Submitted by: Jessica Bergen | The second Everything’s a Quarter sale put on by the Parent Pack was a huge success! With donations accepted from the public, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre was filled with many new and gently used items for sale. With absolutely everything for sale at only 25 cents, things moved quickly! […]

Submitted by : Jessica Lacasse | Mike Scott presented his story to a group of students and community members in Swan River on March 13, 2018. Over 200 people came out to hear Mike share his experience with child welfare, addictions and resilience. It was an inspiring event in which everyone was challenged to be […]

Pictured above: Front Row: Owen Martyniuk, 2nd Row: Damien Leask, Trace Langan, Matt Zamzow, Caleb Rooks, Payton Thompson, Dade Werbicki, 3rd Row: Christian Hart, Grace Kirk, Maddix Eisner, Tyrell Leaske, Alex Campbell, Tucker Thompson, Tavyn BoychukBack Row: Coaches Jason Eisner, Blaine Campbell, Chris Zamzow Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | The Atom A Stampeders earned a […]

Submitted by St. Andrew’s United Church Women | The annual World Day of Prayer service was held Friday March 2, 2018 and was hosted by St. Andrew’s United Church. The theme being “All God’s Creation Is Very Good” focusing on the environment. Seven local denominations took part featuring the Country of Suriname. We read and […]

Star & Times Photos submitted by Jessica Bergen | The Swan River Skating Club held their annual carnival on Monday, March 12, 2018. The ‘Under the Sea’ theme was a big splash, and audience members were thrilled with the skill each skater showed. A big thank you to all who helped make it a success […]

Submitted Story | The Swan Valley Peewee A Stampeders were victorious at the Hockey Manitoba Provincial Championships in La Broquiere on March 2-5 by capturing the Peewee A Provincial title. In the Championship game, the Peewee Stamps again faced a strong Mitchell Mohawks, a team that desperately wanted revenge for an overtime loss in the […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Vesselli Dance Club held their 36th Annual Concert on March 10, 2018. Family and friends, along with spectators from the community gathered in the Benito School Gym to enjoy the fantastic presentation put on by the dancers. The entire club kicked off the show with the Privyt – […]

Submitted photo: Manitoba Winter Games Gold Medal Winners! Presley Sagert, Skip; Madison Sagert, Lead; Bryn Zamzow, Second; Eden Betcher, Third ValleyBiz Story| The Manitoba Winter Games took place March 4-10, 2018 in Thompson, MB and several athletes from the Swan Valley made the trip to compete in the province’s largest ongoing multi-sport program. The Manitoba […]

Pictured above: Front Row: Jada Kujanpaa, Sydney Gilroy, Ireland Staples, Brenna Schure, Ali Kujanpaa, Brynlee Spencer Back Row: Coach: Lise Fraser, Sydney Fedorchuk, Lauren Klatt, Adria Bateman, Caitlyn Stewart, Erica Sembaluk-Hart, Jasmine Rose, Josie Black. Asst. Coach: Erica Forsyth, Manager: Jennifer Zamzow Submitted by: Lise Fraser | What a season it has been for the […]

Submitted by: Leon Church | The second annual Mighty Bucks Loonie Toonie Tournament went on as planned in Bowsman on the weekend, Feb 23 & 24th, 2018. The host Bucks finished the weekend with a 3-1 record, but failing to reach the finals with a 2-1 loss to the SCN Braves in a semi final. […]

Star & Times Photos submitted by: Jessica Bergen | The Minitonas Skating Club put on a great carnival on March 1, 2018 featuring 10 solos, 3 group numbers and 3 learn to skate groups, showcasing what they have learned this year. A big thank you to all who came out to support our club. We […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk |The Annual Benito Firemen’s Association Supper held at the Benito Rec Centre on Sunday Feb. 25, 2018 was a huge success. The volunteer firefighters and their families hosted the Swan Valley and surrounding area for a terrific meal. Community members showed their support by either cooking turkeys or donating supper items […]

Pictured above: 1st prize winner of the All Roads Lead to Bocce Lap Quilt, Darla Leslie along with her son Kolton Leslie of Minitonas. Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Congratulations to the winners of the Special Olympics Parkland Region’s Fabulous Valentine Quilt Raffle. A total of $1750 was raised from the Russell, Swan River and […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | A total of $5,200.00 was given away in cash prizes at the 2018 Bellsite 39th Annual Poker Derby on February 25, 2018. An estimated 200 sleds attending with 209 registered drivers. Lisa Towers wins 10% of prize money($1,040.00) with 300 ghostriders (the most ghostriders prize). Honourable mention to Bert Sutherland […]

Pictured above: The final for the 1st event had the youngest team and the oldest team pitted against each other with Presley Sagert’s rink versus Joyce Trevellyn’s rink. Back row: Penny Stadnick, Emily Gillies, Presley Sagert, Eden Betcher Front row: June McKenzie, Joyce Trevellyn, Bryn Zamzow, Madison Sagert Submitted by: Deanna Martin |The 2018 Bowsman […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow and Angela Mullin | Pictured Above, Pee Wee B Stampeders: Back Row – Brandon Grazier, Jett Cook, Liam McArthur, Jack Mullin, Henry Branconnier, Comrie Quill, Carter Addis, & Noah Weir Front Row: Crystal Zamzow, Mackenzie Lukey, James Parsons, McKenna Gray, Nolan Woodward On the weekend of Feb 24-25, 2018 the Pee […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church | The 7th Annual Loving Hearts Supper and Entertainment was held on February 10, 2018. The Veterans Hall was decked out in red decorations and many hearts! The entertainment was wonderful and they performed for a very appreciative crowd. The roast beef supper with all the trimmings as delicious! […]

Submitted by: Rachael Stober | The CBFCS Parent Advisory Council put on a Dessert Night/Duelling Pianos/Silent Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, February 10, 2018 and raised $2500 for a multi-sports pad project that will benefit the entire community of Swan River. Almost 100 people in attendance enjoyed fabulous desserts from our local Swan Valley Co-op […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | We had an absolutely amazing day at our 2nd annual Swan River Sled for Eternity on February 10, 2018! We had 68 registered riders out on the trails and we were blown away by the faithfulness of our fundraisers with our final total coming in at close to $80,000 raised. […]

Submitted by: Dave Statkewich | The Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Supper and Dance on January 13, 2018 at the Benito Rec Centre dance was well attended despite the cold weather. Supper was preceded by some carols in English and Ukrainian. Grace was then offered by father Warren from Kamsack. We fed approximately 200 people for […]

Submitted by: Lise Fraser | Back Row: Erica Sembaluk-Hart, Lauren Klatt, Cheyenne Clemons, Adria Bateman, Ireland Staples, Brynlee Spencer, Brenna Schure, Coach Lise Fraser Front Row: Sydney Gilroy, Caitlyn Stewart, Sydney Fedorchuk, Bryn Zamzow, Josie Black The JV Girls Gr 10s Basketball Team travelled to Brandon early morning on Friday, January 12, 2018 to participate […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk By Jakki Lumax This article is re-published with permission from the Swan Valley Star and Times The Parkland Special Olympics team is gearing up for an exciting year with six athletes having been chosen to represent Manitoba in two separate national events: the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships (SOCBC) in […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | A memorial candle lighting service was held at the Birchwood Cemetery on December 23, 2017. The candles flickered over Christmas in memory of loved ones. Proceeds from the candle purchased will go towards Communities in Bloom.

Submitted by: Anna Fullerton and Billie Werenich | We were able to provide a great Christmas supper for about 26 people on December 25, 2017. Close to 50 people registered, but because of the sudden, severe, cold weather, some were unable to make it. Rides were given to those with no transportation. We really appreciate […]

ValleyBiz | The weather outside wasn’t frightful for the Minitonas Downtown Christmas Party on December 22, 2017, but the fire was delightful. As people filled the streets of Minitonas they were able to enjoy the last of the moderate temperatures before the frigid weather covered the area over throughout much of Christmas and New Years. […]

Submitted by: Beverly Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) wishes to thank members of the Swan Valley Community for their generous donations to the 2017 Swan Valley CTC Toys 4U Toy Drive. There were donation boxes located at eight local businesses in order to collect community donations of toys and money. As well, […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) hosted a luncheon Community Information meeting in the SVRSS Muti-Purpose room on December 14, 2017. Approximately 35 community members, students and SVCTC Board members participated in this event. This meeting was held in order to share the Data results from the SVCTC Youth Survey […]

Back Row: Liam McArthur; Middle Row: Nolan Woodward, Brandon Grazier, Carter Addis, Jack Mullin, Henry Branconnier; Front Row: Jett Cook, Noah Weir, James Parsons, McKenna Gray, Crystal Zamzow, Mackenzie Lukey; Missing: Comrie Quill Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of December 16 & 17, 2017 the Pee Wee B Stampeders encountered a stiff […]

Submitted by: Beth Gust, Pictures and Video by Kevin Penner | Swan Valley Museum was the venue last Saturday, December 16, 2017 for a Live Nativity Event. Valley churches organized the scenes which included a marketplace manned by local vendors showing their wares and a manger scene, complete with the Biblical characters, musicians, and live […]

Pictured above: Crowd Favorite, Solid Rock Youth Group Tree Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The North-West Regional Library was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 5th to the 9th, 2017. It was a very festive atmosphere with decorated trees, gingerbread Houses, Christmas music, cookies and hot apple cider. Eighteen […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | Members of the Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 filled boxes of delicious goodies to fill orders received from the community. Proceeds from the 2017 sales will go to Phase 2 of the Bocce Ball Court in Legion Park – signage, benches & plantings. Thank you to everyone who supported our […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | Celebrating Christ’s Birth Through Word & Song was the theme of the Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017. More than sixty people got together to sing carols and listen to the Christmas themed presentation by various musicians from through the Swan River Valley. We […]

Corey Grandfield with the SVRSS Varsity Hockey Team receiving a grant for hockey jerseys. Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their annual granting night on December 7, 2017. “We are here tonight to harvest the fruits of philanthropy in the Swan River Valley,” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. Since […]

Submitted Story | The Minitonas Knox United Church held their Ladies Christmas Program on Monday, December 4, 2017. The evening included some beautiful special music by Brenna Smith on violin. The short program told the wonderful sweet Christmas story featuring various candies and Christmas Carols throughout. First, there was the “Rocky Road” travelled by Mary […]

ValleyBiz Story | On December 9, 2017 the Municipality of Swan Valley West (SVW) held a ceremony at the Thunderhill Ski Club turn off to dedicate a Commemorative Road Sign in honour of the many contributions made by Mr. John Cotton, long time member and founder of the Thunderhill Ski Club and Thunderhill Ski Facility. […]

Submitted by: Angie Henkelman |The Swan Valley Peewee A Stampeders hockey team enjoyed spreading Christmas cheer to Swan River residents on Friday, December 8, 2017. The team sold Carol-grams (singing Christmas Carol telegrams) for $20. At departure on Friday, they had more than twenty bookings including stops at the Hospital and Lodge, Lions Manor, Westside […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held its 54th annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. This concert takes place the first Sunday in December every year and is the only non-adjudicated festival that we organize. The program showcased a variety […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | Lenswood had a great turn out on Sunday, December 3, 2017 for their annual Santa Brunch. It was well attended once again. There were lots of pancakes, sausage, coffee and desserts. All the kids were excited to see Santa so they could tell them what they wanted for Christmas this […]

Submitted by: Edwin Crook | St. James Anglican Church held a well attended Christmas tea on December 3, 2017. Great weather, greater conversation and visiting and greatest sandwiches, dainties and beverages made for an enjoyable afternoon for one and all. There was also a bake table for those wanting to take home a treat.

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a short and sweet presentation of what they’ve been working on so far this year. The evening was also a chance for our youngest dancers, the Sadochuk’s to get a taste of dancing in front of a crowd. These little ones are always […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On the weekend of Nov 24th-26, 2017 the Pee Wee B Stampeders travelled to the Wescana Inn Pee Wee tourney. Pictured above: Back Row: Coach Derrick Lukey, Coach Craig Zamzow, Liam McArthur; Middle Row: Nolan Woodward, Jack Mullin, Crystal Zamzow, Brandon Grazier, Carter Addis, Jett Cook, Coach Warren Gray; Front […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan, Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge # 185 | We are overwhelmed by the generous support the community has provided towards the construction of a bocce ball court. The Legion Park is the venue of this outdoor facility that can be enjoyed by community groups, family and individuals of any age […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | We had a great turn out for the Lenswood Harvest Wind-up dance on Saturday Nov. 18, 2017. We had approximately 160 people attend the social with ages ranging from a few months old to 70+ years old. It is always nice to see families come out and enjoy themselves, we […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose | The Benito Child Care Center board, staff and parents would like to thank all who attended our fundraiser supper and auction on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The generosity of local businesses was seen in the wide variety of auction items sold during the evening. Many local valley businesses also donated […]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great day at the Minitonas Christmas Market on Saturday, November 18, 2017! Lots of people came out to shop and have lunch. Even Santa came to check out what was there and take some pictures with the kids.

ValleyBiz Story | The opening ceremonies for the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship presented by Westman Communications Group, were held at the Swan River Curling Club on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Lloyd Lawson from the 1979 Provincial Championship team from Swan River threw the first ceremonial rock along side team members Lorraine Goodman, Mary Todorchuk […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their third annual Cultural Gala on November 10, 2017 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. The sold-out event was once again an evening to remember. As guests walked in the door they were surrounded by elegance in a room richly decorated in red […]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Our 38th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 3, 2017 was a huge success. The wintery weather definitely got everyone into the festive shopping mood. There was a large variety of crafters displaying their wares for the browsing public. Shoppers could then enjoy a delicious warm bowl of […]

Submitted by: Al Berkan |The 55th Annual Rotary Radio Auction was held on November 2, 2017. The bell rang 140 times as individuals got the item they were hoping to acquire. These items donated by local businesses resulted in us raising over $13,000 to be used to support local Rotary projects. The main projects this […]

Submitted by: Barb Lewis | Dispute the snowy weather, the Swan Valley Air Cadets Squadron #519 had a good turn out for the garage sale on November 4th, 2017! We want to thank everyone who donated and who shopped, ate chili and drank coffee!! The cadets also sold poppies at various sites throughout Swan River […]