Written by: Lydia McKinnon Pictures by: Pat Ellingson On Tuesday October 25, 2011 the skyline of the village of Benito drastically changed as two very prominent buildings were demolished. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The big green building on the west side of Main Street had been a big part in […]

ValleyBiz Story | A group of 14 individuals from the Swan Valley travelled to Dauphin on Wednesday evening to attend a presentation by Dr. David Ivan, on economic development strategies for small communities competing in the new economy. Left to right: Martijn Van Luijin (Community Futures Parkland), Andy Maxwell, Ken Carstairs, Jason Sakal, Kevin Neely, […]

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger | Our annual fundraising banquet was held on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. This was a special year for the local Ducks Unlimited committee as it marked the 30th Anniversary of the banquet. Things got underway at 5:30 p.m. with h’orderves being served as people viewed the different raffle tables that were […]

Submitted by: Kelli Riehl | Thank-you to everybody who attended the Girl Guide and Pathfinder, Ottawa 2012, fundraising dinner on Oct. 21! We hope you enjoyed the spaghetti, meatballs and home made bread as much as we enjoyed serving you! Here is a picture of two of the youngest girl guides going to Ottawa. Click […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, October 21, 2011 a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Northwest Regional Library in honour of William “Billy” S. A. Beal in recognition of his significant contribution to the Valley during its formative years. Mayor McKenzie, Ernesto Griffith, Reeve Henkelman Click any of the pictures for a larger version. An […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Bowsman Hockey Arena was packed Friday Night with people from across the Valley looking to get their adrenalin pumping at the 8th Annual Bull-A-Rama, presented by the Bowsman & District Lions Club. With all proceeds from the event donated toward new cataract equipment in the Swan Valley, the event was a […]

Submitted by: Bev Lumax | Special Olympics is growing in the Parkland Region. Special Olympics is an International Organization with the mission of enriching the lives of Manitobans with an intellectual disability through active participation in sport. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Within the last few years, two Special Olympic teams […]

Parkland Regional Health Authority Statement | The Parkland Regional Health Authority (PRHA) regrets to announce that Dr. Yusuf Kasim, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, has provided his two-week notice to cease service in the Region, effective October 18, 2011. As indicated in our June 2011 media release, Dr. Kasim was recruited to the Region this summer to provide referring […]

Submitted by: Micheline Carstairs | Fall is once again upon us, and along with fall seems to be an increase in animals that are abandoned and in dire need of the services of our group, the Swan Valley Animal Protection League (SVAPL). Click the picture for a larger version. This past year has been an […]

Submitted by: Doug Windsor | This fluffy cloudlet was seen floating over Swan River on September 28. The puffball mushroom and toadstools were photographed growing on 1st St. S near the Swan Valley Health Centre parking lot. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | Autumn officially arrived just a few days ago and has painted the Valley with its beautiful fall palette. With the sound of geese over head and leaves crunching underfoot this weekends sunshine warmed the crisp air and the made the colors shine. Click any picture for a larger version. Leaves in all […]

Submitted Photos | On the morning of Friday, September 23, 2011 a truck crashed through a fence on the east side of Cox’s Greenhouse. The incident is still under investigation by local RCMP. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.

Submitted by: Pastor Rob Ter Horst | A BIG thank you to the residents of Swan River who contributed so generously to the Swan Valley Food Bank (SVFB). The goal was to exceed our last food drive in April which collected 445 lbs and that goal was certainly met. Click picture for a larger version. […]

ValleyBiz Story | When a local couple invited their new friends from the Dominican Republic to visit them at their home near Benito they had no idea what strange turn of events would occur after their arrival. Submitted Photo It was while on vacation in the Domincan Republic this past February that Valley residents, Scott […]

Town of Swan River Media Release | The Council of the Town of Swan River has voted to move forward with the construction of Phase One of the Swan Valley Recreation and Wellness Center. After receiving approval of the $2.4million borrowing by law from the Manitoba Municipal Board the necessary approvals are now in place. […]

ValleyBiz Story | Rain didn’t stop Terry Fox and it didn’t stop 50 people from showing up to run, walk and bike in his memory, continuing his Marathon of Hope to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Moments before the run began the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Early Years School held a school wide Terry Fox Walk on Friday. According to Principal Miles Jones, “The goal of the event is to raise awaremess of Cancer and to let young children realize that they can help make a difference.” Students watched a video about Terry Fox, then assembled outside […]

Media Release | Hugh McFadyen and the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives will provide $1.5 million to support a new CT scanner for the Swan Valley Health Centre. McFadyen made the announcement while campaigning with Manitoba PC Swan River candidate Dave Powell. Click picture for a larger version. The new scanner would improve the level of care […]

ValleyBiz Story | Mysterious white mounds were noticed yesterday in Cody Hart’s field east of Swan River. These mounds are not winter making an early and sudden appearance, but a soil enhancement technique that makes use of an industrial by-product. Click any picture for a larger version. The substance being applied to the field is […]

Submitted by: Carolle Cowan | SWAN VALLEY FINE ARTS FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION (SVFAFA) held their annual meeting September 13, 2011. The association is looking forward to another successful season, beginning with the annual Carol Festival, Temple Baptist Church. Watch for time and date, early December, 2011. 2012 Festival Dates: Dance: March 8, 9; Band: April 11, […]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | Winners of the Blue Sky Riding Club Team Penning competition held on Sunday were Barney Stehr, Trevor Nicolauson, & Janie Galloway. The sponsor prize was donated by Rona in Swan River & presented by Albert Outhwaite. Other winners included Jessie & Brenda Foster and Andy Suchaplas Leo Colbert, Juergen Schubert […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Town Hall was filled with friends and neighbors sharing a cup coffee, tasty treats and good company during the Tent Town Garden Club Fruit Festival on Saturday. The club uses the event to raise money to keep Minitonas public gardens beautiful. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The […]

Rosann Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, was accompanied by her grandson at the Swan Valley Lions Skate Plaza in Swan River where Premier Greg Selinger, joined by Ron Kostyshyn, Swan River NDP Candidate, made the following announcement: Media Release | Today’s NDP will build a new $2 million community health centre in the Swan Valley […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation advises that from Wednesday, Sept. 7 until approximately Sept. 27, some traffic delays may occur on Main Street in Swan River due to required traffic signal repairs at two intersections. To minimize disruptions to motorists, work on Main Street will start at the Fifth Avenue […]

ValleyBiz Story | Pine Creek First Nation held their annual Pow Wow this weekend. The 3 day event featured lots of drumming, singing and dancing. People from various communities gathered together to celebrate their connections and honor their culture and heritage. Click any picture to see a larger version. Grand Entry Pictures by Shawn Klekta, […]

Submitted by: Shawn Klekta, Your PC Guy | Back in May we reported that a computer scam was circulating around the Valley. We have had reports that people in the Swan River Valley have once again been targetted by this computer scam. The purpose of this scam appears to be twofold: 1. Obtain payment from […]

PRHA Media Release | Swan River- The Parkland Regional Health Authority (PRHA) held its Eighth Volunteer Service Awards in conjunction with its 2010/2011 Annual General Meeting on August 29, 2011. The information meeting was held in Swan River at the high school (SVRSS). PRHA Board Chairperson Mary Hudyma was thrilled with the response to the […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was like stepping back in time on Sunday at the Swan Valley Historical Museum Harvest Festival. Against a backdrop of historical buildings and vintage machinery, with the smell of bread fresh from the clay ovens filling the air, it was the perfect place to celebrate the past. Click any of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Cowan Trail Celebration, which started 13 years ago and has become an annual tradition, took place Saturday, August 27. Approximately 70 riders saddled up their horses or hitched up their teams, then hit the trail for the 6 hour ride. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The day […]

Gymnastics camp which included both recreational and competition classes, took place this week at the Swan Valley Museum Complex. The Coach for the 3 day camp was Corie Mccormick, former Head coach of U of M Gymnastics and currently of Gymkyds Gymnastics Centre in Winnipeg. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. KinderGym […]

It was a great day of racing on Saturday at the Swan Valley Speedway. The forecasted rain and thunderstorms stayed away in favor of mostly sunny skies. Drivers raced for points and the day was topped of with the ever popular mud bog. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Davion had a […]

ValleyBiz Story | Over 30 kids participated in PhAT Camp this past week. The week long Physical Arts Training Camp presented by XCOMPANY promotes community-building and values through the arts, physical education, martial arts & fitness programs. During the week the kids worked on developing their performance skills and had a lot of fun in […]

The farmers market was buzzing on Thursday with people snapping up everthing from fresh vegetables and baking to local honey, flowers and preserves. For those who want to take home some the tasty wares, the farmer’s market is open Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | The Gateway Valley Inn held their 6th annual Show & Shine car show on Sunday, August 14. The afternoon also included live entertainment and a barbeque with proceeds going to the Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dancers. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.        Many stopped by to check out the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Harley House held an open house on Wednesday, August 10 to showcase restoration efforts made to date and to raise awareness about the project. Volunteers were honored for the many hours of hard work spent turning back the years on portions of the main floor. Click any of the pictures for a […]

Cooper the Bear lends a paw holding the “ribbon” with Co-op Board of Directors President, Sharon Alford. Co-op General Manager, Don Declercq, announced the official opening as facility Manager, Howard Beck cut the ribbon – a gas pump hose. After the ribbon cutting there was a surprise unveiling of the new Co-op Drive sign. 3rd […]

Submitted by: Ian Kitch | Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancment and the Fisheries Enhancement Fund hosted a Fishing Camp at the United Church Camp (Wellman Lake) from August 5-7.        Fourteen campers enjoyed 3 days of fishing, fisheries education/research, boat/canoe safety, outdoor survival, geocaching and a special presentation from Manitoba Conservation’s Park Patrol. Thanks to […]

ValleyBiz Story | Durban was filled with the sound of engines revving and metal crunching on Sunday for the 13th annual Durban Demo Derby. The sun was shining and many people came from all around the Valley to enjoy the afternoon of excitement. Here are some of our highligts from the day. Click any picture […]

Submitted by: Darcy Cameron | There was some great racing at the Swan Valley Speedway on Saturday during the Swan Valley Stock Car Club Annual Invitational Race. This weekend was not a points race but drivers raced for for money and trophies instead. Click any of the pictures for a larger version       

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler | Pandamania was held August 2-6 at the Valley Evangelical Covenant Church in Durban. Thank you to all the volunteers. It took 19 of us to pull Pandamania off and it was incredible. Both station leaders and crew leaders did amazing. Thank you to the parents for bringing your children and […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Karel Zebrakovsky was in Minitonas yesterday along with Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Robert Sopuck to tour the area and meet the people of the community. Sopuck, the second MP of Czech extraction in Canadian history, contacted the Czech embassy shortly after he was elected and Zebrakovsky says […]

ValleyBiz Story | The youngest rodeo stars participated in Gymkhana Saturday morning. Beginners and more experienced riders demonstrated their ability with a focus on speed, skill and fun. Our gallery is a tribute to their hard work and determination. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version. Some other dedicated workers helped out […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Grandstand was the place to be this weekend with 4 days of racing, roping, bucking, heavy horse pulling action. From fast and furious rodeo events to adrenaline pumping chariot and chuckwagon races, there was never a dull moment. The grandstand was packed with clapping, cheering, whistling fans showing their appreciation for […]

ValleyBiz Story | Nothing brings a community together like food and there was plenty of that to go around this weekend. Local businesses and organizations sponsored four different venues around the community – here are a few pictures from each. Click any of the pictures to see larger version. McKay Thursday Night Barbeque St. Andrew’s […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Down on the Farm Exhibit is always a hit with the kids. Lilianna poses with a little pig, one of the many different animals on display for the children learn about and meet. There were also a lot of hands on displays to keep all the children busy. Mason tries his […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Regional Secondary School won first place in the 2011 Canon Envirothon. The competition took place at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick from July 24 to July 29 where the SVRSS Team competed against 54 other teams from across Canada and the United States. The achievement is event […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was a beautiful sunny morning on Friday for the Swan River Northwest Roundup Chamber of Commerce Parade. There were many creative entries including the one from the Manitoba Aboriginal Head Start which featured some extremely adorable kids. In some pre-parade fun, giant beach balls were tossed, bounced and kicked along the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Grandstand action got underway at the 2011 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River this evening. The Pony Chariots were up first and after a short intermission came the Pony Chuckwagons … and the rain. Just as the first race was about to get underway, a downpour swept over the grounds. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Ladies Golf Club organized the Minitonas Garden Walk which took place July 26. Six gardeners shared their labors of love with people of all ages who came out to enjoy the Garden Tour. There were so many treasures we cannot include them all here and while pictures are not […]

Submitted by: Wanda Gosselin | Gosselin Family Float & Bikes from the Birch River Homecoming 2011 Parade. Family pictured here represent each Gosselin Family on behalf of our Gosselin Family Reunion August 3 – 6, 2012. Click the picture for a larger version.