County News

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.

Olmsted County and our partner agencies are monitoring the winter storm and blizzard warnings in effect Tuesday, March 4 through Wednesday, March 5, 2025. The storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, strong winds, and possible whiteout conditions.  

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.

Dodge & Olmsted (D&O) Victim Services is seeking compassionate volunteers to support victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes through its 24/7 crisis line.

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.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents Day. Regular business hours resume Tuesday, February 18, 2025. 

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.

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

Join us for an evening at Chester Woods Park on February 1, 2025, to kick-off the park’s 30th anniversary with a candlelight hike.

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 and the 2117 Government Campus building. These improvements represent a significant step forward in the county’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, as outlined in its climate action plan. 

At the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners meeting on January 21, 2025, Commissioner Thein, the board chair for 2025, shared these remarks.

Olmsted County offices will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

On January 21, 2025, a local event will be held in Rochester to recognize the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing. The event is being hosted by the Rochester Area Foundation in partnership with Olmsted County.

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.