Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Hope you had a chance to visit Swan Valley Community’s That Care Spooktober Fest Haunted House! It was a great event which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. There were between 800-900 visitors, who attended Spooktoberfest over the three days. All visitors […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | SWAN RIVER – The Manitoba government announced here today the addition of more than $1.14 million to fund 13 more projects to replace or improve municipal bridges. “Closing a bridge disrupts traffic flow particularly in rural areas where there are fewer alternate routes,” said Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers. […]

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | Swan Valley Ducks Unlimited Committee held their 33rd Annual Banquet and Auction on Saturday, October 25, 2014. A sell-out crowd was met with numerous raffles and auction items. Click any pictures for a larger version. As the guest mingled and browsed the floor, catering staff from Y Not Johnny’s served […]

Submitted by: Karen Gade | Many pairs of hands worked together to prepare supper for the 420 hungry people who brought their appetites to the Benito Rec. Centre on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Delicious roast turkey and ham accompanied by salads, vegetables, lazy cabbage, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | As the crowds filtered in, the excitement grew Saturday afternoon when the Swan Valley Tigers played host to the visiting Park West Outlaws. The teams dressed and took the field for the Provincial Semi Finals. Click any picture for a larger version. The Tigers didn’t take long before they put […]

Submitted by: Kasey Chartrand On October 21st 2014 the Minitonas and District Arena Board held their Annual General Meeting. The Board presented the 2013 -2014 Financial Statement, and discussed fundraising ideas. The operation of the Concession for the coming season was also discussed. The executive members of the board will stay the same for one […]

Submitted by: Keith Behrmann | On October 22, 2014 The Community Foundation of Swan Valley sponsored a will night with Laurie Oakes at the Westwood Inn with 33 people in attendance. Click any picture for a larger version. The purpose of the evening, to inform and educate those attending the importance and value in having […]

Swan Valley School Trustee Election Results Ward 1 (3 Elected): 1. Riehl, Kelli – 478 votes 2. Schaffer, William (Bill) – 418 votes 3. Rooks, Vivian – 398 votes Lewis, Robert (Bob) – 351 votes Schneider, Lorraine – 253 votes Neely, Margaret – 209 votes Potts, Donna – 192 votes Dauk, Rudy – 168 votes […]

Election Results ALL MUNICIPALITIES REPORTING Minitonas-Bowsman Mountain Swan Valley West Town of Swan River MINITONAS-BOWSMAN Reeve (1 Position): 1. EISNER, Clint – 501 votes PACAMANIUK, Walter – 328 votes Council (6 Positions): 1. BARTEL, Garry – 575 votes 2. MYCHALCHUK, Larry – 549 votes 3. WALMSLEY – Stuart – 537 votes 4. HUTMAN – Leanne […]

Submitted by: Erin Brown | Thanks to the many families that took part in “Caching up in Swan River” and gave geocaching a try, October 11 and 18, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Some were first-timers and some were geocaching vets – but all enjoyed the mini-quest and spending a few hours […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan River resident Ruby Anne Chartrand was recently honored with the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. The award recognizes outstanding early childhood educators for their leadership, exemplary education practices, success in fostering the early development and socialization of the children in their care, and their help in […]

Submitted by: Ione Anderson | Despite the cold temperatures many past and present 4-H members and leaders attended the Minitonas 4-H Centenial Park Opening on October 17, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Current Mayor, Henry Barkowski was present for the ribbon cutting, along with Brandy Dvorak, Minitonas Mini Makers, Austen Anderson, Minitonas […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Hoedowners started their new season with two fun-filled nights welcoming new dancers to their square dance club at the Senior Centre in Swan River on October 8 and 15, 2014. Linda Gilchrist, the club caller, provided the instructions as almost two squares of new dancers joined with […]

Submitted by: Donna Leming | Several people are benefiting from the Depression Recovery Seminar presented on DVD by Dr. Neil Nedley. The session was facilitated by Dave, Linda & Donna at the Swan Valley Health Center. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep were just some of the highlights that the participants enjoyed.

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst | Approximately 30 people participated in the Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on October 9, 2014 during National Mental Health Week. It turned out to be a beautiful day for the walk. Star and Times Photos by Terra Pohl A big thank you to the Fire Department for leading our walk […]

ValleyBiz Story | Formo Motors had the unique opportunity to celebrate both 50 years in business and the grand opening of their newly renovated facility. On October 8, 2014 the new showroom was flooded with sunshine and filled with community members. Click any picture for a larger version. The event was a day long celebration […]

ValleyBiz Story | One of Swan River’s residents has recently had their work published in the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Linda Carpentier’s story “The Best Gift” has been included in the new book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas in Canada.” Linda Carpentier received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the […]

Prairie Mountain Health Media Release | As the leaves turn colour and fall, and autumn sets in, it serves as a reminder that the annual seasonal flu shot campaign is not far behind. Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is launching its flu shot campaign after the Thanksgiving long weekend and it will run over the course […]

Submitted by: Jackie Mayuk | Members of the community came out in full force to help scare away hunger in the Valley. On Thursday, October 8, 2014 a BBQ was held at Formo Motors in support of the Swan Valley Food Bank. Click any picture for a larger version. The Formo’s team was serving up […]

Submitted by: Barb Holms | Saturday, October 4, 2014 turned out to be a beautiful day with the sun shining through. Minitonas Knox United Church held their annual Fall Tea & Bake Sale. They basement was beautifully decorated in a bright and cheery fall theme – ! It was a wonderful turnout and everyone must […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region is honored to announce the selection of June Mosiondz, Swan River as the Special Olympics Manitoba 2014 Female Coach of the Year! Click any picture for a larger version. June is the coach of the Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Regions Tiger Fire Floor Hockey Team, Tiger’s […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk Swan Valley Tigers junior team worked really hard on Saturday, October 4, 2014. They tied their first game 6 to 6. The second game they lost 22 to 12. The parents fans are all proud of the effort the tigers put forth!

Submitted by: Corey Hurren The Bowsman Lions Welcoming Committee was busy on Saturday, October 4, 2014 as they greeted about a thousand people who came to Bowsman for the 11th annual Bowsman Bull-A-Rama Rough Stock Rodeo events. Pictures by Corey Hurren & ValleyBiz Click for a larger version. It started at 3pm in the afternoon […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack | Benito School Parent Council and Benito Child Care Center had an amazing turnout at the John Kaplan Magic Show. More than 400 children and adults turned up for the late afternoon event. Click any picture for a larger version. Doors opened at 3:00 and by 3:30 the Rec Centre was […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Swan Valley Tigers played host to the Neepawa team on the afternoon of Friday, October 3, 2014. Pictures by: S. Lemperes Click for a larger version. The week before the field temperatures reached over 35 degrees while this week fans braved the cold with blankets, toques and mitts, cheering […]

Provincial Media Release | The Manitoba government took part in the official opening of the École Swan River South School Daycare, as part of a recently launched five-year plan to create more high-quality child-care spaces for families across the province, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross said today. “More families in the area now have access […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | On Sunday, September 28, 2014, more than 300 people enjoyed a delicious supper at the Cowan Community Centre hosted by the Cowan Community Ladies. Doors opened at 4:30pm and within minutes the hall was bustling with people. At 5:00pm the buffet table was opened with a long line forming instantly. […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held a special meeting at Fabriculous on September 30, 2014 to determine whether to fold completely as there were not enough members to successfully continue. Click any picture for a larger version. Our plea to the public was successful. with 5 new people attending […]

Submitted by: Marnie Waddell | On Saturday, September 27, 2014, the Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL) hosted its Third Annual Banquet and Fundraiser at the Swan Valley Museum to some 200 residents of the valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Guests were treated to a slide show of the SVAPL’s success stories […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | On Friday, September 26th the hot stop in Manitoba was Swan River… and that’s where the football action was. Photos by: S. Lemperes | Click any picture for a larger version. While the fans enjoyed the beautiful evening and the weather, the boys were burning up the field, penetrating the […]

Submitted by: Deb Zulyniak It was an exciting evening of food collection at the Swan Valley Stampeders home opener. Farm Credit Canada would like to thank all patrons who donated to our food collection. If you would like to still contribute to our Drive Away Hunger Campaign which runs until Oct 17, 2014. Food can […]

Submitted by: Carmilla Hrabarchuk Sunday, September 14, 2014 was the annual Fall Team penning hosted by the Blue Sky Team Penners south of Benito. It was a chilly day, free of bugs, perfect for team penning. Click any picture for a larger version. There were 41 adult teams in total and 5 youth teams. A […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Annual Terry Fox run took place on Sunday, September 24, 2014. Locally there were over 70 participants who walked, ran, skated and biked to raise just over $7,200 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone participated for a different reason. Some to help find a […]

Submitted by: Laurie Church The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba hosted a 1 day workshop on “Living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias” on Saturday, September 13, 2014. The workshop was attended by 27 participants and included 18 family caregivers and 9 formal caregivers from the Association for Community Living. Topics of discussion covered : • […]

Submitted by: Leigh Ostachuk The wind was a bit brisk on Thursday as the Tigers took the field against the visiting Dauphin Clippers. The excitement from the home-opener was still felt as the crowds poured in to cheer on the home team. Photos by: S. Lemperes | Click any picture for a larger version. The […]

Submitted by: Aleida Howard Folks who attended the Tent Town Garden Club Fruit Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2014 were in for a treat – or should I say many treats. The theme for the Festival this year was CHILDREN IN THE GARDEN. They are our future gardeners. Click any picture for a larger version. […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Swan Valley Senior Tigers dominated the field with a 41-0 win against the visiting East Parkland Warriors! The Tigers young team demonstrated terrific plays as they crushed the apposing team on Friday, Sept. 5th, at Tiger Field! Click any picture for a larger version. # 26 Dylan Chernyk gained […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, August 31, 2014. Many people stopped by to enjoy a sunny afternoon and a taste of yesteryear with fresh bread, ice cream from the general store and rides in the Model T. Click any picture for a larger version. This […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Effective immediately, moose hunting is closed to all hunters in the area north of Porcupine Mountain in the Red Deer Lake area of Game Hunting Area (GHA) 12. A ban continues to be in place for all licensed hunting in this area, which was put in place last year. […]

Submitted by: Amanda Hart | We had a great three days at the Blast Off VBS at Temple Baptist Church the week of August 18, 2014. Traveling in small space crews with a crew leader, 25 children journeyed through space learning about God’s love. We explored how we can share God’s love with others through […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre The Richardson Recreation & Wellness Centre / Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatic Centre Grand Opening went really well! Everyone seemed to have a great time. The staff & committees would like to extend a huge thank you to all that supported this event! The Turtle Race was […]

On August 22, 2014 Premier Greg Selinger, along with Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister and Swan River MLA Ron Kostyshyn and Swan River Mayor Glen McKenzie, participated in the grand opening of the Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre in Swan River. Picture courtesy of ValleyBiz “The social and recreational opportunities this facility will bring […]

Submitted by: Melanie Bird We had an excellent turnout and $1200 was raised toward the YWAM Medical ship in Australia. Everyone seemed to enjoy the smokies and burgers that Trevor Sevcenko and Melanie Bird made. Click any picture for a larger version. Michelle Peters, Kendra Thiessen, Rita Thiessen and Doris Reimer cheerfully served up the […]

Submitted by: Valerie Mitchell We had some very wonderful ladies and and gentleman come out and support our 2nd annual Ladies Night, Fundraiser Fashion Show on Wednesday August 20. It was a wonderful night to showcase our fall/winter line from Jockey Person to Person, Silpada and Mary Kay. We had a lot of fun with […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Premier Greg Selinger was on hand at the opening of a new heavy-duty mechanic shop on August 22, 2014 at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS). The shop will be available to students this fall. “Today our province is building like never before and rural communities have a growing […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release Health Minister Erin Selby has announced that the Manitoba government is investing $11.9 million in new diagnostic equipment to replace aging equipment nearing the end of its service life, . “Modernizing health equipment is a priority to ensure that health-care facilities continue to offer the best possible care to Manitoba’s […]

Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn has announced that Manitoba’s expanded Partner 4 Growth grant program will provide approximately $260,000 to support 32 regional economic development initiatives. The following two Swan Valley projects have received funding from the Partner 4 Growth program this year. The RM of Mountain has received a grant for […]

Government of Manitoba Media Release | Premier Greg Selinger has announced that the Manitoba government is partnering with municipalities in the Parkland area to invest almost $800,000 in municipal roads, keeping communities linked and ensuring safe and smooth travel for local families, commercial vehicles and tourists. “This funding will help renew 49 kilometres of municipal […]

Submitted by: Stephanie Burnett Well the summer has come and gone and all the programs have come to a close. Over the past six weeks the science themed of the Playground and Preschool programs was a success. Click any picture for a larger version. All the kids loved the science experiments and had lots of […]

Submitted by: Ian Kitch | The Swan Valley Basketball Association (SVBA) hosted their 1st Annual Summer Basketball Camp the week of August 11, 2014 at Ecole Swan River South School (ESRSS). Click any picture for a larger version. Photos by Terra Pohl, Star and Times The objectives of the camp were to enhance participant’s basketball […]