Protect your drinking water with two new quick videos on private well nitrate testing and reverse osmosis system maintenance—simple steps that can make a big difference for your health. Watch now to learn how to test, maintain, and stay safe.

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS), in partnership with Mayo Clinic and Early Head Start of Olmsted County, is looking for parents of young children to participate in a focus group during the month of May. The discussions will explore parents’ experiences with reading to their children and spending time in nature to support early learning and development. 

NACo’s Arts and Culture Innovation Council highlights national trends and county-level innovations that exemplify how the arts can support economic development and help address community challenges. The council also advises NACo on the organization’s arts and culture programming. 

Olmsted County Environmental Resources has launched a new effort called the “It’s Up To You” campaign. This campaign encourages everyone in our community to think differently about the waste we create every day. The idea is simple: small choices can make a big difference.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with federal partners, has identified five areas in Olmsted County that need to be managed to slow the spread of spongy moth in Minnesota. If approved, aerial management activities in southern Minnesota would likely occur mid-June to early July 2026. Learn more in open houses coming up soon. 

The 2026 seasonal load restrictions will go into effect on Olmsted County roads on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The weight limit will be posted at each individual county road. The end of the seasonal load restriction period is no longer fixed at eight weeks. It will now be based on how weather is affecting roadway strength and monitored as conditions change. Therefore, ending dates for seasonal load restrictions for each road will vary, and restrictions will remain in effect when the roadway is posted.

Olmsted County is exploring the possibility of bringing an “international clubhouse” mental health program to the area. As part of this process, we will be gathering input from the community through listening sessions.

Olmsted County is one of 11 counties participating in the Speaking of Cannabis campaign. This initiative aims to empower adults in Southeast Minnesota to share information with youth about the risks of cannabis use. 

New video now available: How property taxes work in Olmsted County.

Watch this short, easy-to-understand overview to learn how property values, budgets, and levies come together to create your tax bill and how you can stay informed and involved.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is excited to host the We Are Water MN traveling exhibit from February 25 through April 20, 2026. This interactive exhibit invites visitors to explore the vital role water plays in our lives, our communities, and our environment.