At the December 2 meeting, Rushford Village Council Councilor Mike Ebner informed the council that with the first big storm of the season, there was an issue with the Freightliner truck, which is relatively new to the public works department. It was purchased in May 2022 from Dave Syverson Truck Center. This is an ongoing issue for the village as the old Freightliner truck had … [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 Hosting Event for Former Coop Site
A community-wide event regarding the possible fate of the former Farmers Win Cooperative site was planned for Wednesday, December 3 at the Rushford-Peterson Schools Forum Room from 6-8 pm. Childcare provided by five R-P senior high girls, earning their silver cord volunteer hours, during the event. At the November 24 meeting, the Rushford City Council and members of the … [Read more...]
Village Concerns Over Recreational Land Taxation
At the November 18 meeting, the Rushford Village Council Acting Mayor Mike Ebner led the meeting in the absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. Once again, the council turned talk to the annual budget review. After setting the preliminary budget and levy in September, the council and city staff have whittled down the amount and proposed expenditures to $605,455, which represents a … [Read more...]
Rushford Looks To New Administrator, Council
At the November 10 meeting, the Rushford City Council received Fillmore County Administrator Bobby Hillary and Heather Broadwater, representing the Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer’s office. The discussion related to the possible moving of Rushford’s off-year elections to the regular election cycle held by every other municipality and township in the county. “Fillmore … [Read more...]
Fountain Works to Maintain Plant Condition
Following up on details laid out at the September Fountain Council meeting, Rick Whitney presented further details at the November 4 meeting. Whitney is assisting Public Works Director John Hanson with maintenance of the system. He detailed all work completed and provided suggestions to keep the plant in good condition, aiming to extend its lifetime. Several areas were … [Read more...]
Village Breaks Down Budget
At the November 4 Rushford Village meeting, the council broke down the budget worksheet bit by bit, looking for any possible cost savings in the coming year. In September, the council set the preliminary budget and property tax levy at $655,455. This represents a 14.5% increase from 2025. City Clerk Mary Miner and Treasurer Judy Graham laid out the proposed budget and will make … [Read more...]
Rushford Explores Options Ahead of Public Meeting
As the year end closes in, the city of Rushford Economic Development Authority (EDA) made plans to update the council on conceptual options for the former Farmers Win Coop site. Planned for the November 24 council meeting, the EDA will review concepts and possible next steps. A community meeting is tentatively slated for December 3 at the Rushford-Peterson High School forum … [Read more...]
Village Considers Business and Housing Options
At the October 21 meeting, the Rushford Village council welcomed Community Economic Development Associates’ community and business development specialist Jayme Longmire. Along with City Attorney Joe O’Koren, they discussed options for using the Revolving Loan Fund to bolster business and housing needs. The fund currently sits at over $200,000 and is not being utilized by … [Read more...]
City Administrator Released by Rushford
At the October 14 meeting, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved the separation and release agreement with City Administrator Tony Chladek. A special meeting to discuss a personnel issue had been scheduled for October 8, but was later canceled. City Attorney Chris Hoodecheck attended the meeting virtually. The contract between the departing Chladek and the city … [Read more...]
Village Looks at Budget Reduction
At the October 7 meeting, the Rushford Village City Clerk Mary Miner sought council suggestions for budget reductions. To bring the 2026 levy and budget down to 7.5% from the preliminary 14.5% increase, Miner indicated the council would need to reduce $40,000 from the proposed budget. Councilor Bob Hart, echoed by Councilor Travis Link, suggested reducing or eliminating the … [Read more...]