ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley resident Fred Sigurdson was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was presented October 10, 2012 in Swan River by Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Robert Sopuck. Click picture for a larger version. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. To […]

Submitted by: Karla Weir Dr. Cindi Corbett is from Birch River and she is literally off saving the world. Picture from Global News Footage ValleyBiz Summary: Dr. Corbett along with 2 other scientists from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg have deployed to the town of Isiro in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team […]

UCN Media Release | October 10, 2012 University College of the North (UCN) President and Vice Chancellor Konrad Jonasson officially opened the new regional centre located in Swan River, Manitoba, adjacent to Swan Valley Secondary School. ValleyBiz Photo / Click for a larger version Cutting the Ribbon from left to right are: Robert Sopuck, Member […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley Stampeders Junior A Hockey team members stopped by to help local Lions members load a truck with recycling that had been sorted by the Association for Community Living (ACL). Pictures submitted by Alex Haluschak Click a picture for a larger version. The Local Lions club organized the initiative with the […]

Submitted by: Darlene Hardy On Wednesday, October 3rd Living Word Bible College was pleased to host Christian recording artist, Dan Bremnes and Band in concert. Click any picture for a larger version. This was the third time that Dan was able to perform in the Swan River area. Dan has some special connections here, being […]

Submitted by: Wendy van der Walt From the time the doors opened in the morning, until late into the evening, Fabriculous was full of excitement this past Saturday. Pictures courtesy of Gordon Hornbeck. Click for a larger version. Eager shoppers came from Flin Flon, Dauphin, Kamsack and beyond to check out what our local quilt […]

Submitted by: Urban Tree Development Committee The Swan River Urban Tree Development Committee hosted a tree giveaway event at the Town of Swan River tree nursery on September 26, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. Several people took the opportunity to walk through the nursery to select and tag trees for removal. If […]

Submitted by: Darlene Hardy Just 4 Kids club at Living Word Tabernacle began with registration night on Thursday, September 20th. Kids club meets every Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening begins with a variety of games such as modified soccer, relays and races. It […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | Dr. Michelle Marshall O.D. FCOVD, and Tammie Clemenson, office manager of Be Seeing You Vision Centre prior to the Low Vision Care Clinic held on Thursday, September 27 at St. James Anglican Church. Click any picture for a larger view. The audience of forty listened attentively as Dr. Marshall explained […]

Swan Valley RISE has become the driving force behind local efforts to improve medical services in the Swan Valley. Earlier this year RISE organized a joint effort between local municipalities, service clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals and through a coordinated and planned approach, the stakeholders have become a strong and effective voice for healthcare in […]

Submitted by: Leone Sigurdson The annual Legion Week ran from Sept. 16-22. Veterans of WW2, Associate and Affiliate Members enjoyed a variety of entertainment throughout the week. Click any picture for a larger version. Bingo on Tuesday. Wednesday was Veterans Night with many enjoying Ron Crone on the piano with WW1 and WW2 songs. Thursday […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith Skateboarders and BMX bike riders demonstrated why they love the Swan River Lions Skate Plaza with a local talent show on Friday, September 21, 2012. Click any picture for a larger view. To all of our local talent that came out to show their stuff – well done – it was […]

ValleyBiz Story | Grandmothers, children and other supporters walked side by side through the streets of Swan River on Friday, September 21, 2012 to raise awareness about the abuse and sexual exploitation of children. Click any Picture for a larger view. The walk began at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, continued on to Taylor […]

Submitted by: Mike Yablonski The Monster Garage Sale on Sept 22 at the Friendship Centre was a great success. Thank you to all those who donated their unwanted garage sale items. Click a picture for a larger view. The sale ran from 4-8 pm and although there were not many big items, the quarters and […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Education Minister Nancy Allan was on hand September 20, 2012 at the official groundbreaking for the new heavy duty mechanic shop at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, which will serve students from this community, the surrounding area and adults taking programs offered by the University College of the North. […]

Western Regional Health Authority Media Release | Senior staff from the Western RHA met with community stakeholders in Swan River yesterday (September 19, 2012) to discuss plans for a more robust, sustainable surgical program in Swan River which will serve as the foundation for the return of a full time obstetrical (maternity) program at Swan […]

Submitted by: Darlene Hardy The Living Word Bible College, Opening 2012-2013 was held on September 16th, 2012. Approximately 90 people attended the morning worship service at 10 AM. Click any picture for a larger version. Those in attendance received words of encouragement from the book of James (chapter 3) which warns us to guard our […]

ValleyBiz Story | On September 16, 2012, the Swan Valley Gun Club held their Annual Turkey Shoot. The Turkey shoot helps raise money for the operation of the club and provides an opportunity for people to experience trap shooting either as participant or a spectator. Click any picture for a larger version. Live targets are […]

ValleyBiz Story | Sunday afternoon, on September 16, 2012, the date of the 32nd Annual Terry Fox Run, the legacy of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope could be seen in the enthusiasm of even the youngest participants. Click any picture for a larger version. In Swan River, 55 people registered to run, walk, bike and […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose, Rural Leadership Specialist Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives On September 11, 2012 eighteen valley residents, youth to adult, took part in the ATV safety session at the Veterans Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. The participants learned about the legal requirements of operating ATVs on the farm […]

ValleyBiz Story | Swan Valley resident Richard “Dick” Walker was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was presented August 30, 2012 in Swan River by Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Robert Sopuck. Photo submitted by: Dauphin Office of Robert Sopuck M.P Click for a larger version. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Tent Town Garden Club held their 30th Annual Fruit Festival at the Town Hall in Minitonas on Saturday, September 8, 2012. The Garden Club creates and maintains the beautiful public flower gardens around Minitonas. Click any picture for a larger version. The Fruit Festival is the Garden Club’s annual fundraising event. […]

ValleyBiz Story | Harvest is a busy time marked by early mornings and late nights, supper in the field and everyone helping out. The golden crops and swathed rows and vibrant sunsets also produce some beautiful imagery, a tribute to our agricultural roots. Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler Community Bible Fellowship Christian School is excited to announce that it has completed phase 1 of the playground upgrade. This phase included installing a new “treehouse” play structure as well as 2 park benches. Click any picture for a larger version. This structure was purchased through Blue Imp with local representative […]

Submitted by: Wade Dale On August 24, 20 quilters from all over the province of Manitoba came together at the United Church Bible Camp at Wellman Lake for a weekend quilt retreat. Some people brought their RV’s to stay in, some stayed in the cabins and some drove back and forth each day. Click any […]

ValleyBiz Story | Last night many looked to the skies for a glimpse of something that only comes around once in a blue moon … a blue moon. We took this picture last night as the moon lit the sky above the Valley. Click the picture for a larger view. Modern Folklore defines the Blue […]

Pictures and Race Results Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk Although wet track conditions caused races to be cancelled on Saturday, stock car points race and mud bog took place on Sunday, August 26, 2012. Here are some pictures and race results. Click any picture for a larger version. 8 Cylinder Heat 1 1st place- #3 Brian […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Harvest Festival on August 26, 2012 at the Swan Valley Historical Museum is an annual celebration of our history. It provides an opportunity to reflect on days gone by and stoke the interest of younger generations. Click any picture for a larger version. The kids enjoyed simple pleasures … Ice cream […]

ValleyBiz Story | Approximately 90 riders, including participants from across Canada and the US gathered in Cowan on Saturday, August 25, 2012 for the Cowan Trail Celebration. Click any picture for a larger view. The sun peaked through the clouds, warming the cool air and holding back the rain just as the riders headed out […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin The two day garage sale held at the Museum Hall on August 24th and 25th, with proceeds going directly to Swan Valley Animal Protection League for animal care, was a resounding success. Even the museum cat found a wonderful purrrrrchase!! Members and friends of the group worked hard setting up the […]

Submitted by: Wade Dale A joint event between the Bowsman Legion and the Bowsman United Church was held on Wednesday August 22, 2012. The doors opened at 4:30 p.m. and the people, ready to dive into the spaghetti, came rushing in. Mel Edmunds chatting with Donna Ferriss and Laura Henderson while waiting for more spaghetti […]

ValleyBiz Story | They say a picture is worth a thousand words and ValleyBiz couldn’t agree more. ValleyBiz uses its photojournalism features to celebrate what’s best about life in the Swan Valley. Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to photograph many of the attractions and activities in the Swan Valley, resulting in […]

ValleyBiz Story | This summer we followed the development of one small bird, capturing in pictures its development from egg to nestling, to fledgling until it left the nest to make a life of its own. Here are the highlights of its 6 week journey. Click any picture for a larger version.

The Public Utilities Board (Board) approved on an interim ex parte basis, revised water and initial sewer rates for the Birch River Utility in the Rural Municipality of Mountain (RM). The new rates, are to be reflected on the next quarterly billing, effective July 1, 2012. The rates are shown below. Click the above table […]

ValleyBiz Story | How does a 6 year old boy sum up Durban Demo Derby? “Cars smashing together?” “Awesome!” That pretty much describes the scene in Durban on Sunday afternoon, August 12, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. People of all ages gathered for an unforgettable afternoon of crashin’, smashin’ and even a […]

Submitted by: Emma Mayer 2012 North-West Regional Library Summer Reading Program With this year’s Summer Reading Program theme being “Imagine”, the library was full of just that – imagination! Click any picture for a larger version. About 92 children in total from Swan River and Benito registered for the library’s annual programming sponsored by the […]

Submitted by: Kayla Trumbley Thanks everyone for coming out and supporting Justin & I, the social was a hit! Click any picture for a larger view. Turned out to be a good turn out, lots of people dancing and just having a good time, which I couldn’t ask for more! Justin & I had a […]

ValleyBiz Story | Vickie Atkinson, Patrick Mullin, Doug Marzolf, Merlin Bartel, Peter Fleming and Jeff Dahl were the 6 finalists in the Minish Group 60th Anniversary giveaway, but only one would drive away with the new 2012 Chevy Sonic. Click any picture for a larger view. On Friday, August 12, 2012 Doug Marzolf tested his […]

Submitted by: Lorna Rivett The 2012 Avalanche Ranch day camp for children aged 6-12 ran Monday, July 30 to Friday, August 3. This was our third annual day camp and, although the numbers were low this year, there was an average attendance of 16 kids. Click any picture for a larger version. Avalanche Ranch Day […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist Callers Linda Gilchrist and Brad Slepicka hosted a summer square dance at the Wellman Lake United Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Click any picture for a larger version. Dancers attended from Winnipeg, High Bluff, Brandon, Hamiota, Grandview, Dauphin, Churchbridge, and Saskatoon, as well as Swan Valley locations. Dancing […]

ValleyBiz Story | An old fashioned picnic and potluck supper was held Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the Big Woody Hall to celebrate the centennial of the formation of the Big Woody School District. Click any picture for a larger version. The festivities had many reminiscing about the picnics traditionally held on the last day […]

ValleyBiz Story | Many local riders participated at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Gymkhana and other horse shows. Click any picture for a larger view. During Gymkhana, horse and rider work together to achieve speed, agility, control and responsiveness in executing a series of patterned racing events. Family and friends came out to the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Once again this year the familiar sounds of midway music along with laughter, squeals and screams return for Northwest Roundup in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger view. The exhibit halls offered a nice break from the heat and noise. With entries in baking, canning, sewing, handicrafts, photography and horticulture, […]

ValleyBiz Story | People of all ages enjoyed the fast paced action at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition grandstand this weekend. The great weather and exciting events kept even the youngest fans smiling. Click any picture for a larger version

ValleyBiz Story | Things got cooking at the McKay Night Barbeque on Thursday, July 29, picked up the next day at the St. Andrews United Church Rodeo Lunch and continued on Saturday and Sunday with pancake breakfasts sponsored by Formo Motors and Parrish & Heimbecker. Click any picture for a larger version. Throughout the day […]

ValleyBiz Story The Down on the Farm Exhibit at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River allows kids to get a close-up look at farming activities and learn about how agriculture contributes to their everyday life. Click any picture for a larger version. Interactive displays allow kids to dig potatoes, gather eggs, pick apples, […]

The annual Chamber of Commerce Parade marks the start of a weekend of family fun and excitement at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. 10am – the stores are closed, the streets are lined and people anxiously await the first glimpse of the parade. Click any picture for a larger version. The parade is an interactive […]

ValleyBiz Story | This young cowboy kept a careful watch over the grandstand last night as the first Pony Chariot and Pony Chuckwagon races of the 2012 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition got underway. Click any picture for a larger version. The sound of the horn, the thrill of the race and the cheers of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday July 23, 2012 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club held their annual Garden Walk featuring the creativity and hard work of 8 Swan River gardeners. It was an inspiring way for gardeners, photographers and people of all ages to spend a beautiful sunny afternoon . Click any picture for a […]

ValleyBiz Story | The 2012 Powersmart Manitoba Summer Games have come and gone, but some students at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School lent their skills to help create a permanent reminder of the games at each of the sporting venues. Click any picture for a larger version. A a unique Legacy Sculpture was designed […]