All posts filed under: Events

Northridge Apartment Specs, OHS Homecoming & the 2019 Art’s Meander

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It was a busy week for all ages in the Ortonville area! Many of you have noticed the activity at the Northridge building (I know this because of the number of texts I’ve received!)  Yes, the work has begun – and I can share the Phase I and Phase II apartment layout with you!  Phase I is the complete northern hall/end with Phase II being the apartments along the hallway that runs north and south.   LINK:  Apartment Layout — The contractors have an estimated 60 working days to complete Phase I with Phase II to follow early next summer.  Phase I includes Six 2-bedrooms, two 1-bedrooms and an efficiency apartment. More details to follow!   — If you are interested in renting and would like more information once the project is complete (or nearing completion) of the first phase, please fill in the no-obligation form.  LINK to FORM I’m excited to see this project get started – the property will provide some lovely rental options with mature trees, great landscaping and private sheltered picnic area in …

Big Stone Health Care Foundation Event

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I was unable to make this event; however, I sent my camera and asked Vanessa Lhotka-Meyer (Big Stone Health Care Foundation’s Director) for some highlights from the event and she provided all of the information below.  So… that certainly helped complete this blog post! I would like to introduce our speaker today, Dr. Stacy Longnecker. Stacey and her husband Isaiah chose to return to Ortonville because of a love for the community, rural setting and trust she found in the partners as she began her practice back in 2008. In that time, Stacey has built her practice specifically her OB practice; this has been invaluable to the area and success of Ortonville Area Health Services. Stacey is a leader and is admired by her coworkers and staff for compassion and dedication. Her patients and staff know that Stacey shares in their own personal journeys and becomes invested in each life she touches. Her staff describes her as an inspiration who possess amazing strength, knowledge, and faith. Please help me welcome Dr. Stacy Longnecker. This is …

Santa Day in Ortonville

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It was so much fun to see everyone enjoying downtown Ortonville on Saturday!  The Community Center had a steady stream from 1 to 4 to see Santa, have some treats, activities & games – then off to Lingonberry’s for cookie decorating (Hartman’s Super Valu is on First Street; however, they joined the fun up on Second Street by donating the cookie decorating supplies!)  Dalen Roe was kept very busy with hayrides and OMG owners Greg & Sue Lockwood prepped their lot next to their building with a bonfire so that it was ready for Christmas Caroling around the fire after the lighted parade. And, as announced earlier on this blog, 2nd Street (Coffee House & Bistro) opened on Saturday during all of the festivities.  When I asked them what their best seller of the day was, they said it was the potato soup in a bread bowl… later on Facebook, I did see postings that said how good that soup was!  I purchased a sampling (that sounds smaller than it was! ha) of baked treats …

Looking back, Christmas in Ortonville & Big Stone County

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County Santa & Event Schedule November 19th – ClintonWomen’s Civic Club – Taster’s Tea December 1 – Beardsley, Santa will be in town from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. December 1 – Ortonville various activities 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (with sunset lighted Christmas Parade) December 1 – Graceville Santa Day at Grace Village at 1:00 December 2 – 7:00 p.m. Community Hymn Sing at Abiding Faith Lutheran Church December 8th – Clinton 930-11am bingo for prizes and pictures with Santa We will update with additional events as they are posted. What does it look like here in Ortonville and other Big Stone County communities for the Christmas Season?  Check out some videos from our recent past.  #Life #LoveWhereYouLive Guess what year on this first video (one of my favorites!) A video from one of Clinton’s annual Taster’s Tea Event! A flashback a few years to the annual event – Downtown Ortonville Snowflake Lighting! A video of one of the annual Community Hymn Sing! I happen to have the Abiding Faith Lutheran Church Christmas Program video – …

2018 Veterans Day Program

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The program was November 12, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the Ortonville School. Master of Ceremonies, SM Retired Joseph Eustice guided us through the program – delivering information and leading us through the recognition of so many in our community to the Tribute to Veterans of all wars. I’ve split the program into sections – and apologize for the shaky moments throughout.  I tried videotaping from the new bleachers this year and although the height gives a great view, every movement of the crowd shakes the camera. Posting of Colors VFW Post 3964 and VFW Auxiliary National Anthem – OAHS Band directed by Ms Jen Mickels Welcome – Master of Ceremonies:  CSM Retired Joseph Eustice Veterans’ Day Poem “Thought for Today” read by Aubrey Zuraff Patriotic Selection Elementary Choir Grades 4, 5, 6 Directed by Mrs. Jennifer Neu “For the Good of the Many” and “Stars & Stripes Forever” Tribute to Veterans of All Wars.  Students of the Ortonville School presenting plaques with war totals.  Readings read by Jason Helgeson Veterans’ Day Address:  SP4 Gerald …

Visitor Quote “This is just like a Hallmark Movie”

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It is Monday morning with October fast coming to a close – and I heard an awesome quote from a visitor who happened to be in Ortonville for Friday’s Harvest Madness – Treat Street. Quote:  “This is just like a Hallmark Movie” The quote is from Marcee who is a friend of Rachelle Hasslen.  Marcee has always lived in larger cities and is not familiar with our Minnesota rural!  Well, not until Rachelle!   🙂 Wow.  I took the time last night to think on that statement.  We get so busy with work, volunteering, extended family and friends that I don’t think we really take the time to step back and take in the ‘big picture’.  So I thought I’d gather a few highlights starting with the festivities that earned that quote. Harvest Madness – Treat Street started at 4:30.  The kickoff was organized to start at Northside Medical Clinic (part of Ortonville Area Health Services-OAHS) for treats and to pick up a bag which they then took downtown where the Main Street businesses were ready …

45th Annual Scandinavian Food Fair

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It is a special year at First English Lutheran Church, here in Ortonville – the 45th Annual Scandinavian Food Fair! When:  November 3rd Time:   12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy Scandinavian food and shopping It is a Scandinavian Coffee Party! Link to the official Facebook Event Page Event Flyer This event has been enjoyed by so many over the years, we thought it would be fun to share a little history – Enjoy!!           – Thank you to Ethel Swenson! 45th Annual Scandinavian Food Fair On December 1, 1973, the First English Lutheran Church Women staged their first Annual Scandinavian  Christmas Food Fair in the church basement.  The event was termed a great success and a fun project.  It was a project that was even profitable — $1,000.00 after expenses, which was earmarked for new “curtains”.  Forty-five years ago they “gladly did it” – they had a vision, a vision that started it all. Spending hours in their kitchens, the women provided some of the following for their event (as taken from their …

Leadership Book Club Invite!

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I’m excited for the opportunity to work through this topic with Edie as she completes her extended education through The Humphrey School of Public Affairs (part of the University of Minnesota) in the Master of Public Affairs program!  I’m hoping others will join along for this learning experience! Edie Barrett invites you to be a part of her class project where she is hosting a book club featuring Brene’ Brown’s new book, Dare to Lead.  Listen to the KDIO news story below for details. (link below) The first meeting is this coming Sunday, October 21st from  2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Lingonberry’s Edie notes “We will circle around the following questions:  What does it mean to live in a quality rural community? What does that look like on a day-to-day basis? Who gets to decide what a quality rural community is? And what is my responsibility?” — There will be 11 free books available!  This book club will go through May 2019 and meet one time per month. Check out Edie Barret’s Facebook Invite at this …

Class of 1968 Table Dedication

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What an awesome idea – picnic tables & benches out of the old Ortonville High School granite steps!!  Thanks to Joel Stattelman for saving the steps and Mary Hillman for the idea!  There is always a team effort! The first video is the dedication for the Class of 1968 and the second video is a very informative review of granite and the historic tools used from Raush Brothers Granite! Having an OHS class Reunion? Want to do something in memory of classmates? Contact Mary Hillman (320)760-8235 These picnic tables and benches are of the old high school steps your class once walked, ran, stumbled up and down, and sat on.