On the morning of Friday, September 27, a few residents of Preston, Minn., awoke to find their political signs had been removed from their property. Initially, concerned individuals shared on social media that this was a politically targeted action carried out by those with opposing political views. According to Christine DeVries, co-chairing the Fillmore County DFL along … [Read more...]
Contested Races and Candidate Shortage
In the contested races, it’s always like a game of musical chairs. When the election is over, the results are tallied, the music stops, and only a select few will have a seat at the table. On the other side of the coin, when the community is short candidates, it’s a question of who wants the job. But what happens if nobody wants the job? According to the Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Fravel trial set to begin October 7
The trial charging Adam Fravel with murder is set to begin October 7, marking 16 months since Madeline Kingsbury’s body was discovered along Highway 43 between Mabel and Rushford, Minn. In June 2024, Zachary Bauer, the attorney representing Adam Fravel, sought a change of venue, citing the pre-trial publicity and community involvement as reasons for moving the trial out of … [Read more...]
Won’t You Take Me To Tiny Town
I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with the Huntingtons, and talking about a little town with a big draw that rests upon a hilltop on the backside of their farm. When Bob and Carol Huntington purchased their 168 acre farm back in December 1979, they probably didn’t envision how this property would some day become the center of attention for their … [Read more...]
Davids Will Face Wolf in November
The primary election, held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, presented another opportunity for voters to make decisions about who they want to represent them during the next election cycle. Here’s how the numbers stacked up. Congressional District 1 Incumbent Brad Finstad reeled in 30,058 votes, locking in 90.90% of the Republican votes necessary to retain his spot on the … [Read more...]
Candlelight Vigil for Madeline Kingsbury on June 1, Her Birthday
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil held in honor of Madeline Kingsbury at Levee Park in Winona, Minn. This event, which will be held on what would have been Maddi’s birthday, has been titled, “Shine Bright for Maddi and Break The Silence on Domestic Violence.” Women’s Shelter, HOPE Coalition, Winona Advocacy Center, and Bluff … [Read more...]
Father’s Day Cruise For a Cause in Honor of Madeline Kingsbury All Funds Raised Will Go Into a Fund For Her Two Children
The 2024 Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause will be in honor of Madeline Kingsbury, with all money raised going into a fund for the health, welfare, and education for her two children, Elliana and Noah. In 2023, a group including Kevin Jacobsen of Caledonia, Gina Jaquith of Chatfield, Eric Hammell of Fountain, along with myself, initiated the first-ever Father’s Day Cruise for … [Read more...]
2024 Volunteer of the Year
Last year’s Volunteer of the Year was Spring Grove Fire Chief Trent Turner. This year, we have another firefighter worthy of this community award. Paul Corcoran. When it comes to emergency response, Paul is the one you want on the scene. He’s a seasoned veteran, serving in both realms of fire department and ambulance service. Paul joined the Rushford Fire … [Read more...]
His Part in Harmony’s History
“Ralph Beastrom, age 81, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Rochester on Thursday, March 7, 2024, after a difficult battle with cancer.” His obituary shared his life’s story, but sitting down with his wife Carol added to Ralph’s legacy. We usually only share a story about the Volunteer of the Year; not the runner-up. But Ralph’s impact on the community and the … [Read more...]
Famed Viking RB Spoke at PACF Dinner
On the evening of Monday, March 25, 2024, the Branding Iron hosted a large crowd for the 17th annual Preston Area Community Foundation dinner and auction. Board member Alison Leathers welcomed the crowd, with Pastor Kris Kincaid giving the invocation. Leathers presented the “year in review” with Sheila Craig sharing information on behalf of the Preston Historical … [Read more...]