It’s been a year since the R-P School District vacated its former facilities to take up residence in the new, single school facility in Rushford. In doing so, the future of the former elementary and high school facilities, in Rushford, and the former middle school, in Peterson, became looming unknowns, despite both the district and communities having their share of potential … [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 hits at Economic Development items
Rushford’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) had some new recommendations for the city council at the Monday, August 13 meeting. Both involve area businesses which have received EDA funding and both solutions were noted as a winning situation for both the city and the businesses. For some time, the city has been working with Loken’s Rushford Inn owners Mike and Eileen Loken … [Read more...]
Rushford Village moves forward with road project
After months of discussion on how to address issues on Benson Lane, the Rushford Village Council took formal action on it at the Tuesday, August 8 meeting. Mayor Gordon Johnson and Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck took opportunity to meet with Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) recently. The purpose was to discuss options for water retention or slowing prior to … [Read more...]
Peterson mulls over projects
The Peterson Council meeting, Wednesday, August 8, saw discussion of several small city projects either underway or in the planning stages. Absent from the meeting were City Clerk Chris Grindland and Councilor Dave Colbenson. Several municipal buildings are slated for upgrades. The public restrooms at the city park will need some minor alterations, including replacement of the … [Read more...]
Fountain rescinds motion; puts chicken ordinance on November ballot
After months of discussing whether or not to allow the keeping of chickens within city limits, the Fountain Council has taken steps to put the issue on the general election ballot Tuesday, November 6. Resident Emily Root first approached the council in May with a detailed plan for a secure coop in which to house 10 hens. At the time, the council did not have further questions … [Read more...]
Rushford planning 2019 street and utility improvements; discussion on school sale
The City of Rushford has spent the last decade working to develop and proceed with a plan for maintenance and upgrading of streets and underground utility. Spurred by needs following the 2007 flood, the city has undertaken several sizable projects and another is potentially just around the corner. The city’s engineer, Bolton & Menk, presented an updated plan at the Monday, … [Read more...]
Rushford Village continues to review Benson Lane project
“It’s hard to get our arms around this thing.” It’s a sentiment Rushford Village Mayor Gordon Johnson has stated several times in relation to a road project on Benson Lane that was estimated to cost upwards of $150,000. The road currently has what Johnson’s described as a “Missouri crossing,” which overtops after significant rainfall. The current culvert is failing, being … [Read more...]
R-P continues trapshooting debate; looks at Operating Referendum in November
The Monday, July 16 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting had a packed agenda, including a number of items of old business and a lengthy schedule of new items. One particular item, which carried over from last month’s meeting, was discussion regarding the status of trapshooting team. Trapshooting coach Colby Lind was on hand to address the board regarding a number of … [Read more...]
Rushford seeking changes at county, state levels
The Monday, July 9 Rushford Council meeting saw no official action on general business. However, two topics that affect the city and its residents were discussed at length. City Administrator Tony Chladek has taken a lead position, along with Krista Ross, of Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), and Tara Johnson, Library Director for Lanesboro Public Library. The aim of … [Read more...]
Rushford Village rehashes old issues
The future of the Benson Lane Project has been in limbo for some time as the Rushford Village Council works with engineering firm Bolton & Menk to determine the best path forward. Initially, options were narrowed down to two culvert alternates and Bolton & Menk began preliminary design work on each. In early June, council discussion indicated some reluctance to spend … [Read more...]
Rushford plans for community events
The Monday, June 25 Rushford Council meeting hit at a details for a number of community betterment projects and events. The city is continuing to partner with the Minnesota Department of Transportation through an agreement aimed at improving the landscape of the city, particularly downtown areas. Phase 1 and 2 are already complete and Phase 3 will be implemented this fall. It … [Read more...]
R-P School Board vacancy; deadline for candidate filing
The Monday, June 18 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting saw the board officially declare a vacancy on the board. Last month, Board Director Julie Koop tendered her resignation, effective following the June meeting. With the vacancy, the board has also approved a resolution calling for a special election, to be held in November. The position will be a two-year term on the … [Read more...]
Rushford Village waits on Benson Lane project; approves platting plan
At the June 5 Rushford Village Council meeting, Mayor Gordon Johnson stated his reluctance to spend $150,000-200,000 for the Benson Lane Project, currently in the engineering phase. Johnson questioned the idea of redirecting water, prior the problem crossing and the council opted to see what other options, with cost analysis, may be available other than installation of large … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for service for fallen WWII native
The brief Monday, June 11 Rushford Council meeting focused on just three agenda items. One notable update to the council was details of an upcoming ceremony honoring fallen soldier and Rushford native Joseph Morris Johnson. The navy seaman served on the USS Oklahoma and was killed in action at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Johnson was just 22 when he was killed. He was … [Read more...]
Peterson hears citizen comments on bandstand, athletic fields
The Wednesday, June 13 Peterson Council meeting saw several city residents present with comments regarding recent council discussion, including future plans for the former Rushford-Peterson Middle School football field. Now city property, the council considered options including leaving it as a park, including the moving of the city bandstand to the property, and possible … [Read more...]