It’s been a month since an early morning fire at a two-story apartment complex at 815 Grand Street in Chatfield. Breaking out just after midnight on November 27, the fire displaced eight families and left the building in ruin. While the initial aftermath left the residents scrambling, they say the overwhelming support from the community of Chatfield was unforgettable. Fifteen … [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 Village rehashes recent increase, sets levy
Following significant recent discussion, the Rushford Village Council approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase at the December 6 meeting for its four city employees: Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, and Public Works’ Jeff Michel. At the December 20 meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland brought the issue back for further … [Read more...]
Rushford to seek assistant ambulance director
The City of Rushford has always had a dedicated volunteer ambulance crew. The numbers of willing persons is dwindling across the country, but the demand for their work is increasing. At the December 12 meeting, the council moved forward the first review for an assistant director/emergency medical service training coordinator for the department. By creating the new position, the … [Read more...]
Tensions flare at Peterson meeting
The last Peterson Council meeting of the year, held on December 14, addressed several annual items and two agenda items added by outgoing Mayor Dave Colbenson. It included employee review for new Public Works Director Tim Hallum and discussion on the council itself. Public comment is taken at the beginning of the meeting, limited to three minutes per person. However, … [Read more...]
Fountain approves contract
At the December 7 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed several in attendance, including incoming council members Cory Spratte, Jordan Kerns, and mayor-elect Tami Danielson. Also in attendance were Rick Whitney and Michael Morris, MMS Environmental, who joined via phone. Whitney and Morris provided plant management contract proposals to the city. Before discussing the … [Read more...]
Adept new administrator heading up county district
Fillmore County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a long-standing organization striving to promote natural resource stewardship through educational, technical and financial assistance. Led by staff and a board focusing on various aspects of conservation and stewardship, it offers programs and services in soil health, water management, grazing and nutrient … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves increase
The Rushford Village Council approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for city employees: Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, and Public Works/Maintenance worker Jeff Michel. The sticking point in the discussion was giving a secondary increase after employees received a step increase this summer. The council looked at … [Read more...]
Rushford hears from new public transit director
The November 28 Rushford Council meeting welcomed the new Rolling Hills Transit Director, Melinda Fields, who discussed upcoming plans and needs for the regional transportation company. It operates 13 routes within Dodge, rural Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston counties. Service is available for anyone, providing curb-to-curb service with handicap accessibility at … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central completes audit
At the November 22 meeting, the Fillmore Central School Board heard from Jason Boyton, audit principal for Smith Schafer. There were no compliance issues noted. The firm conducted a single audit due to federal funding over the $7,000 threshold. Average Daily Membership (AMD) for 2022 stands at 265 in grades 7-12, 265 in grades 1-6, and 51 in kindergarten and preschool. The … [Read more...]
Rushford Village hammers out hall rental agreement
At the November 15 meeting, Rushford Village Council received an update from City Clerk Mary Miner and City Attorney Joe O’Koren regarding the ongoing overhaul of the hall rental agreement. The hall closed to rental in early 2020, due to the pandemic, but lifted those restrictions in March of this year. Revision of the agreement came about following a request to rent the hall … [Read more...]