top of page
320-839-6163
recent articles
OHS Veterans Day Program to be held on November 11
In honor of our Veterans and their families, the Ortonville School is holding their 24th Annual Veterans Day Program Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The program is intended to be fully open to the public, students in James Knoll Elementary, and Ortonville High School. CSM (R) Joe Eustice will serve as emcee for the program. OHS students will present a Tribute to Veterans of All Wars. One student from each grade will be presenting plaques of all
1h
Minnesota firearms deer season opens this Saturday
Many deer hunters look forward to the firearms opener every year for the anticipation of being out at dawn to watch for a flick of the tail or listen for a slight crunch of leaves, but also the traditional and rich memories that come from spending time with friends and family together outdoors. More than 400,000 Minnesota hunters are expected to participate in the 2026 firearms deer season, which opens Saturday, Nov. 7. Ahead of the season, the Minnesota Department of Natural
2h
Anderson Wins Section XC Title, Heads to State
Border West sophomore Karissa Anderson captured the Section 6A girls cross country championship Thursday, Oct. 29, at Vintage Golf Course in Staples, earning a trip to the Minnesota Class A State Cross Country Meet.
3h
Big Stone County Cancer Support Group
The Big Stone County Cancer Support Group will hold its next regular meeting on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Clinton Memorial Building. All members are encouraged to attend, and new members are always welcome. The support group has helped many people over the past two decades. Please consider becoming a part of it!
3h
All Posts
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
Letter: Becky Parker Ortonville
8-25-26 Dear Editor, Why Social Security Matters The Social Security Act of 1935 was created to provide insurance against old age, death, and disability. For 90 years, it has helped protect Americans and was originally passed with strong bipartisan support.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
Liane Rausch
Liane Rausch, age 71, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, SD. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, with a prayer vigil and Rosary beginning at 9:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
Kenneth "Kenny" Skoog
Kenneth "Kenny" Skoog, 87, of Graceville, MN, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Grace Home in Graceville. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mundwiler & Larson Funeral Home in Graceville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Fr. Shawn Polman will officiate and burial will be at Graceville Consolidated Cemetery near Graceville.
The Ortonville Independent
Aug 26
Still Serving
By Jake Lillehaug 8-27-26 The jersey was probably a little too big, but that didn’t seem to bother him. My son stood there looking at his name across the back of his first football jersey with a smile that made it obvious, this was a pretty big deal. At six years old, this will be his first experience playing football. For him, it was a jersey. For me, it was another reminder that summer is slowly giving way to fall. School is starting. Football fields are filling up. Dan
Jake Lillehaug
Aug 26
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
Clarissa
Aug 21
Cabin for
Rent
bottom of page