The snow plows, tractors, loaders, snow shovels and snow blowers continue to be in active duty mid-way into April, with a major dump of snow landing on the Swan Valley Tuesday and Wednesday (April 7 and 8). Environment Canada estimated an additional 30 cm had accumulated on the ground by Thursday (April 9) – totalling as much as 64 cm – accompanied by gusts as fast as 59 km/h. Despite several days of melting temperatures and the beginnings of spring flooding, the area is forecasted to receive as much as another 13 cm later this week. Pictured here, crews continue to clear the temporary snow median on Fifth Avenue North that still remained on Monday morning five days after the flurries ended.

While there still is a lot of snow left over for the first week of April – with more on the way – Old Man Winter is slowly showing signs of going back to sleep and letting spring emerge. Pictured here, a young deer wanders around Harlington in the shadow of Thunderhill.

The Swan School of Dance presented their spring recital on Wednesday (March 25) at the SVRSS. Their theme this year was ‘Lights... Camera... Dancin!!’. Pictured here, the Jazz/Hip-hop class of new instructor/alumna Ella Hart finish their performance to the tune of Let’s Get Loud.. More on A10/11

The last curling event at the Swan River Community Centre took place on Wednesday (March 18), and thanks to the warm, melting weather, the ice was ready to take out on Friday (March 20) – the first official day of spring – an apropos symbol of the changing seasons. Pictured here, a rented loader service from Cook Bros. Cartage cleans up the painted slush.

Local artist Derryl May showcased his talents again with a snow sculpture located at the entrance of Highway 83 South. The sculpture features a favourite pastime in the Valley and it’s a tribute to the upcoming Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby

The Swan Valley Fire Department, alongside Swan River RCMP and Shared Health EMS, responded to a call of a two-vehicle collision on Monday morning (Feb. 23) at 9:22 a.m., on the Hwy. No. 83 bypass south of Swan River. It appeared that a van had crossed the centre line, close to the curve in the roadway, and collided with the left rear set of tires of a semi-truck. There were no injuries to the semi driver, but the van driver was transported to hospital by EMS. No details on their injuries. The road conditions were good and the highway was closed for approximately 50 minutes.

Love was in the air last weekend, as people celebrated a special Saturday edition of St. Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). Following the bundles of Valentine’s Day cards that schoolchildren likely brought home the day before, restaurants and retail stores brought out their best specials and decked out their facilities to help get people in the spirit of love. Pictured here, the Thunderhill Ski Area Co-op Chalet sets the mood with their decorations during a balmy day on the snowy slopes.