At the February 17 meeting of the city council, Preston Historical Society (PHS) President Sheila Craig remembered 2025 as a busy year. It was the year that the Depot Museum and Riverfront Center became a reality. It took six months to raise the $400,000 to build the new facility. Phil Eickhoff was general contractor. The facility is fully paid for and leased from the city … [Read more...]

At the February 10 meeting of the county board, employees were recognized for their years of service at five-year increments. The board holds this recognition event on an annual basis. Fourteen employees were recognized for being with the county for five years, six for 10 years, three for 15 years, two for 20 years, six for 25 years, and one for 35 … [Read more...]

At the February 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a public hearing was held on the 2025 updates to the city’s comprehensive plan. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent. The 2015 Comprehensive Plan has been updated. The plan is designed to shape land use development over the next two decades through 2045.  Alison Bentley, community development director, listed some … [Read more...]

At the February 2 meeting of the city council, the assessment of the 70-year-old swimming pool was reviewed. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported first on the good news regarding the pool. At this point the intent is for the pool to be open in the 2026 season, but not the baby pool. Burbach Aquatics has provided a final report which includes a structural … [Read more...]

Land Use Director Blake Lea reviewed the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for a 250-foot telecommunications tower in Newburg Township at the county board’s February 3 meeting. The self supporting tower is to be built in Section 22 on property owned by Paul, Sandra, and Todd Eiken. The request for the CUP was submitted by Cloud 1 … [Read more...]

Community Development Director Alison Bentley gave her report at the January 26 meeting of the city council. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Bentley recognized Michael Tuohy for his 22 years of service on the EDA board. She also thanked Jeremy Aug for the years he served on Planning and Zoning.  Peddle Tea & Coffee opened in September. The fourth edition of Hilltop … [Read more...]

Representative Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller listened to concerns of the county administrator and department heads at the January 27 board meeting. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery detailed the county’s 2026 priorities. These four areas were emphasized as they are super important to Fillmore County. Human Services Director Wanda Berg said the state’s human … [Read more...]

At the January 20 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton explained that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has allocated funds for cities to replace lead and galvanized water service lines. These are the water lines from a property owner’s property line to his/her water meter. At a January 13 meeting of the Public Utility Commission the hire … [Read more...]

The Chatfield City Council met on January 12 for its first meeting in 2026. Councilor Paul Novotny was absent. Mayor John McBroom reviewed some of the highlights of 2025 including the street project, the replacement of retaining walls, the addition of some new homes and the opening of the coffee shop. In 2026 the city will bring in a new police chief after the retirement of … [Read more...]

Kelly Jo Krenzke, children’s mental health, and Kiah Halverson, adult mental health, presented an introduction to the Credible Mind Platform at the Fillmore County Board’s January 13 meeting.   Fillmore County Human Services partnered with Credible Mind about a month and a half ago. Krenzke said it will be accessible to anyone in Fillmore County. It will be available on the … [Read more...]