By Tanner Marquardt Student Intern University of Minnesota Extension PRESTON, MN — With the grazing season upon us, here are a few tips for good pasture management. Check your fencing to ensure it is in good condition with no openings or down fences for animals to escape. Also, check for things like broken or missing posts, broken boards for wooden fences or loose wire on … [Read more...]
Bunge request for rezoning denied
Developer Andy Bunge’s request to rezone the four Park Lane development parcels from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) was considered at the Preston City Council’s June 5 meeting. Planning and Zoning had recommended approval of the zoning request after a May 31 public hearing, contingent on Bunge purchasing the parcels and obtaining a legal … [Read more...]
Preston historic campus and riverfront master plan
By Janette Dragvold Visitors of the root river trailhead and historic campus in Preston have been greeted by the renovated elevator, box car, caboose and rail display since the early 2000s. Though the Preston Historical Society is still hoping to complete the elevator renovation by adding back on the remaining components – a scale house, a bagging house, the bagging shed and a … [Read more...]
Wayne Thompson
Wayne Thompson passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Traditions in Preston, Minn. He was a police officer his entire working career, working as chief of police in Wabasha, Goodhue, and Morton, Minn. He was the youngest chief of police, at the age of 25, in Minnesota. He was a theology enthusiast. He is preceded in death by his parents Warren and Lois Thompson, two … [Read more...]
Art Overcott
Arthur Melvin Overcott, 84, of Preston, Minn., died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Art was born September 21, 1938, in Minneapolis, to Arthur and Evelyn (Pengra) Overcott. He grew up in Minneapolis with five brothers and sisters. After high school, he served in the Army, mostly in Germany, where he also learned something of his German heritage. … [Read more...]
James W. McGhie
James “Jim” W. McGhie, age 90, of Preston, Minn., died on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Traditions of Preston. Funeral services for Jim will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, with Pastor Kay Wold officiating, at Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley. Visitation will begin at noon until the time of service at 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held following the service, … [Read more...]
Preston seeks Tourism/Chamber/EDA director
Gabby Kinneberg, current Tourism/Chamber/EDA director, has submitted her resignation, effective May 22. At the May 1 Preston City Council meeting City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton provided four options for her replacement. The options included advertising for the position as it now, to include all three areas. Other options included contracting out EDA services or hiring … [Read more...]
Douglas J. Fairbairn
Douglas J. Fairbairn, 80, of North Olmsted, Ohio, joined his Heavenly Father and family on April 5, 2023. the funeral Mass for Mr. Fairbairn was held April 12 at The Church of St. Clarence and internment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, both in the Cleveland area. Douglas, the second born child to Eldora and Ralph W. Fairbairn (Preston, Minn.) arrived on May 8, 1942, and was … [Read more...]
Joann Elizabeth Gillespie
Joann Elizabeth Gillespie, age 87, of Chatfield, Minn. passed away at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn., and was welcomed with open arms into Heaven on April 27, 2023. Joann was born on March 2, 1936, to Fred and Lucy (Farmer) Madison in Marengo, Iowa. She graduated as salutatorian from the class of 1954 in Goldfield, Iowa. On August 15, 1954, she married Howard … [Read more...]
Park Lane development option agreements transferred
Developer Andy Bunge requested the Park Lane agreements with Winslow and Sackett for future Park Lane development be assigned to him at the Preston City Council’s April 17 meeting. The EDA recommended approval. The development agreement was originally signed in 2020, and since, has been extended through August 2023. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton said the reassignment … [Read more...]
Dr. Stephanie Jakim, with OMC Preston since the beginning, retires after 29 years
After almost 29 years of providing medical care to residents of Fillmore County, Dr. Jakim, of the Preston Olmsted Medical Center, is ready to retire. Whether it’s a routine immunization, or treating injuries, many have become familiar with Dr. Jakim’s friendly face. Dr. Stephanie Jakim is originally from Lima, a town in Ohio named after the capital of Peru. She grew up in a … [Read more...]
Paul “Stoney” Alden
Paul “Stoney” Alden, 61, of St. Louis, Mo., formerly of Preston, Minn., died on Friday, March 17, 2023, at his home. A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, downstairs at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, with Pastor Dr. Scott Olson officiating. … [Read more...]
Preston City Hall window replacement update
At the April 3 meeting of the Preston City Council, a quote for replacing windows on the west side of the building (city hall/library) was discussed. Councilman Dean Aug was absent. In October 2022, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton sought quotes to replace the windows. A quote from Bowmans in the amount of $14,140 was accepted by the city council. A down payment in the … [Read more...]
Pola E. Vorwerk
Pola E. Vorwerk, 89, of Preston passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 30, 2023, with her husband and children at her side. Pola Elaine (Kramer) Vorwerk was born on May 5, 1933, the third of nine children, to Paul and Lillian (Ehlen) Kramer in Gibbon, Minn. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gibbon. Pola graduated from Gibbon High … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home to host Community Office Open House
PRESTON, MN – Potential residents, future employees and local businesses are invited to learn more about the Preston Veterans Home at a Community Office Open House. The event will be held Wednesday, March 29 from 1-3 p.m. at the Preston Veterans Home Community Recruitment and Training Office located at 144 Main Street SW in Preston – NOT at the new home’s construction site. … [Read more...]