Watch out for Trolls.

I saw these rules on another website and thought it had validity. There are those people who do not want truth to be told. They only want their side to be heard and so will do what they can to sabotage people who have an opposing view. I have great faith in most Americans to be discerning and encourage everyone to be respectful in this forum.


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It seems that having this website is a good idea and very well designed. What I don't understand is why there are so many posts that hurt people. There are many people whos names are listed that are made out to be bad people and they are actually working very hard in the best interest of Ortonville. It seems that a lot of facts are missing. I am also disappointed to see the negative immature comments such as "smoking a cigar on the golf course". I do not feel the negative immature comments are doing any good for the area. In fact it is hurting our area. Unless the negative remarks are deleted and a positive image of our area is promoted I will not be in favor of publisizing this site. If this site is truly a place to state opinions, then this post will not be deleted. If it is deleted, it will show that this website is an attempt to smear others through the mud.
Sincerely,

Artie Arndt

Thank you for your response.

Unfortunately you go on the attack and do not address the subject. Is the golf course in the deficit.

If you want to debate the subject then debate. If you wish to attack the site perhaps it is because those who have a weak case attack personality.

Deal with the subject and quit attacking the site. For years I have lived in Ortonville and you follow the typical motive operandi.

Good government is transparent to coin a phrase by O'Bama. We have reported our observations. The three councilmen have not been transparent and politically I think they are headed down the wrong path. A path that the residents will pay for, for years ahead.

If you believe that these three councilmen are transparent and you need something at city hall if I hurt your feelings but I disagree.

The role of the press is not to print marshmallow news that is always friendly and never reporting opposite positions. The role of the press is to create checks and balances. Have you read what the press said about McCann? Have you read what they are saying about Pawlwenty? The role of the press is another check and balance.

I am sure you can read the "marshmallow news" at another site. When the politicians to well by the voters we will also praise their work. It is time for the boys to do their job and respond to the public instead of a small group of people who may be self serving.

Welcome to the Forums Artie Arndt. It's nice to hear from you.

I do agree with you that some of the posts made recently do not paint a pretty picture of the Ortonville area's government, but we can only go on facts. If you know of any facts that are missing, PLEASE post them, as that was what this site was created for.

If people are not behaving themselves and taking advantage of their position, then someone needs to stand up and say something.

Instead of complaining that this site is being 'negative' it would beneficial for everyone if people would post what is really going on and correct misunderstandings.

Again, thank you for your comments. And I look forward to hearing from you again.

Maybe I am off my rocker. It just appears that this site is run by a Milbank, SD and several Big Stone City, SD residents that have a vendetta with the City of Ortonville. I wish you luck in your venture, but as a business person in Ortonville, a taxpayer in Ortonville and a member of the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce, I will not support your style of web blog. I have also talked to 15-20 business people in Ortonville that also agree that this site is distastful. Most are wondering what your motivation to do this site is, if it is not a personal vendetta.

I rest my case! It is ironic coming from you Mr. Arndt. The man who made even the Watertown newspaper for his unkindly words to law enforcement. The man who edited letters for the editors on behalf of the marshmellow news. Now is apparently threatening this forum unless we print only what you agree with.

State your facts and move on. I will assume you have no facts if you continue to attack personality.

When you have a weak case attack personality and not facts. I am embarassed for you who cannot present facts.

Why are you demeaning the people of Milbank and Big Stone City? Don't you want our business?

On the other hand, I do find it a lot easier to get information from Wheaton, Madison, Milbank, Grant County and Big Stone County vs. City of Ortonville.

Perhaps these other cities have less to hide.

This site's motivation is increasing and improving communications in the Big Stone Lake Area.

Instead of criticizing the site, people should be disscussing the CONTENT and where it originated. If anything posted on this site is incorrect or misleading, it is a citizens civic duty to PUBLICLY CORRECT it. If however someone has no information to disprove or dispute posted content, they can accept ot ignore the facts. The people of the Big Stone Lake Area deserve ALL sides of the story.

It is because this site is a 'forum' and not a 'web blog' that this type of community news center is possible.

Artie Arndt wrote:

It seems that having this website is a good idea and very well designed. What I don't understand is why there are so many posts that hurt people.

I don't know what you are talking about unless you are referring to the kids that were hurt by the hockey association board when they did not follow through on the proposed indoor hockey rink. Hockey Rink Makeover

Artie Arndt wrote:

There are many people whos names are listed that are made out to be bad people and they are actually working very hard in the best interest of Ortonville.

Again I repeat you are not being specific. I know of no one who was made out to be bad on these forums. There is a button on each post that says "Report" if you see anyone being personally attacked please report it.

Artie Arndt wrote:

It seems that a lot of facts are missing.

If you have the missing facts then by all means post them so that everyone can be better informed. Your cooperation in this area is appreciated.

Artie Arndt wrote:

I am also disappointed to see the negative immature comments such as "smoking a cigar on the golf course". I do not feel the negative immature comments are doing any good for the area. In fact it is hurting our area.

I fail to see how "smoking a cigar" is will hurt our area unless you are referring to air pollution.

Artie Arndt wrote:

Unless the negative remarks are deleted and a positive image of our area is promoted I will not be in favor of publisizing this site.

As I said above push the report button if you see any post s that violate the rules.

Artie Arndt wrote:

If this site is truly a place to state opinions, then this post will not be deleted. If it is deleted, it will show that this website is an attempt to smear others through the mud.

By the fact that your post is still here shows we don't delete immature comments.

Artie Arndt wrote:

Maybe I am off my rocker. It just appears that this site is run by a Milbank, SD and several Big Stone City, SD residents that have a vendetta with the City of Ortonville.

There are over 1100 posts on this website and over 100 members from all over the area. Are you saying they have a vendetta?

Artie Arndt wrote:

I wish you luck in your venture, but as a business person in Ortonville, a taxpayer in Ortonville and a member of the Ortonville Chamber of Commerce, I will not support your style of web blog. I have also talked to 15-20 business people in Ortonville that also agree that this site is distastful. Most are wondering what your motivation to do this site is, if it is not a personal vendetta.

The motivation for this site has been posted repeatedly on many threads. One could wonder what your motivation is. You post a new thread with all caps stating a ridiculous accusation and then end your post with another accusation.


Personal attacks are not permitted and so this thread is locked. One post was deleted because personal attack and inappropriate use of a name.

mouthpiece wrote:

I rest my case! It is ironic coming from you Mr. Arndt. The man who made even the Watertown newspaper for his unkindly words to law enforcement. The man who edited letters for the editors on behalf of the marshmellow news. Now is apparently threatening this forum unless we print only what you agree with.

State your facts and move on. I will assume you have no facts if you continue to attack personality.

When you have a weak case attack personality and not facts. I am embarassed for you who cannot present facts.

Why are you demeaning the people of Milbank and Big Stone City? Don't you want our business?

On the other hand, I do find it a lot easier to get information from Wheaton, Madison, Milbank, Grant County and Big Stone County vs. City of Ortonville.

Perhaps these other cities have less to hide.

Mouthpiece, interesting that you bring up the Watertown paper when you were the one
that sent out the press release when in fact it was you that attacked
the personality and not the facts. You were doing your job I
understand. You were also representing a guilty client that was less
than honest about the events that happened. We won't go there.
Judgement day will deal with that. You want facts, here they are: Fact,
the chamber and city have both cut the cord to this site as of today.
Fact: the individuals that you are tearing apart on this site have put
several thousand hours more than you have into working towards a better
Ortonville. Fact, several people have commented on the immaturity of
the posts made here. They usually have a few facts mixed in with a
bunch of one sided garbage. Fact, as you know in your business, there
is always a motive. It is easy to see the motive of you and the
BayBridges after your poor relationships with the city officials and
the businesses they run. You yourself shared your ill will towards the
city for not being selected city attorny. Fact, you have critisized the
city council for their investment into economic development and a
better golf course at the same time you critisize nothing being done to
better the community. So which is it, invest in the community or not.
Fact, you have several posts bashing the activities of the council, but
no alternatives to the action they take. Critisism is always best with
an alternative suggestion. Not just calling someone stupid. That being
said, it is always interesting having a debate with you because you do
it for a living. I just wish you would realize what you do to other
peoples lives. Why would anyone step forward on a board or comm. after
seeing what you have done to the current ones. Better yet, why have we
not seen the individuals that critisize here volunteer on city
committees ands boards. If you want to help Ortonville, than roll up
your sleeves and get busy in a positive manner

No swearing of ANY SORT is tolerated on this board.

Therefore the post that was here has been deleted.

The post should be renamed.

It always amazes me in this community that there are those who claim to be leaders who give partial facts and then attack.

My opinion is different than the writer. What educational or experience does he have that should allow him to shout at those who have a differing view. This is the very reason this community is stagnant. If you disagree with Mr. Arndt's position then you should not go to this site or not advertise on this site.

A community is strengthened by listening, not talking and shouting and in essence claim that if you disagree with you I will get even. Before you speak know that I have volunteered and have spend 1000's of hours in testimony and fact in a variety of governments.

Read the above thread. This city is fighting over water with Big Stone, or is this resolved. They are fighting with their employees at last nights meetings. They criticize us because we do business in Milbank. Shame! Shame! Shame! Instead of reaching across the table the city with Arndt at the head created enemies.

For those who are from out of town, I now understand why you do not shop in Ortonville. If Mr. Arndt is the symbol of the leadership in Ortonville because he cannot take criticism and this community will stagnant.

You guys are confusing me. Personal attack is or is not allowed on this website. Or is it just allowed by some. It is very clear that mouthpiece is attacking personality because he cannot attack facts. This site has been flooded with positive city business postings today and it is clear that it has taken the fun away from some who like to critisize. You asked for facts and I posted them...now what-do you continue to complain? I am quite certain I do not need to post my resume of leadership on this website but feel free to call me and we can go to coffee to discuss my leadership in Ortonville!

Freedom of the press is part of a very complex check and balance system. When elected official make poooooor decisions, i.e., the thread about moving money around like a casino, this is the very role of the press.

Elected officials stand in a different light. In terms of personal attacks you said that employees were personally offended. My suspicion is that this is a red herring to the real issue.

There are people that have conflicts of interests. On of the biggest proponents of elimination of the police department, wife is heavily supportive of economic development.

Your continued attempt to state facts is misleading, but the real issue is not. Essential services are being replaced for jobs on economic development.

In an open meeting another party has said, "This is like not having money for a mortgage and then running down to the store and buying a 52" TV.

We need to protect our essential services first. This is a priority issue you have attempted to claim your innocence in your acts a few years ago. I did not raise that issue you did. If you were not guilty why do you keep defending yourself by attacking me.

Stay on subject. Trust me I will respond to what you allege to be facts.

Finally, Mr. Arndt you personally attacked an 18 year old and other Baybridge children. What is wrong with you to stoop to a level lower than low. Attacking children to make yourself look better. What has Liberty done to deserve this inappropriate conduct?

In your first rond of attacks you went after respected law enforcement and now children!

If the children are going to participate in damaging our local government, they should be held accountable for their comments and should be under more direct supervision of their parents. They have by choice participated in these forums and posted comments that were offensive to many. You too have listed their name instead of their forum name which is a violation of this sites policies and should be deleted.

It is ironic that the person who leads the charge justifies his bad acts. When did the children of the web site get into the act.

This thread should be attacking police officers and attacking children approved by former city councilmen.

Proponents now have a great reason to have a police department. To protect law enforcement personnel and children.

You are losing this argument do you really want to continue.

You can go ahead and claim victory, several are still laughing at you. I do not have a degree in law and do not argue for a living, but it is obvious you are going backwards. My goal today was to flood foolish negative comments on this site with factual positive statements of fact. I know this has bothered you. Keep in mind when you refer to "respected law enforcement" the word respected is a matter of your opinion. Typically "honest" law enforcement are respected. Respect is earned not automatic.

This topic was merged because it was personal. Some of the comments were not appropriate and reminded me of this Troll thread. This thread is an example of Trolling. Be aware that Trolling can be deleted.


If Artie wants to talk about things that are important to him he is welcome to do so. He will do better if his message does not have a sharp edge. I will say the same for Mouthpiece. Let's keep civility on the table. Stop getting personal and stick with the facts.