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...]
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 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...]
Rushford to see legislative results
Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist for Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) presented to the Rushford Council, August 23, an update of legislative progress in a number of areas. CGMC represents 109 municipalities in Minnesota working on Local Government Aid (LGA) and property taxes, economic development, annexation and land use, transportation, environment and … [Read more...]
Village to be site of R-P Special Election polling
At the August 17 Rushford Village Council meeting, it was unanimously decided that the Village Hall be the place of all special elections to be held by Rushford-Peterson School District. The district will be holding a special election this November to fill the seat of former School Board Director Kathy Wade, who resigned her seat in February after moving out of the district. A … [Read more...]
Peterson opts to forgo car charging station
Discussion from the previous month’s meeting continued at the Peterson City Council’s August 11 meeting. At July’s meeting, the Peterson City Council tabled a decision on installation of an electrical vehicle charging station pending further investigation. An offer, provided by Kent Whitcomb, of MiEnergy, was provided, noting Dairyland Power’s desire to build a network of … [Read more...]