It’s been nearly two years since the Rushford-Peterson School District vacated the former school buildings in both Rushford and Peterson. In that time, several suggestions, scenarios, and proposals have been floated in the community over what to do with the sites. The former elementary and high school buildings, in Rushford, present a particular set of challenges for … [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 gets clear audit
At the Tuesday, June 18 Rushford Village Council meeting, CPA Bill Sherry, of Engleson & Associates, was on hand to discuss audit results for the city. Sherry reviewed the highlights of the audit, including fund balances, debts, revenue and expenses. At year’s end, the city had cash and investments of 955,000 in all accounts. Its main assets continue to be equipment and … [Read more...]
Peterson approves ordinance updates; preps for zoning
The Peterson City Council meeting Wednesday, June 12 largely covered a number of long-standing discussion items. First up, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Floodplain Ordinance. As the agency is in the process of updating flood mapping, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the ordinance is a required piece for municipalities, particularly … [Read more...]
Rushford Village updates from engineer
The Tuesday, June 5 Rushford Village Council meeting almost didn’t happen with Councilors Dennis Overland, Chad Rasmussen, and Rich Smith out. Overland and Rasmussen were on storm watch with the Rushford Fire Department. The meeting was almost called for lack of quorum, but Councilor Dennis Overland joined Mike Ebner and Mayor Gordon Johnson for a delayed 7:15 p.m. start. … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews bonding, project bids
While the agenda for the Tuesday, May 28 Rushford Council meeting was shorter than normal, there was plenty of discussion, particularly of the city’s upcoming street and utility improvement project. The affected areas of the project include East Grove Street, Walnut Street, North Burr Oak, and Lamplighters Lane. Total project cost is $1,754,969. The negotiated sale of the bond … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves ordinance
Following a public hearing prior to the Tuesday, May 21 council meeting, it was recommended that the city formally approve the updated Floodplain Management Ordinance. The city is required to have the ordinance in order for needed parcels to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance. FEMA, along with the Minnesota Department of Education, has also … [Read more...]
R-P alters curriculum tracks
At the Monday, May 20 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting, staff introduced the board to a proposal to alter math and science requirements for graduation. Currently, the district requires four math and four science credits. The goal of the proposal is to allow flexibility in curriculum options for all students, including those wanting higher level coursework and those … [Read more...]
Rushford flood mapping nearing end
Like other municipalities around the region, the City of Rushford is in the midst of new flood plain mapping being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Along with the process, the city is required to adopt a Floodplain Ordinance to maintain compliance with National Flood Insurance Program. Engineer … [Read more...]
Peterson implements consequence for non-compliance
The City of Peterson is making good on consequences recently instituted for non-compliance to city ordinances. For more than a year, the city has taken steps to clarify ordinances and policies and beef up ability to follow through on correcting situations. This includes non-compliant vehicles, discontinuation of utility services, and a recent look at revised Minnesota Basic … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves engineering study
The City of Rushford Village has been grappling with storm water issues in South Rushford for some time, but this spring’s rapid thaw problems spurred the city look for options at mitigation. Derek Olinger, engineer for Bolton & Menk, was on hand at the Tuesday, May 7 council meeting to discuss a study proposal. The plan is to define and work with a drainage model, after … [Read more...]