Do you live with a mental illness or have a family member who does? Share your experience and knowledge by joining the Olmsted County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council! An informational meeting is being held Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 12:30 to 2 pm. at Family Service Rochester (4600 18th Ave NW, Rochester). A light lunch and refreshments will be available. 

Olmsted County Public Health Services has launched a new program to provide free pasteurized donor human milk to breastfeeding and chestfeeding families in need.  

Minnesota is the 23rd state in the nation to legalize cannabis use for people 21 and older. As this legislation rolls out statewide, Olmsted County Commissioner Laurel Podulke-Smith will be playing an important role as a member of the Cannabis Advisory Council. Podulke-Smith was appointed to serve in this role by the Association of Minnesota Counties’ Executive Committee.

The absentee direct balloting period for the November 7, 2023, special election begins October 20 for Rochester and Stewartville voters, and will continue through November 6, 2023, the last day of early absentee voting.

The annual cost savings of this transition is estimated to range between $200,000 and $400,000.

The Olmsted County website is an essential communications tool to share important information with individuals living and working in our community. We are committed to offering the best service and want to ensure the website is meeting the community’s needs.

Olmsted County is monitoring the potential federal government shutdown if Congress does not pass legislation to extend funding before October 1, 2023. Federal programs and services administered by the county should not experience impacts during a short-term shutdown.

Several PRL services will not be available at the Government Center from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on October 4.

These initiatives will improve operations and services for both the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Public Works department. 

The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is taking a significant step toward addressing homelessness in our community by seeking a $10 million grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).