TWIN FALLS — The historic silos that serve as a popular Old Towne landmark are tidier today, thanks to College of Southern Idaho Phi Theta Kappa students who didn’t let inclement fall weather stop them from completing a multipurpose mission of cleaning and public information.

The students partnered with nonprofit organizations Keep America Beautiful and Preservation Twin Falls Saturday to clean and share information on the seven-story former grain storage facility.

The flour mill dates back to about 1908; the silos were built a few years later. The building is owned by Preservation Twin Falls, which is led by president Russ Tremayne, vice-president Tom Gilbertson and secretary Paul Smith.

“There’s a lot of mini projects in this big project,” said Gilbertson.

Aside from plastering exterior cracks and

refinishing the large faded mural, Tremayne hopes a park will take the place of the weeds that reside there now.

Fifteen to 20 people trekked through the silos on Saturday, Tremayne said, and given the weather conditions it was more than expected and the community support was encouraging.

“One guy wanted to write a check right then and there,” Tremayne said. “Several people expressed interest in giving donations or joining as friends of Preservation Twin Falls. We had some people who were very enthusiastic and altogether we were pretty darned happy.”

About 10 people teamed to clean the area and as CSI sophomore and PTK president Liz Copp said, “What an opportunity to get on board and give back to the community.”

As Tremayne gave a tour and shared information on the silos, students and visitors climbed a winding staircase, stopping at different levels that long ago held a specific purpose.

The flour mill closed down in the 1960s, and eventually the need for the silos also ended. Through the years there has been much debate as to what would become of the building.

“Our mission is preservation of the history of historical buildings, historical sites and of history,” Tremayne said. “It was not our main intent to raise money (Saturday) — it was to raise awareness.”

(To contact Jami, she can be reached by e-mail at jwhited@cableone.net.)