At the August 26 county board meeting, Emergency Manager Jason Harmening asked commissioners to approve a letter to Governor Tim Walz requesting disaster assistance. The severe wind/rainstorm on July 28-29 resulted in damages across the county. On August 5 the board declared a local emergency. The county has submitted a damage/impact assessment. The preliminary assessment … [Read more...]

At the August 25 meeting of the city council, the purchase of three new updated mobile radios for squad vehicles at a total cost of $21,520 from Motorola Solutions was approved. The price includes services and equipment. Police Chief Shane Fox noted the radios currently in use are 20 years old. Liquor License Violation Chief Fox led an investigation into a potential … [Read more...]

Developer Andy Bunge submitted a request at the August 18 Preston City Council meeting for the council to add the improvement of the 300 block of North St. NE to the city’s street improvement priority list. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. Bunge said the development on that block is complete. He noted there was nothing in the development agreement with the city several years … [Read more...]

At the August 12 meeting of the county board, several more departments reviewed their proposed 2026 budgets. Jessica Erickson reviewed public health, WIC, and nursing service budgets. Most increases will be due to salary or insurance increases. Jason Marquardt reviewed the veterans budget. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted for budgeting purposes a 15% insurance … [Read more...]

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...]