“Collaboration” was the theme of the night on Wednesday evening, January 18, during the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Guest panelists agreed with Chamber Board directors and staff that collaborating on individual, community and regional levels not only benefits private businesses, but can strengthen the entire region by creating a travel destination. The … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Board receives “farmers grow communities” award
PRESTON, MN, January 12, 2023 — Local farmer Jared Olson recently directed a $5,000 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to the Fillmore County Agricultural Society (Fillmore County Fair Board). The Fair Board used the funds to complete a safety project for bringing water to the grandstand at the Fillmore County fairgrounds. The Fair Board graciously wants to … [Read more...]
Preston reviews 2022
At the January 17 meeting of the Preston City Council, annual reviews of four departments were presented. Jim Bakken, utility general manager, reported on Preston Public Utilities (PPU). PPU operates a three-megawatt power plant serving 800 customers. It is in the process of burying major feeders and recently replaced electric cable on the south hill. PPU also operates water … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home 80% complete
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) provided a quarterly update on the Preston Veterans Home on January 10. Administrator Dave Dunn has been hired and has a temporary office at 216 Main Street in Preston (the old movie theater). The 54 bed facility may open in mid-June. The building is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March. The home is … [Read more...]
Preston seats newly elected members
The Preston City Council has seen some turnover. Members that had been appointed to fill seats vacated by a retirement and a death have now been filled with officially elected members. At the January 3 meeting, newly elected members Steve Hall and Flossie Schultz and re-elected Mayor Kurt Reicks and councilman Charles Sparks recited the oath of office. Appointments to the … [Read more...]
Good Samaritan Society celebrates 100 years of care
One hundred years ago, the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society was started by Reverend August Hoeger in North Dakota. Another minister had been raising funds for a boy with polio and, when the fundraiser exceeded its goal by $2,000, Reverend Hoeger suggested using the money to help people with disabilities. The next year, he opened a home for people with mental and … [Read more...]
Preston completes year end business
The December 19 city council meeting was not held in council chambers due to ongoing repairs and waterproofing of Preston City Hall. Members did meet in the city office area. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton led a discussion informing the council about planned reconstruction work for a new entrance for the veterans home. City staff has been working with the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Richard G. “Dick” Petsch
Richard G. “Dick” Petsch, age 79, of Preston, Minn., died on Friday, December 16, 2022, at his home. Richard George Petsch was born on July 10, 1943, son of George and Margaret (Weyandt) Petsch in St. Paul, Minn. Dick was a car enthusiast, and enjoyed going to car shows with friends all around the area. Dick helped to start the annual car show during Preston Trout Days … [Read more...]
Preston adopts 2023 budget and levy
City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton gave a presentation on the budget and levy during the Truth in Taxation portion of the city council’s December 5 meeting. This is to give the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed final levy. Councilman Dean Aug was absent. Throckmorton noted that the preliminary levy certified in September showed a 5.14% increase over the 2022 … [Read more...]
Harriet E. Hahn
Harriet E. Hahn, 97, of Preston, Minn., died on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, Minn. Harriet Ellen Hahn was born in Preston, Minn., on February 2, 1925, to Thomas and Alice (Baker) Hahn. She attended Preston Elementary School and graduated from Preston High School, the Preston Teacher Training Department, and Winona State University. … [Read more...]