The City of Rushford received a Preliminary Engineering Report for Highway 30 Reconstruction Project at the September 14 council meeting. City Engineer Derek Olinger, from Bolton & Menk, was present to discuss the report, one of many steps to getting the 2022 project underway. Despite being more than 18 months until the proposed start of construction, there are countless … [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 continues discussions on zoning issue
The Village Council sought clarification from Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit at the September 15 meeting regarding recent discussion of zoning issues at 29705 Highway 43 South. At the August meeting the council voted to approve a fine to property owner Dave Lind regarding the construction of a building without a permit. At the time, the council also approved seeking … [Read more...]
Peterson picks new contract
The City of Peterson is changing hands with garbage service. At the September 9 meeting, the council gave unanimous approval for a new provider. The decision was based on cost and service options. Jason Nielson, representative for Waste Management, and Jeff Holmquist, Harter’s Quick Clean Up Service Sales Manager, were both on hand to discuss any questions the council had … [Read more...]
Rushford closer to South Rushford drainage projects
The September 1 Rushford Village meeting saw the council unanimously approve proceeding with securing of quotes for the first step in easing water woes in South Rushford. The area has historically seen issues, largely due to its placement at the base of the bluffs and poor culvert and ditch water flows. The area’s streets are “rural” with no, or very little curb, and no storm … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to push on continuing maintenance
As the time for 2021 budgeting and setting of public tax levies draws near, cities are buckling down on goals and priorities for the year. At the August 18 Rushford Village Council meeting, getting a grasp on the budget to determine those plans was key. “At some point and time we need to try to get together to talk about what we want and need to find a better understanding. … [Read more...]
Fountain seeks reimbursement from DNR; hits roadblock
Mayor Jim Schott remembers when the city first entered into an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for cost-sharing related to the trailhead facilities, in particular the restroom. The city’s been vocal about having not received any supplies or funding for them and just recently the council suggested the seeking of reimbursement for some of the costs. At … [Read more...]
Rushford runs into parcel snag with Highway 30 project
Rushford’s reconstruction project of Highway 30 isn’t slated to begin until 2022, but preliminary plans for the project are underway. The Minnesota Department of Transportation-led project is in its initial layout phase and includes West Jessie Street and West Stevens Avenue portions of Highway 30. Once layout alternatives are reviewed, preliminary design will commence. City … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to push on continuing maintenance
As the time for 2021 budgeting and setting of public tax levies draws near, cities are buckling down on goals and priorities for the year. At the August 18 Rushford Village Council meeting, getting a grasp on the budget to determine those plans was key. “At some point and time we need to try to get together to talk about what we want and need to find a better understanding. … [Read more...]
R-P adopts return to school plan
After determinations for procedures and guidelines by the state, districts are beginning to roll out plans for the return to school for the 2020-2021 school year. Rushford-Peterson School District has been discussing the options for months and clear, concise state recommendations were expected, but are leaving the outlook, as Superintendent Jon Thompson noted, “Clear as … [Read more...]
Peterson to implement fines for ordinance violations
The City of Peterson has spent the past three years building up its zoning ordinances, particularly when it comes to non-compliant properties and nuisance vehicles. In that time, the council has set fines which can be applied to property owners. With long-standing issues continuing and several properties either not communicating with the city or not bringing their properties … [Read more...]