor, and Cindy Fulford. Click any picture for a larger version. Gnomes and Knights, Butterflies and Maidens skated to the music of the bards and minstrels. […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Snowmobile Association The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 8th Annual Vintage Ride on Saturday, March 7, 2015. There were 36 vintage machines this year and 65 people came for the pancake breakfast. Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you to the Lions Club for doing breakfast and all […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | The Government of Manitoba and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (SCN) have come to an agreement pertaining to development on Crown and treaty land, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson announced today. “Today’s announcement clearly shows our government honours the relationship between ourselves and the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation,” said Minister […]

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 8, 2015 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.

ValleyBiz.ca Story | Local property owner and entrepreneur Jason Eisner is continuing to pursue opportunities that will create more jobs locally and help our community thrive. ValleyBiz.ca has received confirmation from Eisner that he has recently signed a long term lease with Giant Tiger on his existing Direct Liquidation Building located at 1300 Main Street. […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | After months of preparation and training, the Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region sent 18 athletes to the 2015 Special Olympics Manitoba Winter Games in Winnipeg from Feb 27 to March 1st. Kolton Leslie, Angie Ferland, Brett Miller and Carter Formo at the Winter Games Opening Ceremonies. Click any picture for […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk It was a packed house at the Stampeder home game on February 27, 2015. A huge thank you to the Swan River Kinsmen Club and Swan River’s Key Chevrolet Buick GMC for FREE ADMISSION. Click picture for a larger version. The crowd enjoyed the trivia throughout the evening and some very […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack On February 27 & 28, 2015 the Benito School held a dinner theatre, presenting Uncle Phil’s Diner. Audience members were thoroughly entertained. A great time was had by all! Above: Cast members of Benito School Uncle Phil’s Dinner Theater 2015. Click for a larger version.

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk The conditions were great, and many came out to support Thunderhill’s Annual Mardi Gras. 117 guests came out to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, Costume Party and Downhill racing. There was something for everyone. Above: McKenna Staples & Jessica Hack enjoying the sunshine Click any picture for a larger version. Kristen […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | On February 24,2015 Laurie Evans spoke to a group of thirty participants in the “Nutrition 101 for Seniors” presentation hosted by Services to Seniors. Click any picture for a larger version. Laurie is a registered dietitian and owner of Eat Right Dietitian a services in Swan River. Although she specializes […]