A local artist is returning home to the Valley this summer. Brenda Lychuk of B’s Ceramic Studio is relocating back home to Minitonas and hopes to share the art of making ceramics with others. She recalls the first time she dabbled in making ceramic pieces.
“I first got interested in ceramics back in 2001, when I was working from home,” said Lychuk. “I happened to be reading the Star and Times when I came across an ad for Hogg Wild Ceramics that said, ‘Are you bored?’, and at that point, I was. So I called, signed up for a class, fell in love with the craft and worked for them for one Christmas season. Later on, I bought out Glenda in Minitonas and started B’s Ceramics.
“I learned how to make ceramics from Judy Hogg. We worked together at the Westwood Inn, so it was a couple of friends coming together. She was a great artist. I also took a few courses in Brandon at the Warehouse to earn certificates in working with specific products, as well as participated in some workshops to learn about different products.
“Back in those days, there wasn’t Google and Pinterest to do research and get ideas, whereas now the information out there is limitless when it comes to learning stuff,” said Lychuk.
This led Lychuk to open her own art studio in the Valley. Eventually, she opened one up in Flin Flon as well.
“I first opened my studio in Minitonas and started in a house I rented back in September of 2002,” said Lychuk. “My love for the craft and how I felt when I was working with the clay and the paint was truly my passion. It made me move forward, to put up a building in my yard where I worked for 12 years. The building is still standing and we are opening up again.
“I moved to Flin Flon for a period of time to spend some time with my husband. We had always worked apart and it was time for us to be in the same community. Flin Flon was so accepting of my craft and the studio.”
Lychuk loves the process it takes to make a ceramic piece of art. It’s quite a detailed process, but the finished product makes it all worthwhile.
“Creating a piece to be brought to life in the studio is what I love the most,” said Lychuk. ‘I love the process involved in making the piece. This is an art all of its own. I currently have around 6,000 molds, each of which is a different piece. There are mixers, so my clay starts in dry form, adding chemicals to get it to the proper consistency. Then it is transferred over to a table, where all my molds are lined up, and they are filled with a liquid slip.
“Depending on weather and temperatures in the building, and how dry the mold is from pouring, they stand full of clay for anywhere from half an hour to 45 minutes. Then they are drained and the molds are cleaned up on the outside and left to sit until the following day. Hopefully, by then, they will be dry enough to start opening them up. These pieces are then pulled from the molds, bottoms are cut out, and holes are made where necessary. They are put onto shelves sitting on chiprock, which helps to remove the moisture and the water from the clay. This helps them to become dry enough to be cleaned.
“When we clean a piece, the seams are cut back from when mold join, sanded and flaws taken out,” said Lychuk. “It can be scribed into at that point, and then the piece is put into the kiln, where the temperature reaches 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A full kiln will run for about six to seven hours, depending on how many pieces are in it.
“The kiln then sits for 12 hours to cool and the pieces are then removed. They are put on the shelves and are visible for artists to come and choose the piece they want to work on.”
B’s Ceramic Studio offers classes and events where people can come and make their own ceramic piece of art. Lychuk likes to keep up with the trends and is always adding new molds and processes into the studio.
“When I was in Flin Flon, I ran evening classes, consisting of an adult class, and I tried to do a Saturday afternoon one as well,” said Lychuk. “I’ve hosted birthday and pyjama parties. I once had a bridal party come in, and the bride liked all the different frogs, so the group got together and created these pieces. At the end, the pieces were gifted to the bride for her yard. I loved working in the schools and just finished working with a grade 6 class and McIsaac School in Flin Flon. I’ve also held classes for seniors and vocational schools. Anyone who can hold a paintbrush can make a masterpiece.
“I love new molds and try to keep up with the times. I love all the new pieces that are being created, as well as purchasing the new supplies out there. I have molds of just about everything, from wildlife to Christmas, and the retro Christmas trees, which have taken off again. I have planters and welcome ones. You name it, we pretty much have it.
“The projects can range from $5 to $120,” said Lychuk. “If you can dream it, I can try to find it if we don’t already own it. The other option is to take some pieces from other molds and create something special. I really try to make sure my customers are happy and able to create the pieces of their choosing.”
Currently, Lychuk is packing up and beginning her move home to Minitonas. She is looking forward to returning to life in the Valley and teaching classes out of her studio.
“Right now, I have two locations, one in Flin Flon and the other in Minitonas,” said Lychuk. “We are currently in the process of moving everything to Minitonas to move back home. We are in the middle of a massive move and moving 3,000 molds from a building. These molds are fragile, so you can’t stack them. We are hauling them load by load. My last class in Flin Flon will be June 30. We are giving ourselves July and August to get the studio set up in Minitonas.
“I’m looking forward to moving back, starting my ceramics and the next stages of my life. Moving forward, I am really excited to see what we can all create in Minitonas.”

Now that the Swan Valley has finally settled into proper spring, flowers are sprouting and nature is flourishing. Pictured here, a few wild crocuses show their faces to the sky in the Cowan Wayside Park.

The future of Asessippi Resort and surrounding villages and businesses, if the proposed gravel pit is approved, was revealed in an article in the Calgary Herald this week entitled “Judge certifies class action lawsuit against Lafarge's Exshaw cement plant, alleging health hazards.”
Cited in the statement of claim by 700 residents near the pit was “huge quantities of harmful and destructive fine powder, excessive noise and exposure to carcinogenic dust, resulting in damage to homes, values of residences and quality of life”.
It is not too late to prevent the apocalyptic destruction of this beautiful unique valley and continued pressure on the approval committee to reject this application is the only way to show our stewardship of this God given resource. Please add your voice to those of us demanding moral accountability from TriRoads; a lawsuit after the fact does not reverse the destruction of this ecosystem.
Ron Witzke

Russell Leisure Club was established in 1978 as a drop-in center for seniors. It is also the home for an office for the Senior Services of Banner County where seniors can feel comfortable attending to get use of services directed at senior citizens. Lifeline, assistance for completion of forms for government and so on, is provided by this office. The local Thrift Shop is also housed in the same building and is operational on three part-days a week, providing a place for seniors to work on a volunteer basis, and a place for the local communities to be able to purchase clothing and other goods at very reasonable cost.
The Club assists by providing a place that can be home for activities for seniors in the area to continue living independently and with dignity by allowing activities for recreation like line-dancing and yoga, dances, a place to play pool, and gather to play cards.
Annual memberships allow seniors to make use of the Centre to meet with friends, host meeting and activities and feel like a useful part of the community.
The Leisure Centre rents out the facility to individuals and organizations for various activities. Bingos and dances are also held as fundraisers.

By Skye Anderson
The Brandon Sun

ROSSBURN — The Crown is asking the court to sentence a Russell man who’s made repeated threats against police to two years in custody.
“The level of disrespect and contempt that he shows toward members of the community who are attempting to keep the rest of the community safe is certainly eye-opening,” Crown attorney Ron Toews said during Michael Man’s sentencing hearing in Rossburn provincial court on Wednesday.
Man, 46, was convicted of uttering threats after a trial and later pleaded guilty to three additional counts.
“These are not spurious or impulsive utterances or acts. These are comments that are made after careful contemplation,” Toews said.
The man’s lawyer argued that a time-served sentence, which is the equivalent of about 16 months, would be appropriate and still send a strong message to the community that threats will not be tolerated.
Russell RCMP received several complaints about Man sending threatening messages, including toward police, on Jan. 30, 2025.
One of the messages from Man said, “Typical worthless pig f—s in costumes came here to harass me for taking pictures. Next time that happens, I’ll wait for supper hour and kick in their door and get the whole family.”
On Sept. 8, 2025, a police officer received a chain of emails between Man and a Brandon Correctional Centre employee, in which Man made comments about his treatment while incarcerated in 2023.
One of the messages said, “I’m going to have no choice but to hunt the provincial and federal employees responsible for my stay.”
Toews said the use of the word “hunt” is “chilling in its darkest context,” as it invokes a narrative that often involves stalking, premeditation, planning, contemplation and preparation.
Saskatchewan RCMP contacted Russell RCMP on Nov. 6, 2025, and said they had been notified of threats that had been sent to Pattison Media.
In the email, Man said, “F— the police. Only good cops are dead cops. Nobody seems to want to release the details of the three pig f—s that violently assaulted me at gunpoint in the dark as vigilante justice.”
He continued by writing, “I know the RCMP member personally, and he’s going to find himself thrown through the woodchipper out on his front lawn.”
Toews described this threat as “very specific” and graphic in nature, which he said showed premeditation.
“Man engineers his language to maximize his psychological harm. He uses it to power his targets. He uses it to intimidate and to erode their sense of security within the community,” he said.
Toews said he hasn’t seen the slightest suggestion of remorse from Man, and he has a concerning lack of insight or self-reflection.

Read the full story on pages 1 and 7 in this week's Russell Banner.

The Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dancers have had a busy season filled with dance practices, competitions and an annual recital. The dance club travelled to Brandon last month for the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Competition.
“The Brandon Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Competition and Festival was held on April 17 to 19, 2026,” said Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dance Head Instructor Amanda Bulycz. “Multiple clubs from all over Saskatchewan and Manitoba were in attendance, filling three full days of competition dances. As well, they were celebrating 50 years of the Troyanda Club.”
At the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Competition, there were a variety of dances performed and the Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dancers were well represented in each age category and style of dance.
“Traditional Ukrainian Dances representing Poltavski, Hutzul, Transcarpathian, Volyn, Polissia, Bukovynia, Character, Pryvit, Hopak were represented at the competition,” said Bulycz.
“Benito Vesselli took the Beginners, Juniors, Intermediates, Advanced and Senior Dancers to competition ages ranging from five to 18 years. Group dances, along with solos, duets, trios and family dances were also performed by Vesselli Dancers.”
The Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dancers excelled at this competition.
“The Beginner Poltava dance received a 98 Platinum and the highest mark in the 12 and under age category,” said Bulycz. “The Senior Transcarpathian dance received a 95 Hold and the highest mark in the 13 years and older category.
“The dancers did amazingly at the Brandon Competition. We brought home multiple high marks, but most importantly, the dancers had a lot of fun and enjoyed the whole weekend. Many goals were achieved during the weekend and our dancers performed their very best. It was such a great weekend celebrating Ukrainian dance and culture and seeing all our hard work performed on stage.”
Then the group travelled to another dance competition in Saskatchewan before holding their annual end-of-season concert. There will be one final performance for the season, for the senior dancers, at one of the biggest venues for Ukrainian culture in Canada.
“Following the Brandon Competition, Vesselli attended the Yorkton Kalyna Dance Competition from April 30 to May 3 and held their annual spring concert on May 9, 2026,” said Bulycz. “Our club did another amazing job at the Yorkton Competition, bringing home 21 Gold Medal Marks!
“Our Annual Vesselli Spring Concert hosted a full afternoon of dance and making their first debut on stage was our Tots in Motion Class.
“Our club will be breaking for the summer, minus the senior dancers,” said Bulycz. “Our senior dancers will be preparing for their main stage performance at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin. They’ll be performing during the Saturday Night Grandstand Show. We also look forward to volunteering at Swan Valley Credit Union’s Beef on a Bun event, with proceeds going to our club.
“Our next dance season begins in September 2026, and we look forward to another fun year ahead, accepting dancers 18 months to 18 years of age.”

Swan River was the scene of a full rainbow just over a week ago (May 11). The colourful spectacle showed its true colours after a light rain earlier in the evening.

Eighteen applicants were successful in receiving grants from the Dauphin and District Community Foundation.
DDCF board chair Kristen Haverluck announced the spring grant recipients at the Parkland Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City luncheon, May 12.
Recipients include:
• Almost New Store - $2,200 for a cash register, projector and screen and grid walls;
• Barker School - $5,000 for accessible outdoor musical instruments for the playground;
• Citizens on Patrol - $4,000 for fuel costs and Business Expo registration;
• Dauphin Community Cinema - $5,000 for roof repairs;
• Dauphin and District Allied Arts Council - $10,537 for a portable stage;
• Dauphin and District Snowmobile Club Inc. - $2,000 for a snowmobile for trail maintenance;
• Dauphin Hero Club - $1,568 for a printer and projector;
• Dauphin Minor Baseball Association - $10,000 for upgrade and maintenance of ball diamonds, including $313 designated from the new Jack Hrehirchuk Memorial Minor Baseball Fund;
• Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal - $15,796 to move and re-assemble the indoor playground; and $5,000 for multiculturalism and anti-racism programs and pavillions in a variety of halls;
• Dauphin Ochre Band Parents Organization - $1,500 for original composition to be performed by the DRCSS and MMS band programs;
• Dauphin’s Countryfest - $10,000 for infrastructure improvements to showers, seating and the west side media booth;
• Grad Powwow Committee, Assiniboine College and Mountain View School Division - $5,000 for the graduation powwow celebrating all ages;
• Northgate Trails Inc. - $22,000 to construct a boardwalk to expand the trail system;
• Parkland Mavericks women’s rugby - $3,080 for the purchase of equipment to maintain the field;
• Parkland Pirates Youth Rugby - $5,507 for the purchase of a sea can for use as storage;
• Tinker Bell Nursery School - $5,000 for activity supplies; and
• Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre and Museum - $5,609 to relocate a pioneer barn.
This spring’s grants total $118,797.

Dauphin is set to play an important role in helping to address a shortage of paramedics in the province.
During his State of the Province address hosted by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce last week, Premier Wab Kinew announced a $115,000 investment for Assiniboine College to create a new rotating rural Primary Care Paramedic Program, with the first cohort starting at Parkland Campus in Dauphin.
The program will increase access for rural and western Manitoba students, helping build a stronger pipeline of paramedics for communities across the region.
The initiative will support more students moving through the emergency medical responder to primary care paramedic pathway, while allowing them to train closer to where they live.
“Paramedics are the first to arrive when your family needs emergency care and their work is valued by our government,” Kinew said.
“We’ve made progress training and hiring more paramedics in Westman, but we know there is more to do. That’s why we are creating a new Primary Care Paramedic Program at Assiniboine College.”
In keeping with a focus on health care, the premier announced the creation of 148 new child care spaces at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, set to open in 2027. The project is part of the largest capital child care project the province has started to date.
“Because child care is essential to growing the health workforce, we are also creating a new child-care centre at the Brandon hospital built to care for your children while you are caring for others,” Kinew said.
“Together, these investments will help us recruit and retain more health care workers in Westman.”
The premier also highlighted several recent and ongoing provincial investments benefiting the region including:
• providing $9.7 million to rebuild and repave 18th Street in Brandon, which was voted CAA Manitoba’s worst road in 2024;
• investing in the Park Community Centre, with construction expected to begin this year;
• opening the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, which saw more than 10,000 patient visits in 2025;
• undertaking action to challenge restrictive property controls held by Sobeys, including controls connected to an empty grocery store property in Brandon, to help increase competition and improve affordability;
• advancing nearly $3 billion in energy projects in western Manitoba, including a new 750-megawatt dual-fuel turbine project to support growing energy needs and economic development opportunities; and
• creating a new critical care unit at the Brandon Regional Health Centre as part of a $120-million expansion project, allowing more patients to receive advanced care closer to home, which will include new, modern private intensive care unit rooms.

Rugby season gets underway this weekend with the Parkland Mavericks in Winnipeg to face the Manitoba Wombats, Saturday, at 2:30 p.m.
The Mavericks began working out about two weeks ago with a few new recruits joining the team and more on the way after the high school season ends.
Coach Shawn Sarkonak said the team has been working on getting the rust out.
“And obviously, working on game speed and getting the new guys climatized to the game. So we’ve got to work on tackling and run, catch pass, the core skills that you need. I know the guys are looking forward to getting the season kicked off,” he said.
This year will featured a different format, with teams playing eight games until the end of July.
When that is completed, teams will be reseeded for Premier and Second Divisions.
There are three rural teams with Parkland, the Brandon Barbarians and the Steinbach-based Eastman Warriors.
The Manitoba Wombats, Winnipeg Assassins and Winnipeg Wasps will each have two teams, a first division and second division unit and the Winnipeg Wanderers will field one team.
After July, the Premier Division will have six teams and the Second Division will have four teams.
The Parkland Lady Mavericks have had only two players out for practices due to prior commitments, but coach Kent Miner said eight players have committed to play once the high school season ends in early June. He added more players will also be returning to the team from university.
Miner added a few players from Brandon will also join the team this year.
“We have lots of new interest, but people are busy and having a hard time getting out,” he said.
The Lady Mavericks will open the season, May 30, in Brandon against the Lady Barbarians, at noon.
Once all players are in place, Miner feels the Lady Mavericks will be competitive.
“We should be in the top three, for sure, if we get everybody out,” he said.