Big Stone County Sheriff's Office

05/22/2026

DARE Activities

The last several weeks have been busy for Big Stone County's 5th Graders. On April 29, 17 CGB 5th Graders received their DARE Certificates at their DARE Graduation. On May 11, 34 Ortonville 5th Graders received their DARE Certificates at their DARE Graduation. This marks their commitment to making safe and responsible choices following the completion of the ten-week DARE curriculum.

On May 20, students from both schools went to see the Minnesota Twins defeat the Houston Astros at Target Field. Some students were even lucky enough to make it on the Dance Cam. This trip is made possible through contributions to the Big Stone County DARE Fund. The meal on the drive home was paid for using Thrivent Action Teams funds.

Thank you to both schools and the community for your support of the DARE program.

05/14/2026

Clinton Bike to the Park Safety Night

Last evening, Deputies Stephen Roos, Alex Goergen, and Darrell Thompson spent time with area youth at the Clinton “Bike to the Park” event, sharing important bicycle safety tips. They handed out safety activity books and helmets, and some kids even checked out the squad cars.

Thanks to everyone who came out to make it a fun and safe night! 🚴‍♂️🚓

05/09/2026

In conjunction with Community Education, Deputy Gordon LeClair recently instructed self-defense classes in Ortonville and Graceville. Deputy LeClair is the Big Stone County Sheriff's Office's Defensive Tactics Instructor, and he shared some of his knowledge with several area individuals.

05/05/2026

**UPDATE - Owner Located**

**FOUND DOG**

If you are missing this dog please contact the Sheriffs Office at (320) 839-3558 so you can be reunited.

Appears to be a yellow lab wearing a light blue or gray colored collar with a small white dot pattern.

04/24/2026

Our team has been busy out in the community over the past few weeks!

• On March 21st, K9 Kota and Deputy Goergen presented at the Ortonville Sports & Leisure Show, sharing what it’s like to work as a K9 team.

• On March 26th, Deputy Lamee and Deputy Roos met with local 4H youth to talk about Stranger Danger and important everyday safety tips.

• On April 22nd, Sheriff Brown and Deputy Mork attended the Big Stone Colony Safety Day. Over 250 students from various colonies visited 17 different safety stations covering topics including 911, seatbelt, ATV, farm machinery, PTO hazards, and electrical safety. The day wrapped up with the arrival of the Life Link Air Ambulance, giving students the chance to tour squad cars, an ambulance, and the helicopter.

We’re grateful for every opportunity to connect with our community and help keep our youth informed and safe!

04/24/2026

**UPDATE - Owner has been located and Dog has been released**

If this is your dog, he is temporarily in the custody of the Big Stone County Sheriff's Office. Please contact dispatch at 320-839-3558 to be reunited. Wearing a collar, no tags.

04/08/2026

4/8/2026 @ 3:45 pm
**Missing Person**

The Wahpeton Police Dept is still searching for Alfred E. Odden. At one time Alfred had connections to locations in Big Stone County that we have been asked to check. These locations are Clinton to the East and Southeast towards Artichoke Lake. We ask property owners across the county to check their farm sites, bin sites, groves, and any area where Alfred and his vehicle may have traveled.

The Wahpeton Police Department is continuing to request the assistance of the public in attempting to locate Alfred ODDEN.

Alfred was last seen on 04/01/2026 at Casey's General Store in Valley City, ND. The investigation is ongoing; however, cellphone records confirm that Valley City was the last place Alfred's phone had connected to a tower.

Surveillance footage from Casey's shows Alfred wearing khaki pants, a purple jacket, and a baseball hat.

Please see the bulletin below for photos and a description of Alfred and Alfred's truck.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Alfred, please call the Richland County Law Enforcement Center at 701-642-7777.

03/15/2026

** SUNDAY 3/15/2026 UPDATE **

** TRAVEL ADVISORY – EXPECT TRAVEL TO BE DIFFICULT DUE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY, ICY ROADS, AND DRIFTING SNOW **

** SNOW EMERGENCY NOTICE: Now–March 16 @ 8:00 am **

With continued snowfall expected and strong winds, Snow Emergencies will continue in the following cities from Today, Sunday March 15th, through Monday, March 16 at 8 AM:

Ortonville: Now – 8 AM Monday
Graceville: Now – 8 AM Monday
Beardsley: Now – 8 AM Monday

During these times, all vehicles and trailers must be removed from roadways to allow for snow removal. Vehicles/trailers will need to remain off the streets until 8 AM Monday even after plowing as repeated plowing is expected.

Enforcement will not occur outside or immediately adjacent to open businesses or churches holding worship services. Once services or business hours end, vehicles must be removed.

Citations & Towing:
• Ortonville: handled at the Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office
• Graceville: citations paid at the Graceville City Offices

The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until Monday at 8 AM, with repeated plowing expected. Travel may become difficult to impossible—plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel.

For those subscribed to Smart911, Snow Emergency notifications for Ortonville and Graceville will be sent this afternoon and evening.

Stay safe and thank you for your cooperation.

03/14/2026

** TRAVEL ADVISORY – EXPECT DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE TRAVEL CONDITIONS **

** SNOW EMERGENCY NOTICE: March 14–March 16 **

With significant snowfall and strong winds expected, Snow Emergencies have been declared in the following cities from Today, Saturday March 14, through Monday, March 16 at 8 AM:

Ortonville: 6 PM today – 8 AM Monday
Graceville: 10 PM today – 8 AM Monday
Beardsley: 6 PM today – 8 AM Monday

During these times, all vehicles and trailers must be removed from roadways to allow for snow removal.

Enforcement will not occur outside or immediately adjacent to open businesses or churches holding worship services. Once services or business hours end, vehicles must be removed.

Citations & Towing:
• Ortonville: handled at the Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office
• Graceville: citations paid at the Graceville City Offices

The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until Monday at 8 AM, with repeated plowing expected. Travel may become difficult to impossible—plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel.

For those subscribed to Smart911, Snow Emergency notifications for Ortonville and Graceville will be sent this afternoon and evening.

Stay safe and thank you for your cooperation.

03/13/2026

** Anticipated Snow Emergency **
** Saturday (3/14/26) evening to Monday (3/16/26 morning) **
Ortonville, Graceville, and Beardsley

** Travel Advisory **

With significant snowfall and strong winds expected a Snow Emergency is anticipated in the cities of Ortonville, Graceville, and Beardsley. Over the next few days travel may become difficult if not impossible so please plan accordingly.

Ortonville has indicated a snow emergency from a timeframe of 6pm Saturday to 8:00 am Monday morning with repeated plowing expected.

Graceville is anticipating a snow emergency from 10pm Saturday to 8:00 am Monday morning with repeated plowing expected.

Beardsley will also be declaring a snow emergency with repeated plowing expected.

Updated information will be provided. SMART 911 alerts will be sent tomorrow afternoon/evening for those signed up to receive the Ortonville or Graceville snow emergency alerts.

Please have all vehicles/trailers removed from the public roadways during this time.