At the October 13 meeting, the Rushford Council discussed just three items of new business. Garnering the most discussion was the current animal control officer pay. The city has long utilized the services of area resident Robert Brand for animal control, as do several other municipalities. According to City Administrator Hayden Stensgard, Brand recently requested an increase … [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.
Fountain Ponders Truck Purchase
On October 7, the Fountain City Council further discussed getting rid of its current city dump truck, putting it out for bids, and finding something more suitable. Councilor Jordan Kerns quickly brought up that it was his understanding the council was tabling the issue until the budget for 2027 is complete and the city can budget for the purchase. “I don’t think it’s a smart … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Park Future Hopeful
The push to improve the future of the south Rushford park is gaining momentum thanks to enthusiastic residents. At the October 6 Rushford Village Council meeting, several turned up to ask the council’s take on the desire to revamp the park. Renee Ritter spoke to the recent social media survey put out to the community about how the park is currently used and what the community … [Read more...]
Rushford Busy With Chamber Resignation, New Contract
Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Eggert tendered her resignation, effective year’s end. Eggert has been in the role since August 2023. Chamber President Amy Englehart attended the September 28 council meeting to discuss plans for the seeking of a new Chamber director. “The Chamber board is working through the transition and next steps,” said … [Read more...]
Rushford Recovers Fraud Funds
After a frustrating month, there is good news in Rushford. According to City Administrator Hayden Stensgard, they recovered nearly all funds lost when the city fell victim to a recent wire transfer fraud. As noted previously, on August 13, a scammer posed as the Public Facilities Authority, using a modified email address. The city made payment on a recurring bond bill, in the … [Read more...]
Village Looks to Emergency Grant
Councilor Mike Ebner led the September 15 Rushford Village Council meeting due to the absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. In addition to Public Works Superintendent Darrin Dessner, City Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit, City Attorney Joe O’Koren, and the remainder of the council – Bob Hart, Travis Link, and Rick Ruberg – the council … [Read more...]
Peterson Approves Ordinance Amendments in 3:2 Vote
Visitor chairs were full at the September 8 Peterson Council meeting as the city took amendments to its A-1 Agricultural District and Floodplain Ordinance under review. The discussion has been ruminating since March of this year when area residents and Peterson business owners Matt and Jenny Helgemoe proposed a campground on agricultural land north of the city. City Attorney … [Read more...]
Rushford Falls Victim to Fraud
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...]
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...]