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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
17 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
18 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
18 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.
18 hours ago
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Hunter Zahn to participate in Shooting Sports Championship
It has been quite the spring for Hunter Zahn of Ortonville. The 16-year old, son of Josh and Samantha Zahn, is a member of the Ortonville Trap Shooting Team as well as the Big Stone County 4-H Shooting Team.
The Ortonville Independent
Jun 26


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


BSCB approves County Ag Inspector; County Recorder
The Big Stone County Board met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5 at the Big Stone County Courthouse in Ortonville with all commissioners present.
The Ortonville Independent
May 15


Trojan Trap Shooting Team in First Place after week three
The Ortonville High School Spring Trap Shooting team is in first place after the third week of competition. The Trojans compete in Class 3A, Conference 1. Standings and results are shown below after week three.
The Ortonville Independent
May 15


Trojans vs. Ashby Arrows, May 8
Trojan Center Fielder Chase Lovegren swings and hits a two-run home run in their game against the Ashby Arrows on Friday, May 8 in Ashby. The Trojans lost the game, 6-4.
The Ortonville Independent
May 15


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


BSCB approves 2025 audit; AIS Delegation Agreement
The Big Stone County Board met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at the Big Stone County Courthouse in Ortonville with all commissioners present.
The Ortonville Independent
May 11


Lady Trojans drop games to MACCRAY, Dawson-Boyd
TROJAN OUTFIELDER EMMA EASTMAN slides safely into home plate in their game against the MACCRAY Wolverines on Tuesday, April 28 at Trojan Field. The Trojans lost both games of the doubleheader.
The Ortonville Independent
May 11


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
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