Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players’ production of Norm Forster’s “Hilda’s Yard” received rave reviews from three very appreciative audiences over the weekend. Click any picture for a larger version. The production opened to an enthusiastic audience present at the Community Foundation of Swan Valley’s popular dinner theatre evening this past Friday […]

Submitted by: Gill McGrath with pictures from ValleyBiz The Festival of Trees saw over 200 people pass through over the week. Over $200 was collected for the Christmas Cheer Board along with lots of groceries. Click any picture for a larger version. The best tree category was won by Hayes Childcare Centre (left). The event […]

Submitted by: Chris Staniland | Driving through snow, blowing snow, and slippery road conditions, Trevor managed to travel from near Saskatoon all the way to Minitonas for a morning concert live on Sunday where he shared through speaking and songs. A decent sized crowd also braved the ice and the fresh blanket of snow to […]

Prairie Mountain Health Release | If you have an interest in health care within your community, and have some thoughts regarding health care priorities across the region, Prairie Mountain Health wants to hear from you! Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is in the process of establishing Local Health Involvement Groups within the region and is urging […]

Submitted by: Yoenne Ewald | The Swan Valley Farmers’ Market Christmas Craft Fair once again presented a fantastic array of locally produced arts, crafts and goods. Click any picture for a large version. Vendors came from across the Valley and neighbouring communities to offer quality knits, preserves, honey, jewelry, paintings and so much more. It […]

Submitted by: RM of Swan River | There are horses loose in the RM of Swan River, a black gelding with a blue halter on, and a Mare & foal both are brown. If you see these horses please contact the RM of Swan River office at 204-734-3344. If you are able to catch & […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | Service to Seniors held their annual Cookie Walk on November 22, 2014. Andrea Block with Brayden, Austin, Allie Travis and Ba-Oma Olga were all smiles as they waited to get in line to choose their cookies! Click any picture for a larger version. Volunteers were busy preparing trays of cookies […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted a luncheon Community Information meeting at the Elks Hall on November 19, 2014. Approximately 40 community members participated in this event. Click any picture for a larger version. SVCTC Board members were also supported in this presentation by Dalen Dutton (CTC Master Trainer-Maine, […]

Submitted by: Gordon Hornbeck The Swan River Legion Executive was pleased with the turnout and the atmosphere during the ham supper and dance on the evening on November 15, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The Legion Volunteer Kitchen Ladies put on a wonderful meal that included ham with scalloped potatoes and meatballs, […]

Submitted by: Jack Mullin | The Minitonas 4H Beef club had a meeting on November 3, 2014 where following elections were held; president is Jayden Wlasichuk, Vice President is Abby Black, secretary is Leah Graham, Nathan Barker is the banner scanner. Maria Slepicka and McKenna Wlasichuk are the area council reps. On Saturday November 15, […]

Submitted by: Brett Church | The Minitonas Lions Club would like to thank everyone the helped and came out to enjoy our soup and bun fundraiser. Click any picture for a larger version. Over 150 bowls of soup and buns were served to members of the local community and surrounding area as well as children […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | After a couple of months of planning and organizing, and many hours of volunteer efforts, the St. Andrew’s United Church in Swan River held another successful event occurred at the Veterans Hall on November 16, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Harold Proppe, one of the crew of […]

Provinc of Manitoba Media Release | Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell, along with Robert Sopuck, member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, announced today that five communities from Manitoba’s Parkland region will benefit from major investments in renewed infrastructure through the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund. “By partnering with the Government of Canada and […]

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014, CALGARY, AB – Reimer & Co. Chartered Accountants, a Swan River-based accounting firm, will merge with MNP LLP, one of Canada’s largest national accounting and business consulting firms, effective January 1, 2015. Reimer & Co. was looking for an opportunity to offer more specialty services to its clients, while MNP was […]

Swan Valley RISE Media Release | Swan Valley RISE (RISE) is issuing this statement in recognition of the ongoing efforts by Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to improve healthcare in the Swan Valley. In the course of working with PMH, we have appreciated their responsiveness to the healthcare needs of our community and commend their transparent […]

On November 7, 2014 Ron Kostyshyn, MLA for Swan River presented Neil Brown, President of Swan Valley Historical Museum with a $4,000.00 cheque from the Manitoba Community Places Program for the Swan Valley Historical Museum Railroad Station Roof Repairs. Submitted Story

ValleyBiz Story | This year’s Rotary Radio Auction started off with a 151 donated items with a total value of over $20,000. The Auction was broadcast live on GX94 Radio with a full list of auction items available on ValleyBiz.ca and printed in the Star and Times. Photo Submitted by Scott Swaiko When the final […]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Calico Corners was once again a wonderful success. Christmas was in the air with the beautiful array of crafts and delicious goodies available. Click picture for a larger version. The Association for Community Living-Swan River Branch would like to thank all those who attended, the crafters, and everyone who donated […]

Submitted by: Leah Graham The Lavender Good Neighbor Centre had a wonderful turnout with 27 tables including baking, jam and syrups, soaps, quilting, books, chocolates and skirts, jockey, crocheting , knitting, ornaments, dishes, toys, clothes, scentzy and fitness, for their Flea Market on November 8, 2014 at the Swan Valley Museum. There was a wonderful […]

Submitted by: Pamela Bowles | On November 8, 2014 approximately 200 people attended the 4th Annual Harvest Celebration supper and dance hosted by the Shaker Misto Dance Club and the Benito Recreation Centre. Guests enjoyed a delicious supper of perogies, cabbage rolls, beet rolls, ham, and cream chicken. Following supper, they were entertained with Ukrainian […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | We are very excited that our very own Tiger Fire Floor Hockey Team with Andrew Ladd of the Winnipeg Jets is front and center on the cover of the 2015 Special Olympics Manitoba Cash Calendar and many of our athletes are featured throughout. Click picture for a larger version. Our […]

ValleyBiz Story | Remembrance Day observances began in Swan River at 10:30am on the morning of November 11, 2014 with a march from the Veterans Community Hall to the Cenotaph where Veterans laid wreaths to honour the fallen. Click any picture for a larger version. From small children yet to young to understand the significance […]

Submitted by: Tim Mueller| Calvin and Darla Leslie were overwhelmed by the response of a concert given to raise funds to aide in Darla’s medical expenses. Click any picture for a larger version. The Minitonas Coffee House Band provided accompaniment for many of the performers from around the Swan Valley area, as well as performing […]

ValleyBiz Story | Mike Beaudry from Bellsite, MB makes his debut on Gold Rush Season 5, Episode 4: Viking Ship. Gold Rush is a reality television series that airs on Discovery. Submitted Photo The show focuses on the mining of gold placer deposits found in the Yukon Territory, Canada by various teams of miners. Mike […]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | A large crowd attended the annual Lenswood Harvest dance Nov. 8, 2014 Everyone had a great time dancing and visiting to the music of Ken Thompson and Desmond Legace. A huge midnight lunch gave the dancers energy to boogie till 1:00 am. Thanks to everyone who came out to support […]

Submitted Story | SWAN RIVER, MB Its out with the old and in with the new at Swan River’s Veterans Community Hall. For years users have complained about the old wooden tables used at events and today the hall board announces that new tables will be in use this November. The old tables were wood […]

ValleyBiz Story | Throughout the month of October, Formo Motors has been collecting non-perishable food items for the local food bank through the We Scare hunger campaign. Click any picture for a larger version. Initiatives have included a BBQ during their grand re-opening, collections during Spooktober Fest and a campaign through Minitonas Middle Years School. […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players are deep in rehearsals for their major production “Hilda’s Yard” which will be presented on November 29 and 30, 2014 at the Veterans’ Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. This year’s production is a comedy written by the talented and successful […]

Submitted by: Kasey Chartrand | On November 2, 2014 the Minitonas & District Arena held their Annual Skate-a-thon to kick off the 2014/2015 skating season. There were approximately 50 skaters who raised just under $2500.00. Click a picture for a larger version. Each child who brought a pledge sheet that afternoon received a free hot […]

Media Release | Swan River, Manitoba – Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced on Saturday, November 1st that the Government of Canada is supporting two fish habitat conservation projects in central Manitoba. Under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The sun was out, the wind calmed and the stands were over capacity with fans as the Swan Valley Tigers and the visiting Neepawa team stood for O’Canada. This was the start of a very glorious day. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone who came out on Saturday, […]

Submitted by: Lorri-Ann Munro| The Swan Valley Atom ‘A’ Stampeders players are entered in the Timber Mart Sharp Shooter Photo Contest for a chance to win a trip to Montreal for the World Juniors. If you have a facebook account, please take a minute and vote for the picture of the Swan Valley Atom ‘A’ […]

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 […]