Submitted by: Lesley Sembaluk With additional pictures by ValleyBiz | With a theme of Cartoons on Ice that entertained those in attendance, the 2013 Minitonas Skating Carnival was a complete success. Click any picture for a larger version. Holly Laychuk from the Swan River Skating Club was a guest performer and Teagen Chartrand received a […]

Submitted by: Yoenne Ewald The Swan Valley Farmer’s Market held their Annual General Meeting on February 28th 2013. The meeting was well attended by existing and new members. Delbert Taylor, Fay Perrin, Shirley Leask, Yoenne Ewald, and Greg Logan. (left to right) Shirley Leask was the lucky winner of free vendors fees for 2013. Looking […]

Submitted by: Lindsay Cook The Open House and Trades Exploration at the University College of the North Swan River Regional Centre held on February 28, 2013 was a huge success! Those who attended were welcomed into the Centre where they attended information sessions on local programs and went on a Trades Exploration which visited locations […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser The community of Bellsite has once again hosted a great snowmobile derby, as you can see from the results below. Pictures courtesy Keith Lamb & Brian Dawson – click for a larger version. The weather was as good as you could ever wish for, warm and comfortable to stop and visit […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn and Scott Beehler (on behalf of the Disc Golf Committee) Frisbee golf is a relatively new and upcoming sport in the province of Manitoba. It is played with Frisbees or discs. A group of volunteers (Disc Golf Committee) is pursuing the installation of an 18-hole course in Benito this spring/summer. Disc golf […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie A very interested crowd was able to get first hand view of the “inside” during the Virtual Tour of the Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre on Feb 21 at the North-West Regional Library. Click any picture for a larger version. Phyl Friesen provided welcoming remarks. A lively discussion took place. Some […]

Submitted by: Jessica Lacasse, Health Promotion Coordinator, Prairie Mountain Health The Youth Empowerment Forum was a great success. Many positive remarks have been shared about Matt Bellace as a speaker, comedian and a professional. The Grade 7&8 event hosted 240 students. They enjoyed a great day and thought Dr. Bellace was an engaging and hilarious […]

Submitted by: Wayne Grier Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 3M (Monthly Member Mixer) meeting on February 19 was well attended with 27 people in attendance. Click for a larger version of the picture. Our Guest Speaker from the RCMP gave a presentation on Shoplifting in our community. The Chamber of Commerce is very concerned with […]

Submitted by: Les Rosteski A delicious supper of roast stuffed pork loin was served by Reg Jacobson and staff to sixty people at the Legion Club Room on February 16, 2013. The fiddle contest followed: Thank you to all the competitors, a big thank you to the judges George Woodley and Sandy McKay. Thank you […]

Canada’s Economic Action Plan Media Release | Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Swan Valley Farmers’ Market under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). “Our Government is pleased to support infrastructure projects across […]

Submitted by: Lesley Sembaluk In a awesome show of community spirit, the community members of Minitonas and surrounding area and local businesses came together to support the Minitonas and District Arena on Saturday, February 16, 2013. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening started with an appetizer and cocktail hour with viewing of […]

Submitted by Wade Dale | What a wonderful way to spend your Sunday afternoon listening and enjoying the talents God has given to the some of the members of The Hillsview Pastoral Charge. With Rev. Kathy Highmoor as MC for the afternoon talent, she got the ball rolling . Gordon Jerffery is always a crowd […]

Submitted by: Beverley Leach | Members of Friends for Grandmothers of Africa presented two copies of the novel Chanda’s Secrets by Allan Stratton to the library on January 31, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. In Chanda’s Secrets, Allan Stratton vividly brings to life the harsh realities a teenaged girl exoeriences from poverty […]

Submitted by: Dale Buhler | A Harvest celebration for the Fields of Jubilee took place on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Knox United Church in Minitonas. Click any picture for a larger version. Approximately 35 people attended to be informed and updated on the local Fields of Jubilee project, and also to hear a […]

ValleyBiz Story | On January 28, 2013, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation organized a rally in Swan River in support of the Idle No More Global Day of Action. Click any picture for a larger version. After gathering at the Friendship Centre, the march began with a round dance in the intersection of Highway 10N and Highway […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | A benefit concert was held in Bowsman on January 26, 2013 with proceeds going to BAM Jam Camp 2013. What an AMAZING Night!!! The concert was a great success. Father/ Son duo Des & Desi Lagace gave the crowd an impressive performance. Click any picture for a larger version. Tayler […]

ValleyBiz Story | ValleyBiz attended a tour of the Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre with Premier Greg Selinger Thursday, January 17, 2013. With work continuing inside, it was a good opportunity to see the progress first hand. Pictured above, Premier Greg Selinger and Town of Swan River Mayor Glen McKenzie Click any picture for a […]

Prairie Mountain Health Public Service Announcement Live, Work, Play … Even Better Smoke-Free January 20-26, 2013 Prairie Mountain Health is encouraging all smokers to consider making a quit attempt during NNSW. Your health care professional is an excellent source of information; don’t hesitate to ask them for advice and support in your quitting journey. For […]

Submitted by: Wade Dale | The Bowsman United Church held a Christmas Eve Service and Concert on December 24, 2012. To open our service and our hearts to this special time of year, Judy Melnechuk used her gift to perform a solo of “O Holy Night”. Click any picture for a larger version The service […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose | On December 12, 2012 a group of valley residents gathered to discuss how the Swan River Valley could become more food secure. Click any picture for a larger version. The session was led by Jackie Avent of the Harvest Moon Society, along with a University of Manitoba graduate student, and […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley resident John Cotton was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was presented December 18, 2012 in Swan River by RM of Swan River Reeve Lorne Henkleman. Click picture for a larger version. Picture submitted by RM of Swan River. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley resident Gwen Palmer was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was presented December 18, 2012 in Swan River by RM of Swan River Reeve Lorne Henkleman. Click picture for a larger version. Picture submitted by RM of Swan River. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The Swan Valley Stampeders would like to thank all their fans that help make the Toys for the North night a sucess. Click the picture for a larger version. Many boxes were filled with toys for local children, Bev Polon from Communities that Care was on hand as well as […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath | The Festival of Trees was held this weekend 14th – 16th December and was well attended. $150 was raised towards the Swan Valley Christmas Cheer Board along with a large box of assorted groceries. Click any picture for a larger version. The best tree – by popular vote was decorated […]

Submitted by: Karla Weir | Bowsman Skating Arena held their registration yesterday (December 20, 2012) for figure skating and youth rec hockey and for many of the kids if was their first opportunity to get skating this winter! Both programs will officially kick off in the new year with youth rec hockey starting January 7th […]

Prairie Mountain Health Media Release | Brandon- Prairie Mountain Health, in partnership with Red River College, will have two host campus sites for the Paramedicine-Primary Care Paramedic Program in 2013. The communities of Brandon and Swan River will offer the extensive paramedic training program in the New Year. The intensive 11-month program, designed to meet […]

Submitted by: Maryann Friesen | Sunday was a beautiful night for The Live Nativity put on by Valley churches at the farm of Scott and Cindy Tibble near Benito. There were about 420 guests that came through between 4:00 and 7:00 on Sunday, Dec. 16th. Click any picture for a larger version. There were approximately […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | Swan River Timbits Black team played in Dauphin on Dec 15th & 16th, 2012 the kids were excited as this was their 1st tournament this year. Front Row – Ryzlie Nepinak, Christian Hart, Jackson Badowski, Kai Gorchynski, Drayson Davy, Chrystal Zamzow Middle Row – Noah Weir, Shayden Anderson, BRady Burghart, […]

Submitted by: Gill McGrath | On Wednesday 12th Dec 2012 Swan Valley Settlement Services hosted the first of a series of food tasting and cooking sessions. The theme was East Indian foods. Click any picture for a larger version. Samples of different snack foods were tried and everyone had a hand in making a variety […]

The completion of five significant upgrades to highways and infrastructure in the Swan River and Dauphin areas at a cost of more than $20 million will increase safety and improve traffic flows for motorists, truckers and farmers, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today. “This investment in highways and roads, and the installation of […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Swan Valley Community Band started Sept. 1994 with Julie Kooistra organizing & directing the group. There is a core of those charter members who are still participating. Click any picture for a larger version. We average around 30-32 members every year, of all ages & experience. We have had a […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Preorders of Christmas Baking and Christmas pudding were picked up and made their way to many homes around the Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Proceeds will be donated to the Elks & Royal Purple National Charity ” Fund for Children while some of the monies will remain […]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk | The SVRSS Cafeteria was filled with family, food and friends as the Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers held their second annual Old Fashion Ukrainian Dance Concert. Click any picture to view a larger version They were entertained by the Beginner, Intermediate, and Senior dancers, along with a number of Ukrainian Christmas Carols […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Medical Stakeholders Group | The Swan Valley Medical Stakeholders Group is making progress toward establishing a new medical clinic for the Swan Valley. The absence of a modern medical clinic has been identified as a significant barrier to attracting the physicians required to reinstate surgical and maternity services for the Swan […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist On Saturday, December 1, 2012 the Kenville Hall was decorated in a teddy bear Christmas theme to help the Swan Valley Hoedowners celebrate sixty years of square dancing in the Swan Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Despite iffy road conditions, dancers from as far away as Moose Jaw, […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Swan Valley Stampeders White team coached by Mark Munro, Al Hambley & Tom Yaschyshyn went to Flin Flon this past weekend for the Mel Pearson Memorial Novice Tournament. Click any picture for a larger version. The team played on Friday Nov 30th 2012 at the Whitney Forum in Flin Flon against […]

Submitted by: Karen Peters Fairly Traded Handicrafts from Around The World Ten Thousand Villages provides vital, fair income to Third World people by selling their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Click any picture for a larger view. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Swan Valley Novice White team are the B-Side Champions of the Dauphin Novice Tournament held November 23 to 25th 2012 Left to right: Braden Bartel, Cash Henkelman, Aiden Walker, Steven Arp, Jack Mullin, Wyatt Rose, Will Munro, Tyan Mykula, Brooke Foster Swan Valley defeated Ste Rose Royals on Friday Nov 25th […]

Pictures by ValleyBiz.ca & Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Christmas Carols filled the air as people braved the cold to get an early dose of the Christmas spirit at the Tree Lighting Festivities on Friday, November 23, 2012 sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Click any picture for a larger view. As the Taylor School […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist The Valley Stage Players presented three performances of their comedy, “Squabbles” over this past weekend, November 23, 24, and 25. Click any picture for a larger version. Friday’s opening night performance at the Veterans Community Hall was held as a dinner theatre in partnership with the Community Foundation of Swan Valley. […]

Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy Multi-talented entrepreneur, Brenda Gaudry, inspired and entertained a keen audience last night at the North-West Regional Library in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. Brenda passed around samples of her home-made herbal salves and teas while explaining her methods and reasons for harvesting the ingredients for those products. […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School participated in Operation Christmas Child again where we filled shoeboxes to be sent to kids around the world. Click any picture for a larger version. Samaritan’s Purse organizes the collection and distribution. The 25 families in the school filled 49 boxes this year. The kids have […]

Submitted by: Marg Terry On November 17, 2012, the conditions must have been just right to give the hoarfrost a “spikey” appearance, a bit different than typical hoarfrost.

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway Pine River Community Centre hosted a delicious roast beef supper with all the trimmings. There were all types and flavours of desserts. There were guests that travelled from quite far just to participate in this wonderful event. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the great meal and the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The famous Annie Oakley believed strongly that all women should know how to handle a firearm. This young girl had the opportunity to fire a gun for the first time at the Swan Valley Historical Museum turkey shoot on Saturday, November 17 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. For men […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler The pancake breakfast fundraiser was a great success. Thank you so much to the CBFCS School Board and parents for organizing this fundraiser. Click any picture for a larger version It is so wonderful to see a community come together to support its own in this difficult time. There were many […]

Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy The multi-purpose room was filled to capacity with locals, keen to catch a glimpse of faraway places, especially those depicting warmth and sunshine, on a cold November evening. Hosts, MayAnn and Elmer Friesen and Lorne and Lesley Henkelman, talked about their eye-opening trip through Thailand, Cambodia and Bali. Highlights included visits […]

Submitted by: Nelly Mills An era has passed. White’s Drug Store has been sold. The Nahnybidas are moving toward retirement. Click any picture for a larger version. On Friday evening, the first night of the 14th annual White’s Drug Store Curling Classic, curlers and committee members honoured the long-standing Gold Sponsor of the White’s for […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Rotary Club This year marked the 50th Anniversary of the Swan Valley Rotary Auction. Bidding seemed to start earlier and remained steady throughout the evening. When Dave Theunissen rang the final bell, no items remained unsold and sales totalled $11,900. Proceeds of this year’s auction have been designated toward the Richardson […]

ValleyBiz Story The Association for Community Living hosted the 33rd Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale on Friday, November 2, 2012. It was a great opportunity for the community to start their Christmas shopping. Click any picture for a larger view. From tasty treats to hand crafted items, there was something for everyone. Don King sold […]