At the May 7 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed Kent Skaar, Natural Resources Program Consultant, and Louise Thompson, from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), State Parks and Trails Division. The discussion centered on making Americans with Disabilities Act access at the city park, at the Fountain trail head for the Root River State Trail, particularly creating … [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 Plans Council Work Session
At the April 28 meeting, the Rushford Council nailed down a date and protocol for an upcoming work session. The goal is for the council to discuss specific topics in-depth. Built off the original session in January and further discussion at the last meeting, the work session will be incorporated as an item of business rather than replace one regularly scheduled meeting all … [Read more...]
Village May See Development
At the May 15 council meeting, Rushford Village Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit indicated the Planning and Zoning Board had met with village landowner Vern Bunke regarding his plans for development of land south of Highway 16 near Oakwood Sherwood Cemetery. “Most of you are aware of the development that he’s been bringing around for quite some time,” said Pettit. “Tonight, … [Read more...]
Rushford Will See Ordinances Published Digitally
At the April 14 meeting, the Rushford Council tackled a number of agenda items including the ongoing discussion of the codification and publishing of all city ordinances digitally. While five full copies of the ordinances will also be printed for usage at city hall, the hope is that having all ordinances readily available for citizens will end confusion The agreement with … [Read more...]
Peterson Considering Expanding Poultry Ordinance
At the April 9 Peterson council meeting, Mayor Chris Stenzel brought up the city’s chicken ordinance and indicated he’d been contacted by residents about what’s defined in the ordinance. “I’ve had some people contact me about the word chicken and they wondered if we could amend it to the word poultry instead because some of them would like to have maybe a pair of ducks or … [Read more...]
Fountain Fact Finding on Land Parcel
At the April 2 meeting, the Fountain City Council received questions regarding February’s council discussion of potential development. The area in question is 2.69 acres west of Westside Lane, which is currently open green space and park. Kery Erickson, who resides at 118 Westside Lane, didn’t speak in direct opposition to developing the area. Instead, she made it known to … [Read more...]
Rushford Approves Police Cameras
After careful consideration, the Rushford Council unanimously approved implementing a Body Worn Camera Program for the Rushford Police Department officers. Rushford Police Chief Adam Eide was present at the March 24 meeting to answer any questions. Notice was published and posted encouraging interested persons to provide comments and/or attend the public hearing. According … [Read more...]
Village Seeks Additional Help
After months of on and off discussion, Rushford Village unanimously approved moving forward with seeking additional seasonal help for its Public Works Department at the March 18 meeting. Working with Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, the village will seek to fill the position from approximately May through October. By keeping the time frame at less than six months, … [Read more...]
Rushford Ambulance Growing Opportunities
Rushford Ambulance Director Joey Busse updated the Rushford City Council at the March 10 meeting. He included details on legislative progress, personnel, training, recruitment/retention, and equipment and vehicle updates. “I’ve done quite a few things with the service so far,” began Busse, who has been in the role since June last year. “A lot of the things I’m doing is trying … [Read more...]
New Peterson Public Works Director
On March 12, the city of Peterson unanimously approved the hire of Jeff Rein as Public Works director following the resignation of former Director Tim Hallum in late February. Rein has seven years of experience in the role having previously worked for the city of Mabel. While he no longer has his water license, he will begin the process of regaining it. “He is well certified … [Read more...]