top of page
320-839-6163
Subscribe Today!
Fun for all this weekend during 87th Annual Cornfest
BRAXEN BLAKE, son of Riley and Tayler Blake enjoyed his ear of corn during last year's Cornfest corn feed. Blake and his family will be present again this year for another corn feed. He welcomes everyone to join him at Cornfest this weekend Aug. 21-23, 2026. The Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 87th Annual Cornfest this weekend, Aug. 21-23, with a full slate of events for the whole family. All events will be held at Lakeside Park unless otherwise noted. Fr
2 hours ago
Betty Weick Reflects on a Century of Faith, Family and Caring for Others
When Betty Weick is asked what it feels like to turn 100 years old, she doesn't make much of it.
“No different, really,” she said with a smile. “I can't say I feel any different because I am in good health.”
That simple answer seems fitting for a woman who has lived through nearly a century of change without ever seeking the spotlight. Instead, the lifelong Traverse County resident has spent much of her life caring for others as a wife, mother, Sunday school teacher, nurs
Aug 13
the northern star
It’s back to school for Ortonville students Aug. 27
As families wrap up summer plans and gather up school supplies, backpacks, and schedules, another school year is nearly here. Staff will return to Ortonville School for Back-to-School Week beginning Aug. 24, with students returning for the first day of classes on Thursday, Aug. 27. There is always excitement that comes with a new school year. New teachers. New classes. New activities. A clean building and fresh start. Back-to-School Week
52 minutes ago
Former Appleton prison sold to federal government for $495.6 million
A day after it was announced that a former private prison in west-central Minnesota would be used to house U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees, the company operating the facility announced the sale of the former prison to the federal government for nearly half a billion dollars.
Aug 13
the Ortonville independent
news
Sports
Verheul sets National Archery record, NFFA Championships
Local young archer earns place in national record books after years of practice, discipline and competition. Martin Verheul of Ortonville, son of Todd and Sara Verheul, has earned a place in the national record books after an outstanding performance at the 2026 National Field Archery Association National Outdoor Field Championships in Yankton, SD. Verheul recorded a score of 525 points in the Hunter Round, establishing a new NFAA national record in the Young Adult Male Bowh
59 minutes ago3 min read
Border West Fishing Team Wraps Up Another Successful Season
The coach reported that the fishing team had another amazing year. The team finished their competitive fishing season with the Heart O’ Lakes Championship event, and they chose Big Stone Lake as the location to fish. Fishing hours were from 7:30 a.m. to noon. This created a very tight window to arrive in Battle Lake by 2 p.m., a risk worth taking to allow them more practice time on home water.
Aug 133 min read
obituaries
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
26 minutes ago2 min read
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
29 minutes ago2 min read
Letters to the editor
Apr 226 min read
Cabin for
Rent
Cabin for
Rent
bottom of page