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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
3 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
4 hours ago
the northern star
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
3 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
3 hours ago
the Ortonville independent
news
Sports
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.
4 hours ago3 min read
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
4 hours ago1 min read
obituaries
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
4 hours ago4 min read
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.
4 hours ago3 min read
Letters to the editor
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.
4 hours ago1 min read
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