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...]
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.
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...]
Lawsuit over for Rushford-Peterson Schools
The long-awaited decision on the fate of a lawsuit against the Rushford-Peterson School District is in. August 14, Fillmore County District Judge Matthew Opat handed down his findings in favor of the district. “It is a relief to have the ruling behind us and to be able to have this matter resolved. The district is looking forward to cooperating with the scope of the access … [Read more...]
Rushford Village citizens question road project
The headache that was the 2016 south Rushford Village road project continues to hamper city efforts to conclude the project. The $643,000 project has been discussed by the council at length, with the final pay application to McHugh Excavating approved earlier this month. At the Tuesday, August 15 Village council meeting, three citizens brought forth information and frustrations … [Read more...]
Peterson councilor resigns; council to appoint replacement
Peterson Councilor Jake Sandeno turned in a letter of resignation to the Peterson Council at the Wednesday, August 9 meeting. The resignation was due to a newly accepted job and subsequent move out of Peterson for Sandeno. Sandeno had run for a seat on the council last November, but did not win. When then-Councilor Chris Grindland resigned the seat to take the open city … [Read more...]
New business gives vibrant life to old storehouse
The perfect wine, brew, or cup of coffee takes time, patience, and skill to create. The vision for Lanesboro’s newest business was as thoughtfully put into motion. Tucked into the former 1932 Lanesboro Granary is The Granary, Coffee, Wine & Beer, where an inviting atmosphere, rustic industrial interior, and mouthwatering aromas beckon. Owners Kristen Asleson and Kimberly … [Read more...]
Rushford Village pays contractor amid remaining frustrations
A sizeable 2016 road project in Rushford Village is finally at an end. City Engineer Josh Pope, of Bolton & Menk, was on hand at the Tuesday, August 1 council meeting to cover details of the final pay application to contractor McHugh Excavating, of La Crescent. Pope indicated follow-up punch list items are now completed and suggested a May meeting with the contractor and … [Read more...]