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.”
From December 14, 2021 to January 22, 2022, Olmsted County and the City of Rochester held 11 virtual redistricting listening sessions. These were opportunities for residents to share valuable information on what matters to them before new city ward and county commissioner district maps are drawn. Video recordings of each listening session are available on the City of Rochester redistricting website under Events. Frequently asked questions and comments from the listening sessions can also be found on the City of Rochester and Olmsted County redistricting websites.
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) is looking for employers interested in implementing a workplace wellness plan. This free opportunity can help increase employee productivity, decrease absenteeism, improve morale, and manage health care costs.
Olmsted County’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) offers employers a free opportunity to learn about starting or building wellness programs. Since 2015, 17 employers in Olmsted County have participated. Employers will meet one-on-one with the SHIP worksite wellness coordinator to tailor their wellness program.
On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners signed an agreement to have Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) serve as the county’s redevelopment consultant with respect to the Seneca Property owned by the county.
RAEDI will partner with the county to develop and execute a Statement of Interest (SOI) process to solicit development proposals and evaluate the highest and best use, with RAEDI providing expertise and capacity to the county.
Olmsted County, Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota, and the Rochester Salvation Army have developed an isolation plan for residents who are homeless, seeking shelter, and have tested positive for COVID-19. This plan is effective immediately.
Redistricting listening sessions are being offered on January 11, January 13, January 19, and January 22, 2022, and are an opportunity for you to share valuable information with local governments before redistricting occurs. This can include sharing perspectives from communities of interest, such as a neighborhood, community, or group of people who have common policy concerns and would benefit from being maintained in a single district.
To help Olmsted County residents learn more about updates to the General Land Use Plan (GLUP), a collection of StoryMaps is now available for public review on the county’s GLUP webpage. These user-friendly summaries introduce Olmsted County’s land use planning efforts and policies, the factors that influence them, as well as plan updates and implementation strategies.
The 2022 budget for Olmsted County and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) combined totals $281,915,654. Of this total, $116,757,218 is funded with county and HRA property taxes of $112,822,877 and $3,934,341 respectively. The remaining $165,158,436 of our budget comes from intergovernmental revenues, charges for services, transportation taxes, bond proceeds, reserves, interest income, and other miscellaneous sources. The county’s $112,822,877 property tax is a 4.9% increase over 2021.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today that Olmsted County, in partnership with Hennepin, Wabasha, and Wright counties and Code for America, received the DHS Circle of Excellence Award. Organizations receiving the award have, according to DHS, “done an exemplary job of providing access to food, health care and other assistance to Minnesotans in need.”
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center (OMC) encourage the public to continue following COVID-19 precautions throughout the holiday season.
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies Olmsted County as being at a level of high community transmission. With this in mind, local health officials say it is increasingly important to follow COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health.
From July 21, 2021, through July 23, 2021, the Olmsted County Housing department, and 11 community partners identified 157 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Rochester. In October 2020, 207 people were identified. This amounts to a 24% reduction in people experiencing homelessness in our community.
Olmsted County and Rochester residents are invited and encouraged to take part in the 2022 redistricting process. This includes participating in upcoming virtual listening sessions, which begin on December 14, 2021.
A new COVID-19 video is available on the Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) YouTube page that answers COVID-19 questions about the Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) expanded the use of booster doses for COVID-19 vaccines to all adults. The FDA’s authorization and CDC’s recommendation for use are the critical next steps forward in providing increased protection against COVID-19 disease and death.
As stated on the CDC's website, it’s appropriate to get a booster:
After serving as the director of Olmsted County Public Health Services for the past three years, Graham Briggs has decided to leave his position in Olmsted County to pursue other opportunities.
Veterans gathered at Olmsted County’s Chester Woods Park from November 11-13, 2021 for the 10th annual Disabled American Veterans (DAV) deer hunt to enjoy fellowship among their friends and fellow veterans.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Olmsted County Parks Department will close Chester Woods Regional Park for the management shotgun deer hunt season November 20, 2021 – November 28, 2021. The purpose of the hunt is to harvest a sufficient number of animals to keep the herd healthy and manageable. Forty individuals are selected by lottery and each will be required to obtain at least one disease management harvest tag allowing the taking of additional antlerless deer.
Roadway work on CR 101 (45th St SE) is to begin on November 16, 2021. Work will include removal of existing bridge and installation of concrete box culvert. This work is part of the reconstruction and realignment of CR 101 from St. Bridget Road SE to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 1. Mathiowetz Construction is the prime contractor for the $7,130,000 project.
No official detour will be placed during this closure. The proposed roadway closure will be needed for approximately 3 days weather permitting. Traffic should seek alternate routes during closure, see attached map.
Federal health officials now recommend the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed data from clinical trials and determined that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and provides strong protection for children ages 5 to 11.
Importance of COVID-19 vaccines for children
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease, and now more of our children have access to its protection. Getting your child vaccinated:
This will affect your 2022 property taxes and eligibility for a property tax refund
The December 31, 2021 deadline to file for homestead for taxes payable in 2022 is quickly approaching. If your property is not currently homesteaded, find out if you may qualify and what you must do to change the homestead status of your property. This will affect the amount of property tax you pay in 2022, and it may affect your eligibility for a property tax refund.
Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road maintenance project beginning Monday, November 8, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. The work is scheduled to be complete at the end of the same day, weather permitting.
The Rochester-Olmsted County 4(d) Affordable Housing Incentive Program is currently accepting applications until Monday, January 31, 2022. This program helps rental property owners obtain property tax reductions while preserving affordable housing for income-qualified renters in our community.
Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to spend $5 million of Olmsted County’s nearly $31 million in allocated funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding will be used to incentivize the construction of new, affordable homes through the Growing Affordable, Inclusive Neighborhoods (GAIN) in Olmsted County program.
The Olmsted County Parks Department will close Chester Woods Regional Park for the Disabled Veteran’s shotgun deer hunt November 11, 2021 – November 14, 2021. The purpose of the hunt is to harvest a sufficient number of animals to keep the herd healthy and manageable.
Child foster care providers needed in Olmsted County
To become a licensed child foster care provider in Olmsted County, you must live in Olmsted County, be at least 21 years old, and pass a criminal and social services background check. Depending on the criminal or social services history, you may still be able to become a licensed child foster care provider; this is on a case-by-case basis. You do not need to be married, a stay-at-home parent, or own a home.
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) is working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to adjust COVID-19 response resources to focus on areas most urgent and relevant to the current stage of the pandemic.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following soil boring work beginning Tuesday, November 3, 2021. The work is scheduled to be complete at the end of the same day, weather permitting. The project location is south of Pine Island on CR 3 adjacent to the bridge over the Middle Fork Zumbro River as shown on the attached map. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with flaggers directing traffic. The work is in preparation for a future bridge replacement project. Chosen Valley Testing is the contractor completing the soil borings.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is excited to share with you the plans for substantial improvements to CSAH 4 (Valleyhigh Road NW) and CSAH 44 (60th Avenue NW). There is an online open house regarding the roadway project. See the below information for more details.
Community transmission of COVID-19 remains high in Olmsted County. Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center want to remind the public what treatments are approved for COVID-19.
Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are working together to facilitate the local redistricting process. While the county and the city are required to have their own separate processes, the organizations will collaborate to help ensure community members have the pertinent information they need by providing an educational campaign, as well as joint community engagement efforts. It is expected that the process will occur between November 2021 – April 2022.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Each year the Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District sells trees and shrubs in bundles of 20 to 25 bare root transplants (2-3 years old). This is an inexpensive way to simply add color and beauty to your property. The trees are great for homestead windbreaks, living snow fences and wildlife habitat.
Our 2022 Tree Sales Program is officially open for the public to purchase trees and shrubs. The public can make their purchase via the Tree Sales Website.
Concrete Removal and Replacement project to begin October 18 on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 25 (Salem Rd SW) along with multiple locations throughout Olmsted County
ROCHESTER, Minn. With the extreme temperature swings seen throughout the past summer, there were several concrete panels that buckled throughout the Olmsted County roadway system. Doyle Conner is the prime contractor for the $558,000 project, which includes removal and replacement of these concrete panels.
October 13, 2021, is County Financial Worker and Case Aide Day. Join Olmsted County in recognizing the valuable service financial workers and case aides provide the community.
Despite economic uncertainties and other challenges due to the pandemic, in 2021, Olmsted County once again received a Aaa credit rating (with a stable outlook) – the highest possible rating – from Moody’s Investors Service. The rating designation equates to significant taxpayer savings by lowering the cost of borrowing for the county. Olmsted County received the Aaa designation for the first time in 2002.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voiced its support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 5, 2021, with a proclamation calling on all citizens to increase awareness and understanding of domestic violence.
“The opening of the ECHO Center will continue the work we have done to help those with the least in our community get a step ahead,” said Olmsted County Housing Director David Dunn. “By providing a location for people who are struggling with housing and connecting them with helpful resources, we will be providing a missing piece for many as they strive to find a place to call home.”
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine six months following completion of the initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination series for the following groups:
Reconstruction of CSAH (County State Aid Highway) 4 (Valleyhigh Road NW) between CSAH 5 and CR (County Road) 158 will be moving into Phase 2 on October 4, 2021
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Hoffman Construction is the prime contractor for the $9,800,000 project, which includes grading, concrete surfacing, and realignment of CR 105 going into Oxbow Park. Construction is anticipated to be complete by August 12, 2022. Grading, culvert work and aggregate surfacing will be completed by mid-November, 2021 with concrete paving taking place in Spring of 2022.
On September 21, 2021, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary (or “certified”) 2022 tax levy of $112,822,877. This represents a $5.2 million increase after no increase was implemented in 2021 to provide relief to taxpayers during the economic instability driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Current COVID-19 numbers in Olmsted County are causing a strain on our local public health system. As of September 11, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID data tracker found on Olmsted County's COVID-19 webpage shows that the average daily number of cases over seven days was 181.31 per 100,000 people. Each individual who tests positive requires a case investigation and contact tracing.
With the recent painting of the Ear of Corn water tower and to mark a new chapter of this beloved landmark at Graham Park, the Olmsted County Commissioners are inviting all Olmsted County residents to a celebration on September 25, 2021. The event will be held at 1355 Fairgrounds Avenue SE in Rochester at Graham Park on September 25 from 9 – 11 a.m. Not only will the event mark the recent revitalization of the Ear of Corn tower, but it will also be a time to celebrate its long history in our community.
On World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, Olmsted County shares its acceptance into the Minnesota Department of Health’s Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Cohort.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday morning highly recommending masks in school settings where children under age 12 are present.
Ongoing planning and project development between Olmsted County and the City of Rochester will continue in an effort to address safety at the intersection of County State Aid Highway 2, Century Hills Drive, and Cassidy Drive.
A new COVID-19 video is available on the Olmsted County Public Health Services YouTube page that answers common COVID-19 questions from Olmsted County residents.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Reconstruction of CR (County Road) 101 between CSAH (County State Aid Highway) 20 (St. Bridget Rd SE) and CSAH 1 (Simpson Rd SE) is scheduled to begin soon.
Mathiowetz Construction is the prime contractor for the $7,200,000 project, which includes grading, concrete surfacing, and realignment of CR 101. Construction is anticipated to be complete by October 7, 2022.
The CR 101 project will be completed in three phases.
The Olmsted County Parks Division will open Chester Woods Regional Park to a limited number of deer hunters during the shotgun season of November 20, 2021 – November 28th, 2021. The purpose of the hunt is to harvest a sufficient number of animals to keep the herd healthy and manageable. Forty hunters will be selected by lottery and each will be required to obtain at least one disease management harvest tag allowing the taking of additional antlerless deer.
All Olmsted County residents are invited to submit questions for a COVID-19 question and answer video to be shared on Thursday, September 2, 2021, hosted by Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic, and Olmsted Medical Center.
Effective August 23, 2021 and until further notice, Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) will be publishing a COVID-19 situational update to the Olmsted County COVID-19 webpage.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road maintenance project beginning August 23, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. and is anticipated to be completed by 4 p.m. on August 27, 2021, weather permitting.
The Olmsted, Fillmore, Goodhue, Root River, and Wabasha Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and Winona County collaborated and formed a new “Tap In” initiative with goals to improve drinking water throughout Southeastern Minnesota. Participating counties and SWCDs received funding through the MN Department of Health Clean Water Fund to assist private well owners with nitrate contamination problems.
Olmsted County has moved into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) high community transmission rate for COVID-19. Our county has reached 100 new cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days or a 10% positive test rate over the past seven days. Vaccination and continued mask use will help Olmsted County turn the curve downward.
Concrete rehabilitation work on CSAH 25 (Salem Road SW) is scheduled to start August 9, 2021. Stage one work includes concrete joint repairs, which will be completed with no closures by shifting traffic onto the shoulders in multiple locations. Stage one is planned to be complete in August.
Stage two work includes concrete panel replacement work which will include a detour route. Stage two is planned to begin in September and a future press release and map will be sent.
Doyle Conner is the prime contractor for the $206,000 project.
Olmsted County and the City of Rochester have been and are continuing to work collaboratively, using best practices to address housing needs and homelessness in the community. In recent years the city and the county have invested funds to provide emergency shelter and long-term housing stability for community members experiencing homelessness. In addition, the partnership, which includes community partners, has more plans to maintain and improve services and systems to support residents.
In an effort to help eliminate barriers such as transportation and increase access to Olmsted County services, the county is placing 11 kiosks in various locations across the community.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road maintenance project beginning July 27, 2021 at 7:30 a.m., weather permitting.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road maintenance project beginning July 27, 2021 at 7:30 a.m., weather permitting.
Olmsted County was announced a recipient of one of the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 2021 Achievement Awards in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety for the Olmsted County Pretrial Release Program. These NACo awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
Mill and overlay work on CSAH 7 will be completed one lane at a time, with traffic being maintained through the use of flagging operations.
Construction on CR 142 in Eyota includes underground utility work at 5th Street SE. The roadway will be closed to traffic and a detour will be in place as shown on the attached map.
Rochester Sand & Gravel is the prime contractor for the project. Construction is anticipated to be complete by October 30, 2021.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Turn lane road work will be conducted on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 8 (Bamber Valley Rd SW) at both Mayowood Estates Dr SW and Meadow Crossing Rd SW (see attached map) beginning on July 19, 2021. The work is estimated to be completed within three weeks, weather permitting, with flagging operations in place throughout the duration of the work.
ROCHESTER, Minn.- Hoffman Construction is the prime contractor for the $9,800,000 project, which includes grading and concrete surfacing on CSAH 4, and realignment of CR 105 going into Oxbow Park. Construction is anticipated to be complete by August 12, 2022. Grading, culvert work and aggregate surfacing is anticipated to be completed by mid-November, 2021 with concrete paving taking place in Spring of 2022. CSAH 4 will to be closed to through traffic until mid-November 2021 and will be open to travel until Spring of 2022.
The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) will close its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list for its Mainstream Voucher Program at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. The OCHRA does not anticipate accepting applications again for another 2-3 years.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 12, 2021, the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) will accept applications for the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list on an ongoing basis for its Mainstream Voucher Program until 150 applications have been received.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – In an ongoing effort to help control wild parsnip, thistles and other noxious weeds and brush, Olmsted County will be applying herbicide to the county roadside ditches (weather permitting). This will be a countywide initiative. Application will be conducted intermittently over the course of the growing season, but is likely to focus on spring, fall and/or approximately two weeks after mowing occurs. The products primarily used are metsulfuron-methyl and aminopyalid with triclopyr, where needed.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road construction project began June 28, 2021.
County Road (CR) 105 will be closed to through traffic from 110 Avenue NW to CSAH 14 (75th Street NW) for road surface repair 3500 feet south of CSAH 14. Work is anticipated to be completed by July 2, 2021, weather permitting. The road will not be open to traffic during this project. No detour will be posted while work is being completed (see the map provided); residents will have to access their homes from the north.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road construction project beginning June 21, 2021 at 8 a.m., weather permitting.
County Road (CR) 102 will be closed to through traffic from 55th Street NE to 65th Street NE for culvert replacement work. The work will be taking place on CR 102 approximately 1700 feet north of 55th St NE. Work is anticipated to be completed by 4 p.m. June 21st, 2021. Residents will have access to their properties within the closure. No official detour will be posted.
Every June, Olmsted County recognizes Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month to increase awareness and prevention of abuse of elderly and other vulnerable populations. This proclamation coincides with the international World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is recognized by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization on June 15.
On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Olmsted County is reopening its government buildings to the public. June 1 is the first business day after the Governor’s order expires in which capacity and distancing requirements are lifted for indoor events and gatherings. When our buildings reopen, there are some details and reminders for Olmsted County residents to be aware of.
The new nature center will nearly triple in size, providing more exhibits and interactive learning areas as well as a larger programming and event space. It is expected to open in the fall of 2022.
BYRON, Minn. –Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following utility project beginning May 24, 2021 in Byron.
Utility work on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 (2nd Ave NW) requires a road closure at the intersection of CSAH 5 and 2nd St NW starting Monday, May 24. Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, July 2. A detour will be signed while the work is being completed. Bituminous paving will be done at a later date and under traffic with the use of flaggers. DeCook Excavating is the prime contractor for completing the utility work.
The search for a new Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections director is complete and Nikki Niles has accepted the position. Her effective start date in this new role is May 24, 2021.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County Public Works is announcing the following road construction project beginning May 13th, 2021.
Utility work on County Road 146 (3rd Ave SE) requires lane closures in the north bound lanes on Thursday, May 13 to Friday, May 14, weather permitting. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction in the southbound lanes from 13th Street SE to 12th Street SE. DeCook Excavating is the contractor completing the utility work.
“Relationships can be disrupted through divorce, domestic violence, child maltreatment, and other conflicts. It is essential for children to maintain relationships with parents and other significant adults,” stated Director of Child Welfare Services at Family Service Rochester Kelli DeCook. “Olmsted County supports supervised parenting times for families to maintain vital relationships and prevent children from being placed in the middle of adult conflict.”
Drinking water is a growing concern, especially for private well owners in southeast Minnesota. As part of the “We Are Water MN” campaign, free water testing for nitrates will be available at 125 Live in Rochester on May 6, 2021 for those living in households that rely on private or shared well systems and the water quality at their kitchen sink.
Individuals, businesses, and property owners across Olmsted County continue to deal with the many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some Olmsted County taxpayers may have difficulty meeting the May 17, 2021 deadline for the first half payment of 2021 property taxes. To provide some property tax relief during this difficult time, today the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a one-time temporary abatement of the penalty and interest for late property tax payments. This will extend the date that late payment penalties begin to accrue from May 17 to July 15, 2021.
Local Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have worked 95 shifts equaling nearly 450 hours at the Graham Park Collaborative Testing Site and our vaccination clinics. The number of shifts and hours contributed continues to grow each week.
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. – The 2021 Spring Load Restrictions will be removed from Olmsted County gravel roads on Monday, April 19, 2021. Please be advised that spring load restrictions remain in effect on a road as long as it is still posted.
Any questions as to the weight limit can be answered by calling Olmsted County Public Works at 507-328-7060.
Reminder: Motorists are reminded to always drive with caution, slowdown in work zones, and never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Olmsted County, Minn. - The 2021 Spring Load Restrictions will be removed on Olmsted County hard surface roads on Monday, April 12th. Please be advised that spring load restrictions remain in effect on a road as long as it is still posted.
Due to the existing condition of gravel roads, Olmsted County will continue to maintain spring load restrictions on the County gravel roadway system. Olmsted County will continue to monitor the gravel roads and lift restrictions at a future date.
On April 7, 2021, at approximately 4:11 pm, Olmsted County Deputies, Stewartville First Responders, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service were dispatched to a medical incident at the 700 block of Willow Green Court Northeast in Stewartville, Minn.
April 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a movement to end sexual violence in the United States and around the world. This movement relies on people and communities who’ve chosen to do something about it. Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are committed to bringing awareness to this issue and we stand with all individuals who have been impacted by sexual assault.
Each year, the important and 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 the public to learn more about the many contributions made by public health professionals throughout our nation, state, and here in Olmsted County. This year's campaign theme is "Building Bridges to Better Health."
In an effort to help protect property owners in Olmsted County against fraud, the Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing team has launched a new Land Notification Alerts service. Land Notification Alerts warn property owners when documents are recorded with their personal name, business name, or property ID number. Each time an alert is triggered, an email is sent to the property owner to provide an update of any activity.
Effective immediately, Olmsted County is using a new software system for agendas, agenda packets, and minutes for Olmsted County’s public meetings. As a result, there is a new web address to use to access this information moving forward: https://olmstedcounty.primegov.com/public/portal.
On March 31, 2021, at approximately 6:12 p.m., the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office became aware of a suspicious circumstances complaint that involved a young child walking home from school. The incident occurred near Byron Middle School located at 601 4th St. NW in the City of Byron around 3:00 p.m. on March 31, 2021.
“Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Olmsted County. We must work together to promote the social and emotional well-being of children so they can grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Stephanie Podulke. “I urge all citizens to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month by helping to improve the quality of life for all children and families.”
Gransee will oversee Health, Housing, and Human Services division
Olmsted County is pleased to share the results of the search for a new deputy administrator overseeing the county’s Health, Housing, and Human Services (HHH) division.
Olmsted County is pleased to announce the launch of its new Accela Citizen Access website. The online application/permitting site features more information on Olmsted County Planning services; and, with a new look and feel, it is easier to navigate to find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently.
Each year, in October, The Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District sells trees and shrubs in bundles of 20 to 25 bare-root transplants. This is an inexpensive way to simply add color and beauty to your property. The trees are great for homestead windbreaks, living snow fences, and wildlife habitat.
New for 2021 the district is now offering Seed Mixes and Plant Kits for the public to purchase via the SWCD Sales Website.
Exhibit Opens at the Rochester Art Center on March 11
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), City of Rochester, Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and local partners are pleased to announce that the traveling exhibition—We Are Water MN—will open in Rochester on March 11
Olmsted County is helping celebrate this year’s Social Work Month in March with the theme “Social Workers are Essential” to highlight the invaluable contributions social workers make in our community.
ROCHESTER, Minn. – One year ago, tomorrow, on February 26, 2020, Olmsted County Public Health activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a small team of public health and county staff to start discussions regarding the global pandemic, COVID-19. At that time, nobody could have predicted the lasting impact the global pandemic was going to have on our world, country, state and county.
Olmsted County was awarded a $154,679 grant from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to aid in the rapid administration of COVID-19 vaccinations in our area. In total, MDH is allocating $6.9 million to local public health agencies across the state to help with vaccine implementation.
Last week, we communicated that the Olmsted County Community Health Assessment and Planning (CHAP) COVID-19 Impact Survey was being mailed randomly to 2,000 households in Olmsted County. For those who did not receive the paper version of the CHAP COVID-19 Impact Survey by mail who would still like to participate in it, an online version of the survey is now available. The online survey is being offered in three languages: English, Somali, and Spanish. Surveys must be completed by 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
The Olmsted County Community Health Assessment and Planning (CHAP) COVID-19 Impact Survey will be mailed to 2,000 randomly selected households throughout Olmsted County beginning the week of February 1, 2021. Information gathered from the survey will provide valuable evidence which will help community leaders understand the greater impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Olmsted County residents.
