It’s been a rough few months for R-P students and staff, as the school year was modified to crisis distance learning and facilities closed to in-person instruction for the coronavirus pandemic. While district administrator Jon Thompson previously praised the state for giving districts eight days to switch gears, unknowns remain as the district attempts to follow new and … [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.
Village hires new public works supervisor
After months of discussion, the City of Rushford Village has officially hired Kyle Chiglo as the new Public Works/Maintenance Supervisor. Following an interview with the Personnel Committee, comprised of Councilors Robert Hart and Roger Knutson, Clerk Mary Miner, and Scheck, it was recommended that the hire be approved by the council. Chiglo was an applicant five years ago when … [Read more...]
Rushford pool to open with restrictions
It’s been a months-long unknown, but the Rushford council decided, in a 4:1 vote June 8, to open the pool later this summer. Until now, COVID-19 restrictions put in place under Governor Tim Walz’s orders had prevented it. The big questions now are when will opening day be and how will the city manage the new Stay Safe MN restrictions put in place by the governor. As of June … [Read more...]
Peterson looking to work with property owners
Business is just starting to get back to normal for the City of Peterson. As temperatures have warmed, members of the council have completed a walkabout of city properties to access for any ordinance violations. It’s an effort the city has been keen on the last several years. Letters were sent to 19 property owners and detailed the city’s desire for a positive community … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to staffing changes
Business for the Rushford Village Council is slower than usual and the most recent meeting, just under 10 minutes reflected that. A few agenda items received additional discussion, mainly in relation to Public Works. The hunt for the new Public Works Maintenance Supervisor is on and moving forward. The position will be resigned by current supervisor Travis Scheck effective … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for Phase II of COVID-19 response
As Minnesota prepares to shift from Phase I of the state’s COVID-19 response plan, businesses are working to find ways to achieve requirements while getting local economies humming again. Per Governor Tim Walz’s Stay Safe Plan, Phase II begins June 1 with the guided reopening of restaurants and bars, personal care services/salons, retail, outdoor spaces, youth sports and … [Read more...]
Rushford gets good news on funds front
The City of Rushford’s financial position is looking healthy overall. Auditor Jason Boyton, of Smith Schafer & Associates, dialed in to the virtual meeting May 11 to present the detailed findings. While a bit of a challenge, but all pertinent information between city hall and auditors was done remotely this year. The city’s tax levy was $936,000 in 2019, up $23,000 from … [Read more...]
Rushford Village ponders immediate future of community center
The Rushford Village Hall is closed until January 1, 2021, at which point use of the facility will be reviewed. That was the decision made at the May 5 Village Council meeting following Governor Walz’s extension of COVID-19 preventions. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but to err on the side of caution, as noted by several on the council. Rentals of the space for May were … [Read more...]
Fountain ushers in new city clerk
The Wednesday, May 6 Fountain Council meeting was anything but normal with the council gathering in the spacious community center after original plans to have the council meet via telephone were changed. With the world at a relative standstill though, discussion during the six-minute meeting was limited. “If he [Governor Walz] doesn’t lift the stay at home we will be doing … [Read more...]
Rushford approves relief through flood loan pause
As the COVID-19 struggle continues, the City of Rushford is looking at opportunities to assist local businesses. At the April 27 council meeting, temporary modifications to the city’s Economic Development Authority Flood Recovery Loan Repayment Policy were discussed. Several businesses are receiving some category of flood loan assistance with roughly 20 loans remaining. A … [Read more...]