When father-son duo Terry and Chad Rosendahl first began their repair business, there was no way of knowing if it would thrive in the small town of Houston. Nearly a decade later and the pair are getting ready to celebrate a big milestone and a steadily growing business. “Business has grown every year,” says a grateful Chad Rosendahl. “2017 was our best year yet. I was … [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.
Becker Tree Farm grows by leaps and bounds
Just six miles south of Peterson, off a winding stretch of Highway 16 and County 25 south, sits the 60-acre Becker Tree Farm. Started by family patriarch Henry Becker in 1999, the farm has become a surging industry for the family. “In the early years, it was just planting different varieties of Christmas trees,” says Henry’s son, Tony Becker, who is the farm’s marketing … [Read more...]
Chatfield salon owner turns dreams into plans
Sarah Iverson has always had a creative side. Described by others as ambitious, goal-driven, bold, and spontaneous, she’s not one to shrink away from challenge. In her salon sits a sign bearing the quote, “She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.” The simple statement is a testament to what Iverson has done since starting her business, Corner Cuts Salon, in … [Read more...]
Dunkin Doodles Grooming opens to rave reviews in Rushford
Rushford has a reputation as a full-service city; nearly every business a person could want makes its home within the city. A person may have everything, but what about the needs of our furry companions? Until now, the city has surprisingly lacked a professional dog grooming business. Last year, new Rushford resident Teisha Escobar changed that and business is booming. Escobar … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Legion kicks off fundraising campaign
“The city of Lanesboro is fortunate to have beautiful, old buildings making up its downtown National Historic District,” says Jim Haugen, commander for the Lanesboro American Legion Post 40. “One of those lovely ‘Grand Old Dames’ is in need of repairs.” The Legion makes its home in a two-and-a-half story structure situated prominently on the corner of Elmwood, or “Slant … [Read more...]
Rushford Village considers Right of Way Ordinance
The first meeting of the year for the Rushford Village council, Tuesday, January 16, was largely comprised of annual housekeeping. Designations for official services, committees, contracts, and zoning rates were all maintained the same as in 2017. A financial report, including outstanding indebtedness was also presented by City Treasurer Judy Graham. The only items pulled for … [Read more...]
Love story: Planning a marriage, not just a wedding
When James and Courtney Swanson planned their wedding, there was an undeniable inspiration: “Our ultimate goal was to showcase our personalities and make every guest feel like they were part of our love story. We wanted our wedding to feel like the best dinner party we’ve ever thrown. We love entertaining and wanted our day to feel warm, whimsical, and colorful.” From the … [Read more...]
Savor the little moments
It could be the beginning of a soulful country song: Boy meets girl at a basketball game. Soon, they’re hanging around each other as friends, watching movies and shooting pool. Innocently enough, they’re drawn to each other. Pretty soon it’s ice cream dates, musings about how incredible the other person is and then, they’re hooked. Tyler and Keela Hoskins have the … [Read more...]
Peterson enforcing ordinances; looks to further review
The January 10 Peterson Council meeting packed in standard annual designations, as well as several items of review. For the most part, everything remains the same as in 2017 including liability coverage, Friends of Peterson usage of municipal locations, application of a Southeast Minnesota Arts Council grant, polling places and election judges. Items pulled for additional … [Read more...]
Fountain mulls over utility rates
The first meeting of the year for the Fountain council was largely comprised of continued discussion on proposed increases to the sewer/water utility rates. A community meeting to discuss the matter and take public input is slated for Wednesday, January 9, at 7 p.m., at the community center. In discussing the options, it appears there are more questions than answers for the … [Read more...]