At the Monday, April 22 meeting, the Rushford Council discussed at length a request from the Department of Natural Resources to sign off on survey results they conducted. The land, now held privately, is being sold to a land conservancy which will transfer the ownership and management of the land to the State of Minnesota/DNR. The land abuts the Rushford Municipal … [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 Rewriting Entire Ordinance
At the April 16 meeting, the Rushford Village Council the council heard from Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit about a change in the push to modify the animal control ordinance. After a complaint of dogs running at large, including one deemed potentially dangerous by the state, the council had urged adding running at large to the ordinance to give substance to enforcement options … [Read more...]
Is Peterson Minnesota’s Gnome Capital?
At the April 10 meeting, the Peterson Council discussed the proposed purchase of new light pole banners. The current 10 banners are worn and several have been taken down already. Councilor Gail Boyum suggested the city replace the banners with two new sets – one for late spring through fall and the other in the winter. “We’re seeming to become the gnome capital of … [Read more...]
Rushford Events in the Works
The April 8 Rushford Council meeting presented a thin agenda, but an abundance of notices and report updates. First up, Rushford’s event series Roots & Rhythm continues to gain momentum. The event is a partnership between the public library, the Rushford Area Historical Society, and the Rushford Area Society for the Arts. A Legacy Community Collaboration grant will fund … [Read more...]
Fountain Preps for Tower Work
For two years, the city of Fountain has known issues exist with its water tower. However, until this year, there weren’t funds available for the work. At the April 3 meeting, the Fountain Council unanimously approved two bids for the planned reconditioning. Mayor Pro Tem David Gudmundson filled in for Mayor Tammy Danielson, who was absent from the meeting. The city … [Read more...]
Village to Amend Animal Ordinance
At the April 2 meeting, the Rushford Village Council heard an impassioned plea for help from a family seeking assistance with an animal control issue. Jared and Steffanie Iverson and Joyce Iverson, who served on several community organizations, including the zoning board, spoke regarding their concerns. According to the family, dogs in the North Money Creek Road area have … [Read more...]
Rushford Says Yes to Rolling Hills Transit
The Rushford Council recently welcomed Rolling Hills Transportation Director Bill Spitzer to discuss public transportation within the city and a funding request from the company. At the time, Spitzer acknowledged the new Rushford area bus and noted the company would seek funding support. At the March 25 meeting, the council discussed a Rolling Hills Transit request for $2,802 … [Read more...]
Rushford Village to Take Part in Trail Meeting
As part of the monthly Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA) report, the Rushford Village Council will take part in an upcoming virtual trail discussion. The Safe Routes to School grant, provided through the Minnesota Department of Transportation, is something CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Rebecca Charles has pushed the village to utilize the … [Read more...]
Rushford Gets Offer on Lot
“For the longest time, lots sit there and sit there, and then all of a sudden…” noted Councilor Jim O’Donnell at the March 11 Rushford Council meeting. It was echoed by realtor Rod Darr and the party making the offer on the lot, Winona native Sean Wittenberg. The offer for the lot at 1106 Miller Circle in the Himlie Business Park included a $37,976 price tag plus 25% of the … [Read more...]
Peterson Looks to Water Improvement Plan
At the March 13 meeting, the Peterson Council heard from WHKS engineer Scott Huneke regarding plans for a new well and ground storage tank. Through WHKS, the city will apply to state and federal entities to upgrade its public water system. WHKS secured some preliminary estimates and will present them to the council. Councilors Tracy Seelbinder and Gail Boyum recounted their … [Read more...]
Clean Audit for Fountain
At the March 6 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed AndreW Forliti, principal for Smith Schafer, to discuss the 2023 audit findings. Local Government Aid (LGA) provided to the city remained flat for the last four years, but it will increase slightly to $92,011 in 2024. The state funding currently provides 20% of the total city revenues. The city has needed to increase the … [Read more...]
Rushford Getting New Public Transit Bus
At the February 26 meeting, the Rushford Council welcomed Rolling Hills Transit Director of Transportation Manager Bill Spitzer. He attended the meeting to discuss the program, Rushford bus details, area community details on ridership, services provided, funding needs, and plans. Spitzer hit on reasons why public transit is critical, including accessibility, affordability, … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Maintenance Work Continues
At the February 20 meeting, the Rushford Village Council learned from Public Works Supervisor that upgrades for the maintenance shed are nearing completion. The budget for 2024 includes $20,000 for it and projected work includes blown-in insulation, steel and equipment rental for the insulation. Estimates included for insulation and accessories were $8,532, while steel walls … [Read more...]
Rushford Business Park – Down to Just 2
The city of Rushford purchased 23.5 acres of farmland from Wallace Himlie in 2007. The $699,999 parcel sold for $31,000 an acre and was purchased as a potential site for Tri-County Electric to build a new complex after the 2007 flood destroyed their facilities and as an opportunity for potential growth and job development for the community. The city platted nine … [Read more...]
Fountain Grapples with Wastewater Repair
The Fountain Council again discussed needed repairs to the wastewater treatment plant lift station pump at the February 7 meeting. The current pump issues have been known for some time. There is no backup for it should it go out entirely. At the meeting, via conference call, was Mike Morris from MMS Environmental, with whom the city contracts for reporting and maintenance at … [Read more...]