The City of Peterson has a new councilor after receiving three letters of interest from residents, including Steve Feldmeier, Joseph Kochen, and Justin Simon. The city declared a vacancy in January following the election of then-Councilor Chris Stenzel to the mayor’s seat in the November general election. “I’m impressed with everyone, but think Justin is the best fit,” stated … [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 considers new city engineer
At the February 1 meeting, the Fountain council discussed the need for a new engineer, particularly the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The city hired Widseth Smith Nolting for engineering services, beginning in 2019, with Craig Britton serving as city engineer. Work includes the wastewater treatment plant, streets, zoning projects, comprehensive plan, and mapping. Before … [Read more...]
Rushford ambulance seeks additional firefighters
At the January 23 meeting, the Rushford Council heard from Rushford Fire Department Chief Chad Rasmussum who provided an annual report. In addition to the appointment of 2023 officers, Relief Association Board Members, meetings and events, he noted the retirement of two longtime firefighters and a need to fill vacancies. Travis Eide (21 years) and Wayne Exe (33 years) are … [Read more...]
Rushford Village annual meeting brings up financial discussions
On January 17, the Rushford Village council held its annual meeting to review appointments, designations, contracts, and fees. Much of these remain the same as in 2022. Councilor Mike Ebner will continue to serve as acting mayor during any absence of Mayor Dennis Overland. Committee appointments include new Councilor Travis Link serving on the Equipment Committee and as Weed … [Read more...]
Rushford approves micro-grant and housing rehab funds
The first meeting of the year for the Rushford Council was largely dedicated to the annual organizational duties. This includes setting meeting times and dates, special appointments, and all other designations. City council meetings will continue on the second and fourth Monday of each month, excepting those that fall on federal holidays. Those will be moved to the Tuesday … [Read more...]
Peterson Council welcomes new council, declares vacancy
The January 11 Peterson meeting highlighted a welcome to the new council, including Councilor Kristina Grindland and Mayor Chris Stenzel, who served as a councilor since 2020. They join Councilors Gail Boyum and Tracy Seelbinder. With Stenzel’s recent election as mayor, his former council seat was declared vacant. The council will appoint a resident to fill that seat at the … [Read more...]
New Fountain council jumps right in
Fountain City Clerk Mary Tjepkes swore in three new council members at the January 4 meeting. Included were Mayor Tammy Danielson and Councilors Cory Sprattle and Jordan Kerns. Councilors continuing their terms are Dave Gudmundson and Colleen Foehrenbacher. After approving the monthly bills and financials, Public Works Director John Hanson requested the council approve the … [Read more...]
Rushford approves draft development and strategy plans
At the last meeting for 2022, held on December 27, the Rushford Council unanimously approved a draft plan from the Economic Development Authority (EDA). The methods for economic development strategies include a fresh take on ways to drum up opportunities, particularly in the downtown area. In a different format from previous years, the plan does repeat some successful past … [Read more...]
Outpouring of support following Chatfield fire
It’s been a month since an early morning fire at a two-story apartment complex at 815 Grand Street in Chatfield. Breaking out just after midnight on November 27, the fire displaced eight families and left the building in ruin. While the initial aftermath left the residents scrambling, they say the overwhelming support from the community of Chatfield was unforgettable. Fifteen … [Read more...]
Rushford Village rehashes recent increase, sets levy
Following significant recent discussion, the Rushford Village Council approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase at the December 6 meeting for its four city employees: Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, and Public Works’ Jeff Michel. At the December 20 meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland brought the issue back for further … [Read more...]
Rushford to seek assistant ambulance director
The City of Rushford has always had a dedicated volunteer ambulance crew. The numbers of willing persons is dwindling across the country, but the demand for their work is increasing. At the December 12 meeting, the council moved forward the first review for an assistant director/emergency medical service training coordinator for the department. By creating the new position, the … [Read more...]
Tensions flare at Peterson meeting
The last Peterson Council meeting of the year, held on December 14, addressed several annual items and two agenda items added by outgoing Mayor Dave Colbenson. It included employee review for new Public Works Director Tim Hallum and discussion on the council itself. Public comment is taken at the beginning of the meeting, limited to three minutes per person. However, … [Read more...]
Fountain approves contract
At the December 7 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed several in attendance, including incoming council members Cory Spratte, Jordan Kerns, and mayor-elect Tami Danielson. Also in attendance were Rick Whitney and Michael Morris, MMS Environmental, who joined via phone. Whitney and Morris provided plant management contract proposals to the city. Before discussing the … [Read more...]
Adept new administrator heading up county district
Fillmore County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a long-standing organization striving to promote natural resource stewardship through educational, technical and financial assistance. Led by staff and a board focusing on various aspects of conservation and stewardship, it offers programs and services in soil health, water management, grazing and nutrient … [Read more...]
Rushford Village approves increase
The Rushford Village Council approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for city employees: Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, and Public Works/Maintenance worker Jeff Michel. The sticking point in the discussion was giving a secondary increase after employees received a step increase this summer. The council looked at … [Read more...]