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 […]

Submitted by: Jen Dahl | Well the 2014 camp season for Wellman Lake Bible Camp has drawn to a close. We had a wonderful season, with amazing weather, a great staff of enthusiastic directors and councilors and many wonderful volunteers. Click any picture for a larger version. New friendships were made and old ones renewed […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was hard to miss the change in Durban this weekend on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Cars filled up the old schoolyard and lined nearby streets. The sound of cheering fans and grinding metal filled the air. Click any picture for a larger version. The annual demo derby offered lots of action, […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Special Olympic Manitoba Parkland Athletes, coach and executive were presented a BIG cheque for $5420 by Don Formo and staff for the successful Drive 4 UR Community fundraising event held May 31, 2014. Click picture for a larger version. A very big Thank you to Formo Motors Ltd. for supporting Special […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler The Shaker City Disc Golf Course in Benito has been in use just over a year now. Interest and participation in this sport has far exceeded expectations. As long as the weather is decent, there are people on the course day and night. Click any picture for a larger version. Bug […]

ValleyBiz Story | Premier Greg Selinger was in Swan River on August 1, 2014 to announce that construction and renovations will begin this fall on a new primary care centre to enhance and better co-ordinate health services for people living in the Swan River Valley region. “We are bringing health care closer to home for […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater This is the fifth year St. Andrew`s United Church has offered a venue for the many Rodeo Parade spectators to eat & socialize after the Parade. Another busy & successful Rodeo Lunch was held. St. Andrew`s United Church appreciates all those who helped and attended our annual event. A lot of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup was the place to be this weekend for lots of great riding, roping, wrestling rodeo action. The fast paced events were sure to get your adrenaline pumping and send your boredom packing. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | If you visited Down on the Farm and the Homecraft & Horticulture Exhibits during the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition you were rewarded with unique way to explore and celebrate some of the traditional aspects of rural life. Click any picture for a larger version. Interactive displays and activities provided kids with a […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Pony Chariot and Pony Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition offers 4 days of racing excitement. The fans came out rain and shine to enjoy the fast paced action and to cheer for their local favorites. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | Although rain pounded the Valley this weekend, the weather was just right for the Northwest Roundup Chamber of Commerce Parade on the morning of Friday July 25, 2014. With a variety of entries and lots of candy, the parade is great family fun. Click any picture for a larger version. The humorous […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, July 21, 2013 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club hosted their annual Garden Walk. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty, character and tranquility of some Swan Valley’s lovely private gardens. Above picture by Autumn Klekta. Click any picture for a larger version. The […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway The Renwer – Fisher’s Siding Annual old fashion picnic and potluck supper took place on Sunday July 20th, 2014 in Renwer at the old Fisher’s Siding School. Click any picture for a larger version. The small committee sponsored a special celebration back in 2002 and have held the annual picnic on […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko Hundreds of people attended a very large Garage Sale and Barbeque on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Benito Branch of the North-West Regional Library. Click any picture for a larger version. The public donated to the Garage Sale a huge amount of items that were new and gently used. Lots […]

Swan River Fire Department Media Release | On July 18, 2014 at 11:37 am, Swan River Fire, RCMP and EMS were called to a structure fire in the RM of Swan River. On arrival a large pole shed containing bales and some equipment was on fire. Swan River Fire Department deployed attack lines and with […]