Submitted by: Corey Hurren About 600 people came to Whitefish Lake on Saturday, March 15th to see who was going to pull the winning $10 000 fish through four feet of ice when the Valley Lions held their 17th annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above is […]

Written and Submitted by: Debbie Soloway On Friday March 14th, 2014 Rachel & Darwin Dancsok of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan entertained to an audience of 45-50 people by singing and playing great country gospel favorites. Click any picture for a larger version. Rachel is an award winning country gospel singer, starting at the early age of thirteen […]

Submitted by: Courtney Densen On March 11 2014 in the Bowsman Legion Hall, great food, wonderful fellowship and a little luck of the Irish was to be found at the Bowsman United Church Soup n Bun. Patrons were treated to their choice of potato or hamburger soup, a variety of bunwiches, dessert, coffee, tea and […]

Submitted by: Yoenne Ewald The Swan Valley Farmer’s Market held their Annual General Meeting on March 11th 2014. The meeting was well attended. Looking back over 2013, the market saw a number of new summer vendors offering a diverse range of products. Pictured above, the Farmers’ Market Board.(L to R, back) Fay Perrin, Shirley Leask, […]

Provincial Media Release: More than $50 Million over Next Five Years to Increase Safety, Extend Life of Busy North-south Highway: Premier Selinger SWAN RIVER—Several more road improvement projects are planned for PTH 83 in western Manitoba to improve the ride, help boost commercial truck and tourist traffic, and increase safety for travellers, Premier Greg Selinger […]

NOTICE OF DECISION March 14, 2014 By Board Order 29/14, the Public Utilities Board (Board) approved an application by Swan Valley Gas Corporation (“Swan Valley Gas”) to sell, and an application by Centra Gas Manitoba Inc. (“Centra”) to purchase, the natural gas distribution system assets of Swan Valley Gas, subject to certain conditions. The Board […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School (CBFCS) recently installed a traverse climbing wall in the gym. It took the work of many individuals to make it happen. Click any picture for a larger version. The CBF church helped with installation, our parent advisory council (PAC) initiated the fundraising efforts, and parents and […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith The tournament committee would like to take a moment to say thank you to all the volunteers, players, coaches, parents, fans, referees, Hockey MB, Cargill, and all our local sponsors for the GREAT weekend! Pictures above are Silver Winners – Swan Valley Stampeders Click any picture for a larger version. Gold […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax “Welcome to Boot Scoot’n and Ballet! From the OK Corral to Prima Ballerinas The Minitonas Figure Skating Carnival offered it all to over 200 appreciative family and friends. Pictures by Kim Leslie – click for a larger version. Head Coach Michelle Windsor and assistant Cindi Fulford coached over 30 young skaters […]

Submitted by: Linda McCullough Annual World Day of Prayer was held on March 7, 2014 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church with approximately 80 in attendance. Pictured above, coordinators Donna Leming and Linda McCullough. This years theme “Streams in the Desert” written by the women of Egypt was presented by the All Saints Ukrainian Catholic, Seventh-day […]

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 9 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.

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk The gold medal game between the Winkler Flyers and The Pas Huskies ended in a 7-2 victory for the Winkler Flyers (pictured left). The Pas Huskies Silver medal winners. Portage Terriers Bronze medal winners. Portage played the local Swan Valley Stampeders in a hard fought game with a final score of […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack The Elbow Lake SnoDrifters 18th Annual Snowmobile Derby took place as scheduled on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The frigid weather (-51 with the wind chill when we woke up Saturday morning) kept many people away however, for those of us who braved the winter […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin The Swan Valley Stampeders Novice Black team went to Souris, MB for the Ultimate Hockey Championships. The kids played hard losing 1st game to Virden and a nail biter to home town Souris … Left them playing at 8 am on Sunday against Shilo… The kids rallied for the win & […]

Submitted by: Tracy Boychuk The Atom Provincials kicked off this afternoon at the Swan River Centennial Arena. The local support for this event was amazing. The Swan River Daycare (left) was in attendance for the opening game. Click any picture for a larger version. Taylor School (below) also attended to cheer on the local team. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The provincial government has announced better co-ordinated health-care services will be offered in the Swan River Valley following the purchase and redevelopment of the McKay Building in Swan River, which will become a new primary care centre. Participating in the announcement were (pictured above) Swan River MLA and Agriculture, Food and Rural […]

ValleyBiz Story | Nominated by parents, former students, teachers and administrators, former SVRSS educator, Byron Ross was presented with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence honours outstanding and innovative elementary and secondary school teachers in […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Our Swan Valley Tiger Fire Floor Hockey Team took 1st place in the Kinsmen Winnipeg Winter Games on Feb 22, 2014. Winnipeg Jets Captain Andrew Ladd (stretched out front row) also came out to support the games. Click picture for a larger version. What a great victory for our Special Olympics […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry The Bellsite 35th Annual Snowmobile Poker Derby, held on February 23, 2014 was a huge success. A total of $2,720.00 was given away in cash prizes. An estimated 150 sleds attending with over 200 registered drivers. Garth Scott wins 10% of prize money with 53 ghostriders ( the most ghostriders prize) […]

Submitted by: Louise Schabert The Benito Rec Centre hosted their Annual Open Bonspiel from Feb 12- Feb 16th. 29 teams entered the event with the following teams coming out on top. A big THANK YOU to all teams who competed. Above: The first Event winners of the Barrie Goodman Memorial Event were: The Hrycenko Rink: […]

ValleyBiz Story | A group of concerned citizens from Minitonas and the surrounding area met with Minitonas Town Council and Staff Sgt. Cliff McKay of the Swan River RCMP on Monday, February 10, 2014. Following an increase in vandalism and theft throughout the past summer and fall, discussion focused on what can be done to […]

Submitted Story | Swan Valley RISE and Prairie Mountain Health have been working hard to recruit physicians to the Swan Valley and their collaborative approach is starting to pay off. Swan Valley RISE announced today that two future physicians have been recruited to practice in the Swan Valley. Return of service agreements have been signed […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith What a weekend! Seven teams battled through the Elks PeeWee AA tournament starting on Friday, February 14 and concluding on Sunday, February 16. Click any picture for a larger version. A Side Champs – Tisdale, SK B Side Champs – Swan Valley Stampeders C Side Champs – The Pas, MB Throughout […]

Submitted by: Betty MacCumber The February Minitonas Coffee house was held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Minitonas Hall. The coffee house was a great success with about 100 people including performers. The Minitonas Coffee House is held the second Saturday of every month from 7pm until 11pm. We welcome all the performers and singers […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk By Tara Gray This article is re-published with permission from the Swan Valley Star and Times One of two athletes who will be representing the Parkland on the Special Olympics Manitoba (SOM) 5 pin bowling team is Peter Brass, who has qualified to compete in Vancouver at the 2014 Special Olympics […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk By Tara Gray This article is re-published with permission from the Swan Valley Star and Times Proud to represent the Parkland as one of two players from the Cobras 5 pin bowling team is Angie Ferland, who has qualified to play with the Special Olympics Manitoba (SOM) 5 pin bowling team […]

Submitted by: Dayna Bresky The Golden Gals Provincial Bonspiel was held in Swan River on February 2-5, 2014. Golden Gals Provincial 2014 Winners : Joyce McDougal rink from Brandon Curling Club Runner-up: Rita VanDeVyvere rink from The Heather curling club in Winnipeg, take silver. The curlers enjoyed their visit to the Swan River Valley. They […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Tuesday, February 28, 2014 the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) was buzzing with excitement as 120 grade 4 students from across the Swan Valley attended My Vision for My Education (ME). Submitted photos. Click for a larger version. “The objective of My Vision for ME is to create an awareness […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin On Saturday, January 18, 2014 the Swan Valley Stampeders Novice Black team held a fundraising bottle drive. The kids, who are 7-9 yrs old were raising money to pay for their team jackets. Click picture for a larger version. It was pretty cold but we had a great time & raised […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach Over forty participants attended the Alzheimer / Dementia presentation at St. James Anglican Church hosted by Service to Seniors on Thursday, January 23, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The very informative presentation by Laurie Church, Parkland Regional Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, was very much appreciated […]

ValleyBiz Story | Prairie Mountain Health has confirmed that a new physician will be establishing a medical practice in Swan River. Dr. Seyed Sarsari is in the final stages of completing his requirements within the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Assessment Program in order to obtain his conditional license from the Manitoba College of Physicians and […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart On Sat. January 25, 2014 the Bowsman Legion hall was filled with some great tunes to raise funds for the Bowsman School BAM fiddle & guitar program. Maclyn Burghart (left) showcased her skills on the mandolin.Click any picture for a larger version. Three generations of Lagace’s entertained the crowd with their […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren On Thursday night, January 16, 2014 is when 19 snowmobile riders and their support drivers came into Swan River as part of the trail of the Lion’s “Journey for Sight”. Pictured above JFS Committee Chair Ian Mullin (centre) with his father John Mullin (left) and brother David Mullin (right). All three […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater The “Soup & Bun Lunch,” held Friday, 17 January 2014 by the Swan River St. Andrew’s United Church, at the Veterans Hall, was well attended. The patrons joined the event at a steady pace for the 2.5 hours it was held. Click any picture for a larger version. The crowd enjoyed […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets for our 50/50 Christmas Cash Draw. The lucky winner of $890 was Ethel Robinson. Click picture for larger version. Presenting the cheque to Ethel’s daughter, Candace Mattson are Tiger Bowlers; Nicholas Sloane, Justin Ames, Sarah Grauman and Jamie […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government is investing almost $55 million to maintain and improve more than 100 schools throughout the province, Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum announced today at Dakota Collegiate, where nearly $4 million in work is underway to expand the gymnasium, renovate science labs, upgrade the roof […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. Click any picture for a larger version. This includes the many gifts that were received in our donation boxes located at different […]

ValleyBiz Story | Santa stopped by the Down Town Christmas party in Minitonas on Friday, December 20, 2013 to hear some last minute requests from the children and spread some Christmas Cheer. Click any picture for a larger version. Kids bundled up to join in the old time Christmas spirit, adorning the ground with a […]

Submitted by: Karon Harness | The Swan Valley Museum was a busy place from December 16-19, 2013 a troop of volunteers helped prepare this year’s hampers. Click any picture for a larger version. The Swan Valley Christmas Cheer Board delivered 51 hampers this year (amounting to 170 people receiving a little extra help this Holiday […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | A $56-million highway upgrade that includes significant resurfacing and repaving to new national highway standards, as well as a new bridge, will make PTH 10 safer and ease congestion from Riding Mountain National Park north to Swan River, Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers announced. The minister made the announcements […]

ValleyBiz Story | On December 11, 2013 a large crowd from the community stopped by The SHOP Minitonas Inc. to welcome business owner Darryl Woodson, check out the new look and celebrate the Grand Opening with a complementary beef on a bun, specials and prizes. Click any picture for a larger version. The newly renovated […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito School Leadership Council spearheaded the Benito & District Christmas Hamper Project. Click any picture for a larger version. With only two short weeks to organize and collect donations the children and staff leaders did a tremendous job finding their Christmas Spirit. Businesses and personal donations poured in from […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Swan River Royal Purple Lodge # 185 again served up some awesome Christmas baking. Over 50 boxes and 20 Christmas puddings were purchased. Funds from this endeavor will help support various activities in the community.

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | On November 29, 2013 the Bowsman School BAM fiddle program had guest instructor Donna Turk from Calgary, AB instruct workshops in the afternoon. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above is first year fiddler, Damien Stevens getting some help with his bow hold. The advanced group got instruction […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater Swan Valley Community Band started Sept. 1994, after our director, Julie Kooistra placed an ad in the Star & Times for those interested in playing again. Click any picture for a larger version. The beginning numbers were small, about 15, but has swelled to a steady number in the last 7-8 […]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk The Dolyna Dancers once again danced to a filled SVRSS Cafeteria this past Tuesday evening, during their 3rd Annual Old Fashion Christmas Concert! Friends and family were entertained by our dancers’ newest dances, instructed by Joe Synk and new to our instructional team, Kelsa Ewashko. A number of Traditional Ukrainian Carols […]

ValleyBiz Story | With the opening of the Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre just around the corner, everything is starting to come together. Our update includes a recent look inside the facility and a new announcement on the funding making it happen. Click any picture for a larger version. On Friday, November 29, 2013 Agriculture, […]

ValleyBiz Story | Dr. Andy Maxwell was at The Green Brier book store in Swan River on Saturday, November 30 and Monday, December 2, 2013 to sign copies of his new book, The Swan Valley Wellness Project. Click picture for a larger version. The book explores Dr. Maxwell’s vision for a wellness multi-plex promoting the […]

Submitted Story | Rev Dr. Jenny Sprong arrived in Swan River on October 30, 2013 where she will be serving the community as the new Pastor at St. Andrews United Church. Rev Dr. Jenny Sprong (left) with Prof Sarojini Nadar. Click Picture for larger version. Jenny Sprong was born and raised in Johannesurg, South Africa. […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath The St. Andrews United Church Fall Supper held on Sunday, December 1, 2013 saw nearly 500 visitors through the doors to enjoy the roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. Click any picture for a larger version.