Pictured above: Henry Rasmussen, Kathy Eggie, Byrne Mckay, Teresa Mckay and June Mckenzie Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley The graduating “Class of 1968” represented by Byrne Mckay, has held several reunions since 1968. They have helped other classes financially to organize reunions and because of excellent attendance at their last gathering have a […]

Pictured Above: Grand Exalted Ruler Bro. Ron Potter, Exalted Ruler Malcolm Shaw, Dwight Thompson lodge secretary Submitted by: Malcolm Shaw | Grand Exalted Ruler of Canada Rod Potter, made a visit to The 2 Swan River lodges on Wednesday evening. Bringing greeting for the national office, the Elks of Canada. His main speech was about […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Trinity Lutheran Church Spring Tea on May 11, 2019 was a great reason to get together, visit and buy delicious baked goods. The room was beautifully decorated, and the volunteers in the kitchen and on the floor were happy to welcome all guests. Thanks to all who came. You […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | We had a lovely Show on the afternoon of May 4, 2019. Great art, good food and great company. The exhibitors were: Naomi Nemez, Shirley Nemez, Peyton Nemez, Martyn Snell, Wilma Barkman, Mary Jane Eichler, Barb L’Abbe, Julie Kooistra, Beth Braun, Lydia Neufeld, Obi Okonkwo and Renate Wille The visitors […]

Submitted by: Subin Jose | About 35 people attended a community potluck hosted by Swan Valley Settlement and Immigration Services on Friday, May 3, 2019. It was a very great opportunity for immigrants within the Swan Valley community to meet and interact with each other, and with other members of the community. The new coordinators, […]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie | It was a great turnout at the Minitonas Knox United Church Spring Tea on May 4, 2019. Delicious desserts and refreshments were enjoyed with friends catching up in conversations. Many baskets to enter your tickets on and hopefully be lucky enough to take one home, or two or three! Thank […]

Submitted by: Ione Anderson | 4-H in rural areas is more than meetings, record books and achievements. It’s about “learning to do by doing”, it’s about head, health, heart and hands, and above all else it’s about family. Doug Glasscock supported the Minitonas 4-H Beef Club throughout his life and through his passing found ways […]

Pictured above: Julie Kooistra, Director/Founder Former SVSD Band Instruction/Music Specialist Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | Just last Wednesday, May 1, 2019, the Swan Valley Community Band performed their 25th Spring Concert “Spring into Blossoms”, under the direction of Julie Kooistra. The group welcomed guest performances from the Benito Grade 7/8 Band led by Brad Slepicka, […]

Swan Valley Stampeders Media Release | With regret, the Board of Directors of the Swan Valley Stampeders announce that Head Coach and General Manager, Barry Wolff, has chosen not to return for the 2019-2020 season and has resigned from his position effective immediately. Wolff’s contract with the Stampeders was for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, […]

Submitted by: Duane Whyte | Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement hosted 400 plus people for another great fish dinner and fundraiser on April 27, 2019. Darren Staples (above) won the $1,000 dollar bill and Glen Thompson won the boat. Check our website for fantastic information.

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | More than seven squares of enthusiastic square dancers descended on the Durban Hall on Saturday, April 27 to help the Swan Valley Hoedowners celebrate the conclusion of the square dance season. Caller Linda Gilchrist kept the dancers hopping to the lively music and interesting square dance moves. The afternoon festivities […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | On Saturday, April 27, Communities in Bloom hosted a successful Tree Pruning Clinic. Hugh Skinner shared his expertise with 23 home gardeners as he shared his knowledge of pruning, identifying and preserving trees and shrubs. The clinic, which included demos, took place at the town’s arboretum which has a large […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Dancers held their Annual Dessert Concert on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the SVRSS. The dancers performed to a packed house, and the crowd sure appreciated the talent that was shown through the night! The evening started with Les Rolsky and Bill Macooh playing music as guests made […]

Pictured above: Evelyn Immerkar puts the finishing touch to the table setting as guests began arriving. Submitted by: Bev Leach | More than eighty people enjoyed the opportunity to share a cup of coffee and lunch at St. James Anglican Church on April 27, 2019. Following the very enjoyable and successful afternoon, Pastor Bob Lewis, […]

Submitted photo. Kari Goethe, Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, Swan Valley School Division receives Teaching Excellence Award. Government of Manitoba Media Release | The Manitoba government is honouring nine outstanding educators at the annual Excellence in Education Awards, Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “I’m pleased to recognize these dedicated educators who make […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | The Benito Women’s Auxiliary hosted their Spring Fling Tea & Bake Sale at the Benito Legion Hall on Saturday April 13, 2019. The Cancer Society was on site to accept spring donations. We would to thank everyone for coming to support us. It was a beautiful day and we are […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | On Sunday, April 14, 2019, people arrived to the Cowan Community Centre anticipating a typical Cowan Supper prepared by the Cowan Ladies Association. Spring was even in the air with a bit of sunshine as the doors opened at 4:30pm. The hall slowly filled with people anxiously awaiting their meal. […]

Submitted by: Brett Church | The Minitonas Lions Club wish to thanks everybody that came out to enjoy a delicious roast beef supper on April 13, 2019. A sold out crowd of 130 people filled the Minitonas town hall. Kay Markle from Swan River LifeLine gave an informative presentation the services that Lifeline offers in […]

Pictured Above: Community Foundation founder Douglas Hinchliffe, recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley welcomed 17 recipients to its Spring Granting Session, held at SVRSS on April 11, 2019. 14 Community Grants and 3 Youth in Philanthropy Grants, for a total […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | The Stamps’ unbelievable season came to an end Monday night in Portage, as Reece Henry would score the series clinching goal 5:26 into overtime to claim the Turnbull Cup. The Terriers would open the scoring in game 7, as Sam Houston would let a wrist shot […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | The Good Friday Fish Fry was a huge success with approximately 250 people enjoying delicious servings of battered cod, popcorn shrimp, fries, coleslaw and cherry cheesecake. There was Easter Paska and Babka bread available for sale as well as some beautiful pysanky (painted Easter eggs). A traditional Ukrainian Easter Basket […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | The Ukrainian Catholic Church hosted a Paska and Baba bake sale which was an overwhelming success. We sold out of product very early therefore apologize to anyone who was unable to make a purchase. Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraiser and we look forward to hosting the bake […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | A strong third period by the Portage Terriers sunk any hopes of Swan Valley hoisting the Turnbull Cup on home ice Thursday night [April 18, 2019] in Swan River. The Terriers scored four goals in the third period, beating the Stampeders 5-2 and forcing game 7. […]

Submitted by: Jessica Bergen | The Parent Pack hosted their annual Everything’s a Quarter sale on Saturday, April 13, 2019. A large number of community donations came in, which set us up for a great sale. There was a line up waiting for the doors to be opened, and after the sale ended, a total […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | When someone in our community needs help, we come together to show support and be there in a time of need. On the night of April 3rd, 2019 Colin and Amber Woytkiw lost their entire home, possessions and transportation to a fire. They, along with their three little girls were […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | The Swan Valley Stampeders continue to instill the word believe in so many fans. Tonight’s 4-3 triple overtime win over the Portage Terriers proved that believing leads to great things. Kasyn Kruse would open the scoring tonight, beating Terriers netminder Ethan Peterson in tight, potting his […]

Submitted by: Austen Anderson | On April 12, 2019 the Swan River Valley Agriculture Society hosted its second Farmer’s Appreciation Gala. A great time was had by all in attendance. Y Not Johnny’s catered the roast beef dinner in the Swan Valley Museum hall. There was a selection of silent auction items on display that […]

Submitted Photos | On April 15, 2019, as the Swan Valley Stampeders headed out to Portage in preparation to play game number 5 in the MJHL series final, it was requested that the bus make a short detour past Minitonas School. Students and teachers lined the street, waving, cheering and wishing them good luck in […]

Submitted by: Kenville Hall Board | On the evening of Saturday, April 13,2019 the Kenville Memorial Hall hosted our annual spring fling fundraiser. The theme this year was Easter – Everyone followed the bunny paw prints up the stairs to the beautifully decorated hall compliments of Lana Graham. The guests enjoyed the appetizing aroma and […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | The Stamps’ evened the Turnbull Cup Series with a dominating 7-2 win on home ice Saturday [April 13, 2019] night in front of a sold out crowd. Matt Osadick and Campbell Balk score twice to lead the way, while Merek Pipes stopped 32/34 for the win […]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the afternoon of Sunday, April 7, 2019 approximately 60 people enjoyed over an hour of inspiring Christian songs and music at the Annual Spring Music Program held at the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church. Music and singing was presented by a number of people from the community, including members […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | After winning their first ever game in the MJHL Finals, the Stamps’ were looking to keep that momentum going in Portage Wednesday night [April 10, 2019]. The Stampeders would come up short, losing 3-2 to the Portage Terriers, and now trail 2-1 in the MJHL Finals. […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Benito Vesselli Dancers performed for a full house on April 7th, 2019 as they highlighted their 37 years of dancing. Different regions of the dance in the Ukraine, including Poltava, Bukovyna, Volyn and Transcarpathia were recognized for their authentic dance steps, choreography and costumes. After the singing of the […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | SVAPL’s first spring banquet, held on April 6th at the Veteran’s Hall in Swan River, was a resounding success! The theme this year was Spay it Forward. In keeping with our theme, we decided to “PAY it forward” and support our local businesses by purchasing prizes for the Raffles and […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | The Swan Valley Stampeders evened the Turnbull Cup Series on home ice Sunday night [April 7, 2019], beating the Portage Terriers 6-5 in overtime. Captain Brian Harris scored his second of the post season, swatting in a rebound at 6:18 on the power play. Swan River, […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | Despite outshooting their opponent, the Stamps’ fell to the Portage Terriers 3-0 in Game 1 held April 5, 2019 in Portage. The highly anticipated game one of the Turnbull Cup Championship series started slowly for the Stampeders. The Terriers pushed the majority of the play in […]

Submitted by: Brenna Smith | Bowsman United Church held two performances on March 30 and 31, 2019 of the Cantata “The Tale of the Three Trees” and song of Praise and Prayer from around the world. During the Cantata, the audience was welcomed to open themselves up to the message of the dreams of the […]

Republished with Permission from the Swan Valley Stampeders | For the first time in franchise history, the Swan Valley Stampeders are off to the MJHL Finals. The team will play for the league title after beating Steinbach 5-3 Monday April 1st, advancing with a 4-2 semi-final series win. After a turnover at the offensive blue […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | Photos by: Jennifer Paige Photography On March 20, 2019, the Swan School of Dance treated a large crowd to their year end recital entitled “Road Trip”. The dancers showed off their skills in Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop and Jazz, and the audience was taken on a journey from New York, […]

Submitted by: Minitonas Knox United Church What started as a small idea turned into an outpouring of community support that reached far beyond what we could have imagined. We originally planned to hold a soup and bun lunch in the church basement as a fundraiser for the Campbell family who are having to make frequent […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Another great turn out for our annual Irish Stew hosted by Birch River Northern Neighbors on Sunday March 17, 2019 . The beautiful day helped to bring the people out to enjoy Stew, Biscuits, and lots of tasty desserts. Congratulations to Viola Harris for winning the 50/50. Hope to see […]

Submitted by: David Ogram | On the afternoon of March 10, 2019 and the evening of March 11, 2019 Information Meetings were held in the 2nd Floor Boardroom at the Swan Valley Health Centre to explain the Diabetes Undone Program to be held in April. The same Program was held in Swan River last Spring […]

Submitted by: Host Committee Asham U18 Junior Men’s & Women’s Championship The Swan River Curling Club hosted the Asham U18 Provincial Championship on March 7-10, 2019.  The event featured 12 Junior Men’s and 12 Junior Women’s teams from across the province of Manitoba.  The Champion for the Junior Women is Team Jensen representing the Dauphin […]

Submitted by: Minitonas Figure Skating Club | Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors and community members that came out to support the Minitonas Figure Skating Club’s annual Carnival “Skating Through the Decades” on March 8, 2019 at the Minitonas & District Arena. The hard working and talented skaters took the audience on […]

ValleyBiz Story | Submitted Photos Local artist Derryl May, has been bringing the art of snow sculptures to Swan River for the past 4 years. His sculptures have included a polar bear, an owl, a hand making the peace sign and, his latest installment, Snoopy on a doghouse. While May’s is most accustomed to sculpting […]

Submitted by: Meghan Gray | The teams that participated in the Peewee A1 Tournament Tournament on February 22-24, 2019 were Swan River, Dauphin, The Pas, Flin Flon, Yorkton, Moose Lake, Snow Lake/Gillam. The Peewee A1 Stampeders had played a very good tournament on the weekend. Our first game on Friday was against the Flin Flon […]

Pictured Above: 1st Event Sponsored by TD Canada Trust – Winners; Marilyn Peters, Lois Mosiondz, Mary Ellen Parsons, Cindi Fulford Submitted by: Deanna Chess | The 2019 Bowsman Ladies Curling Bonspiel was held from February 21-24, 2019. 17 teams participated in the Redneck Wedding Bonspiel. Pictured Above: 2nd Event Sponsored by Swan Valley Credit Union […]

Pictured above (L to R): Directors Ryan Immerkar, Lorne Henkelman, Donor-Matt Black, Directors Lynda Parsons and Lew Taylor. (Submitted) Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) recently received a donation of $20,000 from Matt Black. The endowment will create a new Education Fund with the CFSV. Matt […]

Submitted by: Susan Moshenko | Bellsite along with the help of the North Mountain Riders put on the 40th Annual Poker Derby on February 24, 2019. A great turn out considering cold weather. 172 driver hands 160 sleds. $4911 was paid out in prizes. A huge thank you to all those who went out and […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | Once again the Benito Firemen’s Association hosted another fantastic meal at the Benito Rec Centre. Over 225 people from the Swan Valley and surrounding area were treated to a delicious meal and a fantastic silent auction. Our Volunteer Fireman are a small group, who provide many great advantages to the […]