Kirsten Zoellner

After months of on and off discussion, Rushford Village unanimously approved moving forward with seeking additional seasonal help for its Public Works Department at the March 18 meeting.  Working with Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, the village will seek to fill the position from approximately May through October. By keeping the time frame at less than six months, … [Read more...]

Rushford Ambulance Director Joey Busse updated the Rushford City Council at the March 10 meeting. He included details on legislative progress, personnel, training, recruitment/retention, and equipment and vehicle updates. “I’ve done quite a few things with the service so far,” began Busse, who has been in the role since June last year. “A lot of the things I’m doing is trying … [Read more...]

On March 12, the city of Peterson unanimously approved the hire of Jeff Rein as Public Works director following the resignation of former Director Tim Hallum in late February. Rein has seven years of experience in the role having previously worked for the city of Mabel. While he no longer has his water license, he will begin the process of regaining it. “He is well certified … [Read more...]

The March 4 Rushford Village Council meeting included discussion on two ordinance changes and the potential hire of a Public Works position. Councilor Travis Link, Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit, and Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo were absent from the meeting. Ordinance #7 and #2 were reviewed by City Attorney Joe O’Koren. The first relates to mowing, grass and … [Read more...]

At the March 5 meeting, the Fountain Council heard from Alex Miners of Miners Underground. The company is the contractor for the underground fiber-optic project for MiBroadband. Miners discussed the locating and construction process, including who will be on-site and what property owners can watch for. Miners noted the flags for locating will come first. They ask that all … [Read more...]

The February 10 Rushford Council encompassed a short agenda in general, but several topics were discussed, particularly updates to several grant programs. During reports, the council learned the city is a finalist for the University of Minnesota (UMN) Empowering Small Communities grant program. The final award amount could be $20,000-50,000 and would help guide the focus on … [Read more...]

The Peterson City staff is changing once again. At the February 12 meeting, the council considered staffing changes for the city clerk and public works director. The change of roles began at a November 25 special meeting to discuss the proposed resignation of Public Works Director Tim Hallum. Hallum had tendered his resignation with City Clerk Chris Grindland, effective … [Read more...]

  At the February 5 meeting, new Fountain Mayor Ron Reisner, councilors Jordan Kearns, Cory Spratte and Dave Stockton, along with Councilor Tammy Danielson, who joined by phone, discussed the possibility of a housing development at the north end of West Side Lane. The current residential area sits west of Highway 52 and was developed many years prior by Linus Hammel, according … [Read more...]

At the February 4 meeting, the Rushford Village Council received a summary of the recent Southeastern Minnesota League of Municipalities meeting held on January 30. City Clerk Mary Miner, who attended the meeting with councilors Mike Ebner and Rick Ruberg, noted a lot of good information, including updates on Emergency Medical Service funding. “That was interesting,” noted … [Read more...]

At the January 21 meeting, the Rushford Village Council poured through a lengthy list of annual items including goals, designations, and appointments for 2025. Updates and adjustments to goals included continuing work on village roads, culverts, signage, and the village hall playground. Equipment needs are laid out, as are several other ongoing needs. Public Works Supervisor … [Read more...]

At the January 13 meeting, the Rushford Council reviewed other annual designations, appointments, fees, and other annual business. Much of it remains unchanged from 2024. City Administrator Tony Chladek took the opportunity to reference the discussion regarding his position and work at the last council meeting. “I want to take a step back and reflect on our progress … [Read more...]

The City of Peterson held a Planning Commission meeting on January 7 to discuss Brian Olson’s request for the ability to construct grain bins and dryers on his 16.29 acres. The property, which sits north of homes along Mill Street/County Road 25, abuts the Root River levee on the east and north. It is zoned Agricultural 1, which prohibits bins and dryers. The purpose of the … [Read more...]

The Rushford Council tackled several agenda items at the December 23 meeting, including one added item relating to City Administrator Tony Chladek. Mayor Terri Benson provided the council with a recap of the recently conducted annual performance evaluation for the administrator. The Personnel Committee of Benson and Councilor Jim O’Donnell evaluated Chladek. There are areas … [Read more...]

At the December 17 meeting, the Rushford Village Council unanimously approved setting the final 2025 budget and levy. The preliminary was set at a 9% increase in September and the council discussion considered everything from 5% to 9%. The council ultimately reduced the final to just a 7%, or $572,450, increase over the levy of $535,000 in 2024. Reviewing the differences … [Read more...]

After months of budgetary discussion, the Rushford Council voted unanimously on December 9 to approve the final levy at $1,180,232. The levy represents $41,601 over 2024, just over a 3.6% increase. The city works to spread bonds and projects out over time to keep the levy from increasing dramatically. The overall tax rate, determined by dividing the levy by the tax capacity, … [Read more...]