As it is September, municipalities in the county are all tightening down their proposed budgets and setting their maximum levies. At the Rushford Council meeting, Monday, September 11, the case was no different, as the council reviewed the proposed changes. Prior to budget and levy talk, the council voted to approve labor contract agreements. The agreements were recently … [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.
Fountain Council approves policing contract
The Fountain City Council has reached a decision on future policing needs. At the Wednesday, September 6 council meeting, the council unanimously voted to contract with the City of Preston Police Department. Current Fountain Police Chief Tom Mosher is retiring from his post September 29 after 20 years of serving the city. The city had debated throughout the summer whether or … [Read more...]
Peterson appoints new councilor
The city of Peterson has a new councilor for the third time since January 1. Last November, Chris Grindland was elected to the seat vacated by long-time councilor Dick Lee. In February, Grindland was hired for the vacant city clerk position and willingly gave up the council seat. In March, the council opted to appoint resident Jake Sandeno to the council seat. Sandeno had … [Read more...]
Rushford opts for bluff road reconstruct
The City of Rushford, upon review of engineering estimates, has opted not to look further into the buyout of two bluff properties within the city limits. Purchase of the two homes, located on Lamplighter Lane, was discussed at the earlier August meeting as the city grappled with how to address the failing roadway. The homes sit perched on the east Rushford bluff, part of a … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to address equipment needs
The Rushford Village Council passed a preliminary 2018 budget and levy at their Tuesday, September 5 meeting. Seeking to fund some needed equipment upgrades, the council approved a preliminary $450,000 levy, an increase of $25,000 from the previous year. The council may still reduce the amount, prior to certifying the final amount to the county at the end of the year, but it … [Read more...]
Rushford EDA looks to cut deficit
The Rushford Economic Development Authority has been a productive force within the City of Rushford, as a source and manager of flood recovery loans and a catalyst for increased economic stability and growth. However, unknown variables throughout each annual cycle make budget predictions challenging. To avoid dipping into further reserve funds, while facing a $31,000 deficit, … [Read more...]
Lanesboro local earns prestigious aviation scholarship
Childhood is the stuff dreams are made of and everyone envisions what they’ll one day become. For most, dreams change and life happens. It’s a rare few who stick to their ambitions and make them a reality. Layton Howerton, a Lanesboro Class of 2017 valedictorian, is taking his childhood dream and soaring. “I first became interested in aviation when I was little,” says … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson rehires Vix for basketball position
By Kirsten Zoellner At the July 17 meeting, the R-P School Board pulled a recommendation by administration to rehire of former varsity boys basketball coach Tom Vix from the consent agenda for special consideration. The district had sought applications for the position and both Vix and current assistant coach Chris Drinkall had applied. Typically, the district hires from … [Read more...]
Ten years later, Rushford steadfast in gratitude
The night of Saturday, August 18, 2007, torrential rain began to fall in Fillmore, Winona, and Houston Counties. By the early hours of Sunday, the community of Rushford was flooded with water. The community of 1,800 was awakened by emergency sirens and emergency personnel going door to door. Emergency crews evacuated the city, leaving an infamous “X” on every structure … [Read more...]
Rushford EDA looks to cut deficit
The Rushford Economic Development Authority has been a productive force within the City of Rushford, as a source and manager of flood recovery loans and a catalyst for increased economic stability and growth. However, unknown variables throughout each annual cycle make budget predictions challenging. To avoid dipping into further reserve funds, while facing a $31,000 deficit, … [Read more...]