Press Releases

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

Roadway borings work will begin along CSAH 1 (Simpson Rd SE) from CSAH 47 (45th Street SE) to CSAH 16.

Olmsted County Public Works will begin a bituminous preservation project on July 10, 2025.

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.

CSAH 1 Reconstruction Project Open House

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.

Rumble strip project on county roads starting July 7, 2025

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. 

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. 

Culvert replacement on County Road 139 starting June 23, 2025

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. 

Bituminous overlay project on County Roads (CR) 114 and 118 starting June 11, 2025

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

Roadway reconstruction work on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5, and CSAH 25 to resume the week of June 2, 2025

Roadway borings work on County Road (CR) 154 (85th Street NW) beginning Thursday, May 29, 2025

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.

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.  

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!

April 16, 2025

At the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 15, 2025, the board held a closed session to discuss development proposals for the former Seneca Foods property adjacent to Graham Park. Olmsted County had issued the call for development interest requests on February 21, 2025. 

He will begin his new role following a swearing-in ceremony on April 21, 2025.

Season load restrictions lifted for 2025

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.

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 are encouraged to follow these steps to begin the appeal process.

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

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 Olmsted County's first-ever Fix-It Clinic being held on Saturday, May 3, 2025. 

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.

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.

2025 seasonal load restrictions on Olmsted County roads.

February 21, 2025

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. This land once housed the former Seneca Foods canning facility. Olmsted County is seeking responders (e.g., end-user buyer, developer, or development team) with the ability, credentials, financial means, and experience to purchase and develop this unique property.  

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.

January 29, 2025

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

WIC started as a pilot project with doctors prescribing healthy food as medicine. It grew into a U.S. public health success story supporting generations of families and individuals from pregnancy to age 5. 

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 (which began in the summer of 2023) and the 2117 Government Campus building (which began in the fall of 2024). These improvements represent a significant step forward in the county’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, as outlined in its climate action plan.

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.