“The meeting started with a kerplunk; well, abruptly. The City of Rushford will no longer provide police services to the City of Rushford Village or the City of Peterson,” said Rushford Village Mayor Gordon Johnson, at the Tuesday, February 7 council meeting. “I’m disappointed in the way it came about.” The City of Rushford requested a meeting last month, which was held … [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 waste plant sees some compliance
It appears the City of Fountain has some reason to celebrate. After several years’ worth of frustration, issues at the waste water treatment plant may be finding some remedy. Richard Parr, Senior Project Manager for WSB & Associates presented a monthly summary to the council at the Thursday, February 2 meeting. The city has been out of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency … [Read more...]
Blending Learning Days creating some ‘hiccups’ for R-P
The Rushford-Peterson School District is trying a new approach this winter to counter the unpredictability of weather. Rather than make up snow days later in the year, the district plan utilizes Blended Learning Days, attempting to continue students’ learning opportunities. Essentially, each cancelled day will include a combination of online, traditional paper/pencil … [Read more...]
Rushford hears annual reports from Fire and Ambulance
The swift Monday, January 23 Rushford Council meeting saw discussion of several items in the both the consent agenda and general business, but all was good for the city. First up for business were annual reports from Fire Department Chief Paul Corcoran. During the department’s annual meeting, two weeks prior, officers for 2017 were nominated for council approval. They were … [Read more...]
Rushford Village moves into new year with old issues
Having not held the first bi-monthly meeting the first Tuesday of the month, the Rushford Village Council had some catching up to do at the second meeting, Tuesday, January 17. The bulk of the agenda highlighted annual housekeeping issues, but along the way, several items of old business popped up. Kudos were given to Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck and worker Hamilton … [Read more...]
Fountain gets plant update
The Fountain City Council started things in 2017 in similar discussion to those last year. The city is working cooperatively with WSB & Associates and Rick Whitney, of PeopleService, to determine a solution to waste water treatment plant issues and to assist the city in regaining compliance with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Things at the plant are progressing, … [Read more...]
R-P School Board holds annual meeting
The Monday, January 9 Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting saw a host of annual housekeeping issues, in addition to the welcoming of new Board Director Bonnie Prinsen. First up for the board, was election of officers. It was determined that John Linder remain board chairman, Joyce Iverson remain vice-chair, and Valerie Howe remain board treasurer. The board clerk for 2017 … [Read more...]
Peterson reviews annual items; prepares to hire new clerk
The first meeting of 2017 for the Peterson City Council, Wednesday, January 11, held several organizational items, including several items of old business. Additionally, acting clerk and Councilor Gail Boyum swore in reelected Mayor Tim Hallum and Councilor Loren Rue, as well as newly elected Councilor Chris Grindland. Following the oath of office, the council got right to … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews Wellhead Protection Plan
Determination of a Wellhead Protection Plan is underway in Rushford. The process was started prior to 2007, but was suspended after massive flooding that year. Part 1 calls for delineation of a wellhead protection area, determination of a drinking water supply management area, and a well and drinking water supply management area vulnerability assessment. The process is required … [Read more...]
Rushford grateful for project donations
After months of discussion regarding the 2017 budget and levy, the Rushford City Council has approved the originally proposed levy of $867,000. The amount represents a 9.75% or $77,000, increase from the previous year’s levy of $790,000. As explained, it would largely be used in continuing to both maintain and build fund balances. “There’s nothing hidden in there,” said … [Read more...]