County News

Gather, celebrate, and learn at Graham Park!

One Olmsted – Olmsted County’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative – is about envisioning and developing a workplace and community where everyone is treated equitably. Olmsted County staff continue to make progress toward this vision. Some highlights of their work are shared in this article. 

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Sheila Kiscaden was awarded the Legacy Award during the 41st Mayor’s Medal of Honor ceremony.

Travis Gransee began serving in the role of Olmsted County Administrator in October 2024. Get to know Gransee by watching this short video! 

Explore Olmsted County’s vibrant and versatile gathering space – Graham Park! This video walks viewers through Graham Park’s expansive grounds, showcasing its diverse facilities and how they are used.

Regular business hours will resume Monday, December 2, 2024.

Anyone interested in participating in the food scrap program can purchase a kit online

Olmsted County has updated its rules for cannabis businesses to create clear procedures by March 1, 2025, when licensed cannabis sales start in Minnesota.

These videos highlight the team’s impact since its launch in November 2023.

The Minnesota Transportation Alliance is a statewide coalition of organizations advocating for a safe and effective transportation system that works for all Minnesotans.

You must apply on or before December 31, 2024. 

Prior to 2025, Olmsted County was included in a partnership to provide a regional response for mental health crisis services. Effective January 1, 2025, Olmsted County will have its own mobile crisis response process provided by the county’s Crisis Response team (previously known as the Diversity, Equity, and Community Outreach team or DECO).  

Currently, $8 million in grant funding is available to support restorative practices initiatives. To qualify, nonprofits and programs must be in counties with active Restorative Practices Advisory Committees.

This voluntary program helps rental property owners obtain property tax reductions while preserving affordable housing for income-qualified renters in our community. 

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Election results become official only after being reviewed and certified by a canvassing board. This review is open to the public.

Rauchwarter has been with Olmsted County for 24 years and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).

Olmsted County and the City of Rochester encourage all eligible voters to participate. 

Tony Hill will report to the deputy administrator of Physical Development Pete Giesen and will begin his new role on November 18, 2024.

Taking care of your mental health is important, whether you're dealing with school, work, or life at home. CredibleMind is a mental health resource available to people in Olmsted County, and it can help you learn more about your mental well-being and find ways to improve it.

Olmsted County Public Health Services’ Family Home Visiting program and Cradle 2 Career have won the 2024 Maternal and Child Health Betty Hubbard Leadership Award at the community level. This award, created in 1990 by the Minnesota Department of Health, was named after Hubbard, who worked to improve health for women and children.

Olmsted County is proud to once again participate in Operation Green Light, shining a beacon of hope and support for veterans.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, employees from Olmsted County Health, Housing, and Human Services will be attending a staff development event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hennepin County is coordinating a regional workgroup charged with developing a plan for youth placement options. Participating counties include Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott and Washington in the metro region, plus Olmsted County in southeast Minnesota. 

Our new video – Building strong families with Olmsted County’s Family Home Visiting Program – highlights the personalized care and support provided by our public health nurses.

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the Olmsted County Vital Records team will be attending a meeting from 8 to 9 a.m. The Vital Records office inside the Olmsted County Government Center will be closed during this time.

Over the past year, Olmsted County has made significant strides in addressing the opioid crisis using opioid settlement funds. Olmsted County’s strategies have included improving education and prevention efforts and supporting programs that help people get into treatment quickly for substance use.

In May 2024, Olmsted County announced the launch of a new community council – Mobilizing Olmsted Voices for Equity or M.O.V.E. At that time, Olmsted County began the recruitment process; now, the county is pleased to announce that 25 members have joined M.O.V.E., and the first meetings of the community council are occurring later this month.  

Direct balloting allows voters to insert their ballots directly into a tabulator at the direct balloting location. 

This test demonstrates the accuracy of the computer program and voting system that will be used during the election.

A new hub for LGBTQIA+ resources is now available on Olmsted County’s CredibleMind platform. This hub is a one-stop shop where LGBTQIA+ residents, their families, and others in the community can find helpful, safe, and inclusive resources.

Adopt a Family is a meaningful way to make a direct impact during the holidays. Your generosity can bring smiles and a sense of community to families in need. 

On October 1, 2024, the Community Health Needs Assessment survey was delivered to more than 4,000 Olmsted County households. This survey helps determine the greatest health needs of the county and find ways to improve residents’ health.

This expansion will enhance customer service and operations by providing larger, more versatile spaces for meetings, collaboration, and supporting residents.

Did you know that you can subscribe to receive Olmsted County news, and have it sent directly to your email inbox? When you subscribe, you can select to receive emails on specific topics of interest to you.

Families interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment at the OMC pop-up WIC clinics can contact Olmsted County WIC at 507-328-7555.

The 2025 preliminary property tax levy for Olmsted County and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) combined totals $137,862,741. This will be funded with county and HRA property taxes of $132,690,673 and $5,172,068, respectively.  

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has selected Travis Gransee to fill the county administrator role effective October 7, 2024.

Beginning Friday, September 20, 2024, eligible voters in Minnesota can vote absentee for the November 5, 2024, General Election.

Olmsted County will be interviewing candidates for open advisory board positions during the month of October 2024. Currently, Olmsted County has openings on the following advisory boards/commissions:  Parks Commission, Public Health Services Advisory Board, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. If interested, apply today!  

Olmsted County Veteran Services offers free assistance to veterans and their families in understanding and applying for these benefits.

This annual event, observed across the United States, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of voter registration and encouraging residents to participate in the democratic process. 

These credit ratings equate to significant taxpayer savings by lowering the cost of borrowing for the county.  

Olmsted County Public Health Services is excited to share the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) with our community. This important initiative helps families support their LGBTQIA+ children.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day. Regular business hours resume Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Olmsted County parks will remain open.

As a crisis line volunteer, you will provide crucial emotional support, referrals, and information to those in need.

Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing (PRL) employees will be attending a staff development event for a portion of the day.

With the health and safety of community members a top priority and due to extremely hot weather expected today and tomorrow, the City of Rochester and Olmsted County remind residents of ways to beat the heat.

Any Path Home is a coalition of 10 community agencies working to assess needs and develop strategies to address homelessness and ensure everyone has a home in our community. Representatives from the Any Path Home coalition will be providing an update on this work at the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.  

Olmsted County Public Health Services will hold a Community Car Seat Check event on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Graham Park. This event, taking place at Crawford Hall, helps parents and caregivers ensure their children are riding safely in the car.

Olmsted County has completed an updated draft of its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) and is now seeking public feedback. All county residents, as well as other interested agency or organizational stakeholders, are strongly encouraged to review and offer feedback by August 27, 2024.

Minnesota’s primary election is tomorrow, August 13, 2024. Olmsted County and the City of Rochester encourage all eligible voters to participate.

This board certifies votes for county-specific races, while federal, statewide, and multi-county races are certified by the state canvassing board.

The Transporation Improvement Program (TIP) outlines federally funded transportation improvements in the Rochester-Olmsted County metropolitan planning area. 

Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County Public Health Services, Dodge County Public Health, Goodhue County Public Health, and area private and public schools have teamed up to offer influenza vaccinations from September 16 through October 11, 2024.  

Read the statement read by Board Chair Sheila Kiscaden on August 6, 2024. 

Recent storms have resulted in a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Olmsted County. If you experienced storm damage, FEMA is requesting that you submit a damage report by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024. 

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners amended its ordinance for using cannabis in public places and set a limit on the number of cannabis businesses. They will allow up to 14 cannabis businesses to register. 

Any Path Home ensures that no matter the situation, there is a way for people experiencing homelessness to access housing and services. By uniting resources and efforts, Any Path Home will make it easier for those in need to find and use the services available.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are now available outside Olmsted County Government Campus buildings.

Direct balloting allows voters to insert their ballots directly into a tabulator at the direct balloting location.  

This project will help improve water drainage on the exterior of the building and meet updated building codes.

At the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 16, 2024, the board appointed Pete Giesen as interim Olmsted County administrator. He will officially begin serving in this role on July 29, 2024. Heidi Welsch announced her resignation as county administrator on July 9, 2024. Her last day with the county will be July 26, 2024.

This process is open to the public and helps ensure equipment is functioning correctly. 

Private well owners in Southeastern Minnesota can now receive free water testing kits and analysis. Funding will be prioritized to participants who have a financial hardship or if pregnant women or infants under the age of one live in their homes. 

After 11 years of service to Olmsted County, County Administrator Heidi Welsch has announced she will be leaving Olmsted County to serve as Dakota County manager. She will be working with Olmsted County until the end of July.   

Regular business hours resume Friday, July 5, 2024.

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board awarded a construction bid for the development of 10 affordable, single-family homes to Bigelow Homes LLC.

Beginning Friday, June 28, 2024, eligible voters in Minnesota can vote absentee for the August 13, 2024, primary election.

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County Emergency Management teams are taking this opportunity to share important reminders about the severe weather and the outdoor warning system in place throughout Olmsted County.

Did you know food waste accounts for 21% of trash produced in Olmsted County? And, that food waste can be transformed into valuable compost? Olmsted County has designed an innovative food scrap drop-off pilot program for residents interested in trying out this concept. Kits are on sale now! 

Olmsted County offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular business hours resume Thursday, June 20, 2024. Olmsted County parks will remain open on June 19. 

Several Olmsted County departments currently located at 2122 Campus Drive SE in Rochester will relocate to the newly expanded Public Works Service Center.

Olmsted County is proud to announce the launch of the "Be in the Know" campaign, a comprehensive community initiative designed to inform residents about the dangers of substance use.

This session is part of Olmsted County’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and integrity in the electoral process, ensuring that all procedures are clearly understood by those involved and by residents.

Olmsted County is committed to offering and partnering to provide mental health resources and responses to help improve quality of life for residents in our communities. Watch this video to learn more!

The Minnesota Department of Health invites private well owners in southeastern Minnesota to attend a public meeting in their area to learn about what is being done to address health concerns about nitrate in drinking water.

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in collaboration with Wabasha SWCD and Winona SWCD, announces the upcoming Conservation field day: Creating a soil health legacy. This event will occur on August 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Larry and Ross Greden Farms at 16764 County Rd 114, Altura, MN. All attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Olmsted County Public Health Services announces its 66th annual rabies vaccination clinic, scheduled for June 12, 2024. This important event, held in collaboration with local veterinarians, is an opportunity to protect our pets, families, and community from the threat of rabies. 

Olmsted County's parks offer the perfect solution if you're looking for an affordable way to enjoy the great outdoors. With four stunning parks free to the public, there's no excuse not to immerse yourself in nature's beauty.

Interested contractors have until June 14, 2024, to submit their bids online.

Beginning June 1, 2024, Minnesota will introduce a permanent absentee voter list.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day.

There are about 61,000 Minnesota families who could benefit by signing up for WIC today. The Minnesota Department of Health encourages these families to use WIC, which has successfully improved maternal and child outcomes for 50 years. 

In a significant stride toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable community, Olmsted County proudly announces the creation of the Mobilizing Olmsted Voices for Equity (M.O.V.E.) community council.  

Olmsted County encourages people interested in running for federal, state, and local offices to review online candidate resources.

Olmsted County was nominated by a CarePortal volunteer from a local church in our community and selected as the award recipient out of a group of other nominees across the country.

A glimpse into the relationships built with residents, specifically by Olmsted County's Health, Housing, and Human Services employees.

This significant milestone marks the final step in funding the new facility which opened to the public in May 2023. 

On April 16, 2024, Olmsted County District 6 Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden announced she is stepping down from the position at the end of 2024. 

On May 9, 2024, individuals from all walks of life are invited to attend the Southeast Minnesota Community Mental Health and Wellness conference "Many Paths to Wellness."

Olmsted County proudly announces its designation as a Certified Age Friendly Employer™ by the Age Friendly Institute. This distinction recognizes Olmsted County’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for individuals 50 and above.

Olmsted County is honored to receive recognition from Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) as a top workplace destination in Southeast Minnesota!

The county is among 15 organizations chosen from this region as a recipient of WDI’s 2024 Best Places to Work award and one of five organizations named as a recipient in the Large Employer category.

Project goals include enhancing safety and mobility while supporting regional growth and future economic development.

Olmsted County has released its 2024 – 2028 strategic plan to the community. The plan is the culmination of 18 months of work which involved assessing Olmsted County’s strengths, opportunities, aspirations, results, and challenges. Throughout the process, input was gathered from county representatives, partners, and community members with the overall objective of developing a shared vision for the future of the Olmsted County organization.

Olmsted County has a new mailing address for property tax payments. The envelopes you received with your tax statement will have the new mailing address.

Olmsted County Child and Family Services employees are committed to providing services and support to ensure a safe and loving environment for children to grow up in.  

More than 200 children and teenagers will be receiving Easter baskets thanks to this collective effort.

If property owners do not agree with their estimated market value, there are steps they can take to begin the appeal process.

Olmsted County will be interviewing candidates for open advisory board positions during the month of April 2024. Currently, Olmsted County has openings on the following advisory boards/commissions: Public Health Services Advisory Board, Olmsted County Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Chester Heights Sewer District Advisory Board.  

Olmsted County is set to receive $7.3 million in federal funding towards the CSAH 44 and TH 14 interchange project. Construction on the project is expected to begin as soon as fall 2025. 

The award recognizes D&O’s efforts to implement the Dosage Discharge program, and its commitment to evidence-based practices in probation services.

A presidential primary is held every four years ahead of the general election in November and is a way voters help states and political parties choose presidential nominees.

Olmsted County is announcing changes to two of its advisory boards, specifically the Human Services Advisory Board and the Human Rights Commission. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of community engagement, aligning with the county’s commitment to continuous improvement.  

Olmsted County’s new CredibleMind system has several resources available on alcohol and drug awareness and other tools to support mental health.

On February 15, 2024, the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board approved two initiatives aimed at addressing the need for affordable housing options in Olmsted County.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of Presidents' Day. Regular business hours resume Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Olmsted County parks will remain open on February 19. 

Absentee in-person direct balloting for the March 5, 2024, presidential primary begins Friday, February 16, 2024. Direct balloting allows voters to insert their ballots directly into a tabulator at the direct balloting location.

Beginning February 1, 2024, the Olmsted County Planning Department will administer the building permit process for projects taking place within the City of Chatfield. This includes Fillmore County properties located within the city limits of Chatfield.

In celebration of Black History Month, Olmsted County residents are welcome to view a new traveling exhibit called “Still We Rise: Rochester’s Black Legacy.”  

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting an upcoming stop on the “What needs to be regenerated on your farm?” I-90 tour. The event, taking part in collaboration with the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, comes to Stewartville on February 7, 2024.

Project Community Connect – an event designed to provide services and resources for people who are homeless or struggling to make ends meet – is returning on Friday, January 26, 2024.

Beginning Friday, January 19, 2024, through Monday, March 4, 2024, eligible voters in Olmsted County can vote absentee in the March 5, 2024, presidential primary.

Residents will begin using a new dialing procedure on January 30, 2024. 

Olmsted County is monitoring the winter storm warning in effect Friday, January 12, through Saturday, January 13, 2024.

Regular business hours resume Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (OSWCD) is hosting free events in January and February 2024 in partnership with soil and water conservation districts in neighboring counties. The intended audience for these events is local farmers.

In the 2022 Olmsted County Community Health Needs Assessment, the community identified mental health, drug use, and access to care as the county’s top three health priorities. To address these concerns, Olmsted County Public Health Services, Olmsted Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic developed the 2024-2026 Community Health Improvement Plan. 

Olmsted County is making this change to streamline the process and be more flexible with potential advisory board candidates, so they don’t need to take time off work to be interviewed during county board meetings.  

We are excited to present a video that illustrates Olmsted County's efforts to enhance residents' quality of life throughout 2023.