County News

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District and Olmsted County Public Health Services are providing free nitrate testing at the Olmsted County Fair for households that rely on private systems for their drinking water.

The Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments is developing a new plan aimed at making roads in Olmsted County safer for everyone. The comprehensive Safety Action Plan is part of the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program. 

Olmsted County is opening the registration lottery application for cannabis mezzobusinesses soon. Starting July 14, 2025, representatives from interested businesses have 10 business days to apply.

Chester Woods Park is turning 30, and Olmsted County invites the community to celebrate this milestone with a full day of family-friendly fun on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of Independence Day. Regular business hours resume Monday, July 7, 2025. Olmsted County parks will remain open.

Effective July 7, 2025, parking payments at the Government Center lot will transition from individual meters to two centralized multi-space pay stations.

Olmsted County is seeking public input to help shape the future of its parks through a community survey. The county is currently updating its park master plans and wants to ensure local voices are reflected in the process. 

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has sent a letter to federal legislators outlining the potential negative impacts of the budget reconciliation package known as the "Big Beautiful Bill." Included in the bill are significant cuts to social programs, like Medicaid. 

With the health and safety of community members a top priority, Olmsted County is reminding residents of ways to stay cool and safe during this weekend’s heat.

Friends of Chester Woods, in partnership with Olmsted County volunteers, is excited to announce Employers of Olmsted Light Festival (E.L.F.) — a drive-thru holiday light experience taking place at Chester Woods Park over the first three weekends of December 2025. 

Olmsted County offices will be closed Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular business hours will resume Friday, June 20, 2025. Olmsted County parks will remain open on June 19.

Olmsted County is proud to highlight a series of initiatives aimed at increasing access to inclusive, affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Olmsted County is now accepting applications for cannabis microbusiness registrations, marking a significant step in the county's implementation of Minnesota's adult-use cannabis legislation. The application window opens today, June 9, 2025, and will remain open for 10 business days, closing on June 20, 2025.

Did you know 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. 

Olmsted County is pleased to share that the department previously known as Olmsted County Parks is now officially Olmsted County Parks and Trails.

Olmsted County Public Health Services announces its 67th annual rabies vaccination clinic, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular business hours resume Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Olmsted County parks will remain open on May 26.

As the sale of adult-use cannabis becomes legal in Minnesota, Olmsted County is preparing to launch a registration process for cannabis retailers. The county has established a lottery process to ensure a fair and transparent selection of eligible cannabis retail businesses.

Olmsted County Public Health Services, in partnership with the Southeast Minnesota TruRoots Alliance, is hosting a virtual focus group on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to gather input from prospective cannabis retail business owners.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Olmsted County invites community members to attend a free Mental Health Resource Fair on May 21, 2025.

Olmsted County residents are invited to attend the Coming to the Table 2025 National Gathering in St. Paul, Minnesota June 12-15, 2025.  

A M.O.V.E. Feedback Form is available for Olmsted County community members to share their insights, concerns, and suggestions related to programs, services, and initiatives of the Olmsted County government organization.  

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County are coordinating a series of Government Center Improvement Projects over the spring and summer of 2025. The work will include both indoor and outdoor upgrades to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability throughout the Government Center.

The Community Health Assessment and Planning (CHAP) team is seeking community feedback to outline pressing health issues in Olmsted County. 

As division administrator of HHH, Gilbertson will become a member of the Olmsted County Executive Management team and will work in partnership with the deputy county administrator to support and guide all departments in the HHH division.  

Happy Earth Day! Are you looking to give back to the environment this spring? Join in one (or all) of the following events!

At this meeting, Olmsted County M.O.V.E. staff members will discuss how this community council helps Olmsted County effectively engage our diverse community by:  

• Building relationships of trust with community members.
• Empowering historically underrepresented community members to share their stories, highlighting the root causes of systemic disparities.

Olmsted County wants to ensure residents are aware of the upcoming real and personal property tax payment deadlines for 2025

Two proposals were reviewed and discussed by the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners in the closed session on April 15.

Walters fills the role vacated by Mark Ostrem's retirement at the end of March 2025. He will fulfill the remainder of Ostrem’s term until January 5, 2027. An election for the next term of Olmsted County Attorney will occur in November 2026, with the term beginning January 6, 2027.

On May 15, 2025, individuals from all walks of life are invited to attend the Southeast Minnesota Community Mental Health and Wellness conference "Be Kind to Your Mind."

Beginning May 7, 2025, Minnesotans 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or another federally-approved form of identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

On Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF) will be hosting an Open House as part of EarthFest activities in the community. This is a unique opportunity for participants to learn how the OWEF uses garbage to produce energy for buildings on the Olmsted County District Energy System.

For the third year in a row, Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) has recognized Olmsted County as a top workplace in Southeast Minnesota!

Individuals interested in serving on an Olmsted County advisory board or commission are encouraged to apply at any time. If you’d like to participate in the May interview process, please ensure your application is submitted by April 25, 2025 at 5 p.m.    

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, Dodge & Olmsted Victim Services is hosting a two-day event on April 4 and 5, 2025 at Floral Hall at Graham Park, 1426 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester.

If property owners do not agree with their estimated market value, they can begin the appeal process.

Seven individuals comprise the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners and their job is to represent Olmsted County residents. Commissioners enact ordinances, approve budgets, and provide leadership and direction to the county. In an effort to get to know our county commissioners better, a video series was created to highlight more about the commissioners’ personal and professional lives.

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District has opened enrollment for the third year of its Groundwater Protection and Soil Health Program.

Our new video – Protecting your child - the importance of blood lead testing – emphasizes the importance of testing and encourages parents and caregivers to ask their healthcare provider about screening their children

As the weather warms up, many Olmsted County residents are preparing for spring cleaning. Before discarding unwanted items, it’s important to know the options for repair, reuse, and proper disposal. And, learn more about the county's first-ever Fix-It Clinic being held Saturday, May 3, 2025. 

Olmsted County and our partner agencies are closely monitoring blizzard warnings for Wednesday, March 19, 2025. The storm is expected to bring rain in the early morning and transition into heavy snow by late morning/afternoon. Snowfall totals in the county could range from 6-12 inches. Travel conditions are expected to be hazardous, particularly during the afternoon and evening commute.

Private well users in Southeast Minnesota can now receive free water testing kits and analysis through the TAP-IN Safe Drinking Water Program. If test results show contaminates in the water, homeowners and renters can apply for funding assistance to remediate the issue.

Olmsted County and our partner agencies are monitoring the winter storm and blizzard warnings in effect Tuesday, March 4 through Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, strong winds, and possible whiteout conditions.  

James Johnson is continuing his career with Olmsted County as deputy administrator for the county’s Administrative Services division (departments in this division include Facilities and Building Operations; Human Resources; Information Technology Services; and Policy, Analysis, and Communications). Johnson will report to Olmsted County Administrator Travis Gransee and begin his new role on March 10, 2025.

Dodge & Olmsted (D&O) Victim Services is seeking compassionate volunteers to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes through its 24/7 crisis line.

Effective immediately, Olmsted County is soliciting requests for development interest on land adjacent to Graham Park as well as related parcels near the Ear of Corn water tower.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents Day. Regular business hours resume Tuesday, February 18, 2025. 

Beginning today, February 10, 2025, all Olmsted County residents are encouraged to participate in the online version of the 2025 Olmsted County Resident Survey. Surveys are available in both English and Spanish. 

The Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (OSWCD) is hosting a stop on the “Benefits of No-Till” I-90 soil health tour when it comes to Stewartville on February 6, 2025.

Olmsted County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is celebrating 50 years of empowering families, building healthier communities, and nurturing the future. 

Join us for an evening at Chester Woods Park on February 1, 2025, to kick-off the park’s 30th anniversary with a candlelight hike.

The search for a new Olmsted County Environmental Resources (ER) director is complete and Cathy Hall has accepted the position. She will begin serving in this role on March 10, 2025.

Olmsted County is proud to announce the completion of roofing projects on the Government Center building and the 2117 Government Campus building. These improvements represent a significant step forward in the county’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, as outlined in its climate action plan. 

At the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 21, 2025, Commissioner Thein, the board chair for 2025, shared these remarks.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

On January 21, 2025, a local event will be held in Rochester to recognize the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing. The event is being hosted by the Rochester Area Foundation in partnership with Olmsted County.

Olmsted County wants to hear from you! Starting January 13, 2025, nearly 6,000 postcards will land in mailboxes across the county, inviting residents to take part in the 2025 Olmsted County Resident Survey.