Pictured above: Special Olympics Parkland Region’s youngest volunteer, 4 year-old Kaylee Miles with volunteer Doreen Miles ready for customers. Submitted by Shirley Todosichuk | What great support from the Swan Valley community at the 4th Annual Special Olympics Fundraiser BBQ at Swan Valley Home Hardware on June 13th. Over 500 BBQ lunches were sold pulling […]

ValleyBiz Story | On June 13, 2018 grade 6 students from across the Swan Valley School Division participated in Indigenous Outdoor Education Day at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. Over the course of the day, students visited 6 different stations including Indigenous Games, Flint Knapping, Story Telling, Indigenous Crafts and Singing/Drumming. Students were served bannock […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The 5th Annual Barrows Gospel Jamboree was held on June 8,9,10, 2018. This seemed to be a good choice of weekend. People attending and bands thought it worked well. Of course we know that others couldn’t come because of various other events and commitments, but I’m sure that would be […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | On June 8-10, 2018 the Ag grounds were once again alive with Rodeo action. Youth from all over Manitoba, Eastern Saskatchewan, North Dakota & Ontario came to Swan River to compete for provincial bragging rights & a chance to represent Manitoba at Canadians in Merritt BC & Nationals in Rock […]

ValleyBiz Story | Minitonas Early Years School (MEYS) held a small farewell ceremony for the school in conjunction with their final family picnic on June 8, 2018. Approximately 75 community members attended the ceremony along with the students to bid farewell to the facility. The MEYS school will be closing and students will be joining […]

ValleyBiz Story | On May 31, 2018 the Swan Valley School Division held the grand opening of their Trades Building, the newest addition to a growing campus that also includes the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, Heavy Duty Shop and University College of the North Regional Centre. The new 8,400 square foot facility will support […]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon | The Association for Community Living – Swan River held their 57th Annual General Meeting at the Westwood Inn on Tuesday June 05, 2018. Approximately forty people enjoyed the luncheon which was catered by the Westwood Inn at 12 PM with the meeting beginning at 1 PM. Representatives from the Town […]

Submitted by: Cheryl Ellingson | Despite the cold, rainy weather, 20 athletes came out for all or part of the weekend from Jun 1-3, 2018 to work on their football and baseball skills. During the football on field sessions, emphasis was put on footwork, proper ball handling, and safe tackling techniques. We were able to […]

Submitted by: Lynda Parsons | After 43 years of dedicated member service, Caroline Willis spent her last day on the job doing what she has enjoyed most, serving her members, with Cake and Coffee! New and old faces, past co-workers, friends and family all stopped in to sign her guest book and wish Caroline all […]

Submitted by: Terri Fahrenschon | The weather cleared up just in time for the Fun Run on Sunday, June 3, 2017. Events included the 1km kids run, 5km, 10km and 1/2 marathon. Thank you to everyone that participated, spectated and volunteered.

It was a time for reflecting on the past and looking to the future during the Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 31, 2018. The celebration included access to school division information and displays as well as a selection of old yearbooks. Live entertainment and a fundraiser barbeque for the 2018 […]

Pictured above: Carol Tripp and Elyse Busch, who will be replacing Carol at the branch as the Investment Retirement Specialist Submitted by: Tracey Markin | On Thursday May 31, 2018 clients and staff of RBC celebrated and thanked Carol Tripp for providing over 40 years of financial advice to the valley. Former colleagues also stopped […]

Submitted by: Ione Anderson | The Minitonas 4-H Beef Club celebrated 63 years with the annual show and sale on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Swan Valley Ag Grounds. Preparations for the show started last fall when members selected their projects and weights and animal identification was recorded in December. Over the feeding period […]

Submitted by: Yuliia Haletska | We had 35 participants in total. The purpose of this event was Folkfest fundraising and connection immigrants with community. Everyone brought food, everything was so delicious. We introduced ourselves. We had KeyChevrolet worker who did a draw for free oil change and accessories for car washing, one of the newcomer […]

Submitted by: Falon Cooke | The Centennial Arena buzzed with families and kids of all ages Friday, May 25, 2018 for the annual Taylor School Fun Festival. The BBQ supper concession, carnival games, and prize shopping were a constant circuit of activity. The most popular being face painting, cotton candy station, and the dunk tank. […]

Submitted by: Donna Krochak | Approximately 40 people attended the Divine Liturgy, Provody, and delicious home cooked dinner on May 19, 2018 filling the church and hall to capacity. During this 85th anniversary milestone, several people were presented with rose bowls to recognize them for their ongoing support of the Kobzar Parish. Attendees came from […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | We all had a lovely day at Benito Legion hall on Saturday May 12, 2018 as we celebrated Mothers day with our 2nd annual High tea! It was a wonderful turn out and everyone enjoyed the Mini Pavlovas and Dainty sandwiches along with the huge assortment on the bake table. […]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk | The SVRSS Gym was filled with laughter from the audience and cackles and screams from the stages during the SVRSS Drama Production of Snow White this past weekend! This traditional fairytale was brought to life under the dedicated and creative direction of Director Michelle Baudin the very talented cast and […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland | Smiles, laughter and tapping toes were found out in Lenswood at their Mothers Day Dance on Saturday night!!! Thanks to those who worked and who sent food.

Submittec by: Gloria (for the SRVHA members) Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary held their annual Strawberry Tea on May 11th, 2018. We would like to thank everyone who came out to support the SRVHA Tea. Also sold was baking, plants and 50/50 tickets. The 50/50, won by Bud Fullerton, amounted to $1,002.50 Congratulations! Besides the […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | Swan Valley HS Rodeo hosted a MB HS Rodeo this past weekend (May 11-13, 2018) and it was a huge success. The weather was perfect, the grounds were amazing, great food, spectators & competition! The weekend started with a Jackpot Barrel race! The fast time was run in the Junior […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On Sunday May 13, 2018 Bowsman United Church Quilt Group held a Mother’s Day Quilt Show at Harley House. The Heritage Home in Swan River provided a picturesque background for the beautiful quilts that were on display. The showcased quilts ranged from traditional to modern in design and varied in […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Over 60 Special Olympic athletes, coaches and volunteers from the Swan Valley, Russell and Winnipegosis enjoyed an afternoon of dancing, dining and friendship at the 7th Annual Special Olympics Dance Fever on April 21, 2018 at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre. $4,620 was raised in the 50/50 cash draw. Congratulations […]

Pictured above: 2nd/3rd Year Band Students Perform on Music Monday ValleyBiz Story | On May 7, 2018 the Swan Valley School Division (SVSD) participate in the 14th Annual Music Monday, a national event where Canadian students and industry come together to celebrate the creation of music as a community. SVSD Music Monday Mass Bands was […]

Submitted by: Julie Harvey | The Everything Children’s Sale and More was a huge success! Approximately 200+ people came over the two days. There were 14 tables with everything ranging from children’s furniture, toys, books and clothes to housewares, decorative signs and more. Mike Jessup from Creighton was the winner of the 60/40 draw, taking […]

Pictured above: Mixed Doubles Medallists Silver – Steinbach, Gold – Swan Valley, Bronze – Vincent Massey (Winnipeg) Submitted by Craig Zamzow | On May 4-5 Vincent Massey High School in Brandon hosted the MHSAA Badminton Provincials with 32 teams qualifying in each category. Girls Singles Grade 11 student Rachel Negrave, in her second Provincials, had […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Art Show at Little Woody Baptist church held on May 5, 2018 was great and many visitors enjoyed the art and visiting. We, who paint there on Mondays, are grateful to be using the venue. It is given to us freely and is in no way a fundraiser for […]

Submitted by Ian Kitch | Swan Valley Basketball Association hosted two basketball clinics on May 5th, 2018. Coach Gil Cheung, Tyvon Cooper, and Mikaela Stanton from the Brandon University Bobcats Basketball Program provided excellent coaching and instruction to nearly 40 players. Thanks to Brandon University and Coach Cheung for coming to Swan River.

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater, PR & Communications | On Wednesday, 2 May 2018 in the SVRSS Cafeteria, the Swan Valley Community Band had their 24th Spring Concert, performing for over 65 people. After enjoying the Concert, everyone was treated to refreshments. With a constant membership of around 30 to 35, the Band continues to entertain, […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik, Pictures By Jessica Kovachik | It was a beautiful hot day on Sunday, April 29, 2018, when the annual Spring Supper event occurred in Cowan. After a long cold winter, everyone was anxious to get out and enjoy the company of neighbors and friends. This was noted as when the doors […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church | St. Andrew’s United Church held a successful Spring Tea on April 21, 2018 There was lots of baking, friends, food and fellowship. Thank you to all who attended and helped in any way.

Submitted by: Mintonas 4-H Beef Club | On Saturday April 28, 2018, 55 4-H members and parents spent the day learning about the beef industry at Anderson Cattle Co. The day began with roundtable discussions on carcass quality, food safety, forage and soil options, alternative beef production, financial literacy, 4-H Beef series books, Lakeland College […]

Pictured above: Swan Valley Sport Fish Enhancement President Jeff Connolly (left) receives cheques in the amounts of $126,000 and $22,500 from Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River. Submitted by: Chris Stock | Great food, prizes, and fun to be had at this year’s Swan Valley Sport Fishing banquet. Thank you to all who were able […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | St James Anglican Church hosted its annual Spring Tea on April 28, 2018. New and familiar folks were in attendance to enjoy the lunch and the companionship. The sounds of conversation and laughter brightened an already lovely spring day. The bake table was well received by the patrons at the […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson |The Dolyna Dancers held their final Dessert Concert on April 28, 2018. It was a great evening of entertainment put on by our dancers and their talent always impresses the crowd. The night began with the traditional Pryvit to welcome guests. Hospydar for the evening was Ed Fedorchuk and he was […]

Pictured above: SVRSS Senior Jazz Band winner of the TD Canada Trust Trophy – Senior Band Submitted by: Darleen McKibben, Photos by Terri Eggie | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival held their Annual Awards Concert on April 28, 2018 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. It was an entertaining afternoon with award winners […]

Submitted by: Carol Tripp | Bowsman & District Lions Club held a Pancake and Sausages Brunch on Friday April 27, 2018 All proceeds will be donated to Heart & Stroke Bowsman Campaign. Heart & Stroke thanks the Club and all those who attended.

Submitted by: Lynda Parsons | On Thursday April 26, 2018 SVCU celebrated with Judy Schneider of our Benito Branch as she said goodbye to staff and new and established members alike. It was standing room only as over 100 valley residents and SVCU members gathered to share cake, coffee and 34 years of memories as […]

Pictured above: SVRSS Badminton Provincials Players Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | |The SVRSS Badminton team participated in zone play downs in Gilbert Plains on April 25, 2018 Boys Singles Jackson Kurtz went 3-0 in round robin to finish first in his pool. He won his quarterfinal match and then sadly had to play teammate Austin […]

Submitted by: Jenniffer León Centeno | Minitonas First Baptist Church held a Family Life Conference from April 20 to 22, 2018 as part of the celebrations for its 90th Anniversary. The Conference consisted of 4 sessions: one focused on parents with small children. The second one was directed to how to build healthy relationships with […]

Submitted by: Jakki Lumax | The SVRSS gymnasium was filled with tumbles and cheers as the Swan Valley Cheetah’s hosted their Beginner Invitational on Friday, April 20, 2018 and the 2018 Manitoba Gymnastics Provincials on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22. In the Pre Provincial Comp, Jada Kujanpaa came in second with Sierra Makasoff […]

Submitted by: Dee-Ann Clarkson | On Friday April 20, 2018 the SVRSS Geography students held a Soup and Sandwich lunch to help fund raise money for their Banff Geo Trip in May. The students will leave Swan River May 17th and return May 27th. During this trip the students will enjoy many different experiences such […]

Submitted by: Sandy Ellingson |Residents of Swan River Valley gathered together on Sunday, April 22 at 3pm in the Centennial Arena to pay tribute to the lives lost and to pray for all those impacted by the Humboldt Broncos bus accident tragedy. Stampeder Chaplain Chris Staniland welcomed everyone to the service. Cramer Coulthart, Swan Valley […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On Sunday April 22, 2018, All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish held their first annual Perogy and Sausage supper. Thanks to the professional catering of Y Not Johnny’s the meal was hot and delicious. All the volunteer help we received made the first time event a success. A huge thanks to […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre held their spring craft sale and lunch on April 21, 2018. There were many unique vendors and lots of special items to explore.

Submitted by: Lesley Betcher | Wellman Lake Bible Camp (WLBC) held their annual camp kickoff April 15,2018 which consisted of a hamburger bbq supper followed by a pie auction. There were over 100 people in attendance who learned about the various camp projects and was introduced to the 2018 camp staff. At the end of […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | The Valley was ready for barbecue season and a great weekend of barbecues was held in support of the Class of 2018 graduates on April 14 and 16, 2018. Key Auto Group truly showed the meaning of community support with their generosity towards the graduating class of 2018! A huge […]

Submitted by: Lyle Malley | A great time was had by all that attended the Elvis tribute concert on April 13, 2018 at the Birch River Legion Hall. The evening started out with a few Merle Haggard songs before Elvis took the stage. It didn’t take long for people to hit the floor and dance […]

Submitted by: Austen Anderson | The Swan River Valley Ag Society hosted the Farmer’s Appreciation Gala on the evening of Friday the 13, 2018 to great success. Close to 150 guests met at the Swan Valley Historical Museum to enjoy a fantastic roast beef meal catered by Why Not Johnny’s followed by a entertaining live […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players presented three very successful performances of the audience interactive play, “Café Murder” written by Nathan Hartswick under the direction of Denis Beaudoin on April 13, 14 and 15, 2018. Friday and Saturday night performances were dinner theatres with the audience enjoying a very delicious salad and […]