Submitted by David Ogram, Health Awareness Committee, Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church On the evening of Monday, September 16, 2019, eighteen people were present at the first of 5 Vegetarian Cooking Classes (using only plant foods) being held in the Basement Meeting Room at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The recipes used are suitable for people […]

Submitted by: Rod Seib | As part of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 25 people came out to participate in a community awareness walk for suicide prevention. Following the walk, participants gathered at CMHA and received information about resources available for suicide prevention. The short program also included a poem reading, […]

Submitted by: Teresa Mckay The Tent Town Garden Club held its annual fruit festival on Saturday, September 7th, satisfying the tastebuds of many valley residents with scrumptious pies, baked and served by the volunteers of the club and community. We had a wonderful turnout again and we are grateful to all who come from around […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik with pictures by Tammy Herntier and Jessica Kovachik The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 24th this year and marking it the 21st. On Friday night, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with trailers, horses, and ATVs. By Saturday […]

Pictured above L to R, Front Row: Donna Martin (Executive Director) Back Row: CFSV Board Members, Tim Mendel, Kathy Eggie, Presenting for SVTA – Nicole Bobick, CFSV Board Members Barry Stephens, Lorne Henkelman (Chair), Max Polon, June McKenzie & Glenda Foster. Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | In July, the Community Foundation of […]

Pictured above: Bill Galloway presenting donation from Wade Philp Galloway Legacy Foundation to Skate Park Committiee representatives, Tracy Kerr and Carla Hamelin. Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | The Benito Skate Park Committee would like to thank the Wade Phillip Galloway Legacy Foundation for the generous support to our project. The Wade Philip Galloway Legacy Foundation […]

Pictured above L to R, Front Row: Bruce Hardie (Presenting on behalf of the Bretsen Family), CFSV Board Members, Glenda Foster, Lorne Henkelman (Chair) Back Row: Barry Stephens, Kathy Eggie, Donna Martin (Executive Director), Max Polan, June McKenzie & Tim Mendel Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley […]

Submitted by: Allen Martin | There was a great turn out for the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Swan River Flying Club on August 25, 2019. The weather prevented most of the out of town aircraft from flying in, but local people enjoyed the morning.

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | Shine up your scooters and skateboards!!!! Kingdom Enterprises from Steinbach MB, greeted the Benito community with the start of a brand new skate park on August 26, 2019. Ground breaking Construction took place today at the Recreation grounds and we couldn’t be happier. The project will be completed around September […]

Submitted by: Kandace Hart | The Spitfires Girls Volleyball team hosted an open skills camp August 23, 2019 at SVRSS with clinician Aimee Uchelenko. Aimee currently coaches the 18U Women’s club team in Estavan and is involved with the Atomic Program. She was a member of the Saskatchewan provincial team, had a 5 year career […]

Submitted by: Brittney Suchoplas | Even though we had to cancel the Doggy Derby on Sunday August 11, 2019, poker hands were still played. Mishka (former SVAPL dog) and her sister Bear, supervised the dealings for our ghost hand draws at the Rotary Park. Congratulations to Jackie Basso who was lucky in getting TWO of […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On August 10, 2019 Durban held their annual demo derby. With the date changed from Sunday to a Saturday, the drivers appreciated the change giving them a chance to get home and recover from the rough and tough workout held during the crushing demo. With a new set of rules […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Speedway was buzzing with activity as the Swan Valley Stock Car Club hosted their annual invitational 2 day race on August 3 and 4, 2019. The weather was beautiful and the racing was great with close to 60 cars in attendance from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Friendly fans, fantastic […]

Submitted by: Ellen Little with pictures by ValleyBiz.ca | A day of almost perfect weather on July 22, 2019 made the Annual Garden Walk, sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club, even more enjoyable. Five of some of the most beautiful farm yards in the Kenville area were on display. Merv & Jane Beasley […]

Submitted by: Jay Coulthart, Formo Motors | Mustang Mania 2019 was a great success. We had over 40 entries in the car show held on July 26, 2019. A lot of really cool, unique automobiles. Thanks to everyone that traveled far and wide to partake in the show. Congratulations to all the winners of their […]

ValleyBiz Story | Here’s one last look at the racing action from the 2019 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. The Roundup featured 4 days of heart-pumping, crowd-cheering, Chariot and Chuckwagon racing action.

ValleyBiz Story | On July 25, 2019, it was announced that the Trains at the Swan Valley Museum project will be receiving a grant in the amount of $32,500 from the Province of Manitoba under the Building Sustainable Communities program. The funding will cover 50% of the $65,000 cost for Phase 1 of the project. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The parade is a highly anticipated event each year during the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition and local businesses and organizations were all decked out in their parade day best to celebrate on July 26, 2019. The parade theme was Swan Valley Proud and the floats showcased many aspects of Swan Valley life […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | The local Community In Blooms committee was honored to host the judges for this year’s competition on July 29, 2019. Hugh Skinner is from Roblin and Shonda Ashcroft is from Birtle. They were busy taking notes, photos and asking questions and generally admiring our beautiful town. Points of interest on […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River has something for everyone and the rodeo events are always a crowd-pleaser. The fast paced events offer plenty of thrills, spills and heart-pumping action. Bronc Riding Bull Riding Tie Down Roping Steer Wrestling Team Roping Barrel Racing

ValleyBiz Story | Each year kids look forward to the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River on the last weekend in July. This year was no exception. The Roundup provides plenty of things to do, including opportunities for up and coming rodeo stars to get up close and personal with the action. The Mutton […]

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | Another good year for the Bowsman Curling Club’s pancake breakfasts on July 26, 27 and 28, 2019. Friday started off at Formo Motors from 8:00am till 9:30am before the parade and Mustang Mania. A good crowd enjoyed our pancakes and sausages. Then, on to our new location at the Veterans […]

Submitted by: Debbie (Bell) Soloway | This year the weather was great as the sun shone upon us and the flag flapped in the breeze. Everyone enjoyed seeing and petting the little puppy that Rita and Rhoda Jones brought for a visit. The games were for all ages to enjoy together, they started off with […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin The Milk Run is a series of horse shows along what is believed to be the route the Milk Truck took years ago to pick up the farmers milk! Dax Mullin, Kailey McArthur & Tyler Petelski started in Gilbert Plains show on Saturday, July 13, 2019. On Sunday we moved on […]

Submitted by: Kendal Stechyshyn | Despite a cooler day the Benito Child Care Centre had a great turn out for their BBQ fundraiser July 19, 2019. The parents, kids and staff would like to thank all those who came out to support, the volunteers and our sponsors. Thank you to Key Chev for hosting the […]

Submitted Photo The Swan River Elks & Royal Purple made a donation in the amount of $2,000.00 to the Benito Skate Park. The cheque was presented on July 11,2019 by Exalted Ruler Malcolm Shaw Benito Skate Park President, Tracy Kerr.

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | The Town of Swan River celebrated Canada Day with a family friendly afternoon. The day featured kids bouncers and games, 2 mini trains, kites and frisbies. Free ice cream was served and live music was featured at the entertainment stage. The day was topped off at dusk with fireworks at […]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn | Benito was bustling on Canada Day with a full day of activities for all ages to enjoy. To start the festivities, the Benito Volunteer Firefighter’s hosted a Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice were served to approximately 420 people with all money raised going to the CZ Miller Trust […]

ValleyBiz Story | Music filled the air on June 16, 2019 as the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School presented their year end concert at the Festival Stage in the Swan River Legion Park. The concert featured the Grade 9 band and Senior band along with a number of selections from the Toronto-Niagara Falls Tour Band. […]

Submitted by: Brenna Smith | On June 26, 2019 it was a sad day in Birch River as the community said their good byes to Birch River School. The evening began with past students, current students, parents, and community members touring around the school looking at pictures, trophies, and yearbooks from the past. The evening […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | The Anglican Lutheran congregation was happy to be able to host ‘Company’s Coming’ at St. James on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. On this morning once a month in the summer, guests from the Lodge and Personal Care Home are given the opportunity to meet together to visit and renew acquaintances […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | The Pine River LUD Committee held their sixth Annual Town Wide Yard Sales on Saturday June 15, 2019 th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. This year there were eight exhibitors and Mother Nature kept the rain away, even though visitors told us they drove in rain to get here. The […]

Submitted by: Royal Canadian Legion Birch River Branch #48 | On June 16, 2019 the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #48 – Birch River hosted a Fathers Day Brunch! We got off to a slow start (we think everyone slept in), in the end our attendance was great! Lots of visiting and planning for the days […]

Submitted Story | The Twisted Sisters Relay for Life team raised $14,700 during the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life held in Swan River on June 14,2019. Team members included, Leanne Huttman, Elaine Forsyth, Kim Paterson, Carleigh Mosiondz, Susan Crawford, Bev Hogue, Lori Watts, Claudia Sutherland, Lana Sagert, Lorraine Mullin, Tracey Laforce, Caitlynd Sutherland, Rhodel […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | Thank you to everyone who made our fundraiser concession on June 16, 2019 a great success. Thanks to Calvin Campeau for organizing the ball tournament and for inviting us to come and do the concession booth as a fundraiser for Barrows Gospel Jamboree which we host each year. There were […]

Submitted by: Ione Anderson | Minitonas 4-H Beef Club held it’s 64th achievement at the Swan Valley Ag Society grounds on Saturday June 15, 2019. Despite being a little cool it was a great day for all the members, leaders and families. Donna and Tomina Jackson, a mother and daughter duo from Inglis MB traveled […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Animal Protection League The Swan Valley Animal Protection League is in the process of relocating their facility, complete with a new building approximately 60′ by 20′ in size, with indoor pens and cat runs, an office area, an intake/quarantine area, etc. Some of our current buildings are getting to the point […]

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2019 Swan Valley Regional Secondary School June 21, 2019 Chase your dreams. Burst out at the seams. Live life to the fullest and give it nothing but your best. Be Like a Tree: Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Celebrate […]

Pictured above: Scott Beehler just before the pie in the face challenge. Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler | The Community Bible Fellowship Christian School (CBFCS) Amazing Race held Saturday June 15, 2019 was a great event. There were 16 challenges that teams completed. Challenges tackled many aspects of intellect and physical ability. Above Left: Jayden Thiessen […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | On Saturday, June 15, 2019 the Bowman & District Lions Club and the Swan River Golf & Country Club had the 2019 Friends of the Valley Golf Bonanza “FUN”draiser. Proceeds from this event will be split 50/50 between the Bowsman Lions and the Swan River Golf & Country Club. The […]

Submitted by: Jessie Foster | We had a great turnout for the Blue Sky Team Penning competition on June 15, 2019. there were 71 open teams and 6 youth teams. Thank you to all of our sponsors and to Stan Foster for providing the livestock for the event. 1st Place: Rachel Olyarnyk, Jamie Taylor, Cassie […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett Barrows 6th Annual Gospel Jamboree held on June 7-9, 2019 has come and gone. We started out Friday evening with a beautiful evening and a small crowd. However, on Saturday morning, it was very cold and windy and looked like rain, so we moved the event into the Community Hall. The […]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | What a fun-filled, action-packed weekend! Rough Country Kubota has definitely gained favor with Jace, who was Peter’s right hand man, next to Luke, in ground maintenance throughout the weekend. Jace continuously tells his dad from North Dakota that he needs a Kubota! As organizers, going back & forth from rodeo […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | The Pine River Community Centre sponsored a Fundraising Supper on Sunday June 9, 2019. The guests enjoyed a delicious supper consisting of a plate full of spaghetti and meatballs smothered in a tangy tomato sauce with a bowl of caesar salad on the side and garlic bread, followed by a […]

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 […]