Area farmers have been hitting the fields lately with their seeders as weather and moisture levels allow, kicking-off the official start of the growing season. Pictured here, Sean Baskier puts down a field of beans on one of his quarters in the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman.

Halverson Hauling has commenced the demolition of the former Conrad Apartments at 124 Fifth Avenue South in Swan River. The multi-family residence was evacuated in 2020 after multiple fires destroyed the building and approximately two dozen residents were displaced. The building has since been in legal limbo as invested parties are deciding whether the property owner or insurance company is responsible to pay for damages and demolition. The Town of Swan River has hired Halverson Hauling for a quoted price of $70,000 with the expectation that they will eventually recover the cost from the property owner. The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

It was an exciting day on Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation last Friday (Sept. 23) as residents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the grand opening of two important buildings - the newly built school and youth centre.

From Sept. 9-11 people from all walks of life were invited to Chalk the Walk for World Suicide Prevention Day, which took place on Sept. 10. With chalk available through the local Hero Club and Prairie Mountain Health representatives, community members were invited to beautify our community with images and messages of hope, resilience, suicide awareness and prevention. Every year, 160 million people world wide contemplated suicide and, tragically, 800,000 of them die by suicide. This means that more than 159 million people who survive a suicide related crisis every year. There is no reason that anyone has to die by suicide and, if we all do our part, we can prevent those deaths that do happen and the devastating impact that they have.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) MMIWG Liaison Unit was in the Valley on July 7 to support the family of Lorene Bone, who has been missing since 2016. The group made numerous stops around Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

A number of Main Street businesses are left picking up the pieces after a fews weeks of criminal activities has lead to a slew of broken windows down and just off Swan River’s main drag.