Stearns County reports strong bid day and advances Justice Center contracts; bond plan remains subject to presale County staff reported a strong bidding outcome for the proposed Justice Center, with hard construction bids estimated $205–210 million and an overall construction budget projected below $290 million. The board approved an earthwork contract (~$7.98M), a $230,000 contract for accessory-structure design, and directed staff to assemble remaining contracts while the financing plan moves toward a March presale resolution.

Stearns County is making strides on its new Justice Center, with construction costs projected to be significantly lower than expected and a record number of bids coming in!

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #ConstructionBids #PublicFinance

Stearns County approves opioid-settlement projects including countywide media, recovery centers and naloxone access The board approved three awardees and six county-driven projects funded by opioid settlement dollars, including Townsquare Media for countywide outreach, CentraCare recovery centers in Sauk Center and Paynesville, and Steve Rummler’s Hope Network for naloxone access points. Commissioners debated media vs. boots-on-the-ground approaches before voting to approve the awards.

Stearns County is taking bold steps to combat the opioid crisis with a new $2 million initiative that includes recovery centers and naloxone access points!

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#StearnsCounty #MN #OpioidPrevention #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #AddictionRecovery

Stearns County approved planning for Medicaid reentry (1115) waiver to expand jail-based behavioral-health services The board approved pursuing a Minnesota DHS capacity-building planning grant for an 1115 reentry waiver that would prepare the county to allow Medicaid-covered services for people in the jail and for about 60 days around release; staff said implementation would target substance-use and mental-health services and aim to reduce recidivism.

Stearns County is set to revolutionize reentry support by approving a groundbreaking Medicaid waiver that will provide essential mental health and substance use services to inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism and foster successful transitions back into society.

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#StearnsCounty

Stearns County adopts 2026 budget and 5.2% tax levy; tax rate expected to fall slightly The board approved the 2026 budget with a 5.2% tax levy increase and a large contingency intended to protect fund balance; staff said the tax rate will fall slightly and that Stearns County’s levy increase is modest compared with many other counties.

Stearns County has just approved a budget for 2026 that includes a 5.2% tax levy increase, but the tax rate is set to drop slightly—find out how this impacts your wallet!

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CommunityEngagement #FiscalTransparency #StateAidShifts #CitizenPortal

Stearns County approves paid family and medical leave policy, discontinues PTO donation program The Stearns County Board approved a paid family and medical leave policy that ends the PTO donation program and relies on MetLife for benefit eligibility while county HR determines return-to-work timing. Commissioners asked for a three‑month review and clarification of the family-member definition.

Stearns County has just approved a groundbreaking paid family and medical leave policy while discontinuing its PTO donation program—what does this mean for employees and their families?

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#StearnsCounty #MN #FamilySupport #StearnsCountyFamilyLeave #EmployeeBenefits

Stearns County human services rolls out 'EVA' AI assistant, board approves vendor contract Stearns County approved the Human Services deployment of an Electronic Virtual Assistant (EVA) that reads client rights, assists staff and handles phone intake; staff said EVA has saved hundreds of staff hours, TIBCO is the vendor, and the board approved the contract and deployment with oversight and monitoring in place.

Stearns County's Human Services just approved a groundbreaking AI assistant, EVA, that could revolutionize how they handle client interactions and save hundreds of staff hours!

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#StearnsCounty #MN #AIAssistance #TechnologyInnovation #EfficiencySavings #StearnsCountyHumanServices

Stearns County board approves bid advertising and permit submissions for Justice Center project The board approved county staff requests to advertise bids for the Justice Center and to submit building, plumbing and related permit applications to state and city plan reviewers, contingent on parcel closings and Saint Cloud annexation. Staff estimated plan review fees would not exceed $400,000 and outlined a Dec. 15 bid advert and 60‑day hold.

Stearns County is gearing up for a groundbreaking Justice Center project, with bids set to be advertised next week—could this be the start of a transformative era for the community?

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #CommunityDevelopment

Stearns County proposes modest levy increase, budgets $1M contingency as residents call for audits and accountability County staff presented a proposed 2026 budget of about $212 million (roughly $622 per capita levy rate), proposed a $1 million contingency for human‑services uncertainty, and reported a slight drop in the county tax rate. In the public hearing residents urged audits of human‑services spending, questioned election costs and property‑tax burdens, and raised concerns about immigration and local services.

Stearns County's proposed 2026 budget sparks public outcry for transparency and accountability as residents question spending and rising property taxes.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #HumanServices #PublicAccountability

Stearns County commissioners press for levy limits, county representation on regional airport authority Commissioners debated ways to limit a proposed airport authority tax levy and whether Stearns County should have elected representation on the airport authority's governing body. They discussed an MOU or nonvoting liaison as near‑term options and noted that adding voting county officials would require reopening the authority's enabling resolution.

Stearns County commissioners are raising alarms over potential $10 million tax levies by the airport authority, sparking a heated debate on the need for county representation and transparency.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #AirportAuthorityReform

Commission narrowly approves Jones rezoning to R‑10; item heads to County Board The Planning Commission voted 3–2 to forward Carol and Clark Jones' request to rezone roughly 40.5 acres in Linden Township from AG‑40 to R‑10; staff noted the site is in a shoreland overlay and has a LISA score of 39.05, and commissioners split on spot‑zoning and neighborhood compatibility concerns.

In a close 3-2 vote, the Stearns County Planning Commission has put the future of 40.5 acres near Lake Moriah in play, as a family seeks to rezone for their changing needs.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #LandUsePlanning #EnvironmentalSustainability

Recori FFA presents pros and cons of on‑farm anaerobic digesters; planning panel commends students A Recori FFA Ag Issues team staged a practice public hearing and presented the benefits and risks of on‑farm anaerobic digesters; ABC Renewables and the Christiansen family outlined benefits including RNG production and digestate use, while nearby residents raised concerns about nutrient loading, truck traffic, odor and property values; the commission commended the students.

Students from Recori FFA took center stage at a public hearing, passionately debating the pros and cons of on-farm anaerobic digesters that could transform local waste into renewable energy.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #StearnsCountyAgriculture #CommunityInvolvement

County approves two-year MPCA feedlot delegation; staff warns of training needs for online nutrient tool The board approved a two-year delegation agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to administer the county feedlot program for state-registered sites. Staff said the county manages over 1,300 state-registered feedlots (about 1,300) and nearly 2,000 total and will help owners in drinking-water management areas, but staff warned that uptake of the state's online nutrient-management tool remains limited and will require outreach and assistance.

Stearns County is taking big steps to support over 1,300 feedlot owners while warning that new nutrient-management tools may need a lot of guidance for success.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #AgriculturalSustainability #WaterQuality #EnvironmentalManagement

Stearns County approves Tri Cap contract increases and Minnesota Monitoring services; board seeks usage metrics Human Services described an increase in Tri Cap spending (used mainly for family and children's services and transportation) from roughly $48,000 in 2021 to $131,000 in 2025; the board approved Tri Cap contract items and a Minnesota Monitoring contract for supervised-release drug testing and asked staff to provide usage and positivity-rate metrics.

Stearns County is set to significantly increase funding for family and children's services, raising questions about the impact and effectiveness of these programs.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #SubstanceAbuseTesting #FamilyServices #CommunityCorrections

Stearns County Board of Adjustment denies multiple shoreland and bluff variances, approves one garage setback At a Stearns County Board of Adjustment meeting, members granted a road‑setback variance for Reed J. Oster (South Haven/Fairhaven Township) but denied separate requests for bluff or lake‑setback variances for properties on Horseshoe Lake, Cedar Island Lake and Big Fish Lake after staff concerns and public opposition about bluff disturbance and lake

In a heated Stearns County Board of Adjustment meeting, one garage addition was approved while three significant shoreland development requests were denied, raising concerns over environmental impact and community standards.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #BluffStability

County auditors outline new tax-forfeiture rules after Tyler decision and announce online auction schedule Auditor-Treasurer staff explained new procedures for legacy, settlement and 2024-onward forfeitures, warned about clean-up costs and predatory surplus-claim firms, and said six new-forfeiture parcels will be offered in an online auction beginning Nov. 28 with first-sale closing Dec. 16.

Stearns County is revamping its tax-forfeiture process with new rules and an online auction beginning Nov. 28, impacting how properties are sold and who benefits from the proceeds.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #TaxForfeiture #PropertyAuction #CivicTransparency

Stearns County officials warned of food and service gaps as federal shutdown disrupts SNAP and emergency aid Human Services Administrator Melissa Huberty told the Stearns County Board the partial federal funding for SNAP and depleted local emergency funds are already straining county services and could increase child-protection and uncompensated-care demands if the shutdown persists.

Stearns County officials are sounding the alarm as partial federal funding cuts to SNAP threaten to create food insecurity for thousands of families and strain local services.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #StearnsCountyHumanServices #FoodInsecurity #CitizenPortal #ChildProtection

Planning Commission recommends approval of feedlot permit amendment for Cold Spring farm; MPCA review remains Stearns County planning staff recommended and the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for Brandon and Jennifer Dingman’s Cold Spring feedlot expansion. The site requires an MPCA permit because it exceeds 500 animal units and lies in a drinking-water supply management area; the manure management plan is under,

The Stearns County Planning Commission has green-lighted a controversial feedlot expansion that could impact local water supplies—what does this mean for the community?

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #StearnsCountyFarms #WaterQuality

Planning Commission recommends denial of Tyson rural tourism/event‑center conditional use permit amid neighbor and township noise concerns After extensive public comment and township input focused on outdoor amplified music, the Stearns County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of a conditional use permit for Todd and Sarah Tyson’s proposed rural tourism venue and event center in St. Joseph Township. Commissioners cited unresolved noise‑monitoring and enforcement concerns,

Stearns County Planning Commission has recommended denying a controversial conditional use permit for a rural tourism venue, citing neighbor concerns over noise and safety.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NoiseEnforcement #StearnsCountyTownship

After heated public hearing, Stearns County OKs Buffalo Ridge Estates Third Edition plat 3‑1 Following a lengthy public hearing that drew the City of Richmond, Munson Township and nearby residents, the Stearns County Board approved the Buffalo Ridge Estates Third Edition plat 3–1 after an initial 2–2 split and a successful motion to reconsider.

After a contentious public hearing, the Stearns County Board narrowly approved the Buffalo Ridge Estates Third Edition plat, raising concerns about water safety and future annexation.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #PublicHearing #CitizenPortal #WaterManagement #CommunityPlanning

Stearns County human services staff warn SNAP benefits could be interrupted if federal shutdown continues; county accepts state grant for prevention work Human services staff told the board that 12,500 county residents receive SNAP and that, if a federal shutdown continues into November, benefits could be at risk. The board accepted a state grant increase to support prevention work such as vaping education in schools.

Stearns County officials warn that a federal shutdown could jeopardize food assistance for nearly 15,000 residents, putting local businesses at risk.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #EconomicImpact #FoodSecurity #CommunityPrevention

Stearns County Board Approves $50K HRA Levy Increase to Support Housing Programs Board allocates additional funds to aid housing programs amidst rising administrative costs.

Stearns County just approved a groundbreaking $750,000 contract to revolutionize hazardous waste management and boost community participation!

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalStewardship #WasteManagement

Great River Regional Library outlines 2026 budget with modest funding increase for services Great River Regional Library's 2026 budget sees a 2.72% increase from Stearns County.

The Great River Regional Library is set to enhance services with a 2.72% budget increase, promising exciting programs for the community!

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#StearnsCounty #MN #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #PublicLibraries #CommunityServices

Mullers Contest County Decision on Shed Construction in Stearns County The Mullers argue their shed proposal complies with county ordinances despite requiring a conditional use permit.

The Mueller family's battle with Stearns County over their shed proposal raises crucial questions about property rights versus regulatory control in rural Minnesota.

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #AgriculturalRegulations #PropertyRights #LocalGovAI

County extension meeting reports positive engagement despite funding challenges Commissioners discuss funding issues and extension programs while addressing legislative tax concerns.

Stearns County Commissioners are tackling funding challenges and legislative tax concerns while celebrating a boost in seat belt usage—what does this mean for the community?

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#StearnsCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #StearnsCountyExtension #FundingChallenges #LegislativeDevelopments

New program helps vulnerable persons interact with first responders - The Newsleaders The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office has recently launched a program to help vulnerable persons interact with first responders.

​The Newsleaders reports that the Stearns County Sheriff's Office has launched a new program to assist vulnerable individuals in interacting with first responders. This initiative aims to improve communication and safety during emergencies. ​

#AccessPress #TheNewsleaders #StearnsCounty #Minnesota

The biggest thing this map tells me. We aren't being told the accurate history of MN. How can a Norse chapel be built here in the 1300s when our state was founded in 1858? #history #maps #mn #stearnscounty #hiddentimeline #mueseum

Like this one I found letting me know where a Norse chapel that was built in the 1300s was known to be located as recently as 1949. Today I have found no record of it on maps after this one. But, on all maps prior to this. #history #maps #mn #stearnscounty #hiddentimeline #mueseum

My favorite things to look for and through are old maps. Especially if they have a research center for me to use. Maps are a piece of artwork themselves. But, they also tell the stories they don't want us to know.
#history #maps #mn #stearnscounty #hiddentimeline #mueseum

Yesterday we took a trip to our county museum.
It's so important to go to these little places and find the nuggets of history hidden there. Especially since this administration is willing to erase so much already.
#history #maps #mn #stearnscounty #muesuem #hiddentimeline