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Local Election Results Reported for CGB Area
Voters headed to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, with all precincts reporting in local races. CGB School Board: Scott Mahoney (760), Nicole Fuhrman (732), Nicole Homan (720) and Kelsey Holtz (680) won the four open seats. Jodi Morrill received 637 votes. Theresa Diekmann received 925 votes in the special election.
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Ortonville Elects Three School Board Members, Rejects Two Referendum Questions
Voters came in full force for the General Election held Tuesday, Nov. 3, electing three new members to the Ortonville School Board and voting down two school referendum questions. In the Ortonville School Board election, Alicia Radermacher received 862 votes; Andy Strei had 682; Emily Sigler, 591; Meggan Karels, 448; Craig Danielson, 442; Travis Jorgenson, 420; Kathryn Melton, 324; Connie Rausch-Jurgens, 229; and Karley Teske, 225. Radermacher, Strei and Sigler will take the
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Bonnie Pearson Layton
Bonnie Pearson Layton was boron February 13, 1945, to Harold and Dorothy Pearson. As a young child, Bonnie moved with her parents to Ortonville, MN, where they had charge of The Ortonville Greenhouse. The family grew by two when Al and Dori were adopted, giving Bonnie a brother and a sister.
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County Board approves clinical services with Woodland Centers
The Big Stone County Board met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Big Stone County Courthouse in Ortonville with all County Commissioners present for the meeting. Board members approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from their regular meeting on Oct. 6. 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
Oct 27
The Ortonville Independent
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
Dinnel grandson to play football for Air Force Academy
Playing college football is a dream for many athletes. Playing college football for a military academy is not only a dream for some, but a huge commitment not only for the individual, but for their family and country. Henry Hauge graduated in 2026 from Lakeville High School in the Twin Cities. His mother, Denise Hauge, is a 1992 graduate of Ortonville High School, and the daughter of Gary and Diane Dinnel, long-time residents of Ortonville who now reside in the Twin Cities.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
Cornfest Fun Run results, 5K and 10K
The 2026 Cornfest Fun Run featured 5K and 10K races, held in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, with runners competing for the top overall spots in the men’s and women’s divisions. The race was held Saturday morning, Aug. 22. 10k 1st Place Winner; Mark Dorsett pictured above In the men’s 5K, Cadyn Vanderwal took first place with a time of 14:22. Chalmer Combellick finished second in 14:38, followed by Milton Xiquin in third at 16:48. Lily Lovgren led the women’s 5K wi
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
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
Aug 21
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
Aug 21
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
Aug 21
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
Aug 21
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