Many people whom we call friends and neighbours have lived an interesting life and it makes for quite a story to tell. Edna Nabess has lived one of those lives and is now sharing her story in a memoir she wrote called The Woman in the Polka Dot Dress.
“I’m a storyteller and I like to share with others how I grew up and my life story,” said Nabess. “Over the years, I’ve had people tell me I should write a book about my life and this seemed like the right time to do it.

A new archbishop has been ordained for the Archdiocese of Keewatin-LePas. Archbishop Fr. Susai Jesu, O.M.I., was consecrated last month to oversee the ministry of over 50,000 Catholics in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Archbishop Jesu came from humble beginnings in India, but found his calling very early in life.
“I’m the fourth child in my family,” said Archbishop Fr. Susai Jesu, O.M.I.. “I have two older sisters, one older brother and a younger sister who is a religious nun. I was born in a village called Pushpavanam, Ramnad District in Tamil Nadu, South India. My parents are farmers and I used to help them in the field.
“I come from a very traditional Catholic family where my mother was very spiritual and religious. She went daily to the church for both morning prayers at 4:30 a.m., and evening prayers at 6:30 p.m., and would take me with her. My mother inspired me to go to church to pray every day.

Putting a smile on someone’s face is a big part of what a florist does and local Sunshine Flowers N Gifts Florist Cindy Genaille is celebrating her fifth year in business and of bringing smiles to customers. Genaille had been working in the floral industry for many years before she ventured out into owning her own shop.
“I have been in the florist industry since 1994,” said Sunshine Flowers N Gifts Owner and Operator Cindy Genaille. “An opportunity came up to open my own shop and I took a chance. It proved to be a great decision. I love all the customers I have met on my journey here in Swan River.”
Being a florist provides work that is creative, inspiring and always changing. It’s this combination of creativity and change that keeps Genaille so engaged in her work. Her biggest enjoyment from the job comes from the people she gets to interact with every day.
“In the floral world, there are more than just roses when it comes to fresh flowers,” said Genaille. “Customers love mixed arrangements. Many of the flowers come from other countries like Educator, Columbia and South America.
“Giftware changes like everything. There is something new every year. We try our best to keep up and bring in the new trends that we think will please customers in the Valley.
“What I enjoy most about running the floral shop is the customers,” said Genaille. “They are truly what makes a business succeed. I love to make beautiful arrangements for every occasion such as birthdays, weddings, celebrations of life or even for folks to get well. We just love putting smiles on everyone’s faces when they enter and leave our store.”
The Swan Valley community has been very supportive of Genaille’s business. She not only has a strong local base of support from customers, but internationally as well. Genaille accredits her success to customers and the support of one of her work colleagues, and looks forward to the next 10 years in business.
“The support in the Swan Valley is the best,” said Genaille. “I couldn’t ask for better support throughout the Valley and surrounding areas. We have regular customers that see us weekly and get orders from friendly customers as far as Scotland, Mexico and Switzerland.
“I’ve been fortunate to also have the help I received from my number one fan Lynn Hill. We have worked together since 1998 and she is also a big part of what makes this place what it is as well.
“I’m so happy with opening up the shop and I look forward to providing floral arrangements for our beautiful community for many more years to come,” said Genaille.

Local artist Derryl May has completed his annual snow sculpture in his front yard at 410 10th Avenue North in Swan River. This year’s piece, called ‘Adventurer’, features a hiker flanked by two dogs and a bird-of-prey on his shoulder.

To the Editor,
As a community, we all share a responsibility to care for the animals who rely on us — from beloved family pets to the strays who need a second chance. That’s why it’s frustrating to see a lack of collaboration between the Russell Veterinary Clinic/Vet Board and Passion 4 Paws. When two organizations share the same goals, working together only makes sense.
Passion 4 Paws has made a tremendous difference in this community. Their volunteers have stepped up to rescue, foster, and rehome countless animals, often using their own time and resources. Since Passion 4 Paws was established, they’ve generated over $13,888.70 in veterinary services and dog food purchases — directly supporting the clinic while improving animal welfare across the region. This does not include more than $2,800 in rent paid while Passion 4 Paws volunteers cared not only for their own rescue animals but also for animals boarded at the vet clinic from the time they were there until they were evicted in June 2025.
Even after being asked to vacate the vet clinic kennels, Passion 4 Paws continue to bring all animals to the clinic for vaccinations, spaying, and neutering — and even cleaned the kennel building, which had been left in poor condition before Passion 4 Paws began using it. That kind of dedication speaks volumes about their commitment to both animal welfare and the local clinic.
At the same time, the Russell Vet Board has asked the public to support it’s one annual fundraiser, yet it has also turned away a steady stream of potential income. Passion 4 Paws had offered to lease space on Vet Board property and bring additional revenue through monthly rent and veterinary service use. However, the Vet Board passed a resolution stating it “will not permit private businesses or organizations to develop, lease, or otherwise utilize any portion of the Vet Board property.”
(Municipal records also show that the Municipality of Russell Binscarth will be approving an $11,000 levy to the Vet Board — an increase over the previous year.)

Read the whole letter on pages 4 & 6 in this week's Russell Banner.

Living Legacy Community Foundation was awarded a grant from the Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund for a project that would enhance an area of the community. After some discussions with different community stakeholders, the need for furniture replacement at the Russell Personal Care Home stood out as a need that would benefit the region for many years.
As the funds from the Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund was not quite $23,000 and the estimated total project was over $43,000, Living Legacy granted the balance to complete the project.
The Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund has provided a grant for 2026 to Living Legacy Community Foundation to be put toward another community project, yet to be determined.
Living Legacy Community continues to be one of the best kept secrets in the area. The Foundation has existed since 1977 and since its inception has grown to over 1.3 million in endowed funds. These funds give monies annually back to the community. Grants awarded in 2025 were given to Binscarth Park and Pool $3,450; George P. Buleziuk Centre $10,000; North Western Marquette Festival $1,500; Russell & Area Heritage & Arts $2,000, Russell & District Regional Library $3,000; Russell Minor Hockey $2,250; Yachminka Ukrainian Dance $5,000 for a total of $27,200 plus $1,800 in post secondary scholarships to 2nd year students. These grants come from unrestricted funds. Organizations that have endowed monies each receive an annual payment.
With starting an endowment fund, community organizations are securing annual funds for future projects. It is recognized that many times, groups are struggling for funds for immediate use. An endowment fund gives back funds from the endowed monies annually. In 2025, LLCF disbursed an average of 4% to each group or $21,000.
If you or someone you know likes to see money going back to community projects, please consider joining the board.

The five local women enrolled in The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program - (seen on the roof of the building above) left- right: Kaitlyn Hatt, Chantelle Wishira, Isabelle Wishira, Lisa Kitchemonia and Jaz Brazeau, spent the last three weeks of their 17-week program applying the practical construction and trade skills they’ve learned.

By now, you may have seen a fancy new warming shack at the outdoor rink between the Never Better studio and the Leisure Centre on the north end of Russell’s Main Street.
The much needed warm up building at the outdoor rink has a bit of a story behind it - who built it and how it came to be.
Duane Klimack, who taught at Major Pratt school for decades, has now taken on a new project, one that incorporates both his teaching skills and his knowledge of construction.
Here’s what the government has to say about their program which is now being offered by Assiniboine Community College
“The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a Government of Canada initiative that delivers 16 programs, including Canada Summer Jobs through a network of 12 federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations.
The Strategy is designed to support diverse youth (aged 15 to 30) to become job-ready through work experience, training, skills development and supports that allow them to successfully transition into diverse sectors of the labour market. Through its wide range of programs, the strategy invests in young people to build a strong Canadian economy while ensuring we continue to support those who may struggle to get ahead.”

Get the whole story on the front page of this week's Russell Banner.

For the last 11 years, the Major Pratt Trojans high school hockey teams have donned pink jerseys in their Fight Against Cancer fundraising game and donated a grand total of $210,866 towards the construction of the Manitoba CancerCare unit in Russell. During that time, the Roblin/Grandview/Gilbert Plains Raiders have been their opponent on numerous occasions.
Check out pics from the event in this week’s Review.

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.