Tag Archives: Community Coverage

Hearts for Heart – Bakesale for the Brunels

ValleyBiz Story | When she heard that the Brunel’s home had been destroyed by fire amid their young son’s fight against leukemia, Brittaney Vandepoele’s response to her mother was, “We have to do something.” Click any picture for a larger version. The next day when she returned from school, she showed her mother a poster […]

2012/05/07Local Interest

Dr. Mikhaiel to Begin Practice in Swan River – June 2012

PRHA Media Release | The Parkland Regional Health Authority (PRHA) continues to make strides in ongoing physician recruitment efforts. The PRHA has successfully recruited another International Medical Graduate (IMG) to the community of Swan River. The new physician, Dr. Sam Mikhaiel, is just finalizing his provincial assessment and medical licensure requirements and should be in […]

2012/05/07Local Interest

Little Woody Art Show

ValleyBiz Story | The Little Woody Art Group held their annual end of season art show on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Over 70 people enjoyed the opportunity to appreciate some local artwork and share a cup of tea with the artists. Artists Renate Wille and Naomi Nemez Click any picture for a larger version. Members […]

2012/05/06Local Interest

Volunteer Caring and Sharing Day

Submitted by: Kathleen Markle | On April 12, 2012 the Royal Bank and Swan River Lifeline organized and hosted a Volunteer Day at the Anglican Church. Florence Gray participates in a distress demo. The 85 people in attendance received information and saw demonstrations of the Swan River Lifeline Program and then enjoyed visiting over lunch. […]

2012/05/05Local Interest

Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Spelling Bee

Submitted by: Evelyn Bredin | On Thursday, April 26th, several Grade 5 & 6 students from the Swan River Valley met in the St. Andrews United Church to participate in the annual Spelling Bee, hosted by the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association. The Grade 6 students participating in the Spelling Bee. Grade 5 spellers […]

2012/05/04Local Interest

Chris Delaurier & Carlie Rondeau Social

Submitted by: Marilyn Atkinson On Saturday, April 28, 2012 Chris Delaurier and Carlie Rondeau started their pre-wedding fun during their social that night. The hall was filled with friends and family from all over Manitoba as well as supporting friends from the valley. Thank you to everyone who helped with the shower & the social. […]

2012/05/03Local Interest

Home Routes 2012 House Concert Finale

Submitted by: Nancy McLennan The finale of the 2011-2012 Home Routes House Concert series went well. Attendance was thirty, precisely the size of crowd Home Routes hopes we will achieve, enough so the artists can pay their expenses and earn a bit on this tour. Harley House was the perfect venue, as always. It can […]

2012/05/02Local Interest

Music Enrichment at CBF Christian School

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler | Students and staff at CBFCS were blessed with musical expertise from several local, valley musicians on April 24th and 25th. Rita Thiessen (new to the valley) and Heidi Honke (Geloa) worked specifically with our JK to Gr.4 students. Martin Snell and Kendra Thiessen (new to the valley) worked with the […]

2012/04/30Local Interest

Bill Gade Risks Lives With Fake News

ValleyBiz Story | On the morning of April 1, 2012 Bill Gade, owner and radio personality of CJSB / CJ104 radio put the lives of Swan Valley residents at risk with a news update that broadcast inaccurate information on air multiple times throughout the morning. Gade reported that the Swan River Hospital would only be […]

2012/04/30Local Interest

Bridge and Road Repairs for Swan Valley

Province of Manitoba Media Release: April 27, 2012, SWAN RIVER The province will invest in more upgrades and repairs to key roads and bridges in the Swan River region this year while continuing to repair flood-damaged infrastructure, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today. “Over the last several years, our Highway Renewal Plan has produced record […]

2012/04/29Local Interest

Temporary Suspension of Maternity Services

The Parkland Regional Health Authority advises that due to qualified physician resource shortages at the Swan Valley Health Centre there will be no maternity services available during the following time period: Effective Friday, April 27th until Friday, June 1st at 7 a.m. Patients requiring obstetrical services during this period of time will be referred to […]

2012/04/28Local Interest

Compassionate Friends Here for Grieving Parents

Submitted by: Shasta Scott The Swan Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends held a public information session on April 19, 2012 Pictured here are: Bob Lewis – Advisory Board member, Tara Fahrenschon – Chapter Leader, Shasta Scott – Treasurer, Kathy Highmoor (back) – Advisory Board member and Erin Clouson. The Compassionate Friends is an international, […]

2012/04/25Local Interest

Games Wear Day at Sears

Sears in Swan River has accepted the 2012 Swan Valley Host Society challenge to support Games Wear Day of the Week by purchasing Games Wear uniforms for their staff and having their staff dress in Games Wear each Friday. Photo Courtesy: 2012 Swan Valley Host Society Click for a larger version. Games wear may be […]

2012/04/24Local Interest

Swan Valley Cheetahs 2012 Demo Night

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Cheetahs Gymnastics held their annual demo night April 19, 2012 giving the gymnasts the opportunity to demonstrate their skills for parents, grandparents, family and friends. Click any picture for a larger version. At the Kindergym level basic skills are taught as class dynamics are learned. The display highlighted the […]

2012/04/23Local Interest

Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church

Submitted by: Willetta Hoffman | The Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute from Outlook Saskatchewan presented a concert at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, April 13. The concert was made up of a mixture of classical and modern songs, and included a mini-miracle based on Jonah and the Whale. The audience appreciated the music and the quality […]

2012/04/18Local Interest

Games Wear Day at Merv’s Audiotronic

Merv’s Audiotronic in Swan River has accepted the 2012 Swan Valley Host Society challenge to support Games Wear Day of the Week by purchasing Games Wear uniforms for their staff and having their staff dress in Games Wear each Friday. Photo Courtesy: 2012 Swan Valley Host Society Click for a larger version. Games wear may […]

2012/04/17Local Interest

Swan River Food Processing Centre Grand Opening

Province of Manitoba Media Release April 12, 2012 | A new food-processing centre is part of a one‑year pilot project that will provide entrepreneurs from northern communities with the opportunity to test and develop food products for commercial markets, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced at the opening of the facility here […]

2012/04/15Local Interest

Hillsview Hike – No One Story

Submitted by: Lana Edmunds Nearly 90 people were involved with the Hillsview Hike on a windy Monday April 9, 2012. Nearly 90 different stories unfolded as the day progressed. Pictures submitted by Courtney Densen, Lloyd Gilchrist and Gale Wagner. Click any picture for a larger version. To Kathy Highmoor, the day signified a coming together […]

2012/04/12Local Interest

Chamber of Commerce 2012 Annual General Meeting

Submitted by Wayne Grier | The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General Meeting April 4, 2012. It was a great evening with approximately 50 people in attendance, highlighted by Guest Speaker Kathy Fisher and her presentation on Leadership! It was a profound message, one that every Valley resident would have had a […]

2012/04/07Local Interest

Minister names new PRHA Board members

Dauphin- Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald has appointed new members to the Board of Directors of the Parkland Regional Health Authority (PRHA). New appointments include Coenraad Fourie of Grandview, Diane Ironstand of Shortdale, and Gwynn Ketel of Pine River. Two previous members have been reappointed for a second, three-year term. They include Monica Black (Bowsman) […]

2012/04/05Local Interest

Hillsview Hike

Hillsview Hike Submitted by: Kathy Highmoor “One more step along the world I go” – Sydney Carter On Easter Monday, April 9, 2007, I laced up my runners, walked out our lane and proceeded to walk the country block (4 miles) This was the first day of what was to be a 90-day Sabbtical. One […]

2012/04/04Local Interest

Local Stakeholders Discuss Medical Services

Swan Valley RISE Media Release: March 30, 2012 Stakeholders from the Swan Valley recently met to discuss local efforts to improve access to medical services within the Valley. The initial meeting took place on March 15, 2012 with representatives from the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation, Swan Valley (G7) Medical Services Committee, Parkland Regional Health […]

2012/04/03Local Interest

Maternity Services Remain Closed

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF OBSTETRICAL (MATERNITY) SERVICES AT SWAN VALLEY HEALTH CENTRE Attention Swan River Valley area residents: The Parkland Regional Health Authority advises that due to qualified physician resource shortages at the Swan Valley Health Centre there will be no maternity services available during the following time period: Tuesday, April 3rd at 7 […]

2012/04/03Local Interest

Thunder Hill Ski Club Raising the Bar

ValleyBiz Story | With the snow gone and signs of spring popping up, skiing and snowboarding may be the furthest thing from your mind, but not so for the dedicated members of the Thunder Hill Ski Club. Pictures courtesy Thunder Hill Ski Club As one of only a handful of non-profit ski hills in Canada, […]

2012/04/02Local Interest

Manitoba Games Wear Day Declared in Swan River

2012 Swan Valley Host Society Media Release | The 2012 Swan Valley Host Society held a Kickoff Event at the Swan Valley Consumers Co-op on Friday, March 23, 2012 to announce the Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games “Games Wear Day of the Week”. Pictures by ValleyBiz Town of Swan Mayor Glen McKenzie, declared that effective […]

2012/03/27Local Interest

Recreation and Wellness Centre Sod Turning

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, March 23, 2012 an official sod-turning ceremony took place at the construction site for the Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre. Sod-turning honours went to Ron Kostyshyn (Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister) Robert Sopuck, (Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette) Glen McKenzie (Mayor of Swan River) and Tom Hamilton […]

2012/03/26Local Interest

Exciting Night at Swan School of Dance Spring Fling

Submitted by: Michele Poole The Swan School of Dance held their annual recital, on Wednesday March 21st, at the SVRSS Auditorium. In front of a packed house, people were entertained with tap jazz, ballet, hip hop and to top the night off they performed an amazing Bollywood number. Click any picture for a larger version. […]

2012/03/25Local Interest

Autumn Spots A Robin

ValleyBiz Story | Autumn Klekta spotted this robin sitting is a tree outside her window on March 24, 2012. With the weather giving mixed messages regarding the arrival of spring perhaps this sighting is a sign of warmer days to come.

2012/03/24Local Interest

Swan Valley Lions Offer Confidential File Shredding

Submitted by: Dennis Medwid The Swan River, Bowsman and Minitonas Lions clubs are now offering a confidential paper and document shredding service with all proceeds going toward Lions projects within the Valley. The Lions Clubs of the Swan Valley have a long history of collecting and promoting recycling within the Valley. The addition of the […]

2012/03/23Local Interest

Martha Scanlan Performs in Minitonas

Songs of the Modern Wild West Submitted by: Nancy McLennan If you’ve never been to Montana, just listen to the music of Martha Scanlan and you are carried into her beloved landscapes. Martha’s post office box is three miles from her ranch cabin. There, she can get a few groceries, but to do a full […]

2012/03/22Local Interest

Swan Valley School – CBFCS – Wins Math Competition

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler (on behalf of CBFCS) Community Bible Fellowship Christian School students Gr.1-8 participated in an online math competition that was open to all schools in the province. The contest involved students answering math questions through an online game called “Sumdog.” 13 schools participated in the 1-week competition. During the contest 340 students […]

2012/03/21Local Interest

Swan Valley Sport Fishing Family Fishing Day

Submitted by: Holly Urban & Melissa Johnson Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. held Family Fishing Day again this year on March 18. The weather was fair, and one Northern Pike was caught by Briar Werbicki. Swan River Elks provided a fabulous hot lunch and hot chocolate. There were 28 kids who attended along with […]

2012/03/21Local Interest

Billy Beal Classic Ice Fishing Derby One Of the Best

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | If you missed the 15th annual Billy Beal Classic, you missed one of the best ever. If you were there you’ll know what I mean when I say the weather was unbelievable, the conditions were great, the food was awesome and the fishing was pretty good too. Click any picture […]

2012/03/20Local Interest

Sapotaweyak Signs Agreement with Swan River

ValleyBiz Story | Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Chief Nelson Genaille and Swan River Mayor Glen McKenzie signed a Municipal Development and Services agreement on Thursday, March 15, 2012. Members of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, councilors, youth and members of the public gathered at the Swan River Friendship Centre to witness the signing of the agreement that is […]

2012/03/18Local Interest

Swan River Break-Up Spring 2012

Submitted by: Wayne Grier This may be the earliest Swan River Break-up ever. These Photos were taken at 8:30 am March 17, 2012. Click on a picture to see a larger version. Last week people were roaring across this on snowmobiles!!

2012/03/17Local Interest

Chamber Board of Director’s Meeting – March 1, 2012

Condensed version of Chamber Board of Director’s Meeting March 1st meeting The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met on March 1st in the Chamber Board room. The agenda, minutes of last meeting and the financial report were adopted. The membership renewal update was reported. It was suggested that a letter be written […]

2012/03/17Local Interest

Colour & Creativity at Swan Valley Fine Arts Dance Festival

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association, Dance Festival began on Thursday evening at the Friendship Centre with the Dolyna Dancers and Benito Vesselli Dancers rivaling it out for top marks. Click any picture for a larger version. It is very interesting to watch all the traditional dances of Ukrain but […]

2012/03/13Local Interest

Fine Arts Festival Inspires Excellence

Submitted by Sharron Carpenter Spring is coming soon and with it thoughts of no more snow, baseball, seeding, warm days and many other things we wait for all winter. Some of us also wait for festival season too. The Fine Arts Festivals gives many people an opportunity to perform on stage. To do this, the […]

2012/03/13Local Interest

Escaped Saskatchewan Farm Elk Seen in Swan Valley

Province of Manitoba Media Release ValleyBiz file photo Rapid response will protect Manitoba elk from chronic wasting disease: Mackintosh Manitoba Conservation officials are using plane and helicopter surveillance over part of western Manitoba this week to find and remove up to nine escaped farm elk from Saskatchewan that could threaten to spread chronic wasting disease […]

2012/03/12Local Interest

Swan River Skating Club Presents Broadway on Ice

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Skating Club presented Broadway on Ice, Sunday March 11, 2012 at the Swan Valley Centennial Arena. Click any picture for a larger view. The older skaters did a great job presenting their routines with the flair and personality of true Broadway performers. There were “No Worries” as the little […]

2012/03/12Local Interest

PHRA Opens Aboriginal Human Resources Sub-Office

PRHA Media Release | Working together with industry partners, the Parkland Regional Health Authority (PRHA) continues efforts to strengthen its Aboriginal health strategy. In conjunction with Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, Manitoba Employment and Training and Manitoba’s Office of Rural and Northern Health, the PRHA will be establishing a Human Resources Office for Aboriginal Employment in […]

2012/03/11Local Interest

Spring Forward Tonight – Daylight Savings Begins

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 11 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.

2012/03/10Local Interest

Swan River Cataract Surgery Begins April 16, 2012

PRHA Media Release | The Parkland Regional Health Authority (PRHA) is pleased to announce that the cataract surgery program, slated for Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River, will begin Monday, April 16, 2012. PRHA CEO Kevin McKnight stated that the surgeon, Dr. Robert Beldavs of Winnipeg, will be in Swan River to perform cataract […]

2012/03/08Local Interest

Minitonas Figure Skating Club Presents Disney on Ice

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas Figure Skating Club presented their annual figure skating carnival, “Disney on Ice” on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Minitonas and District Arena. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening was full of endearing Disney songs and characters: From the country flair of Toy Story To the Hawaiian […]

2012/03/05Local Interest

Swan Valley Snowmobile Association Holds Vintage Ride

Submitted by Derek Sagert The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 5th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride on Saturday, March 3, 2012. It was a beautiful day for all to enjoy. We had a great lunch, lots of laughs, visiting and many great memories. Over 40 vintage machines dated prior to 1990 attended the event.

2012/03/04Local Interest

Estimated Moose Numbers Remain Stable

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship recently completed two aerial surveys in west-central Manitoba that show the moose population in the Porcupine and Duck mountain regions remains low but stable. Several factors can influence the number of moose seen during surveys such as snow depth, temperature and time of year. […]

2012/03/02Local Interest

Bellsite 33rd Annual Poker Derby 2012

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The 33rd Annual Bellsite Poker Derby took place on Sunday, February 26. There were 179 driver hands sold and 297 ghostrider hands sold. Click any picture for a larger version. 1st prize 20% of total Best Hand 4-8’s to Claudia Sutherland $834.00 2nd prize 15% of total Best Hand 3-A’s […]

2012/02/29Local Interest

Great Start for North Mountain Riders Annual Ride

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The first annual Porcupine Bash, started out with a guided snowmobile ride, with approximately 20 people. There were more sledders that chose to ride on their own. Click any picture for a larger view. Fire and Ice, had about 60 people stop in for Chilli and a bun. The home-made […]

2012/02/28Local Interest

Minitonas Sharks Celebrate Successful Squirt Tournament

Submitted by: Shanna Schroeder | Pictured here is our Minitonas Sharks Team after their second win of the day. Click the picture for a larger version. Left to right, front to back: Jake Bartel, Nate Immerkar, Brooke Foster, Kristen Moshenko, Ella Hart, Sammy Moshenko, Logan Grandfield, Callie Immerkar, Cayden Kovachik, Brayden Bartel, Trae Bateman. Coaches: […]

2012/02/27Local Interest

Food Processing Centre Opening Soon in Swan River

ValleyBiz Story | A fully licensed and inspected commercial kitchen meeting Provincial food safety standards, will soon be available in Swan River on a fee-per-use basis. The Food Processing Centre is an initiative of the Veteran’s Community Hall with funding from the Government of Manitoba and will be available for use by entrepreneurs looking to […]

2012/02/24Local Interest