Swan River RCMP have issued an arrest warrant in connection with a fatal collision which occured last summer.

Police searching for Matthew Govereau, a 37-year-old man from Winnipeg, in connection with a head-on collision that killed three people on July 1, 2025, on Hwy. 10, near Road 224 North.

Govereau was driving when his vehicle veered over the center line of the highway and struck a parked vehicle on the opposite shoulder. A 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, who were in the parked vehicle, were both transported to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. 

A 29-year-old man, who was a passenger in Govereau’s vehicle, was also transported to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Following approval from Manitoba Prosecution Service, 18 charges were sworn against Govereau on January 20, 2026, relating to the collision, as well as the weapons and drugs recovered from the vehicle following the collision.

The charges include three counts of impaired driving causing death, three counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, three ounts of careless driving, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possessing a prohibited weapon, two counts of weapon possession contrary to order, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance.

Efforts to locate Govereau have been unsuccessful. His last known address is in Birch River, but he is known to regularly travel throughout the province, including the City of Winnipeg.

If seen, do not to approach him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686 or 204-734-3454, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Another well-deserving citizen in the tri-community has been presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. May Yvonne Blake was recently presented this prestigious award in her home, surrounded by local dignitaries, family and close friends.
“I was born in 1936 and am the oldest of a family of nine,” said Blake. “Our family moved to Wanless when I was three years old. We then moved to Ontario, but returned in 1961. After further travels, I came home to stay in 2002.
“I started volunteering when my children went to school. I was involved with the PTA, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts, Air Cadets, worked with special needs children, St. Paul’s Personal Care Home and the Legion Ladies Auxiliary for many years.

Youth in The Pas now have an opportunity to get a jump start on learning about serving the community and potentially a career as a firefighter. The Pas Fire Department is facilitating a Junior Firefighter Program to start in the spring.
“The Junior Firefighter Program is the lifeblood of our future, designed to give young people a disciplined, hands-on introduction to the fire service without putting them in the immediate path of danger,” said The Pas Fire Department Fire Chief Byron Shangraw. “It’s a blend of classroom theory and practical drill-ground training where these kids learn everything from rolling large diameter hose (LDH), mastering complex knots, to the fundamentals of fire chemistry and first aid. It’s a mentorship pipeline built to instill the core values of integrity, teamwork, and civic responsibility, where we meet on the second Tuesday of every month.

It seems hard to believe that 30 years ago, Louisiana Pacific (LP) Building Solutions made the strategic move to build and open a mill in the Swan Valley. It was a huge economic driving force for the area that brought employment and new opportunities. Over the years. LP Swan Valley has transitioned, but remains a vital entity to the area.
“The mill pressed its first board on January 21, 1996, at 1:02 a.m.,” said LP Building Solutions Senior Corporate Communications Specialist Jen Bowman. “Since then, it has grown into a key part of LP’s operations—transitioning from OSB production to LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding in 2015 and, in 2022, becoming the company’s only facility to manufacture LP® SmartSide® Cedar Shakes.”
LP Swan Valley has several highlights to look back upon and celebrate along with its 30th anniversary. It remains one of the area’s largest employers. LP Swan Valley supports more than 225 team members and around 400 local contract loggers and haulers. Nearly half the workforce has been with LP for over 10 years—including Plant Manager Chris Eisner, who started as a contractor in 1995 during the mill’s construction.
LP has invested approximately $80M CAD into the operations over the last five years alone. In 2024, LP reported $29 billion in net sales. The mill has reached major safety milestones, including 1 million incident-free hours in 2020 and 500,000 hours as of December 10, 2025.
Today, the mill produces LP® SmartSide® Trim, Siding, and Panel, Cedar Shakes, Soffit, LP® ProStruct® Flooring with SmartFinish®, and LP® ProStruct® Roof Sheathing with SilverTech®.
LP Swan Valley continues to provide community support. More than $70,000 has been donated to local schools and nonprofits in the past five years, with continued involvement in community events and initiatives.
LP Swan Valley has success in attracting and retaining employees long-term. The current plant manager, Chris Eisner, has the unique experience of being a part of LP Swan Valley as it was being built.
“I actually started at LP Swan Valley before it was LP Swan Valley,” said Eisner. “I worked as a contractor during the mill’s construction, and watching a mill of that size take shape in a small town was incredible. At that point in my career, I hadn’t experienced anything on that scale, and the magnitude of the project really stood out as it all came together.
“When the mill officially opened in 1995, I joined as a labourer—even before the first board was pressed. At the time, it was just another job, but over the years, it became much more. Looking back now, it’s interesting to see how everything came full circle, from construction to start-up and eventually into a leadership role.”
Eisner has seen growth and transition at LP Swan Valley over the years. Those developments have created long-term success for the mill.
“The growth has been significant,” said Eisner. “When we first started, we had about 120 team members. Today, we have around 225, which is something I’m extremely proud of—especially given the broader changes the community has experienced over the years.
“One of the biggest transitions came in 2015, when we converted the mill from the production of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) to siding. It was a busy but exciting time. Seeing LP reinvest in the mill and in our people meant a lot. Many of us had been part of the original start-up, so there was tremendous energy around learning new processes and adapting to new ways of operating. That transition really reinvigorated the team and positioned the mill for long-term success.”
LP Swan Valley is looking to the future, focusing on the mill, its operations and employees. As it moves forward, it plans to continue playing a vital role in building the Swan Valley area and community.
“Looking ahead, the focus remains on continuing to protect and invest in our people, our operations and our community,” said Eisner. “LP Swan Valley is a close-knit team with a strong work ethic, and keeping everyone aligned around shared goals is key to sustaining the high level of performance we’ve achieved.
“We’re also proud to see second-generation team members joining the mill—and, in some cases, even third generations through our logging contractors. Building on that legacy while continuing to improve, innovate and grow responsibly is what will carry us into the future.”

The Thunderhill Ski Area held the grand opening, ribbon cutting ceremony of the Co-op Community Magic Carpet ride trail this past Saturday (Jan. 31). This exciting addition to the ski hill makes learning to ski easier, and more fun for their youngest riders and beginners. Pictured here, the first users of the Magic Carpet ride test things out. (INSET) Pictured (left to right) Thunderhill Ski Hill President Curtis Hamilton, Town of Swan River Councillor Duane Whyte, Municipality of Swan Valley West Reeve Bill Gade, Swan Valley Consumers Co-op Marketing and Community Engagement Manager Patti Henkelman, Swan Valley Consumers Co-op Board representative Jacquie Mydynski-Arp, Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk, and Thunderhill Ski Area Manager Karen Nemetchek officially open the hill’s newest addition.

Back Left- Right: Bruce Christopher, Alan Nernberg, Robert Muir, Alan Tataryn, Chris Radford, (Front) Sandy Ross and Lenore Fenton.

For more than two decades, Russell’s Take a Year Off Lottery has been one of the major fundraisers for area facilities and projects. At the same time, it’s one of the most talked about lotteries in our area.
Total payout to organizations:$1,287,605
The organizations below received the following:
- Russell Swimming Pool - $335,458
- Russell Memorial Multiplex – $350,458
- George P. Buleziuk – $320,458
- Russell Golf Course – $40,025
- Russell Curling Rink – $6,380
- Field of Dreams – $66,745
- Playground - $8,000
- Russell & District Library – $58,745
- Russell Flying Club – $36,085
- Russell Lots-A-Tots - $86,050
- Binscarth Park & Pool - $50,000
- Binscarth Lil Bloomer Learning Patch $26,800
- Prairie Arts cARTel - $5,000
- Russell Area Heritage & Arts Centre - $5,000

Binscarth is up to great things again.
Everyone knows that the people of this small town can accomplish anything they set their minds to - and it’s time for another homecoming.
The first Binscarth homecoming was held in 1986 and there’s been one every ten years since.
This homecoming will run from July 2nd to July 5th which, because of the way the dates fall, the homecoming events will replace Binscarth’s annual Canada Day celebrations.
(Remember that the Inglis Area Heritage Committee people who run the Heritage site always put on wonderful Canada Day celebrations there too) 

Find out what else the Binscarth Homecoming Committee is up to on the front page of this week's Russell Banner.

Roblin’s first bonspiel of the season played out at the Roblin Curling Club Jan. 22 to 24 – during the coldest days of the year so far – with 12 rinks battling it out in three events.
The finals took place Saturday evening, following another terrific feast prepared by Marta Orlowska.
Want details? Want to see photos of the winning rink? Pick up a copy of this week’s Review

Development in Dauphin got a $350,000 boost over the weekend, thanks to the Province’s From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities for All program.

The four community projects supported included Dauphin Recreation Services arena upgrades with $100,000, enhancement to the Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre and Museum to the tune of $100,000, youth programming through Anishinaabe Agowidiiwinan Secretariat valued at $100,000, and career education programming for youth through Career, which received $50,000.

“These investments are a meaningful boost for our community and reflect the strength of our local partnerships,” Mayor David Bosiak said.

“From supporting seniors and enhancing recreation facilities to creating positive opportunities for youth, these projects directly contribute to a healthier, more inclusive Dauphin. We are grateful to the Manitoba government for recognizing the value of investing in community-driven initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced the grants, Saturday.

“Our government is proud to partner with communities like Dauphin to strengthen the places where people come together, stay active and feel supported,” Simard said.

“These investments reflect what we hear from local leaders every day, that when we create safe, welcoming spaces for seniors, youth and families, the whole community thrives. From recreation upgrades to cultural spaces and youth programming, these projects will make a real difference for Dauphin residents for years to come.”

In 2025-26, From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities is investing more than $12 million to support more than 200 community development projects across Manitoba.

The program’s approved grants will fund renovations at local legions and community spaces, as well as programs that help keep young people away from gangs and crime, improve public parks and support seniors looking to stay active.

“I’m proud to see these investments supporting the people and organizations that make our community vibrant and resilient,” Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn, member of the legislative assembly for Dauphin, said.

“Whether it’s creating opportunities for young people, strengthening cultural spaces or improving recreational facilities, these projects reflect the priorities we hear from residents every day. Our government is committed to building safe, healthy communities across Manitoba, and I’m pleased to see Dauphin benefiting from this important program.”

A new food store has opened up in The Pas and it’s providing a flavour and taste unique to most of northern Manitoba and even Canada. Graceland International Foods is bringing the authentic taste of Africa to the table. For many newcomers, it can be hard to find the foods they enjoyed in their home country, and Graceland International Foods is one way for people to do so and for other locals to broaden their taste buds.
“I’m originally from Nigeria, and I carry the values of hard work and hospitality that I grew up with,” said Graceland International Foods Owner and Operator Evelyn Okpe. “My family is my biggest support system; they are the reason I felt empowered to take this leap.