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 […]

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 […]