Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) was notified that the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3 starting this morning at 6:15 a.m. The emergency alert means that electric generation in the region is not sufficient to meet the extreme and widespread demand for electricity. SPP began temporarily shutting down power, otherwise known as rolling blackouts, which will reduce demand on the system. MRES had hoped to provide advance notice to its members but SPP was unable to notify us in time.

… SPP remains in an Emergency Alert Level 3 because they are still operating below required minimum reserves. Therefore, MRES asks that its member municipal utilities do whatever they can to reduce power usage in their communities, such as requesting that customers voluntarily reduce electric usage by delaying running the dishwasher and clothes washer, turning down the heat, and shutting off lights.

LINK to full Alert on the Power shortage

Big Stone County has approved Big Stone Area Growth (BSAG) to administer the $250,000 available for businesses & non-profits within the County.

Application Deadline is February 8, 2021
Funds will be awarded by March 15, 2021
for Application & Guidelines go to the MNbump.com website
LINK:  https://mnbump.com/2021-big-stone-county-relief-program/

There have been a few wondering where and how to vote in the City of Ortonville.

Ortonville Precinct 1 voters can vote in person at the armory building.  (or use the County website link below for other options)

Ortonville Precinct 2 voters are now in a mail ballot precinct and all registered voters were mailed their ballots.  They will NOT be voting at the armory.   If they want to vote in person, they can bring their ballot and vote at the Auditor’s Office.  P-2 voters that are not registered,  should contact the Auditor’s Office to make sure they have the correct proof of residence before coming in to vote.

Voting hours at the Auditor’s Office are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday with extended hours as follows:

                Saturday, October 31                    10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

                Monday, November 2                   until 5:00 PM

                Election Day, November 3rd         8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Any questions should be directed to the Auditor’s Office at 839-6366.

For additional information, the Big Stone County Website is a great source for election information  LINK:  https://www.bigstonecounty.org/government/auditor/elections/index.php

See this map to locate Precinct 1 and Precinct 2: 

You can pick up your free light bulbs at the City Office!