Several residents attended the December 20 Preston City Council meeting to speak against a request to rezone property owned by Tim Johnston at 216 Brownsville St. NE. Councilman Charles Sparks was absent. Johnston has requested the rezoning of 1.5 acres (three parcels) of his property from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to R-1 (Agriculture/Residential). The reason for … [Read more...]
Preston Christmas star has special meaning for Severson family
“They loved spending time with everyone close to them and I think Christmas was just a time that brought that all full circle,” Shelia Marzolf reminisced about her mom Carol Severson and sister Jodi Severson. In June of 1997, both Carol and Jodi tragically lost their lives in a car accident on their way to Rochester to do some shopping. Jodi’s eight month old son Jordan … [Read more...]
Esther Lou Kelly
Esther Lou Kelly went home to Jesus on December 14, 2021, at age 80.Esther, born on May 14, 1941, to Dwain and Eunice (Leonard) Feller in Elkader, Iowa, immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Esther grew up with her parents and two sisters, Mary and Pam. Esther graduated from Orange High School in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1959. After graduating, Esther worked making ice … [Read more...]
Preston 2022 budget/levy review
City Administrator Joe Hoffman gave the annual budget/tax levy presentation at the Preston City Council’s December 6 meeting. The total levy for 2022 is to be $1,080,696, an increase of $46,273 over 2021 or 4.47%. Half of the city’s revenues will come from the tax levy in 2022. Hoffman compared that to 2004, which was the first year he served as administrator. In 2004 only 42% … [Read more...]
Elwyn Mensink inducted into MN Softball hall of Fame
On October 30, 2021, 90-year-old Elwyn Mensink of Preston was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame, Pioneers of Yesterday category. He is shown above with his award and, on the right, in his ball playing years. Mensink began his fastpitch softball career in 1945, at the age of 13. He played third base, left field, and pitched a bit for the Old Timers team (ages … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – An attitude of gratitude
By Rev. Deanna Woodward Maple Leaf Parish United Methodist Churches of Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston and Spring Valley The late Rudyard Kipling was an author of poetry and of several classic books, including the Jungle Book. During his lifetime, his writings made him both famous and wealthy. A newspaper reporter came up to him once and said, “Mr. Kipling, I just read that … [Read more...]
Lois Ray
Lois Lillian Rohlf Ray, born April 1, 1933, in Ida Grove, Iowa, in the farm home of Lillian and Glenn Rohlf, passed away on November 17, 2021. A memorial service will be held for Lois on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Preston United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mark Woodward officiating. A public visitation will be held the night before on Sunday, November 21, … [Read more...]
Preston adopts assessment roll for 2021 improvements
City Engineer Brett Grabau led the presentation at the assessment hearing for Preston’s 2021 Street and Utility Improvements. Over 20 residents attended the November 15 public hearing held at the Emergency Services Building. Grabau explained a priority list was produced with the development of the 2012 pavement management plan and the concurrent investigation of utilities. … [Read more...]
Eleanor Jean Scheevel
Eleanor Jean Scheevel, 92, of Preston, Minn., passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the Spring Valley Care Center. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on November 20, 2021, at the Greenleafton Reformed Church, with Pastor Roger Lokker officiating. Her ashes will be laid to rest at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, where her … [Read more...]
Music speaks: Studio316 open in Preston
Ironic that a person so beloved for his writing would be known for this quote: “Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Anderson. And yet, for those who have been profoundly moved by music this sentiment rings true. There are times when music can communicate what ordinary speech cannot, and in so doing it gives us a medium to express ourselves. In Preston, Minn., there … [Read more...]
Shirley A. Jertson
Shirley A. Jertson, age 88, of Spring Valley, Minn., formerly of Preston, Minn., died Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Spring Valley Living. Shirley gifted her body to the Mayo Clinic Anatomy Department. Memorial services will be held spring of 2022. Shirley Ann Larson was born October 1, 1933, to Selmar B. and Alma (Knudtson) Larson in Lanesboro, Minn. She was baptized … [Read more...]
Lois Ardith Thompson
Lois Ardith Thompson, age 92, of Zumbrota, Minn., formerly of Preston, Minn., passed away on November 4 at the Zumbrota Nursing Home with her family at her side. Lois was born October 25, 1929, in Hardy, Iowa to Lillian and Glen Brayton. Lois was united in marriage to Warren Gene Thompson on February 3, 1947. They resided in Hardy before moving to Preston and raising … [Read more...]
Preston zoning issues
The Preston City Council sent developer Andy Bunge back to the drawing board at their November 1 meeting. Bunge had applied for four variances in order to go ahead with his development plans for the construction of two duplexes on the property he owns at 309 North St. NE. Planning and Zoning had held a public hearing on October 27. The commission’s final vote of 2-1-1 to … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotion – Finding hope!
By Pastor Stuart Weist First Baptist Church of Preston In America today, hope seems to be in short supply; everywhere you turn there are stories of political upheaval, governmental mistrust, and disease. Talking to neighbors you hear of those that are suffering from terminal illnesses, failing marriages, or someone suffering from depression. Compound this with our current … [Read more...]
New Trout City Brewing owners to expand beer, food, community offerings
By Axel Gumbel Craig and Vickie Hildestad already love the Preston community. Those sayings about Minnesota Nice? Vickie says they are so true. And that’s a good thing. The Hildestad’s recently kicked off their retirement in southeast Minnesota after living and working in the Jacksonville area for 30 years. But they are not sitting still. Craig and Vickie are the new owners of … [Read more...]