With just quorum, the Peterson City Council held their October 8 meeting. On the agenda was the recurring topic of looking at ways to better enforce zoning ordinances. Many were updated recently to include clearer wording, a more targeted approach, and stronger penalties for non-compliant properties, particularly the ordinances on vehicles and junk. Non-compliant properties … [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.
Fountain Holds Mural Ribbon Cutting
Ahead of the October 1 city council meeting, Fountain officials and residents celebrated the completion of the new city mural. Joining the festivities was artist Geri Ann Hanson, who designed and oversaw all volunteer painting done on the project which resembles an old-style postcard with rolling hills, trees, and sunshine surrounding a bike on the Root River State … [Read more...]
Village Sets Preliminary Levy
After months of discussing the budget and tax levy for 2026, the Rushford Village Council approved the preliminary at $764,099 at their September 16 meeting. The amount was determined by taking into consideration the current disbursements for the year, estimated disbursements for September-December based on 2024 numbers, the current estimated budget shortfall of $65,455, and a … [Read more...]
Rushford Gets Financial Report; Hears More on Old School
At the September 8 meeting, the Rushford Council welcomed manager Kali Lentz from Smith Schafer, who provided the comprehensive annual financial report. While there were no glaring concerns, there also seemed little change from the previous year. The city received a clean report and positive news ending the 2024 year $51,000 under budget. Last year, the approved budget and … [Read more...]
Fountain Considers Maintenance Contract for Plant
At the September 3 meeting, the Fountain Council heard an update and proposal for the 2009 wastewater treatment plant from Rick Whitney, who’s been assisting Public Works Director John Hanson with some issues. Whitney explained in detail to the council that areas of corrosion have led to other components not functioning as they should. In particular, on the side of the … [Read more...]
Village Seeks Maintenance Assistant
Assistance for the Village Public Works Department was a headlining topic again at the September 3 Rushford Village Council meeting. “I would like to see us open for discussion and start looking to bring on part-time help yet this fall to help Darrin and start working into the system. There’s plenty of work out there right now,” began Councilor Mike Ebner. The process … [Read more...]
Village Update on Storm Damage
At the August 19 meeting, the Rushford Village Council received an update regarding Fillmore County storm damage. City Clerk Mary Miner provided an update on the cost of tree cleanup following the derecho that hit the area on July 28. Councilor Mike Ebner noted there is a hope for some mitigation funding available for cleanup. “These trees … we get wind, rain, and all this … [Read more...]
Rushford Receives Old School Complaints/Petition
While the August 11 Rushford Council agenda had no items of regular business, there was plenty to consider. During the appearance of interested persons, Attorney Mike Miller introduced himself and presented the city with a request and a petition from citizen clients regarding the former Rushford-Peterson School. The 2-acre site was vacated by the district in 2017 after the … [Read more...]
Fountain Looks Ahead to Highway 52 Project
There were several guests in attendance at the August 6 Fountain City Council meeting, including Paul Zagar from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The city will see a major reconfiguration of the current 3rd Street and County Road 8 intersection with Highway 52 next spring. Currently, the three roads meet in a “Y” intersection. MnDOT is planning to end the … [Read more...]
Village Looks to Comp Plan Focus
At the August 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council welcomed new Community Economic Development Associates’ (CEDA) consultant Jayme Longmire and CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist for Fillmore County Allison Whalen. The two presented details on a number of initiatives for the area that may pertain to the village, specifically now that the updated Comprehensive … [Read more...]