The March 4 Rushford Village Council meeting included discussion on two ordinance changes and the potential hire of a Public Works position. Councilor Travis Link, Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit, and Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo were absent from the meeting. Ordinance #7 and #2 were reviewed by City Attorney Joe O’Koren. The first relates to mowing, grass and … [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 MiBroadband Project Nearing
At the March 5 meeting, the Fountain Council heard from Alex Miners of Miners Underground. The company is the contractor for the underground fiber-optic project for MiBroadband. Miners discussed the locating and construction process, including who will be on-site and what property owners can watch for. Miners noted the flags for locating will come first. They ask that all … [Read more...]
Rushford Discusses Grants
The February 10 Rushford Council encompassed a short agenda in general, but several topics were discussed, particularly updates to several grant programs. During reports, the council learned the city is a finalist for the University of Minnesota (UMN) Empowering Small Communities grant program. The final award amount could be $20,000-50,000 and would help guide the focus on … [Read more...]
Peterson Staff Changes
The Peterson City staff is changing once again. At the February 12 meeting, the council considered staffing changes for the city clerk and public works director. The change of roles began at a November 25 special meeting to discuss the proposed resignation of Public Works Director Tim Hallum. Hallum had tendered his resignation with City Clerk Chris Grindland, effective … [Read more...]
Fountain Investigates Development Possibility
At the February 5 meeting, new Fountain Mayor Ron Reisner, councilors Jordan Kearns, Cory Spratte and Dave Stockton, along with Councilor Tammy Danielson, who joined by phone, discussed the possibility of a housing development at the north end of West Side Lane. The current residential area sits west of Highway 52 and was developed many years prior by Linus Hammel, according … [Read more...]
Village Receives SEMLM Updates
At the February 4 meeting, the Rushford Village Council received a summary of the recent Southeastern Minnesota League of Municipalities meeting held on January 30. City Clerk Mary Miner, who attended the meeting with councilors Mike Ebner and Rick Ruberg, noted a lot of good information, including updates on Emergency Medical Service funding. “That was interesting,” noted … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Set for 2025
At the January 21 meeting, the Rushford Village Council poured through a lengthy list of annual items including goals, designations, and appointments for 2025. Updates and adjustments to goals included continuing work on village roads, culverts, signage, and the village hall playground. Equipment needs are laid out, as are several other ongoing needs. Public Works Supervisor … [Read more...]
Rushford Kicks Off New Year
At the January 13 meeting, the Rushford Council reviewed other annual designations, appointments, fees, and other annual business. Much of it remains unchanged from 2024. City Administrator Tony Chladek took the opportunity to reference the discussion regarding his position and work at the last council meeting. “I want to take a step back and reflect on our progress … [Read more...]
Peterson Denies Zoning Request
The City of Peterson held a Planning Commission meeting on January 7 to discuss Brian Olson’s request for the ability to construct grain bins and dryers on his 16.29 acres. The property, which sits north of homes along Mill Street/County Road 25, abuts the Root River levee on the east and north. It is zoned Agricultural 1, which prohibits bins and dryers. The purpose of the … [Read more...]
Rushford Expresses Administrator Concerns
The Rushford Council tackled several agenda items at the December 23 meeting, including one added item relating to City Administrator Tony Chladek. Mayor Terri Benson provided the council with a recap of the recently conducted annual performance evaluation for the administrator. The Personnel Committee of Benson and Councilor Jim O’Donnell evaluated Chladek. There are areas … [Read more...]