At the August 11 meeting of the city council a bid submitted by Rochester Sand & Gravel in the amount of $1,568,260 for the 2025 street project was accepted. The project contract includes the mill and overlay of portions of 22 streets and retaining wall improvements. Councilors Josh Broadwater and Pam Bluhm were absent. A resolution was adopted providing for the issuance … [Read more...]

At the August 5 meeting of the county board, three residents addressed the board over a bill enacted by the Minnesota legislature. The bill allows the use of rifles for deer hunting; the new law goes into effect in 2026. It also gives a county board the authority to limit firearms for deer hunting by adopting an ordinance. Notice of a public hearing is required before an … [Read more...]

At the August 4 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton gave an update on the planners conducting the community group plan which is still on track. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. Due to weather, the recent Rhythm on the River event was held indoors and was well attended. Online surveys ended on August 4; there were a good number of participants … [Read more...]

At the July 28 meeting of the city council, Craig Britton, city engineer, announced that only one bidder, Rochester Sand & Gravel, had submitted a bid for the 2025 Street Project. Britton explained the base bid for the mill & overlay street project is $1,544,563. An alternative bid that includes a prefabricated modular gravity block wall is $1,568,260. The project … [Read more...]

Bretta Grabau, executive director, reviewed historical society activities during the last year. She also commented on plans for the coming year at the county board’s July 22 meeting. Grabau said it has been a great year for partnerships and improvements in the facilities. A meeting room is available for organizations to use. Tours have been conducted for various groups. Grants … [Read more...]

Sheila Craig, president of the historical society, reviewed the Preston Historic Campus and Riverfront Master Plan at the city council’s July 21 meeting. The plan has been prepared by Widseth Planning and Engineering. It was developed with contributions from PHS, the city council, EDA, zoning, tourism, chamber of commerce, community foundation, and residents. Widseth  … [Read more...]

Dr. Tessia Melvin, Human Resources, Inc. (David Drown Associates), provided a 2025 market analysis at the board’s July 8 meeting. She has worked 15 years in city and county government and is a former city administrator. A study, in part, helps local governments hire and maintain quality employees. Fillmore County’s pay plan is to maintain 5% of the market average. The market … [Read more...]

Michelle Marotzke, Preston/Lanesboro EDA director, introduced herself to the Preston City Council at the July 7 meeting.  Marotzke has been on the job since May 26. She has a master’s degree in business administration and EDA municipal utility experience. Her previous employer was Kandiyohi County. Marotzke said she has lived most of her life in west central Minnesota, so the … [Read more...]