A public hearing regarding possible rezoning of the former Rushford-Peterson school was held Monday, October 28 just prior to the city council meeting. Several were in attendance to hear proposed plans for the former elementary and high school facilities which were purchased in June by Well House Ministry, a faith-based organization, co-founded by Sherryl and Bruce Brunner. The … [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 approves maintenance contract; determines future of old trophies
At the Monday, October 21 meeting, the R-P School Board reviewed a proposal for HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) system preventative maintenance. In attendance to explain the details was Paul Kruckow, sales engineer for Winona Heating & Ventilating, Inc. “We do have a great deal of dollars invested in our system and we need to make sure it is running … [Read more...]
Rushford recaps financial planning
The City of Rushford has spent more than a decade cracking away at infrastructure needs accelerated by 2007 flooding. Utilizing financial planning tools, in partnership with Mike Bubany, of David Drown & Associates, the city has been able to continue a steady pace forward while maintaining a self-imposed debt per capita threshold. Bubany was on hand at the October 15 … [Read more...]
Peterson approves fine forgiveness option
The City of Peterson approved a vehicle ordinance in November 2018 after debating the issue for months. It went into effect January 1 after repeated notice to city residents. The goal of the ordinance was to reduce nuisance vehicles within city limits, specifically including those that are not operating and registered. The ordinance was reviewed by legal counsel to be concise … [Read more...]
Rushford Village considers road issues
A number of items pertaining to roads and zoning were up for discussion at the Tuesday, October 1 Rushford Village meeting. While no formal decision was made at this time, a decision will need to made on most relatively soon. Of particular interest was an item brought to the table by Mayor Gordon Johnson. The bridge crossing at Aspen Road has been noted by county inspections … [Read more...]
Fountain weighs city engineer proposals, concert events
While initially indicating it was unlikely a decision would be made that night, the City of Fountain approved the hiring of engineering firm Widseth Smith Nolting at the Wednesday, October 2 meeting. Engineering firm WSB & Associates is currently working with the city, particularly on zoning projects, the comprehensive plan, and mapping. However, City Clerk Rhonda … [Read more...]
Rushford Village back on road projects
At the Tuesday, September 17 council meeting, Bolton & Menk Engineer Derek Olinger provided several updates to the city regarding ongoing street and utility improvement projects. Included were further information on the South Rushford Drainage Analysis, work on Benson Lane, bridge inspection, and an Aspen Road update. Preliminary planning for work in south Rushford … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson approves wage increase for routes
New R-P Superintendent Jon Thompson, at the helm just a few months, is making some changes with the way school board meetings are conducted and detailed them at the Monday, September 16 meeting. In the past, the board agenda has included statements from Principals Angela Shepard and Jake Timm, Community Education Director Lisa Lawston, and former Athletic Director Dan … [Read more...]
Peterson trudges through city issues
The Peterson Council buckled down on a number of recent issues at the Wednesday, September 11 meeting, as well as a handful of new concerns. Topics included ordinances and zoning, recent water concerns, budgets, and projects, including the newly approved road work. At the August meeting, the council unanimously approved putting a hold on replacing Park and River Street. The … [Read more...]
Fountain Council rescinds vote on city truck route
The Fountain Council rescinded an August vote to remove all truck routes within the city at the Wednesday, September 4 meeting. The move came after citizen complaints and concerns over the action. The earlier decision came following discussion of a Rochester City Lines bus stop. Plans to address the municipal parking lot to better accommodate bus pick ups for those … [Read more...]