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Blake's Take
By Clarissa Blake 8-18-26 Bravo the dog just turned three on Aug. 17. This is my dog who comes to work with me at the newspapers, puts in long hours at the office, and comes with me on most deliveries so our customers can receive their news and printing products in a timely manner. When I first moved back to Big Stone County to help my dad with the Northern Star and Ortonville Independent, I found a small house to live in and was living alone. My dad said, “You either need a
4 days 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
4 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
4 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
4 days ago
News


Council members approve goat grazing at Nielson Park
The Ortonville City Council met for their first meeting of the month on Monday, May 4 in the Library Media Center.
The Ortonville Independent
May 15


County Historical Society Logo Contest submissions
Calling all artists and community members! The Big Stone County Historical Society is seeking a new logo, and invites the public to submit their creative ideas. The winning design will receive an exclusive “I Saw The Rock” shirt.
The Ortonville Independent
May 11


SDDOT conducts open house on Highway 12 Bridge Project
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) hosted an informal open house at the Big Stone Community Center on Monday, April 20, for an estimated $9 million bridge structure replacement and grading project on Highway 12 over the Whetstone Diversion Channel in Big Stone City. The event featured a project presentation and the opportunity for members of the public to have one-on-one discussions with SDDOT design staff.
Clarissa
May 11


Ortonville's Newly Joined Firefighters
Ortonville's Newly Joined Firefighters are Mason Kuechenmeister, left, and Rayver Sherod. They recently completed a rigorous course and passed a test to officially be a part of the Ortonville Fire Department.
The Ortonville Independent
May 11


Vern Peterson welcomed as new Ortonville Postmaster
Vern Peterson, who had been employed with the Morris Post Office, began his new duties as Ortonville Postmaster on March 21.
The Ortonville Independent
Apr 22


Council declines purchase of Armory, Vehicle Compound
The Ortonville city council met for their first meeting of the month on Monday, April 6 in the Library Media Center. Council members Matt Karels and Cory Stattelman were absent from the meeting.
The Ortonville Independent
Apr 22
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