The Monday, July 9 Rushford Council meeting saw no official action on general business. However, two topics that affect the city and its residents were discussed at length. City Administrator Tony Chladek has taken a lead position, along with Krista Ross, of Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), and Tara Johnson, Library Director for Lanesboro Public Library. The aim of … [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 rehashes old issues
The future of the Benson Lane Project has been in limbo for some time as the Rushford Village Council works with engineering firm Bolton & Menk to determine the best path forward. Initially, options were narrowed down to two culvert alternates and Bolton & Menk began preliminary design work on each. In early June, council discussion indicated some reluctance to spend … [Read more...]
Rushford plans for community events
The Monday, June 25 Rushford Council meeting hit at a details for a number of community betterment projects and events. The city is continuing to partner with the Minnesota Department of Transportation through an agreement aimed at improving the landscape of the city, particularly downtown areas. Phase 1 and 2 are already complete and Phase 3 will be implemented this fall. It … [Read more...]
R-P School Board vacancy; deadline for candidate filing
The Monday, June 18 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting saw the board officially declare a vacancy on the board. Last month, Board Director Julie Koop tendered her resignation, effective following the June meeting. With the vacancy, the board has also approved a resolution calling for a special election, to be held in November. The position will be a two-year term on the … [Read more...]
Rushford Village waits on Benson Lane project; approves platting plan
At the June 5 Rushford Village Council meeting, Mayor Gordon Johnson stated his reluctance to spend $150,000-200,000 for the Benson Lane Project, currently in the engineering phase. Johnson questioned the idea of redirecting water, prior the problem crossing and the council opted to see what other options, with cost analysis, may be available other than installation of large … [Read more...]
Rushford preps for service for fallen WWII native
The brief Monday, June 11 Rushford Council meeting focused on just three agenda items. One notable update to the council was details of an upcoming ceremony honoring fallen soldier and Rushford native Joseph Morris Johnson. The navy seaman served on the USS Oklahoma and was killed in action at Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Johnson was just 22 when he was killed. He was … [Read more...]
Peterson hears citizen comments on bandstand, athletic fields
The Wednesday, June 13 Peterson Council meeting saw several city residents present with comments regarding recent council discussion, including future plans for the former Rushford-Peterson Middle School football field. Now city property, the council considered options including leaving it as a park, including the moving of the city bandstand to the property, and possible … [Read more...]
Rushford Village reviews financial options; project scope
At the Tuesday, June 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council discussed several funding options for several city costs in 2018. The council and city staff considered options including usage of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) accounts, financing programs, and an option for Minnesota Investment Fund dollars provided through the Department of Employment and Economic Development. … [Read more...]
Fountain retains ordinance prohibiting chickens
The City of Fountain has opted to make no changes to its current ordinances to allow for the keeping of chickens within city limits. The matter was brought to the council’s attention months ago by 526 First Street resident Emily Root and her family. Root spoke before the council at the May meeting, bringing forth her request to construct a greenhouse with an attached coop for … [Read more...]
Formed in the Driftless: Flowstone Fishing catches momentum
While underway for more than a year, Flowstone Fishing in Chatfield officially opened its online business this past April. Named for the area’s flowing, cool waters, which create subterranean mineral sheets, or flowstones, owner Bret Klaehn is hoping to combine his enthusiasm for fishing with a niche for quality, handmade lures and personalized, local service. “I have been … [Read more...]