Discussion of improvements at the Rushford Village Public Works maintenance shed continued at the March 7 city council meeting. Public Works and several council members maintain that the building is underutilized and that improvements are needed. Much like other costs over the last two years, bids for the various parts of the project came in approximately 35% higher than … [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 meets potential engineers
Maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant is an ongoing issue for Fountain. Noting dissatisfaction and lack of communication with the current city engineer, the council began looking for a new engineer last month. As a result, three companies attended the March 1 meeting to provide information. Mike Saunders, project manager from AE2S, noted the company’s focus on water … [Read more...]
Rushford creates commercial loan fund
At the February 27 meeting, the Rushford Council unanimously approved the Economic Development Authority (EDA) recommendation to implement Business Subsidy/Revolving Loan Fund guidelines. These will assist in marketing a Commercial Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program. The goal of the program is to fill commercial space within the city. “This is the leading priority of the EDA. … [Read more...]
New Rushford Village water meters coming
After more than a year of discussion, the Rushford Village council unanimously approved the installation estimates for its new water meters. The council approved the purchase of 105 meters from Metron-Farnier in December. Two bids were received. The bid from VIS Plumbing & Heating, of Lanesboro, came in at $13,650, and STS Plumbing & Heating, of Mabel, was $19,789. … [Read more...]
Rushford approves trail project with R-P
At last month’s Rushford-Peterson Board meeting, the district approved a letter of intent for a partnership with the City of Rushford on a trail extension project. The project aims to provide safe pedestrian travel from the Brooklyn neighborhood and the Tyrol Hills subdivision to the school. It connects city trails on the west side of Nannestad Lane, behind homes west of Eiken … [Read more...]
Rushford Village section goes dark
A portion of Rushford Village, along the Highway 43 corridor, went unexpectedly dark last week. It extends south of the Root River Bridge, near Brown Tire & Battery, towards south rushford, roughly a half mile, to where Highways 43 and 16 intersect. According to City Councilor Mike Ebner, the outage resulted from poor underground wiring. Approximately a half dozen poles are … [Read more...]
Peterson picks new councilor
The City of Peterson has a new councilor after receiving three letters of interest from residents, including Steve Feldmeier, Joseph Kochen, and Justin Simon. The city declared a vacancy in January following the election of then-Councilor Chris Stenzel to the mayor’s seat in the November general election. “I’m impressed with everyone, but think Justin is the best fit,” stated … [Read more...]
Fountain Council considers new city engineer
At the February 1 meeting, the Fountain council discussed the need for a new engineer, particularly the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The city hired Widseth Smith Nolting for engineering services, beginning in 2019, with Craig Britton serving as city engineer. Work includes the wastewater treatment plant, streets, zoning projects, comprehensive plan, and mapping. Before … [Read more...]
Rushford ambulance seeks additional firefighters
At the January 23 meeting, the Rushford Council heard from Rushford Fire Department Chief Chad Rasmussum who provided an annual report. In addition to the appointment of 2023 officers, Relief Association Board Members, meetings and events, he noted the retirement of two longtime firefighters and a need to fill vacancies. Travis Eide (21 years) and Wayne Exe (33 years) are … [Read more...]
Rushford Village annual meeting brings up financial discussions
On January 17, the Rushford Village council held its annual meeting to review appointments, designations, contracts, and fees. Much of these remain the same as in 2022. Councilor Mike Ebner will continue to serve as acting mayor during any absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. Committee appointments include new Councilor Travis Link serving on the Equipment Committee and as Weed … [Read more...]