There were several agenda items on the agenda of the May 13 Peterson Council meeting and several in attendance. Tracy Seelbinder was absent. One item of consideration, approved unanimously, was the adjustment of the electric rates in effort to minimize rate swings. The rates vary depending on time of year, type of fuel, and type of meter. The city currently had eight electric … [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 Celebrates History
Dubbed the “first stop on our journey,” Rushford Area Historical Society (RAHS) and the city of Rushford will celebrate the grand reopening of the historic depot on Tuesday, June 9, from 5-9 p.m. Located at 401 S Elm Street, the depot sits on the Root River State Trail and serves as the home of the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce and official visitor’s center. … [Read more...]
Village Talks Zoning Issues
At the May 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council’s longest discussion was with Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit regarding projects in the works, inquiries about properties, and one permit application that stumped the administrator. First, in regards to plans from Farmers Win Cooperative, Pettit indicated he’d spoken to City Engineer Derek Olinger regarding septic engineering … [Read more...]
Fountain Looks at Personnel and Contract Changes
The May 6 Fountain Council meeting started a few minutes behind schedule as they waited for quorum. All members of the council – Mayor Ron Reisner, Councilors Tammy Danielson, Jordan Kearns, Cory Spratte, and Dave Stockton – were in attendance. During new business, the council briefly discussed several possible personnel and contract changes. City Clerk Mary Tjepkes brought up … [Read more...]
Rushford Revises Wages
There was little agenda businesses at the April 27 meeting, but the Rushford Council unanimously approved a revised wage scale and structure for Rushford Aquatic Center personnel. This move will continue to aid in drawing in not only good employees at the center, but retaining them for more than one season, which has been a problem for the city. According to documentation … [Read more...]
Village Considers Permitting Fees
Rushford Village Planning & Zoning is reviewing its permitting fee structure and other modifications needed for 2026 and beyond. At the April 21 council meeting, Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit stressed that the board is not ready to bring the final proposed changes to the council for a decision. But, it’s clear changes are needed. Last year, the village spent $8,000 in … [Read more...]
Rushford Public Works and New Administrator Update Council
At the April 13 meeting, Public Works Director Roger Knutston spoke in details to the city council about both current and future department projects and goals for 2026. While many of the Public Works items, including are routine maintenance, there were areas that saw more discussion. The Rushford Area Historical Society has undertaken a large renovation project at the … [Read more...]
Peterson Road Plans To Be Determined
At the April 8 meeting, the Peterson City Council learned from Public Works Director Jeff Rein that the city could possibly be put at the start of the season for Dunn Blacktopping. A potential time frame is before May 15. “We have some things that we want to discuss. It could be a good thing or a bad thing,” said Rein. The county is has moved back its bridge … [Read more...]
Village Hears Public Works Updates
At the April 7 meeting, the Rushford Village Council ran through a quick agenda. The bulk of discussion came during a report from Adam Johnson, Public Works Maintenance Assistant in lieu of Public Works Supervisor Darrin Dessner. Johnson let the council know time was spent recently working on a rock slide on Aspen Road and a large tree down. Public Works is trying to fill … [Read more...]
Fountain Cleans Up Issues
At the April 1 meeting, the Fountain City Council received an update from wastewater/water consultant Rick Whitney that the well house has been cleaned up. A fire was reported and extinguished at the well house behind city hall on March 26. Estimates to replace two heaters and lights are being sought. For now, temporary heating and lights are in the well house. During daily … [Read more...]