Historical elevator restoration nearly completed

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Apr 6th, 2007
Posted in Government

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The president of the Historical Society in Preston, Dick Petsch, updated the city council on restoration progress for the old elevator at the April 2 meeting. Council member Jon Haugan was absent.

Petsch proudly reported that the elevator was mostly restored. Structural work, new siding, paint, and sealing has been completed. Graphics recognizing the elevator as the Milwaukee Elevator, built in 1902 in Preston, MN, will be added. Petsch related that a lean-to needs to be re-constructed on the west side.

Mr. Petsch also explained that they hope to get an old fanning mill which is in very good shape to place in the elevator as a permanent display. Mayor Kurt Reicks complimented him on the restoration project, saying that there have been lots of positive comments.

The society which currently meets in the basement of the Fillmore County Journal building is also looking for a new home. Petsch suggested that they need more room and better access.

Pro-Corn Additions

Council members approved the building of a new access for the cooperative, contingent upon final approval by the engineer and review if necessary by MnDot. Permission was also granted for the ethanol cooperative to go ahead with dirt work, leveling the area in preparation for three new bins once all the permits from MPCA were in hand. Pro-Corn owns the property from Hwy 52 to Industrial Drive. Richard Eichstadt explained that they plan to use the soil removed to build a soil berm for noise reduction on the West or Southwest side.

Council members agreed to call for a public hearing on April 16 on the request to vacate Simonson Drive. It was noted that only one property owner will be effected.

Eichstadt noted that they hope to complete the building of the three new bins before the 2007 harvest. He stated that all the permits have been obtained from MPCA for erosion control. Hoffman said that the bins would require a variance because of their height. The bins plus the leg equipment over them would total 141 feet tall.

Firework Displays

The council approved a multi-year contract with J & M Displays, Inc. for the firework display work for Trout Days. The three year contract is expected to be a better value. Council member Heath Mensink suggested that the fireworks help maintain the crowd longer and help total sales for the vendors.

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