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
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


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
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.
Aug 26
News


Eighteen contestants vie for Miss Big Stone Lake Area
THE MISS BIG STONE LAKE AREA PAGEANT will be held Friday, Aug. 21, during Cornfest at Lakeside Park. Pictured left to right are Summer Rixe, Addison Brown, Selina Diekmann, Josephine Heck, Amelia Zinski and Liv Wollschlager. Inset, left to right, are Alexa Larson and Brianna Nelson.
Clarissa
Aug 13


Nine file as candidates for Ortonville School Board
The filing period for candidates seeking seats on the Ortonville School Board, Ortonville City Council and local township and municipal offices closed Tuesday, July 28. The General Election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 3


Fellows takes reins as Ortonville Athletic Director
ORTONVILLE — Matt Fellows officially began his new role as Athletic Director for the Ortonville School District on Aug. 3.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 3


Lily Streich working as 4-H Summer Intern in BSC
Lily Streich of Marietta will be the 4-H Summer Intern, working out of the Big Stone County Extension Office in Ortonville.
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26


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
bottom of page



