Submitted by: Louise Schabert The 5th annual Benito Open Mixed Bonspiel took in 32 rinks.  An age range of 11 to almost 80 participated in the events of the week at the Benito Rec Centre.  A terrific time was had by all. First Event Winners sponsered by the Swan Valley Credit Union L to R […]

ValleyBiz Story | Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local snowmobile clubs, and with a little help from Mother Nature, the Swan Valley is buzzing with excitement as we share our snow with sledders from the snow-free parts of the Prairies. We are fortunate to have two snowmobile clubs in the Swan […]

Story by: Nancy McLennan | February of 2012 appears to be a turning point for Valley House Concerts. Since the House Concerts began in 2008, over 900 people have attended the shows and professional musicians have earned almost $13,000 in revenue. Pictures by Micheline Carstairs (Click any picture for a larger version) On Wednesday (Feb […]

Submitted by: Barry Waito | The Boots in the Backcountry Introductory session on Monday Feb 13th at 7:00 pm attracted 34 registrants. Of these, 27 were able to make the meeting with the balance requesting to be kept up to date with further sessions. The meeting started with Barry Waito introducing himself, talking about the […]

Submitted by: Florence Gray The Luthern and Anglican ladies got together at the Luthern Church to make quilts for Luthern World Relief. Over the 3 day span (Feb 13-15) about a dozen women worked together using donated material, thread and wool to make 38 quilts. Click any picture for a larger version. First, one team […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten Part II of the Swan Valley Human Library took place last week at the Northwest Regional Library in Benito. Tuesday, February 7th, the 5th-8th grades came over from the school and checked out several books. Click any picture for a larger version. Both the “books” and the “readers” seemed to enjoy […]

Submitted by: Janine Stewart | Swan River will soon have a new option for licensed school age child care services. Photo by Caitlin Stewart Heyes Child Care Centre Board of Directors: Kim Kuruliak, Crystal Ross, Robyn Eisner, Janine Stewart, Michelle Eisner (click for a larger version) Heyes Child Care Centre hopes to open its doors […]

ValleyBiz Story | When Gerry Stevenson moved here from The Pas 13 years ago, he turned his passion for sled dog racing into an annual community event. The 13th Annual Birch River Sled Dog Race took place this weekend with 9 teams participating. Click any picture for a larger version. Following a circuit that includes […]

Submitted by: Kamshi Kanavathy | “No boys and no donkeys allowed, go away!” and so did David Copperfield’s Aunt Betsey open the 200th Anniversary Celebration of Charles Dickens at the North-West Regional Library in Swan River last night. Click any picture for a larger version. An entertaining and spectacular portrayal of Aunt Betsey was played […]

Submitted by: Service to Seniors | Service to Seniors were very pleased with the turnout for the Telehealth Heart & Stroke presentation they hosted on Monday, February 6th at the Swan Valley Health Facility. 33 people attended the session that dealt with the signs and symptoms of what has been termed “The Silent Killer.” The […]

Submitted by: Doreen and Doug Windsor St. James Anglican Church hall was filled to capacity on Saturday afternoon, February 4th for its’ very successful Valentine Tea Tasting event. Click any picture for a larger version. Much laughter augmented the fellowship which was enjoyed by each and everyone after they chose from a wide selection of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The local Lions Clubs are getting ready to host the 15th Annual Billy Beal Classic Ice Fishing Derby which is set to take place at Whitefish Lake on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm. Proceeds Benefit Swan Valley Residents For those who like to fish, spending the day […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | The Friends for Grandmothers of Africa were delighted to host nearly forty guests in the North-West Regional Library on January 24. The event was held to express the group’s appreciation for the interest and support which has been given to the Stephen Lewis Foundation by the community and therefore to […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley RISE (204) 734-3668 | Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy (RISE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shauna Klekta as the Economic Development Officer for the Swan Valley. The Economic Development Officer sets the tone and direction for economic growth and opportunity within a community. Hiring an individual […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley RISE (204) 734-3668 | A new Valley wide initiative has been established to champion economic development in the Swan Valley Region. Swan Valley Regional Initiative for a Strong Economy Inc. (RISE), was established by a group of municipalities who recognized the necessity of an active, strategic approach to economic development. The […]

Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre Media Release | Site preparation for the new Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Centre is nearing completion and construction is scheduled to begin in the near future. ValleyBiz File Photo With the Town of Swan River taking the lead in the ongoing planning and construction of the Wellness Centre, […]

Perimeter Aviation Announcement | Trevor Ryder, VP Operations of Perimeter Aviation addressed Swan Valley Community Members in the following letter dated January 16, 2012. Perimeter Aviation regrets to inform you that effective Jan 30, 2012; Perimeter will no longer be providing scheduled air service to the Swan River Airport. Perimeter has been extremely impressed by […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten | Part One of the first Swan Valley Human Library event took place January 12-14th at the Northwest Regional Library in Swan River. It was a great time! Click any picture for a larger version. There were 15 Human Books available at different times for “checkout” (30 minute conversations/demonstrations) to Readers […]

PHRA Media Release | Parkland International Medical Graduate (IMG) Recruitment Update At present, we have two IMGs who will have completed their one year of training on February 4, 2012. Dr. Wagdi Salib and Dr. Jaswinder Kanwal have begun the process of applying for their conditional registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of […]

The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive met on January 5th , 2012 at the Chamber of Commerce Board Room. The minutes of the December 1, 2011 meeting were reviewed and approved. President Wayne Grier reported that the Chamber made a presentation to the Highway Traffic Board Hearing on the Chamber’s concern regarding the location […]

Submitted by: Dee-Ann Clarkson | There was a good turn out for Friday night shinny in Minitonas. Everyone had a great time. If you missed out, join in next time. Click for January Dates Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Florence Gray We had a very good Christmas dinner at St. James Anglican Church on Dec.25. Very well attended with 51 people taking part in the meal. It’s amazing how many people volunteered with food and helping put the meal on the table. Without this help it just wouldn’t happen and the opportunity […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Bowsman Lions Santa Party took place on Thursday, December 22 at the local arena. Santa was on hand to make sure his list was complete and to hear any last minute wishes. Click any picture for a larger view. Family and friends honed their skills and enjoyed good company on the […]

Submitted by: MaryAnn Friesen and Scott Tibble Several valley churches worked together to put on a Live Nativity at Scott and Cindy Tibble’s farm near Benito. There were approximately 90 volunteers and more than 350 people that attended. Click a picture for a larger version. Cars were parked at the parking lot with the help […]

ValleyBiz Story | Mr. & Mrs. Claus made a special appearance in Minitonas during the Downtown Christmas Party on December 16th. Click a picture for a larger version. Hot dogs and hot chocolate were ready at 6pm as people started to arrive. The warmth of the bonfire welcomed young and old to gather round. Santa […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was an afternoon of skating, fun, friends and Santa at the Minitonas Arena on Sunday, December 11. Santa stopped by to hear the kids’ requests and the Lions Club handed out Christmas treat bags. Click any of the pictures for a larger version

Submitted by: Torey Werbicki | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers hosted a Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 8, 2011. It was well attended and enjoyed by all. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs | On Tuesday December 6, the Harley House proved to be a perfect setting for the sounds of old-time and bluegrass music performed by musicians, Chris Coole & John Showman of the Foggy Hogtown Boys from Toronto. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. These performers are part of […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs & Sharron Carpenter On Sunday evening, Dec. 4th.,the Temple Baptist Church in Swan River was the venue for the 48th. Carol Festival sponsored by the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association. Click any picture for a larger version. This was the second year the Carol Festival was held in the evening […]

Submitted by: Doug and Doreen Windsor On a bright sunny afternoon, Saturday, December 3rd, St James Anglican Church parking lot was filled with vehicles by those attending the annual Christmas Tea & Bake Sale. Click any picture for a larger version. The church hall was filled to capacity by young and old as they enjoyed […]

Submitted Story: Community Bible Fellowship Christian School would like to thank Jessica Brady, from Agriculture in the Classroom, for coming to our school and providing our students and staff with breakfast from the Made in Manitoba Breakfast Program on Nov. 24th. Click on a picture for a larger version. The program expanded this year to […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs | This past weekend, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley put on a very successful dinner theatre fundraiser along with The Valley Stage Players who performed for a large audience of approximately 235 people on Friday night, and to a smaller audience with a wine and cheese on Saturday night. The […]

Pictures by: Wayne Grier and ValleyBiz | There was a great turnout for the Kickoff to Midnight Madness on Saturday, November 26. While the event marked the start of one of the busiest nights for local retailers it was also a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Click any of the pictures for […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Home Based Business Show has become an annual event, being scheduled each year to coincide with Midnight Madness. “The show is a good way of promoting people who have their own home based businesses.” explains Louise Oberton, who has organized the event for the past 2 years. Click any of the […]

Submitted by: Doug and Doreen Windsor The third annual “Cookie Walk” sponsored by Swan River & District Community Resource Council, was filled with action on November 26th at the St James Anglican Church hall. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version. Christmas shoppers had a great deal of fun as they chose […]

ValleyBiz Story | Valley resident, Karen Peters wanted to make a difference at Christmas time and that is why she decided to bring Ten Thousand Villages to the Valley by hosting a sale back in 1998. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee that promotes fair trade for Third World artisans […]

Submitted by: Shelley Cotten The first Human Library orientation was held at the Swan River Northwest Regional Library on Saturday, November 19th. There were six Human Books in attendance. They learned more about the project, what to expect at the event and spent some time getting to know one another. Would you like more information? […]

ValleyBiz Story | A public presentation of two Automated External Defibrillators (AED)s donated by Clarence & Winnie Russenholt’s Family was held at the Minitonas Town Hall on Friday, November 18, 2011. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Kirk Russenholt explained that it was last Christmas when thinking about what gifts to give […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Farmers’ Market held a Christmas sale on Friday, November 18, 2011. The event featured many locally produced items including woodworking, crafts, jewellery, sewing, soaps, baking, jams & jellies, honey, garlic and more. The sale provided the opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas gifts as well as a chance […]

Submitted by: Lyle Sagert | The Swan Valley Pee Wee Girls Hockey Team has entered into the Timbrtube Video Challenge: November 13 – 27th!! They could use all the help they can get with your votes. Click the picture for a larger version. How to Vote 1. Vote by Texting v82 to 33255 five times […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual turkey shoot on Saturday, November 12, 2011. The turkey shoot is held each year on the first Saturday after Remembrance Day to raise money in support of the operations of the Museum. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The event started […]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Click the picture for a larger version. Remembrance Day observances began in Swan River at 10:25 on the morning […]

The Town of Swan River held a by-election on November 9, 2011 to replace Councillor Brent Scales. There was a 34% turn out at the Poll. The new Councillor will be Duane Whyte. Detailed results are listed below. 462 Duane Whyte 277 Louise Oberton 353 Wayne Grier

Submitted by: Mike Yablonski | A very successful “MONSTER” Garage Sale was held on Nov 4 and 5 to benefit an upcoming trip for Grade 7/8 French Immersion students at Ecole Swan River South School. The Friendship Centre was packed full of items donated from students, families and the community. All leftover items were donated […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, November 7, 2011 a trial run of the new Air Transport Program to Swan River was conducted by Manitoba Government Air Services and Manitoba Health. Submitted photos. Click for a larger version. Local medical service providers were provided with the opportunity to tour the aircraft and obtian operational details of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Association for Community Swan River Branch (ACL) celebrated their 50th Anniversary during this year’s annual Calico Corners Craft Sale & Bazaar. Founded by 6 families in 1961 their mission statement is: Association for Community Living (Swan River Branch) supports people living with an intellectual disability in their own homes within our […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Rotary Club held their annual auction on Thursday, November 3. Members of the Rotary Club, along with other volunteers were busy taking calls and managing bids throughout the evening. As usual, the bidding became quite hectic near the end. Submitted pictures. Click for a larger version. Each year, the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas District Arena held a skate-a-thon on Sunday, October 30. Kids of all ages joined in the spooky halloween spirit as they dressed up to raise money for the arena. Click any picture for a larger version. Prizes were awarded for the following: Oldest in Costume – Jen Zamzow Youngest Girl […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Girl Guides | We would like to thank everyone who stopped to buy cookies. The day was a success even though we had to stop early due to the rain. The girls in the picture are, left to right, Erin, Shaylin, Paige, Brittaney, & Kristyn. Click the picture for a larger […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Shaker City Spooktacular planned by the 7&8 students of Benito School was a huge hit! Along with their parents and family friends the children hosted an event that will be talked about for days to come. Click pictures for a larger version. The Kiddy Howl event hosted by children […]