top of page
320-839-6163
recent articles


Miss Big Stone Lake Area Queens and Winning Essay
Heck's winning essay: Some places become special because of memories. Big Stone Lake Area is one of those places, a community filled with history, natural beauty, and people who care for one another. During holidays, celebrations, or even vacations, our town floods with curious eyes and eager hearts. Even the students who claimed to move far away from here, seem to always come back, but why? Its rich history, beautiful scenery, and close-knit community make Big Stone Area a
5 hours ago


Council approves purchase of equipment for Fire Dept.
The Ortonville City Council met for their second meeting of the month on Monday, Aug. 17 in the Library Media Center. All council members were present for the meeting. Librarian Jason Frank on behalf of the Pioneerland board is requesting that Ortonville provide a three percent increase over the 2026 funding. For 2027 the budget request is $93,986. The increase will be spent on services, collection and programs to benefit your community, allow for hiring and retention of qu
6 hours ago


BSCB approves adopting interim Data Center Moratorium
The Big Stone County Board met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the Big Stone County Courthouse in Ortonville. Commissioner Zimmel was absent from the meeting. Board members approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from their regular meeting on Aug. 4. They also authorized payment of bills. During committee reports, board members discussed information from recent meetings. Following committee reports, the Big Stone County Board received updates and address
6 hours ago


School Board approves two Referendum meeting sessions
The Ortonville School Board met for their monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 24 in the Media Center. All board members were present for the meeting. The board accepted the following resignations: Kaitlyn Burdorf as Paraprofessional; Ben Johnson as Paraprofessional; Sara Fetters as Paraprofessional; Patty Pederson as Food Service employee; and Ashley Athey as Food Service employee.
6 hours ago
Obituaries


Liane Rausch
Liane Rausch, age 71, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, with a prayer vigil and Rosary beginning at 9:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to
The Ortonville Independent
6 hours ago


Kenneth "Kenny" Skoog
Kenneth "Kenny" Skoog, 87, of Graceville, MN, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Grace Home in Graceville. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mundwiler & Larson Funeral Home in Graceville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Fr. Shawn Polman will officiate and burial will be at Graceville Consolidated Cemetery near Graceville.
The Ortonville Independent
7 hours ago


Arlen “Red” LaCombe
Arlen Edward LaCombe was born on January 24, 1930, at the family farm home near Big Stone City, SD. He was the son of Walter and Olive (Jacobs) LaCombe, and affectionately nicknamed, Red. He attended country school until his family moved to a farm near Ortonville, MN, and then attended Ortonville High School, graduating with the Class of 1948. Red farmed with his father. He was united in marriage with Ardell Bernette Agre on November 8, 1953, in Montevideo, MN. They were bl
The Ortonville Independent
5 days ago


Phyllis Ann (Melland) Seiler
Phyllis Ann (Melland) Seiler was born May 23, 1937, to Russell and Gunvor (Wichman) Melland of Jamestown, North Dakota. Phyllis graduated high school in 1955 and attended Concordia College for a year. On February 1, 1958, she married the love of her life, Raymon Seiler. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work and fun. Prior to marriage, Phyllis worked as a dental assistant and as an aide on the maternity ward in Jamestown. Once married, she was bl
The Ortonville Independent
5 days ago


Janet "Jan" Elaine Nelson
Janet "Jan" Elaine Nelson, age 89, of Glenwood, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Glenwood Retirement Village under the care of hospice following a lengthy illness. A memorial service celebrating Janet and her late husband David will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton with Pastor James Rach officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Clinton Ceme
The Ortonville Independent
5 days ago


Galen Gottschalk
Galen Gottschalk, age 85, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Fairway View Neighborhoods. In respecting Galen’s wishes, cremation will take place, and a private family ceremony will be held at a later date to honor his life and legacy. Galen Keith Gottschalk was born in McPherson, KS, on December 5, 1940, to Freddie and Elvira (Gillberg) Gottschalk. He was raised in Lindsborg, KS, and graduated from Lindsborg High School. In 1958, Galen enlisted
The Ortonville Independent
5 days ago


Gertrude Goldsmith
Gertrude Goldsmith, age 101, of Big Stone City, S.D., passed away Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, S.D.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 13


Dorothy Gmiterko
Dorothy Gmiterko, age 95, of Ortonville, Minn., passed away Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 13


Tamara “Tammy” Minder
Tamara “Tammy” Minder, age 63, of Estelline, S.D., passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at her residence in Estelline.
Clarissa
Aug 13


Susan Faye Goetsch
The Zahrbock Funeral Home announces the death of 74-year-old Susan Goetsch of Milbank, SD who passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Milbank Hospital.
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26
bottom of page



