A public hearing held March 22 in Rushford saw just one resident in attendance, but plenty of suggestions and clarifications will be made following the discussion. Resident Tom Butterfield acknowledged that many hearings go without any citizen comment and that he felt it was worthy of discussion before being passed. “I’ve looked at this and I have some strong feelings. I’m … [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.
R-P gets a first look at proposed budget cuts
Rushford-Peterson Superintendent Jon Thompson has made it abundantly clear these last few months that the district is going to need to make some serious budget cuts. A March 1 press release from Minnesota Association of School Business Officials echoes several of Thompson’s concerns and clearly notes that R-P isn’t the only district in the state facing this challenge. … [Read more...]
Peterson looks at sign designs heading into new season
At the March 9 Peterson Council meeting, plans for a new welcome sign on the Root River State Bike Trail took a notable step forward. After months of discussion and seeking public input, the council had favorable comments about design options presented by Councilor Chris Stenzel. Stenzel, like the other councilors, looked into options and early estimates for signs to suit the … [Read more...]
Fountain seeking answers to treatment plant questions
At the March 3 Fountain City Council meeting, Widseth Smith Nolting Engineer Craig Britton described how missing information on components of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is eluding them. Britton has been seeking maintenance manuals for the plant for more than six months. “Some components are lacking information, particularly the effluent filter bed at the end of the … [Read more...]
Village continues hall closure
Rushford Village will not be opening its community center until at least July 31. The unanimous city council decision came at the March 2 meeting following a discussion on the topic. The Village Hall first closed May 5, 2020, nearly two months into pandemic shutdowns issued by Governor Tim Walz. At the time, the Minnesota Department of Health recommended events no larger than … [Read more...]
Rushford approves seeking deputy clerk/accounting
At the February 22 meeting, the Rushford City Council tackled just a few items of business, but one could spell some relief for city staffing. Following a retirement of Deputy Clerk Louane Davidson at city hall last year, administrative staff was shifted. Julianne Frick was moved into the position with utility, but the city never filled the positions fully. Rather than fill a … [Read more...]
Fillmore County SWCD approves Minnesota Land Trust contract
A contract for services between the Minnesota Land Trust and Fillmore County Soil & Water Conservation District was unanimously approved at the February 18 board meeting. The contract was for $5,000. “It’s in our favor to implement educational outreach programs for the land trust. It’s something we’ve done in the past,” noted District Administrator Laura Christiansen. … [Read more...]
R-P returns to in-person instruction
After nearly a year of following distance and hybrid learning methods, due to the pandemic, Rushford-Petersonn will happily welcome all students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, back in person beginning March 16. “One of the aspects of the pandemic, probably the most important dialogue, was to recently discuss when we want to return students,” began Superintendent Jon … [Read more...]
Rushford Village buys additional equipment
A quick Rushford Village Council meeting February 16 saw just three items of discussion, in addition to Planning & Zoning. During the Roads, Water, and Sewer portion of the agenda, it was suggested by Equipment Committee member Mike Ebner that the city consider another purchase for Public Works/Maintenance. Last month, the council approved the purchase of a new, large … [Read more...]
Peterson considers community garden; seeking sign ideas
The February 10 Peterson Council meeting covered an array of topics and it seemed like many wishfully leaned towards warmer weather. First up, during citizen comments, Joseph Kochen and Nancy Olson asked the council whether or not there was any interest in the possibility of a community garden on city property. The two who are newer to town, according to Clerk Chris Grindland, … [Read more...]