The City of Preston is seeking an Economic Development Director to lead strategic initiatives that enhance economic opportunities, attract new businesses and support existing enterprise within the cities of Preston and Lanesboro. If you have a passion for community development and experience in economic strategy, then we want you on our team. The EDA Director will be responsible for financial management, development planning, leadership to EDA Boards, grant writing, and administration. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for economic development, collaborating with local businesses, engaging with community stakeholders, preparing reports, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies. This position offers flexibility with a part-time 32 hours per work week, starting at a competitive hourly wage of $32.62, plus employee benefits. Look for the full job posting at https://prestonmn.gov/eda/ or at City Hall in Preston or Lanesboro.

The City of Preston is seeking a Utility General Manager and Public Works Director.

General Duties: Serves as top-appointed official with overall responsibility to manage the administration and daily operations of Preston Public Utilities. Informs the Public Utilities Commission about municipal utility operations at regular and other meeting, providing sound information for decision-making purposes. Coordinates the administration of Commission-approved budget and policies. Serves as department head of public works. Oversees the operation, maintenance, and repair of City streets, storm sewer system, parks and swimming pool, cemetery, buildings, and grounds, the water treatment and distribution system, the wastewater treatment and collection system, power plant, and the electric distribution system. Serves in a primary role for construction projects including the development of capital improvement plans.

Salary Range: $42.14-to $57.88 per hour for 2026; excellent benefits package offering health insurance coverage by Medica and UNUM Life Insurance and Delta Dental Insurance. The City of Preston also provides 13 paid holidays.

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum requirements are considerable knowledge and skill ( equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree and five years experience) in areas such as budgeting and financial management, planning, board support, and supervision. Working knowledge of City departments including electric, water, sewer, streets, and parks. A valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license. Certified pool operators license, class D water license, Minnesota Tree Inspector Certification or the ability to obtain in 1 year.

Click here for the Application Packet. Position open until filled.

Charles and Vonnie Aug Named 2026 Preston Trout Days Parade Grand Marshals

PRESTON, MN, APRIL 2026 –

“We are beyond thrilled to be named the 2026 Trout Days Grand Marshalls! This is such an honor because it comes from the community we’ve called home for nearly our entire lives. It’s an honor from folks we have lived, worked, and played with for all those years. And most importantly, it’s recognition from a community we hold in high regard.

Preston is a great community! We’ve learned through our involvement in various committees and projects that its success doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes interested, driven, passionate community members to make it happen. Preston has no shortage of such people. And our community is stronger because of these civic groups and community members.

We’re very fortunate to call Preston home—a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We could have lived in other places but chose Preston for many good reasons. Years ago, before “Metro” folks discovered our portion of the state, I would tell them we live in Preston not because we have to, but because we want to. And now they are finding out why too.

So, once again let’s celebrate all that makes Preston great for this upcoming Trout Days. And please, no jeering the Grand Marshals – Vonnie doesn’t deserve it.”

Chuck spent 18 years on the local school board and 20 years with the Preston Fire Department, in addition to serving on the Preston Area Community Foundation Board, the Preston EDA, and the Park Board. He has also been involved with the Preston Historical Society and the DMRC building committees, served on the Christ Lutheran Church Council, and dedicated 42 years of his career to F&M Community Bank.

Vonnie has also given back in meaningful ways, including serving on the Fillmore County Public Health Committee and remaining active in Christ Lutheran Church. She devoted 40 years to caring for others as a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic, while also staying home to raise their children.

Chuck and Vonnie have been married for 46 years and have shared 45 of those years living in Preston. They are proud parents of three children—Jeremy (Katie), Nikki (Nicole), and Jordan (Mariah)—and grandparents to Max, Aria, and Evie.

For more information on the parade and Preston Trout Days go to www.troutdays.com