By now, it’s no secret that Rushford Village is looking at making some serious changes to South Rushford to mitigate water problems that have plagued the area this year. The council has been discussing the issues and possible solutions since 2016. The area is considered rural street type, without gutters and storm drains, and has a system of culverts and ditches in place to … [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.
Driftless Goat Company; setting the stage for restoration
Living in arguably one of the most breathtaking natural areas, we often see the lush rolling hills, dense forests, and golden prairies at face value. We forget that they have been roamed, managed by farm and land owners, and altered by years of interaction by humans. A shift in balance between soil, land, plant, and animal has resulted in reduction of quality and sustainability … [Read more...]
Rushford sets hearing for ordinance; looks to future
While the Monday, July 22 Rushford Council meeting had a smaller agenda than normal, discussion of topics was robust and included plenty of items to take notice of. Garnering the largest conversation during the meeting was the setting of a public hearing for the purpose of approving an update to an ordinance granting a franchise to Ave Telephone Association DBA/Acentek. This … [Read more...]
Rushford Village gets word on drainage issues
At the Tuesday, July 16 Rushford Village Council meeting, the city received word from Bolton & Menk Engineer Derek Olinger regarding a drainage analysis of south Rushford. The area has been inundated with water several times this year including one event that led to scrambling of services to pump water. Olinger noted that the analysis is not a final report and additional … [Read more...]
R-P finds new buyer for Peterson building
Having vacated the site in August 2017, the Rushford-Peterson School Board has sought a buyer for the former Rushford-Peterson Middle School building since last year. Two bids were previously approved, then fell short, but it appears the district now has a solid buyer for the site. He even came with check in tow to the Monday, July 15 board meeting. The R-P Facilities … [Read more...]
Lanesboro receives housing update; discusses misconduct allegations
The Lanesboro City Council met Monday, July 1 and the meeting was standing room only as more than 30 residents filled the council chambers. Also present were Elaine Edwards, Economic Development Authority (EDA) Board President, of Bridid Tuck and Jennifer Hawkins, University of Minnesota Extension, who were on hand to discuss recent Senior Housing Impact study results. The … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves variance request
After a lengthy review process and a public hearing, the Rushford Council has approved a request by Terry Hubbard to construct a shed on his 44587 Oakview Loop property. Hubbard has maintained that due to the location of the residence on his property, existing and secondary drainfield areas, and stormwater flow he is limited on where he can construct a shed and sought a … [Read more...]
Rushford stresses proactive communication with floodplain residents
The City of Rushford, as many in the state, is in the midst of updating its Floodplain Ordinance following revisions to mapping done by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A public hearing on the draft ordinance was held during the Monday, June 24 council meeting. While no public comment was … [Read more...]
R-P approves sale of former elementary/high school buildings
It’s been nearly two years since the Rushford-Peterson School District vacated the former school buildings in both Rushford and Peterson. In that time, several suggestions, scenarios, and proposals have been floated in the community over what to do with the sites. The former elementary and high school buildings, in Rushford, present a particular set of challenges for … [Read more...]
Rushford Village gets clear audit
At the Tuesday, June 18 Rushford Village Council meeting, CPA Bill Sherry, of Engleson & Associates, was on hand to discuss audit results for the city. Sherry reviewed the highlights of the audit, including fund balances, debts, revenue and expenses. At year’s end, the city had cash and investments of 955,000 in all accounts. Its main assets continue to be equipment and … [Read more...]
Peterson approves ordinance updates; preps for zoning
The Peterson City Council meeting Wednesday, June 12 largely covered a number of long-standing discussion items. First up, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Ordinance. As the agency is in the process of updating flood mapping, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the ordinance is a required piece for municipalities, particularly … [Read more...]
Rushford Village updates from engineer
The Tuesday, June 5 Rushford Village Council meeting almost didn’t happen with Councilors Dennis Overland, Chad Rasmussen, and Rich Smith out. Overland and Rasmussen were on storm watch with the Rushford Fire Department. The meeting was almost called for lack of quorum, but Councilor Dennis Overland joined Mike Ebner and Mayor Gordon Johnson for a delayed 7:15 p.m. start. … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews bonding, project bids
While the agenda for the Tuesday, May 28 Rushford Council meeting was shorter than normal, there was plenty of discussion, particularly of the city’s upcoming street and utility improvement project. The affected areas of the project include East Grove Street, Walnut Street, North Burr Oak, and Lamplighters Lane. Total project cost is $1,754,969. The negotiated sale of the bond … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves ordinance
Following a public hearing prior to the Tuesday, May 21 council meeting, it was recommended that the city formally approve the updated Floodplain Management Ordinance. The city is required to have the ordinance in order for needed parcels to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance. FEMA, along with the Minnesota Department of Education, has also … [Read more...]
R-P alters curriculum tracks
At the Monday, May 20 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting, staff introduced the board to a proposal to alter math and science requirements for graduation. Currently, the district requires four math and four science credits. The goal of the proposal is to allow flexibility in curriculum options for all students, including those wanting higher level coursework and those … [Read more...]