It’s common for us to assume that in the face of an emergency we’d know exactly what to do. Children are taught how to call 911 and give the dispatcher the pertinent information and we assume that calls will be handled like the dispatch scenes depicted on television and in movies. What happens is often not that simple and involves more than we may realize. In late December … [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.
Linder Farm Network – “The voice of Minnesota agriculture”
After a brief time where it couldn’t be heard locally, Linder Farm Network is back on the air in the region and listeners couldn’t be more thrilled. The longtime radio staple is finding renewed interest broadcasting through Winona Radio. “We began just a couple of months ago and the response has been very good,” says broadcaster Lynn Ketelson. “We try to tell that story and … [Read more...]
New home with old world charm
For newlyweds Jason and Alyssa Aylsworth, of Fountain, their dream home is nearing a reality and despite its old-world background, it’s anything other than conventional. The couple is just weeks away from embarking on the raising of their timber frame home. “We enjoy being a bit different/unique so we knew we didn’t want just any old house that you see every day, says the … [Read more...]
Rushford-Peterson approves health assessment in lieu of school nurse
At the August R-P School Board meeting, it was brought forth by Superintendent Chuck Ehler the consideration of a school nurse for the new school facility. The district has never employed a nurse for this purpose and it was urged by resident Dana Thompson, a nurse and contracted instructor with the district, that stock of its needs, policies, and procedures be taken. At the … [Read more...]
Rushford Village mulls over equipment
The City of Rushford Village is getting closer to making a decision on the purchase of a road grader. The large ticket item has been the foremost item among a list put together by Councilors MikeEbner and Chad Rasmussen, along with Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck, months ago. The aim of the list was to determine the most pressing equipment needs and plan for upgrades, … [Read more...]
Rushford digs into proposed budget and levy
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...]
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...]