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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
16 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
17 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
17 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.
17 hours ago
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Council briefed on Energy Report for Community Center
The Ortonville City Council met for its first meeting of the month Monday, Aug. 4, in the Library Media Center. Council member Ashley Berger was absent from the meeting. Lisa Graphenteen of the Ortonville Economic Development Association (EDA) and Kevin Ketelson of the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC) were present to discuss the City of Ortonville’s Community Center energy assessment recommendations and potential funding resources.
Clarissa
Aug 13


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


Health Care Board approves Home Health Care Closure
ORTONVILLE — Ortonville Area Health Services will begin a four to six month transition period to help Home Health clients, families and caregivers move services to other qualified providers in the region following action taken by the Ortonville Area Health Services Health Care Board on Monday, July 28.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 3


BSCB approves SW PIC Joint Powers Agreement
The Big Stone County Board met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 2 at the Big Stone County Courthouse in Ortonville with all commissioners present.
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26


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


Stacy Brotzel
Nov 17, 1960 — May 25, 2026
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26


Judith A. "Judy" (Kraayenbrink) Noll
Judith "Judy" Noll, 84 of Minnesota formerly of Watertown passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 in Wyoming, MN.
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26


Two Trojan softball players named to All Conference team
TROJAN SOFTBALL TEAM AWARDS were handed out during the end of the year softball awards on Sunday, June 7 at the Ortonville School. Pictured left to right, are Alyana Nelson (Team MVP and Camden Conference All Conference), Emma Eastman ( Best Hustle Award), Alyssa Arndt (Most Improved), Addie Hartman (Golden Slugger Award) and Bailey Merritt (Golden Glove Award and Camden Conference Honorable Mention). Not pictured is Taylor Larson (Trojan Spirit Award).
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26
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