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City of Ortonville receives MPFA funding for two projects
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) has announced $88.6 million in loans and grants for 12 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in nine cities throughout the state. Investments will replace nearly 4,000 lead service lines in three cities, among other projects.
Sep 10
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
Aug 26
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
Aug 26
News
City of Ortonville receives MPFA funding for two projects
The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) has announced $88.6 million in loans and grants for 12 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in nine cities throughout the state. Investments will replace nearly 4,000 lead service lines in three cities, among other projects.
The Ortonville Independent
Sep 10
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
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
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
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
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
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
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.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
It’s back to school for Ortonville students Aug. 27
As families wrap up summer plans and gather up school supplies, backpacks, and schedules, another school year is nearly here. Staff will return to Ortonville School for Back-to-School Week beginning Aug. 24, with students returning for the first day of classes on Thursday, Aug. 27. There is always excitement that comes with a new school year. New teachers. New classes. New activities. A clean building and fresh start. Back-to-School Week
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 21
MSHSL Board of Directors makes decisions for 2026-2027 school year
A new venue for the Girls and Boys Cross Country State Meets, a schedule adjustment for the Girls and Boys Basketball State Tournaments and continued dues credits to Member Schools were among the formal decisions made on Tuesday, Aug. 4, when the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors met for the first of six in-person meetings during the 2026-2027 School Year.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 13
Betty Weick Reflects on a Century of Faith, Family and Caring for Others
When Betty Weick is asked what it feels like to turn 100 years old, she doesn't make much of it.
“No different, really,” she said with a smile. “I can't say I feel any different because I am in good health.”
That simple answer seems fitting for a woman who has lived through nearly a century of change without ever seeking the spotlight. Instead, the lifelong Traverse County resident has spent much of her life caring for others as a wife, mother, Sunday school teacher, nurs
Jake Lillehaug
Aug 13
Blake Furhman 42 1/2 inch pike, Big Stone Lake
A 42 1/2-INCH PIKE was reeled in by Blake Fuhrman Saturday, Aug. 8, on Big Stone Lake while he was competing with the Border West Fishing Team in the Heart O’ Lakes Championship Fishing Tournament. The pike was the largest fish caught across the 15 lakes and among the 200 anglers competing Saturday. After the Border West anglers finished their fishing window from 7:30 a.m. to noon, they had to arrive in Battle Lake by 2 p.m. to finish the tournament and complete weigh-ins.
The Northern Star
Aug 13
Former Appleton prison sold to federal government for $495.6 million
A day after it was announced that a former private prison in west-central Minnesota would be used to house U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, the company operating the facility announced the sale of the former prison to the federal government for nearly half a billion dollars.
Clarissa
Aug 13
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