Robert Earley, a farmer from Fountain, played an important role in a tank duel in Cologne in the closing chapters of World War II. Earley was the tank commander of a Pershing tank with the call sign Eagle 7; the tank and its elite crew were part of Operation LumberJack. At the age of 29, Earley was the “hardened old man among a unit of the boyish tankers.” Eagle 7 had … [Read more...]
Trout Route a Reality in Preston
Preston is known for its trout fishing and is often referred to as “Minnesota’s Trout Capital,” so it’s no surprise that it is now also home to the “Trout Route.” The Trout Route began when the city of Preston received grants from the Taylor Family Foundation and Preston Area community Foundation in 2025. Former Preston Economic Development (EDA) director, Allison Whalen … [Read more...]
Beef Prices At All-Time High
According to Joe Nelson, beef prices in all classes at the Lanesboro Sales Commission have seen an increase to levels not seen before. This past week, one of the cattle weighing 1,600 pounds brought $2.585 per pound for a total sale price of $4,136 – an all time high! Nelson commented that not long ago $2 a pound was considered a good deal! Market cows also had an all-time … [Read more...]
Area Veterans Fly to D.C. on Honor Flight
It was a whirlwind of a day, but one that Donald Ruen, Cliff Sackett, Ron Vorwerk, and David Whalen will never forget. They, along with 82 other military veterans flew to Washington, D.C. on a North Star Honor Flight on April 27. North Star Honor Flight is one of over 128 hubs of the Honor Flight Network and is based out of Adams, Minn. It serves 10 counties in southern … [Read more...]
Chatfield Brass Band & Lending Library Inducted into Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
It’s time to “toot the horn” for the Chatfield Brass Band & Lending Library! On April 11, it was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. The Brass Band joins an elite group of 223 previous inductees which includes Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Bobby Vee, Mollie Busta-Lange and the Minnesota Orchestra as well as many others. The induction took place at Turner Hall in … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Art Students – Movement at VAC
April 10 brought an enthusiastic Lanesboro art team to Madison, Wis. to compete at the state of Wisconsin VAC (Visual Arts Classic). The theme for the event was movement – both actual and symbolic. In order to compete, the team first needed to score a team first place at regionals. Art teacher Stena Lieb learned four years ago that as a registered member of the National Art … [Read more...]
1986 Mustang GT 5.0, The Perfect Christmas Gift
When Jasmine Schuler was trying to think of a Christmas gift last year for her hard-to-buy-for fiancé Danny Marks, she straight out asked him. The only thing he mentioned was that he wanted his dad’s old 1986 Mustang GT so he could drive it himself some day. Danny’s dad, Matt Helgeson, had been known around Rushford for his red Mustang. At first Jasmine thought that would … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Singers Spring Concert – End of an Era for the Grandalls
The Bluff Country Singers’ Spring Concert on April 26, 2026, directed by Elliott Grandall, will feature a variety of songs, instrumental accompanists, and the vibrant voices of many Fillmore County residents. This non-auditioned community choir which has been rehearsing together twice a month since January has a bittersweet tone with the realization that it will be the last … [Read more...]
PACF Annual Dinner Draws a Record Crowd
The number of people in attendance at the 2026 Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF) 19th Annual Dinner and Auction on April 6 was quite impressive. With the event being held at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn., those in attendance filled the entire dining room with the additional bar area full of a large variety of silent auction items. Organizers of the … [Read more...]
Economic Development Authorities: Rich, Rural Community Assets
Economic Development Authorities (EDAs) play a critical role in supporting rural communities by providing financial tools and guidance. In Fillmore and Houston Counties, two key EDA programs, Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) and grants, serve as essential resources for both new and existing businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities. A community’s approach to … [Read more...]