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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office announced today that the Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed the 1st Degree Murder conviction of Malcom Woods. Mr. Woods was convicted by a jury for the 2018 murder of Brandon Arndt. Mr. Woods was sentenced in February 2020 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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.
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
On January 15, 2021, Rochester Police Department investigators executed a search warrant at the home of Akardy Pichurin. Investigators believed Mr. Pichurin was in possession of, and possibly transmitting child pornography. At that location several devices were seized and subsequently searched. A large number of videos and pictures of child pornography were found on the devices, along with conversations between Pichurin and the children.
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.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners announced on January 19, 2021 that it is allocating funds to small business relief as part of the State of Minnesota County Relief Funding Program. A total of $3,388,968 in economic support to businesses and non-profit organizations affected by COVID-19 will be distributed.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners announced on January 19, 2021 that it is allocating funds to small business relief as part of the State of Minnesota County Relief Funding Program. A total of $3,388,968 in economic support to businesses and non-profit organizations affected by COVID-19 will be distributed.
The Rochester-Olmsted County Affordable Housing preservation program is currently accepting applications until February 10, 2021 for the 4(d) Affordable Housing Incentive Program. This program helps rental property owners obtain property tax reductions while preserving affordable housing for income-qualified renters in our community.
The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) is receiving a $1.1 million COVID-19 Emergency Solutions Grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Office of Economic Opportunity. This grant will fully fund operations and staffing from January 2021 through January 2022 at both the Rochester Community Warming Center and The Creek, a short-term shelter in Rochester for people experiencing homelessness.
Effective Monday, January 4, 2021, the Government Center Rotunda doors (Door C) will only be unlocked for meetings after 5 p.m. when public meetings are scheduled or expected to occur after business hours. Specifically, Rotunda doors will be open 15 minutes prior to a scheduled meeting and locked 15 minutes after the meeting’s scheduled start time.
Effective December 29, 2020, anyone needing help from Olmsted County related to vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses), notary, or ministry credential (ordination) services, should use the Olmsted County Online Check-in System to schedule an arrival time.
The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given last week to people working in health care settings who are at the greatest risk of getting COVID-19 at work.
After launching a new logo earlier this year, Olmsted County has now unveiled a redesigned website with a new URL that’s easier to remember – www.olmstedcounty.gov.
Earlier this year, Olmsted County received $19.1 million in funds as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Other jurisdictions in the county had approximately $290,000 in unused CARES Act funds that were turned over to the county to be spent on COVID-19-related initiatives. Over the past several months, Olmsted County has used these funds to adapt to providing services in a COVID-19 environment and help individuals and families in our communities facing hardships due to the pandemic.
On December 15, 2020, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved a temporary COVID-19 property tax hardship abatement policy for commercial/industrial property owners. The policy is intended to provide some relief to business owners having difficulty paying their 2020 property taxes due to COVID-19 impacts on their businesses. This will defer payment of some of the taxes and abate some of the penalties and interest to help those businesses recover.
Commissioners say the practice of conversion therapy is unethical and harmful
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution today stating that conversion therapy is a discredited practice that is unethical and harmful. The board also indicated support of a statewide ban on the controversial practice.
A public service to help travelers know what is happening on our county roads
The Olmsted County Public Works Department along with the Olmsted County Planning Department’s GIS team has developed a new Road Closure Web Application to help travelers access information about road closures, traffic incidents, restrictions, and weather-related events.
Unlawful to dump, plow, or push snow from private driveways to the highway
The Olmsted County Highway Division would like to caution residents that it is unlawful to dump, plow, or push snow from private driveways onto the highway. Under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 160.2715, violation of the above statute is a misdemeanor.
Snow dumped on highways or the right of way can create a hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplows. Even heavy snowplows have been ditched and damaged when hitting compacted and frozen snow.
Collaboration, innovation, and protecting environmental resources are integral to delivering on Olmsted County’s mission of providing the foundation of a vibrant community. An example of that spirit in action is a new partnership with Cenergy Power (Cenergy) and People’s Energy Cooperative (PEC).
At yesterday’s Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Olmsted County 2020 Census Complete Count Committee (CCC) presented the results of the local community engagement and awareness campaign.
Olmsted County is giving property owners another two weeks to pay their property taxes before receiving any late payment penalties. The deadline by which to pay your full property tax payment for 2020 is now December 31, 2020.
For mental and physical well-being of the community
News
Dec 3, 2020
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voted today to temporarily suspend entrance fees at Olmsted County parks from December 4, 2020 until December 31, 2021.
Olmsted County Public Health continues to see high numbers of COVID-19 positive residents in our community. Olmsted County Public Health is recommending that individuals who gathered with others outside their immediate households over the holiday weekend limit their time around others and if possible, stay home and isolated for 14 days after the last day spent with non-household contacts. People should monitor their health for any symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if symptoms do develop.
What individuals who test positive for COVID-19 need to do
On Monday, November 15, 2020 our COVID-19 dashboard was updated on our Olmsted County website to reflect the seven-day rolling average from data collected from November 7-13, 2020.
The last day of COVID-19 testing at Graham Park will be Nov. 14. The Community Testing Collaborative, formerly known as the Graham Park Collaborative COVID-19 Testing Site, will begin transitioning to two new indoor locations on Thursday, Nov. 12, to provide staff and patients a warmer, safer place to be tested during winter.
The direct balloting period for the November 3 General Election begins today, October 27, 2020, and will continue through November 2, 2020, the last day of early absentee voting. Direct balloting allows in-person voters to insert their ballots directly into a ballot tabulator at the absentee voting location. Voters also have the option to place their absentee ballot into an envelope to be processed and tabulated later during the direct balloting period.
This Halloween will be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our community remains top priority as we continue to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that families rethink how they celebrate Halloween this year.
Instead of the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, the City of Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, and Olmsted County Public Health encourage the community to be creative and review Halloween activities by their level of risk.
The Olmsted County Parks Department is hosting a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) archery hunt at Oxbow Park from October 23, 2020 to November 29, 2020. Oxbow Park will remain open during the hunt. Use caution when walking the trails.
The purpose of the hunt is to harvest a sufficient number of animals to keep the herd healthy and manageable. More information about controlled hunting opportunities is available on our website
County priorities fare well in 2020 state bonding bill
Olmsted County 2020 state legislative priorities are faring well with the passage of a statewide bonding bill during the fifth special session. Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate passed the bill in bipartisan fashion and Governor Walz signed it this week.
Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, it is very important that voters adhere to health and safety recommendations provided by public health officials. To minimize transmission of the virus, keep these important tips in mind.
Each year the Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District sells trees and shrubs in bundles of 20 to 25 bare-root transplants (two to three 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.
The 2021 Tree Sales Program is officially open for the public to purchase trees and shrubs via the Tree Sales Website.
The General Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Early absentee voting begins September 18, 2020, both by mail and in person.
News
Oct 15, 2020
In person early absentee voting
From September 18 through November 2, early absentee voting will be offered Monday through Friday at the new Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Drive SE in Rochester from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On October 27, the Olmsted County Government Center will open for the direct balloting period of early absentee voting. More information will be shared in early October.
People of all backgrounds call Olmsted County and the City of Rochester home – including those who were not born in the United States. To recognize the importance of immigrants and refugees in our community and affirm the significance of inclusive spaces to our collective prosperity, Olmsted County and the City of Rochester are celebrating Welcoming Week September 12-20, 2020. Olmsted County issued a Welcoming Week Proclamation on September 1, 2020.
Despite economic uncertainties and other challenges due to the pandemic, in 2020, Olmsted County once again received a Aaa/AAA credit rating (with a stable outlook) – the highest possible rating – from both Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings. The rating designation equates to significant taxpayer savings by lowering the cost of borrowing for the county. Olmsted County received the Aaa/AAA designation for the first time in 2002.
Olmsted County’s master plan for Graham Park is centered on features to revitalize the gathering space and transform it into more of a regional destination. New and improved facilities, such as a multi-purpose expo center for which the county is seeking state funding to help build, will increase the park’s flexibility to accommodate a wide range of events and gatherings.
Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) was recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers. OCPHS received the silver level certificate award which is effective for five years, until July 2025.
In a new video, Olmsted County Elections Manager Katie Smith gives a behind the scenes glimpse into the absentee voting process in this county. This video illustrates what the Olmsted County Elections team does with each absentee ballot that comes in, how Olmsted County works to ensure every absentee ballot is counted, and how the team keeps election security at the forefront.
