County News

OCPHS will hold vaccination clinics on Monday, September 26, 2022, from noon to 4 p.m., and Friday, September 30, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 2100 Campus Dr. SE in Rochester. Preregistration is not required.

The first day to vote early in the 2022 general election is Friday, September 23. In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day.

The following was included in a recent press release from the Minnesota Department of Health.

In observation of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, health officials are reminding Minnesotans that suicide is preventable, recovery is possible, and help is available at any time by calling 988.

Welcome to Graham Park! Learn more about the work happening at Graham Park that makes it a great place to gather, celebrate, and learn!

Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are encouraging all eligible residents to participate in the general election by registering to vote, reviewing their sample ballots, and making a plan to vote in person or absentee.

Key points included details about election judge training, voter registration, accuracy and security, preparation of supplies and election equipment, and testing and processes.

Meridee Braun is continuing her career with Olmsted County as the next director of Family Support and Assistance (FSA). Braun will officially assume the role on Monday, September 12, 2022.

This is part of Olmsted County’s long-term strategy to enhance and renovate specific county government facilities to accommodate our community’s growing justice space needs.

Olmsted County government offices will be closed Monday, September 5, 2022, in observance of Labor Day. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo and Chester Woods Park will remain open for visitors.

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) reported monkeypox virus infection in the county on August 22, 2022. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Public Health Laboratory completed initial testing.

Olmsted County is conducting contact tracing with support from MDH to identify anyone at risk due to direct contact with the patient while infectious. In collaboration with MDH, OCPHS asks those people who are identified as close contacts to watch for symptoms of illness.

Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County Public Health, Dodge County Public Health, Goodhue County Public Health, and area private and public schools have once again teamed up to offer influenza vaccinations at local schools. These immunizations will take place on September 19 through October 14, 2022.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on August 9. Individuals are eligible to vote if they are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have resided in Minnesota for a minimum of 20 days before the election.

This month, Olmsted County reaffirms its commitment to promoting the well-being of children and child support services during Child Support Awareness Month.

If you would like to make a difference in your community, Olmsted County has volunteer openings on several advisory boards/commissions!

The absentee direct balloting period for the August 9, 2022 special election and primary election begins August 2, 2022, and will continue through August 8, 2022.

Olmsted County has recently launched a new tool to make finding fee information more user-friendly. The new fee finder tool can be found on the Olmsted County Fee webpage. Simply use the fee finder to search for the fee you’re looking for and information related to that fee will appear.

A new video is available that provides insight into how Olmsted County’s stewardship is making a positive impact on the built and natural environments in our communities.

Residents planning to vote on August 9 should pay special attention to polling locations, as some have changed due to the completion of redistricting in the City of Rochester and Olmsted County.

As the Olmsted County fair begins, Olmsted County Public Health Services offers tips to keep people safe from animals that may be carrying diseases as well as from heat exhaustion.

The purpose of the 2022 Olmsted County Resident Survey was to gain a better understanding of residents’ thoughts and perceptions of life in Olmsted County, as well as their experience with Olmsted County government.

This year’s PPPS Week theme is Restoring Trust, Creating Hope. Community corrections professionals remain an essential part of the criminal justice system and uphold the law with dignity.

The three-story building is slated to cost $11.3 million and would be built at 1001 Mayowood Road SW in Rochester.

A water trail is a series of boat launches with camping, parking, and other similar facilities that allow the river to become a trail for recreational use.

Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, July 5, 2022.

Tuesday, August 9, 2022 will mark the special election for Minnesota’s Congressional District 1 seat and Minnesota’s primary election for candidates looking to compete in the general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Beginning Monday, June 27, 2022, work will begin to decommission the steam line under 4th Street SE in Rochester, between the Government Center and the Annex/Work Release building at 104 4th Street SE.

This year, Olmsted County will recognize Juneteenth as an employee holiday. Since Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, Olmsted County will observe the day on Monday, June 20, 2022.

Public health officials encourage residents to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and utilizing air-conditioning. Children and pets should not be left unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down, even for a few minutes.

The GLUP is a long-range document, updated every five years to reflect changes in population, employment, land use projections, assumptions, and policy. This latest update of the GLUP looks out until at least 2045.

In partnership with local veterinarians, Olmsted County is hosting its 64th annual rabies vaccination clinic on June 22, 2022.

Veterinarians will provide rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets for only $20 each, cash only.

Many individuals eager to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather will enjoy swimming, boating, and participating in other water-related activities. While these activities can be fun, it's important to remember that we share the water with others and are susceptible to recreational water illnesses.

It is important to recognize various types of vulnerable adult abuse, including financial exploitation, physical abuse, neglect and abandonment, emotional abuse, self-neglect, and sexual abuse. 

The Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) team is asking for help from the community to prioritize health issues in Olmsted County. 

Every three years, residents can participate in the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) prioritization survey to help OCPHS identify the county's health concerns.

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) is receiving a $388,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Health Infrastructure Fund to support data and epidemiology capabilities.

The funding will help OCPHS better serve the region in planning, data analysis, and epidemiology.

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for information on guidance on boosters for children 5 to 11 and updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.

Volunteers provide emotional support, referrals, and information for victims/survivors of sexual assault and other crimes.

Olmsted County and City of Rochester residents interested in running for city and county offices have until Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. to submit their affidavit of candidacy to the filing officer.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, May 30, 2022 in observance of Memorial Day.

Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Mark Krupski, director of Olmsted County's Property Records and Licensing (PRL) department, is retiring after 32 years of service.

After 10 years as a self-employed realtor, Krupski came to the county as an appraiser. He then advanced to the assistant director role in PRL before becoming director, a position he has held for the past 16 years.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on May 24. Individuals are eligible to vote if they are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and have resided in Minnesota for a minimum of 20 days before the election.

If you would like to make a difference in your community, Olmsted County has several volunteer openings on the following advisory boards/commissions!

This project, which is currently in the final design phase, will improve traffic operations and safety around Century High School.

Several additional projects will be funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) following the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners' approval on May 17, 2022.

The commissioners allotted $4.8 million to projects focused on mitigating COVID-19 impacts on vulnerable populations, public works, and county operations.

The direct balloting period for the May 24, 2022 special primary election begins Tuesday, May 17, 2022, and will continue through May 23, 2022, the last day of early absentee voting. Olmsted County and City of Rochester residents interested in running for city and county offices have until Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. to submit their affidavit of candidacy to the filing officer.

The change to the Joint Powers Agreement will not impact services provided to Dodge or Olmsted Counties.

Beginning Thursday, residents can once again use the online passport check-in system to create an appointment.

Hackman will serve as county assessor for the remainder of Mark Krupski’s four-year term which expires on December 31, 2024.

Olmsted County recognizes the important role foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, welfare professionals, and other members of the community play with helping adults, children, and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. 

A media event in Rochester on April 29, 2022 highlighted House America and current housing efforts in the region. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with staff from the Office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Senator Tina Smith joined the city and county for the event. It was held at Olmsted County’s newest transitional housing facility, located at 105 Broadway Avenue North in Rochester.

As of April 28, 2022, Olmsted County is now considered to have a “high” COVID-19 community level under parameters set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ever thought about running for the office of Olmsted County commissioner? Learn about the role of the county and work of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners from current county board members. 

Effective immediately, Olmsted County passport services will be temporarily suspended. The Property Records and Licensing (PRL) team that provides these services is experiencing a staffing shortage due to illness.

As we expect temperatures to begin increasing over the next few weeks, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) offers advice to help families avoid potentially severe insect-related diseases associated with warmer months.

PACE, a collaborative program with Olmsted County community partner Family Service Rochester, is a diversionary response for children of color between the ages 5 and 12 who are reported to the child protection system for education-related issues.

This plan will form the basis of county commissioner districts for the next 10 years until the 2030 Census is completed.

Olmsted County employees with the Parks Department, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Minnesota Conservation Corps are continuing with prescribed burn efforts across the region.

Staff started the prescribed burns earlier this month and will continue working at Chester Woods Park and Root River Park.

Comments gathered on Olmsted County’s draft maps will be shared with the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners during their 3 p.m. public hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in the board room of the Olmsted County Government Center (151 4th St. SE, Rochester, MN).

This month and throughout the year, Olmsted County encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the community a better place for children and families. 

In 2021, the Victim Services team of Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted (DFO) counties provided supportive services on about 640 cases of sexual violence. Children under the age of 18 make up more than half of the cases.

Each year, the critical work of public health is recognized during National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA). National Public Health Week provides opportunities for residents across the country to learn more about the many contributions made by public health professionals nationally and here in Olmsted County.

Early absentee voting for the special primary election begins April 8, 2022, both by mail and in person.

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) Associate Director Denise Daniels will continue her career with the county as the next director of Public Health. Daniels will officially begin the position on April 11, 2022.

If property owners do not agree with their assessment, they are encouraged to begin the appeal process by following several steps.

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.

Mary Blair-Hoeft will become Olmsted County’s next director of Property Records and Licensing effective April 25, 2022. Blair-Hoeft will have the opportunity to train under current Olmsted County PRL Director Mark Krupski until his retirement on May 31, 2022.

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved an updated Olmsted County Parks rules and regulations ordinance.

Under the revised ordinance, Chester Woods Park no longer has an admission fee.

Mask guidance has changed for anyone visiting government buildings or facilities in Olmsted County and the City of Rochester. Effective today, masks will no longer be required in them. Olmsted County and the City of Rochester still welcome the use of masks in local government buildings for whoever wishes to wear them and strongly encourage unvaccinated and immunocompromised individuals to continue wearing facial coverings.

Olmsted County is accepting applications for election assistants to help in the 2022 election cycle. Twelve temporary positions need to be filled through November 23, 2022. 

Olmsted County is soliciting Statements of Interest (SOI) from March 15, 2022, through June 1, 2022, from property developer candidates for the former Seneca property.

Olmsted County residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey to provide feedback on draft recommendations related to the county’s study of race and racism as a public health issue.

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for information about the new CDC COVID-19 community level metrics, the county and city mask requirements, and updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.

Olmsted County is celebrating Social Work Month this March with the theme “The Time is Right for Social Work.” Social workers have enriched our society for more than a century and their critical services continue be needed today.

Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are still requiring masks to be worn in city and county government buildings and facilities until further notice. Olmsted County is still classified as having “High” community transmission based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last Friday, February 25, 2022.

Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections program manager James Johnson will continue his career with Olmsted County as the next division administrator for Health, Housing, and Human Services (HHH). Johnson will officially assume the role on Monday, March 14, 2022. 

Beginning February 25, 2022, all Olmsted County residents are encouraged to participate in the online version of the 2022 Olmsted County Resident Survey. Surveys are available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Somali. 

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for information about endemics, the community campaign to get youth vaccination, travel guidance for Spring Break, and updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the state’s Congressional District 1 seat following the February 18, 2022 death of Representative Jim Hagedorn. A special election to fill the vacancy will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. If necessary, a special primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

Olmsted County Public Health Services will be holding walk-in clinics for the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine or booster throughout the month of March. Pfizer vaccines and boosters will be administered to anyone five-years-old and up on the following days: 

• March 2, 2022 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• March 9, 2022 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• March 11, 2022 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• March 15, 2022 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All vaccine clinics will take place at the Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) building at 2100 Campus Dr. SE, Rochester, MN.

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for a Q&A about boosters and the status of the pandemic, the community campaign to get youth vaccinated, and updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.

The latest updates from Graham Park, including renovations, an ice rink sponsorship, an award-winning water tower, development talks, and supporting the Graham Park master plan.

There are several ways you can access information about the services Olmsted County provides. 

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County are hosting two Virtual Open House sessions for the Viola Road NE (CSAH 2) and Cassidy Drive NE Intersection Improvement Project. This project, which is currently in the design phase, will improve traffic operations and safety around Century High School. The project team recommends a single-lane roundabout as the preferred engineering option for the intersection. Construction of the roundabout is expected to occur in 2023.
 

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for details about vaccines, boosters, pandemic fatigue, quarantine and isolation guidance, and updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.

Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are encouraging residents to take part in the 2022 election process, and that begins with registering to vote or updating voter registration.

Learn more about the primary objectives of the Youth Commission, who comprises the youth commission, and some of the accomplishments from the group over the past year.

Local leaders ask for your support in carrying this message forward. Please share this video and do your part to show your appreciation for our local frontline workers. Some ideas would include home displays (hearts on doors or windows), sending letters or cards of thanks, or sharing messages of gratitude on social media. 

Olmsted County Public Health Services will be holding a clinic for individuals to receive their COVID-19 Pfizer booster on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Only Pfizer boosters will be administered at this clinic and you must register in advance. 

Olmsted County residents are encouraged to participate in the 2022 Olmsted County Resident Survey. On February 4, 2022, 4,200 surveys will be mailed to 600 randomized households in each commissioner district. 

“Understanding residents’ needs is important to Olmsted County,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Thein. “Through this survey, we are able to get a pulse on residents’ thoughts and perceptions of life in Olmsted County as well as their experience with Olmsted County government.”

Check out the latest COVID-19 newsletter for details about vaccines, boosters, masking, COVID-19 wastewater testing, at-home antigen tests, and updates from Olmsted County Public Health Services, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.