The January 21 meeting of the Rushford Village council began with the approval of annual designations, committees, and contracts. Councilor Mike Ebner was chosen once again as Acting Mayor, in the event of the mayor’s absence. Acting Clerk is treasurer Judy Graham and Acting Treasurer will be Mary Miner. 2026 Committee appointments include Councilors Bob Hart and Rick Ruberg … [Read more...]
Kirsten Zoellner
Reporter
kirsten@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Kirsten has been a reporter for Fillmore County Journal since 2008. No awards to date, but her mother finds her articles riveting. She enjoys shining a light on the great people and events in the county and has aspirations to someday write a novel about them. A native of Rushford, she is a member of Root River Community Church, co-founder of Odyssey Homeschool Association, and was the founder for the Rushford-Peterson Valley Farmers' Market.
When not writing, Kirsten happily spends her time raising a family alongside Joel, her husband of 18 years. She homeschools their six children (Evin, Lauren, Logan, Ada, Kathleen, and Emelia) and does her best to ensure domestic bliss. Kirsten is an advocate for conservation and homesteading and operates Liten Dal Farm, where the family raises dairy goats, pastured poultry and hogs, alpacas, a few steers, and horses. Hobbies other than juggling include the outdoors, reading, vegetable gardening, cheesemaking, fermenting various things in Ball jars, and making everything from scratch despite the fact that it probably costs more.
Kirsten and her family proudly reside in rural Fountain on her great-great-grandfather's farm.
You can follow more about Kirsten on the family's Facebook page, Liten Dal Farm, or their blog: ourprairienest.wordpress.com.
Rushford Begins New Year
The new year kicked off for the Rushford Council on January 12 with the swearing in of new council including new mayor Leigh Volkman and Councilors Nick Smith and Judi Pronk. Also sworn in was new Library Board Director Jessica Sherlock. Several designations and appointments were also made including council members to various boards and commissions. Councilor Jim O’Donnell … [Read more...]
Peterson Signs Agreement with County
At the first meeting of the year, January 13, the Peterson City Council officially approved a cooperative agreement with Fillmore County for the 2026 bridge reconstruction project. The agreement comes after discussion last month and a presentation from Fillmore County Engineer Ron Gregg. The 60s-era bridge is the main thoroughfare into the city and intersects Highway 16. The … [Read more...]
Quick Meeting Begins Fountain’s Year
At the January 6 Fountain City Council meeting, no news was good news. Only one actionable item of business, the approval of consent agenda items, was considered. This includes the monthly financial information and regularly occurring items, such as approval of previous meeting minutes, and the council approved it unanimously. The regular monthly Public Works’ report was … [Read more...]
Rushford Begins Steps on Cooperative Site
At the December 21 meeting, the council discussed future work at the site of the former Farmers Win Cooperative site, starting as early as this winter. After the recent community engagement session, held December 3 at Rushford-Peterson Schools, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) is now beginning the process of preparatory steps at the site. This includes turning some of … [Read more...]
Village Nails Down Contract Decision
For months now, the Rushford Village Council has poured over the budget and levy, including what to do with a proposed contract renewal from Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA). At the December 16 meeting, the council welcomed CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Jayme Longmire and Regional Manager, Community Support Program, Laura Qualey. Longmire … [Read more...]
Rushford Tackles Moving On
The December 8 Rushford Council saw a full house with every Rushford department head, incoming council member, and others in attendance. Department heads were called to attend by Mayor Terri Benson with the purpose was to get all on board with the process of information and department needs following the passing of longtime City Clerk Kathy Zacher on November 30. Zacher … [Read more...]
Peterson Hears Bridge Replacement Details
At the December 10 meeting, the Peterson Council heard from Fillmore County Engineer Ron Gregg regarding the replacement of the Root River bridge which is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city. The 1960s-era bridge will see a $6.1 million overhaul that is estimated to cost the city just $20,000. Federally-designated bi-partisan infrastructure funding will cover nearly … [Read more...]
Fountain Settles Final Budget
The Fountain City Council set the 2026 budget and levy at the December 3 meeting. The final amount was set at $269,000, representing a 5% increase over 2025. This breaks down to $155,000 for the General Levy, $65,000 for the Sewer Tax Levy, $35,000 for the Capital Improvement Tax Levy, and $15,000 for the Equipment Fund Tax Levy. The council also heard from Fountain Fire … [Read more...]
Village Issues with First Storm
At the December 2 meeting, Rushford Village Council Councilor Mike Ebner informed the council that with the first big storm of the season, there was an issue with the Freightliner truck, which is relatively new to the public works department. It was purchased in May 2022 from Dave Syverson Truck Center. This is an ongoing issue for the village as the old Freightliner truck had … [Read more...]