The keeping of chickens, particularly laying hens only, within the city of Fountain is back at the forefront again after Councilor Colleen Fohrenbacher respectfully asked her fellow council members to consider it at the November 3 meeting. “I am not asking for a vote. I would just like to talk about it,” she noted. The suggestion first came up in May 2018 when resident Emily … [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 approves new mill rate for fire protection
Rushford Fire Chief Chad Rasmussen presented the proposed contract and mill rate for 2022-2023 to the city council at its October 25 meeting. The volunteer department is the only known to conduct a bi-annual mill rate meeting for the 10 townships it provides fire protection to. Those townships include Arendahl, Norway, Preble, and the cities of Peterson and Rushford Village in … [Read more...]
Peterson reviews budget
As the end of the year draws near, Peterson is working to finalize its 2022 budget and tax levy. “I pretty much have it complete. I’m just working on the details,” noted City Clerk Chris Grindland at the October 13 council meeting. The city is currently looking at a 6% increase. The city’s tax levy bringing in just over $100,000. With the addition of Local Government Aid to … [Read more...]
Rushford approves refinance
Revisiting a bond refinance talked about in September, the Rushford Council unanimously approved the measure garnering significant savings for the city at the October 12 meeting. The original 2014 bond has a rapidly approaching call date and is within a 90-day prior window to begin refinancing. Initially, Financial Consultant Mike Bubany, of David Drown & Associates, … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to partner for payment assistance program
The City of Rushford Village was recently approached by Semcac (South East Minnesota Citizens Action Council) regarding a Water and Sewer Assistance Program. The program is optional for cities and works to address emergency needs. “It would help any resident in the water/sewer district that are behind in their payments,” noted City Clerk Mary Miner at the October 5 meeting. … [Read more...]
Fountain to join up with Sourcewell
In a brisk meeting, on October 6, the Fountain Council reviewed a cooperative purchasing contract with Sourcewell. The company, located in Staples, Minn., assists municipalities and other non-profit organizations with obtaining insurance, equipment, and technology at competitive rates. Boasting more than 50,000 members, Sourcewell functions as a cooperative for contract … [Read more...]
Rushford approves new policy
At the September 27 council meeting, financial consultant Mike Bubany, of David Drown & Associates, brought forth details of a request by Winona Health to utilize conduit revenue bonds for Health Care Facilities Revenue Refunding Notes. At the time, he explained how cities have the opportunity to assist private-sector entities if the project is deemed to be in the public … [Read more...]
Rushford looking to grab debt savings
The City of Rushford is once again looking at a refinancing opportunity for cost savings on an existing bond. Financial Consultant Michael Bubany, of David Drown & Associates, presented the option to the council at the September 13 meeting. He also provided details of a financial request that would net the city some unexpected revenue. The bond up for discussion … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks at budget planning
The September 7 Rushford Village Council meeting was largely discussions related to the upcoming budget/levy and Public Works and/or road topics. Treasurer Judy Graham sat in for City Clerk Mary Miner as meeting clerk. The Village staff is working to determine the 2022 budget and the final budget is expected at the September 21 meeting. At that time, the council will use the … [Read more...]
Two possible park projects for Peterson
The City of Peterson may be looking at two new family-oriented opportunities within its borders. At the September 8 council meeting, Boy Scout Troop 53 leader Tom Butterfield and scout Gibson Darr were present to discuss Darr’s proposal for a Gaga ball pit in the city’s campground park. “Gibson has worked his way through Boy Scouts and wants to earn Eagle Scout,” explained … [Read more...]