Submitted by: Kendal Stechyshyn | May 30, 2019 turned out to be a beautiful day for the Wellman Lake United Church Camp to host a fundraising BBQ. The event was sponsored by and held at Giant Tiger. The camp board would like to thank Giant Tiger, our 20 volunteers, who cooked, helped set up and […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The kids from the Big Woody 4H Beef Club have worked hard all winter on their projects and books. Jack Mullin I have been in 4H for 6 years, this is my steer – Coleminer, I named him after my Stamps Billet because he likes to eat! Coleminer is a […]

Submitted by: Deanna Chess The Swan Valley Animal Protection League held their annual Plant Night on Tuesday June 5, 2019. About 10 ladies attended the night and created a variety of different planters under the instruction of Lynn from Lynn’s Plants and Things. It was a fun evening for everyone who attended and a couple […]

Submitted by: Glenda Turton Day 1: Late on May 14, 2019, thirty-five SVRSS band students, 6 chaperones and band directors Glenda Turton and Mark Matejka boarded a bus bound for the Winnipeg airport. By noon on the 15th of May, they were already landing at Pearson International Airport in Toronto; the beginning of an 8 […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On June 01, 2019, Durban held a dance to celebrate their 89th anniversary of the community hall. The Zayshley Band from the Yorkton area supplied the great music which everyone enjoyed and kept the dance floor busy and a fun time was held by all. Thanks to all the volunteers […]

Submitted by: Falon Cooke | The Swan River curling rink was buzzing with families and kids of all ages during the annual Taylor School Fun Festival. The BBQ supper concession, carnival games, and prize tables were a constant circuit of activity. The night ended in anticipation as organizers drew the winners’ names from the hundreds […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | The Big Woody Light horse and Beef club participated in the Highway Cleanup on June 1st. MB4H and MIT organize the program and invite 4h clubs across the province to participate. This was the 1st year our club participated, we chose to do Highway 10 North of the Bypass to […]

Submitted by: Kevin Sprong The Healing Labyrinth Walk took place May 26, 2019 on a crisp, spring morning with eight people taking part. Each one was asked to think of an area of healing they would like to focus on. Some suggestions were that they may want to consider an area of grief. Others were […]

Submitted Story | Pictured above: Sara Henkelman, Youth Engagement Leader, Manitoba Youth Job Centre The Manitoba Youth Job Centre (MYJC) is now open! The MYJC is a community based summer employment referral service throughout rural and Northern Manitoba. We help youth ages 12-29 search efficiently for jobs and connect them with local employers who are […]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | On behalf of the Skate Park Committee, we would like to thank you Swan Valley Co-op for being a Gold Sponsor for the Benito Skate Park Project. Accepting the donation on behalf of the Skate Park is Tracy and Matthew Kerr. The Benito Skate Park would like to thank everyone […]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk The Benito Skate Park would like to extend a big thank you to Raymond Kostiuk for his Silver Donations of $1000. Accepting the cheque are his 4 grandsons who can hardly wait for this park to get started. After numerous fundraisers, donations and grants, the park is over half way to […]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | The Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary had a wonderful turnout the Annual Strawberry Tea on May the 10th, held at the Swan River Valley Health Facility cafeteria lunch room. Delicious strawberry shortcake was served, along with a sale of baking and plants. The winner of $1505.05 for the 50/50 was […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | We all had a lovely day at Benito Legion hall on Saturday May 11, 2019 as we celebrated Mothers day with our 3nd annual High tea! It was a wonderful turn out and everyone enjoyed the dainty sandwiches and deserts along with the huge assortment on the bake table. The […]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | We had a great turn out for the Benito Skate Park Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12, 2019 with over 140 attending. The Benito Skate Park Committee would like to thank everyone who came out for our Mother’s Day Brunch. It was an overwhelming success and we greatly appreciate your […]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | Swan Valley High School Rodeo finally had a dry and somewhat warmer rodeo weekend compared to years past! We received much praise with regards to the facility, the grounds were great, and the food was delicious! The past weekend was definitely a jammed pack weekend. We kicked off Friday night […]

Pictured above: Henry Rasmussen, Kathy Eggie, Joel Mateika, Teresa Mckay and June Mckenzie Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley MMP LLP has chosen the Foundation to be the recipient of $1300.00 they collected through a fundraising drive. Thank you MMP LLP, and staff member representative Joel Mateika. We appreciate your generosity and support of […]

Submitted by: Kristy Sutherland The Bowsman Ladies Curling Club held their annual planter workshop and had a great time planting at Terry’s Greenhouse on May 2, 3 and 4, 2019. We had about 65 guests attend through the three sessions who were able to learn about various plants and get creative. Guests were treated to […]

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 […]