As the schemes and chance of being victim to fraud continues to rise, the city of Rushford is the most recent hit. At the August 24 meeting, City Administrator Hayden Stensgard broke the news publicly, providing details of the type of fraud and what’s been done to recover the funds totaling $252,716. On August 16, city hall was made aware of the wire fraud on one of its … [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.
Village Reviews Annual Report
The brief August 18 Rushford Village Council meeting held only one item receiving council action. Minnesota MN Pump Works conducted its annual inspection. They recommended the village replace the guide arms that the pumps seat into. According to Public Works Supervisor Darrin Dessner, they are scheduled to be replaced every 20 years. The current parts are original, installed … [Read more...]
Peterson Seeking Comment on Ordinance Changes
The August 12 Peterson Council meeting held discussion of several topics affecting residents, including amendments to the city code and an update to the lead service line replacement project. In addition to the council and Public Works Director Jeff Rein, there were three in attendance: resident Loren Rue, Planning Commission member Steve Paulson, and engineer Scott Huneke, … [Read more...]
Rushford Welcomes Good News
The agenda for the August 10 Rushford Council meeting included just two items of regular business: a large donation in the amount of $10,500 for the Rushford Aquatic Center and a review of quotes for the upgrade of the airport office building air conditioning unit. The donation from Rushford-Peterson Booster Club came following a call from Booster Club President Kyle … [Read more...]
Village Moves to Budget Workshop Format; Seeks Parks Input
The August 4 Rushford Village Council meeting agenda included discussion of the 2027 proposed budget. Instead of delving into discussion amid a regular meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland questioned City Attorney Joe O’Koren on what format other municipalities use. O’Koren noted that the bulk of what he sees are budget workshops dedicated solely to the topic of the proposed budget … [Read more...]
Fountain Hears Public Works Updates
At the August 5 meeting, the bulk of the information heard by the Fountain Council related to work done or suggested by Public Works and contracted Water/Wastewater consultant Rick Whitney. Maintenance worker Jordan Amunrud suggested the city look at having the city’s sewer lines inspected via scope and jetted for preventative maintenance purposes. “I’d like to try and get … [Read more...]
Rushford Repeals Lodging Tax Ordinance
At the July 27 meeting, the Rushford Council reviewed several items of business and heard from Attorney Mike Miller regarding an ongoing disucssion about the former Rushford-Peterson Schools site downtown. First up, the council unananimously approved the repealing of the Lodging Tax Ordinance “until further diversification of the lodging industry occurs.” The ordinance was … [Read more...]
Village Gets Clean Audit
At the July 21 meeting, the Rushford Council heard from Bill Sherry of Engleson & Associates regarding the results of the 2025 audit. While there were no areas of major concern, Sherry did note a few key points and one area to watch. The village’s general property taxes were up $28,000 for the year. This countered an $8,000 reduction in Local Government Aid, an amount set … [Read more...]
Rushford Approves Cooperative Pathway
At the July 13 meeting, the Rushford council unanimously acknowledged a plan for a cooperative pathway for the redevelopment of the former Farmers Win Cooperative site. According to City Administrator Hayden Stensgard, there is a group interested in being in a partnership with the redevelopment. Currently, Rushford’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) has been heading up … [Read more...]
Rushford Gears Up for 250
The June 8 Rushford Council meeting was brief, but several items of note were discussed. The city will ring in the nation’s 250th anniversary of adoption of the Declaration of Independence by kicking off events on July 3. Live music, historical speakers, historical movies, food, and vendors will be part of the celebrations. Donations are being sought to fund 250 American flags … [Read more...]