Seeking Applicants For HHS Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Application

If you would like to apply to be a part of the Wright County Health & Human Services Advisory Committee, please complete the application below. The purpose of this group is to serve as an Advisory Committee to the Board t...

Roadside Spraying

Beginning on May 24, 2021 the Wright County Highway Department, as part of its vegetation management program, will be scheduling some roadside vegetation work along all Wright County highways.  The unwanted brush and noxious weeds will be cut and...

County Road Projects Will Be Active In Minnesota's 'Other Season'

There’s a running joke among Minnesotans that we have two seasons – winter and road construction. With winter behind us (hopefully), the other season is about to kick in and in Wright County in 2021, it’s going to be active.

Aside from work that will be do...

Stage 2 of CSAH 39/42 Construction to Begin Week of April 12

A Message from the Wright County Highway Department on the CSAH 39/42 Project

Work on Stage 2 of the CSAH 39/42 project in Otsego will begin soon. Stage 2 road construction will take place on CSAH 39 between Odean Avenue and Page Avenue. It is scheduled to...

Spring Road Weight Restrictions to Begin Friday, March 5th

The Wright County Highway Department announced today that, due to consistently warm weather projected for this week and thawing that will accompany that, the 2021 Spring Load Restrictions on county highways throughout the county road system will take effe...

Delano CSAH 30 Project nears completion (for 2020 work)

Work on Highway 30 is on track to be completed for the season by mid-October (weather permitting). The Highway 30 Project is a collaborative effort between the county and city with both agencies sharing in the cost of the improvements. The project is a Ci...

Parks & Recreation Spring Summer Programs

Wright County Parks & Recreation has announced its spring and summer 2021 events schedule. Most of the events are for the entire family and many are free of charge.

To register for any of the events, call (763) 684-2387 or email Parks & Rec at park...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending May 10, 2021

On May 3, Tyler James LaFave, 27, of Howard Lake, was arrested in Hennepin County on a Wright County warrant for 2d degree burglary violations.

On May 3, Timothy Glen Slack, 30, of Montrose, was arrested in Hennepin County on a Wright County warr...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending May 3, 2021

On April 26, Robert Joseph Ramey, 35, of Albertville, was arrested in Stearns County on a Wright County warrant for 5^th degree possession of a controlled substance violation.

On April 26, Rachel Howard Robinson, 26, of Minneapolis, was arrested i...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending April 26, 2021

On April 19, Alexandra Rose Murphy, 29, of Montrose, was arrested in Montrose on a Wright County warrant for 2^nd degree burglary violations.

On April 19, William Joseph Daiker, 61, of Buffalo, was arrested in Buffalo on the charge of 2^nd degree D...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending April 19, 2021

On April 12, Amanda Irene Muchko, 30, of Minneapolis, was arrested in Hennepin County on a Wright County warrant for possession of burglary tools and a Kandiyohi County warrant for 5^th degree possession of a controlled substance.

On April 12, Les...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending April 12, 2021

On April 5, Ahmed Addan Ibrahim, 31, of Minneapolis, was arrested in Anoka County on a Wright County warrant for 5^th degree possession of a controlled substance violations.

On April 5, Jesse Michael Ehlers, 46, of Buffalo, was arrested in Buffalo...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending April 5, 2021

On March 29, Amory Alban Dean, 34, of Farmington, was arrested in Dakota County on a Wright County warrant for violation of a domestic abuse no contact order.

On March 29, Michael Ryan Rueckert, 33, of Clearwater, was arrested in Clearwater on th...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending March 29, 2021

On March 22, Travis Luke Magney, 36, of St. Cloud, was arrested in Stearns County on a Wright County warrant for theft by swindle violations.

On March 22, Matthew Brian Nelson, 37, of West St. Paul, was arrested in Ramsey County on a Wright Count...

DNR Releases Fishing Opener Week Fish and Wildlife Almanac

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its weekly Fish and Wildlife Almanac leading up to this weekend’s fishing opener. The almanac includes links to answering fishing questions, tips for those new to fishing, a webinar focu...

Wright County HHS Releases 2020 Annual Report

Wright County Health & Human Services has released its 2020 Annual Report. The report includes strategic highlights, an executive summary, strategic imperatives and results, COVID-19 data, a financial report and governance structure of the department....

U of M Extension Proving Advice for Those Planting Gardens

By Karen Johnson, University of Minnesota Extension

Have you put much thought into your garden yet this year? Now is a great time to take a soil sample, consider plant placement within the garden, and to get started planting some of the cool seaso...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of May 3-9. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2542

School Nurse Day Coming May 12, Culminating National Nurse Week

May 6-12 is National Nurse Week, a time to honor those who have been vital to the health and wellness of Americans for decades, but whose job has been critical as frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

The final day of National Nurse Week (May 12...

License Center Announces Policy for Boat Registration Renewals

A Message from the Wright County License Center

In preparation for Fishing Opener Saturday, May 15, the Wright County License Center will allow people with just Boat renewals to skip the line inside the Wright County Government Center the week of May 10-14...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the last week there were 347 new confirmed cases (the lowest weekly total since the last week of March), 20 cases that required hospitalization, seven cases that required ICU sta...

DNR Looking to Protect Mississippi River from Invasive Carp

With the 2021 fishing opener right around the corner, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is taking an aggressive approach to curb the spread of silver carp, which have been taking over habitats of portions of the Mississippi River since they we...

RentHelpMN Applications Now Being Accepted

RentHelpMN applications are now open at www.renthelpmn.org/. RentHelpMN, a program operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, is available to Minnesotans who have experienced a financial hardship due to the pandemic. MDH needs your help shari...

National Weather Service Issues Red Flag Warning

Due to high winds, low humidity and dry conditions throughout much of the state, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 47 Minnesota counties, including Wright County. Red Flag Warnings are issued when areas are experiencing critic...

CSAH 30/6 to Close Monday for Ditch Repairs

A Message from the Wright County Highway Department:

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, May 10, 2021 CSAH 30/CSAH 6 south of Howard Lake in Victor Township will be closed for County Ditch No. 10 improvement work by Molnau Trucking LLC. It is expected that CSAH 30...

DNR Gives Endorsement to No Mow May Initiative

Typically a homeowner in any neighborhood that doesn’t regularly mow the lawn is viewed as being lazy, inattentive and neglectful. However, homeowners are actually being encouraged not to mow their lawns this month because it can help bees and o...

Walk-Ins at License Center Will Be Reduced Thursday

The Wright County License Center has announced that due to the Waiting Room (Room 120) of the Wright County Government Center being used for a Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, May 6, there will not be a waiting room available for walk-ins seeking to renew ...

Step into Spring Nature Hike Saturday at Ney Park

In the second installment of the Wright County Parks & Recreation hiking program, the Step into Spring hike will be take place from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve in Maple Lake. The rainy April weather has brought out the wi...

Temporary Signal Coming to Co. Rd. 137/Maciver Ave. Intersection Starting May 5

DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac Highlights Programs This Week

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its May 3 Fish and Wildlife Almanac, which includes regional fishing reports, a webinar on open water walleye fishing, advice on leaving deer fawns alone, the looming bear hunt application deadlin...

U of M Extension Hosting 6-Part Seminar Aimed at Beef Producers

University of Minnesota Extension is excited to host a six-part webinar series titled: Summer Beef Essentials Webinar Series. Zoom meetings will be held on May 10, 13, 17, 20, 24 and 27 from 8-9 p.m. This webinar series will focus on different considerati...

COVID Vaccination Clinic Coming to Howard Lake Thursday

Wright County Public Health will conduct a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Howard Lake High School on Thursday, May 6. Appointments are available for those seeking their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Sign up online at http://www.co.wright.mn.us/997/CO...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of April 26-May 2. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2526

Crash Car to Be Located At Area High Schools In May

One of the primary causes of death and serious injury to young people is the result of inexperienced drivers being behind the wheel when distracted or under the influence. In April, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office has brought a “cra...

Annandale School Referendum May 11; In-Person Balloting Opens May 4

On Tuesday, May 11 residents in School District 876 (Annandale) will have a single-question ballot to vote on – a proposed $81.55 million bond referendum to build a new high school facility to house grades 9-12, renovation of the existing high s...

2021 General Notice to Control or Eradicate Noxious Weeds

General Notice to Control or Eradicate Noxious Weeds

Notice is hereby given this 30^th day of April, 2021, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.75-18.91, that all persons in Wright County, Minnesota, shall control or eradicate all noxious weeds on lan...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the past week, there were 397 new confirmed cases, 18 cases that required hospitalization and four deaths attributed to COVID. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, in Wright C...

Appointments Open at License Center

At 8 a.m. this morning (April 30), more than 600 appointment slots opened at the Wright County License Center for driver’s license renewals. The appointments cover the period of May 10-21. The link to make an appointment can be found here: http:...

County Board Approves Amendment to Solar Farm Ordinance

The Wright County Board of Commissioners took action at its April 27 meeting concerning an amendment to the county’s solar ordinance while at the same time attempting to dispel myths about the board’s plan for solar energy in Wright Co...

Compost and Recycling Facility Announces Spring, Summer and Fall Open Hours

The Wright County Compost and Recycling Facility will be establishing 2021 spring, summer and fall hours beginning on Tuesday, May 4 and running through Tuesday, Nov. 23.

The hours available for public drop-off of household hazardous waste, problem materia...

CSAH 4 Closed for Bridge Maintenance May 10-21

The Wright County Highway Department has announced that CSAH 4 in Cokato Township will be closed at 7 a.m. Monday, May 10 and will remain closed through Friday, May 21 for bridge maintenance. The closure is between CSAH 35 and Co. Rd 125 and a detour rout...

U of M Extension Discusses Keys to Timing When to Plant Crops

By Lizabeth Stahl and Jared Goplen, Extension Educators – Crops

It is well known that planting date plays a key role in determining yield potential in corn and soybean. Long-term University of Minnesota trials demonstrate, for example, that corn ...

Temporary Signal Coming to Co. Rd. 137/Maciver Ave. Intersection Starting May 5

A Message from the Wright County Highway Department

Effective Wednesday, May 5, the intersection of County Highway 137 (60^th St. NE) and Maciver Avenue NE/MacKenzie Avenue NE just east of I-94 in the Cities of Albertville and Otsego will be temporarily con...

Parks & Rec to Host Master of Disguise Program Thursday

Wright County Parks & Recreation will be hosting its “Master of Disguise” offering for children ages 5-12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 29 at Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve in Maple Lake Township.

The program focuses on the ...

DNR Releases Spring Fish and Wildlife Almanac

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its spring Fish and Wildlife Almanac, which includes information on Take a Mom Fishing Weekend May 8-10, regulations regarding the spring removal of aquatic plants on lakeshore properties, a resou...

County Board Proclaims May 2-8 Corrections Officers and Employees Week

At its April 27 meeting, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to declare May 2-8 National Corrections Officers and Employees Week in Wright County.

Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Kent Lipelt read a statement to the board explai...

REAL ID Deadline Pushed Back to May 2023

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that the deadline for Americans to be in compliance with REAL ID/enhanced driver’s licenses has been pushed back a full 19 months to May 3, 2023.

Originally, REAL ID compliance was set to t...

DNR EagleCam Up and Running

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources annually has its “EagleCam” set up in southern Minnesota that follows the daily life of an eagle family. This year, two baby eagles hatched in late-March (one on the 26^th and the other on t...

Extension Offering Tips on Growing Strawberries in Containers

By Annie Klodd, Extension educator, fruit and vegetable production

Strawberries are a great choice to fill your pots, planters, hanging baskets or maybe even window boxes. The plants are compact and the berries hang beautifully off of the edge of the conta...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of April 19-25. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2506

Ramp on Eastbound I-94 at Co. Rd. 19 Closed Through Mid-May

Aside from traffic delays on westbound I-94 this morning due to a crash at the Hwy. 241 bridge, the eastbound portion of the road also is undergoing a change starting today.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that the eastbound ramp o...

Census Population Data Expected to Be Released Later Today

Later today (April 26), the first set of results from the 2020 U.S. Census will be released at a virtual news conference at 2 p.m. CT and the results could have a significant impact on Minnesota.

With populations growing in other parts of the country at a ...

Westbound I-94 Closed at Hwy. 241 Due to Crash

Westbound I-94 will be closed until approximately noon today at Hwy. 241 due to a semi crash. The accident occurred under the Hwy. 241 bridge and traffic is be diverted up and down the exit ramp at the intersection, causing massive delays. Motorists are e...

License Center Re-Opens to Walk-In Traffic

 The Wright County License Center has announced that it is back at full staffing and will resume taking walk-ins at its indoor location at the Wright County Government Center. Last week, the License Center had to shut down walk-in traffic due to ...

Updated Wright County Highway Maps Now Available

The Wright County Highway Department has announced that its updated 2021 Wright County Highway Maps are now available.

The maps are available for purchase. The cost is $3 each and the maps are available at the Highway Building at 3600 Braddock Ave. NE in B...

Sheriff's Office Receives Funding for Additional Speeding/Aggressive Driving Patrols

Speeding on Minnesota roads has been much more pronounced, especially on busy stretches of highways and freeways, over the last year. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is distributing grant funds to cities and counties to provide incr...

DNR Reminding Boaters About the Dangers of AIS

With the fishing opener in Minnesota just three weeks away, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers to do their part to inspect and clean their boats before taking them to Minnesota lakes.

For the past decade, the spread of Aquat...

Spring Road Weight Restrictions to Be Lifted

Seasonal Load Restrictions are scheduled to be lifted on Wright County highways, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 26  

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 Dashboard. After consecutive weeks of 500 or more new cases, there were 386 new confirmed cases. There were 18 cases that required hospitalization and no cases that required an Intensive Care Un...

Co. Rd. 118 Project Comes In Well Under Estimated Cost

When it comes to bidding out a significant road or bridge project, the hope is that bids will come in under engineer’s estimate, but, with many projects, it’s a wait-and-see approach where you hope for the best, but have no assurances....

MDH Announces Masks Won't Be Required When Playing Outdoor Youth Sports

The Minnesota Department of Health announced today that school-aged athletes playing outdoor sports won’t be required to wear masks when actively playing on the field or court.

The Minnesota State High School League confirmed that the new masking...

Roadside Spraying

Beginning on May 24, 2021 the Wright County Highway Department, as part of its vegetation management program, will be scheduling some roadside vegetation work along all Wright County highways.  The unwanted brush and noxious weeds will be cut and...

Auditor/Treasurer's Office Shuffled to Streamline Taxpayer, Finance Duties

Wright County residents who have dealt with the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office over the years have noticed a change when they come to transact business at the county’s Government Center. The department has a new name – Finance/Ta...

DNR Has Interactive Bird Song Page

One of the sure signs of spring is the return of songbirds to Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has an interactive page on its website that identifies more than 20 birds that call Minnesota home in the spring and summer along with t...

Public Health Releases Statement About COVID-19 Vaccines

Wright County Public Health has been fielding questions about what the COVID-19 vaccines are and what they aren’t. There has been conflicting information put out ranging from claims that the vaccine has caused a higher infection rate to the vacc...

Absentee Balloting for District 876 Bond Referendum Open

On Tuesday, May 11 residents in School District 876 (Annandale) will have a single-question ballot to vote on – a proposed $81.55 million bond referendum to build a new high school facility to house grades 9-12, renovation of the existing high s...

Cottage Food Certification Available in Webinar

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of individuals who have joined the cottage food industry – selling homemade items like pickles, salsa, jam/jelly and confections.

However, selling homemade products to consumers is g...

License Center Closed to Walk-Up License Renewals for Remainder of the Week

Due to a COVID-19 exposure, the Wright County License Center will not be accepting walk-ins starting today and running through the remainder of the week. This only applies to those looking to renew driver’s licenses that require a photo being ta...

EDA Releases Requests for Proposal for Current Government Center Sale

Today the Wright County Economic Development Authority (EDA) put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a redevelopment assessment of the Wright County Government Center, located at 10 Second St. NW in Buffalo. It is anticipated that, by the end of 2021, t...

Annual Law Day to Be Conducted Virtually in Tenth Judicial District April 30

A Message from the Tenth Judicial District Concerning the Annual Law Day

The Tenth Judicial District is hosting free Virtual Clinics on Friday, April 30 to provide free legal advice in the areas of family law, civil/probate law, and expungement. There will...

Emergency Management Asking Residents Near Nuclear Plant to Take Survey

As part of the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) program, Wright County Emergency Management is doing an outreach program with the community to help facilitate an evacuation study for those who live near the Xcel Nuclear Power Plant. As part of th...

MnDOT Releases Full 2021 Construction Project Schedule

With the arrival of spring, there are several local road projects that will be starting up, but the same goes for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. During the 2021 construction season, there are going to be more than 200 MnDOT road and bridge pr...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of April 12-18. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2482

U of M Extension Offering Farm Safety Tips

By Karen Johnson, University of Minnesota Extension Educator

Mother Nature has been teasing us with what seems to be spring-like weather. Although we are not quite ready to hit the fields full force, now is an excellent time to think about what you can do ...

Public Health Ramping Up Vaccination of County Residents

For the last year, Wright County Public Health has been on the front line in the battle against COVID-19. From the preparation more than a year ago to the launching of mass vaccination sites earlier this year, Public Health and several other county depart...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, despite increased vaccination rates, the April surge of cases continues.

The past week saw 502 new confirmed cases – the highest one-week total since December 2020. More ...

Rivers of Hope Hosting Annual Gala/Auction Virtually Tonight

Rivers of Hope, a non-profit whose mission is to provide a community-coordinated response to end family violence through advocacy, education and interagency collaboration, will be hosting its annual gala virtually tonight (April 16) from 7-8 p.m.

For more ...

Public Health Taking Registrations for April 22 Vaccination Clinic

Wright County Public Health has announced that it will be hosting a first-shot COVID-19 vaccination clinic for anyone age 18 or older on Thursday, April 22. The clinic will be administering the Moderna vaccine starting at 8 a.m. with appointments availabl...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for April 26-May 7

At 8 a.m. today (April 16), approximately 600 appointment slots opened at the Wright County License Center for driver’s license renewals. The appointments cover the period of April 26-May 7. Walk-ups are accepted between 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., ...

Department of Housing Preparing to Launch RentHelpMN Program

The Minnesota Department of Housing is preparing to launch its RentHelpMN for tenants and landlords who have experienced hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and need assistance paying rent or utility bills.

Eligible Minnesota renters can receive help wit...

WCEDP Seeking Resident Input for Workforce Development Survey

The Wright County Economic Development Partnership and St. Cloud Technical & Community College are partnering in Workforce Development to gather data to better serve the residents and businesses of Wright County.

SCTCC’s Customized Training D...

Two Statewide Tornado Drills Will Take Place Thursday

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week and, as part of the annual events, Thursday will highlight tornado safety. There will be two statewide tornado drills that will sound all sirens throughout the state. The drills will be held at 1:45 p.m. at 6:45 ...

U of M Extension Provides Tips On Gardening in a Confined Space

By Natalie Hoidal, UMN Extension educator, horticulture & food system agriculture

Gardening in small spaces requires you to maximize the space you have and keep potential problems under control. Here we review the top things to consider when gardening ...

MnDOT Releases Full Timeline, Closures Related to I-94 Construction

The third (and final) year of construction on I-94 is underway and the Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced the updated schedule for the 2021 portion of project construction, which is taking place from Maple Grove to Clearwater.

There are e...

Allina Health Releases Statement Dealing with Buffalo Clinic

A Statement from Allina Health

In the weeks following the senseless tragedy at our Allina Health Clinic-Buffalo Crossroads of February 9, 2021, we have collectively experienced a range of powerful emotions: grief, disbelief, heartbreak, anger and many more...

Severe Weather Awareness Week Focusing on Thunderstorms, Lightning Today

This is Severe Weather Awareness Week 2021 in Minnesota and today’s topic deals with storms, hail and lightning. A typical thunderstorm is about 15 miles in diameter and lasts for 30 minutes. But, regardless of size, all thunderstorms have the a...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of April 5-11. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2467

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. During the past seven days, there were 500 new confirmed cases – the highest weekly number since Dec. 17. There were 23 cases that required hospitalization – the h...

MnDOT Provides Update on I-94 Project from Maple Grove to Albertville

In the coming days, if you’re driving I-94 between Maple Grove and Albertville, you are going to see changes, as long-term lane shifts and ramp closures will start taking effect as early as Monday (April 12).

Here is a breakdown of what you need ...

Public Health to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Thursday, April 15

Wright County Public Health has announced that it will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic Thursday, April 15 in Buffalo. The clinic will provide the two-dose Moderna vaccine. Appointments are available for anyone age 18 or older.

Appointments will be req...

Public Health Issues Press Release Dealing with Vaccination, Remaining Vigilant

Wright County Public Health has issued a news release entitled “Ending the Pandemic Takes Us All” – which touches on the increase in vaccinations which are ramping up quickly, as well as the increase in case numbers and hospi...

Parks Department to Complete Several Park Projects in 2021

There is going to be a lot of activity in Wright County parks, as several projects are scheduled to be completed in 2021. The list is as follows:

• Bertram Campground Playground – Designed have been completed and equipment purchased. Installation e...

HHS Lobbies Closed Until Monday, April 19

County Board Continuing Fight to Get Driver Testing Station Re-Opened

Wright County has had issues with the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) for the last several years. Despite being the 10^th largest county in Minnesota, the only DVS testing station in Wright County was in Buffalo – and only open two...

Wright County Gets Road Construction Award from MnDOT

Every year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation hands out Merit Awards to local government units for what are deemed to be the best projects in several categories. The Wright County Highway Department has been informed that it is receiving a Merit ...

Severe Weather Sirens to Be Tested at 1 p.m. Today

With rain expected later today throughout Wright County, residents are being reminded that, as the first Wednesday of the month, emergency weather sirens will be sounding at approximately 1 p.m. These are monthly tests to assure that the sirens work and s...

County Road Projects Will Be Active In Minnesota's 'Other Season'

There’s a running joke among Minnesotans that we have two seasons – winter and road construction. With winter behind us (hopefully), the other season is about to kick in and in Wright County in 2021, it’s going to be active.

A...

CMRP Back Up and Running with Framework 2030 Timetable

COVID-19 has been a minefield in terms of living life as normal and the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership has been no exception. CMRP was re-constituted in 2019 with the launch of its Framework 2030 initiative to provide collaboratio...

Wright County One of 41 Counties With Burning Ban Restrictions

Despite rains that came through Wright County the last two days, Wright is among 41 counties in which the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has placed spring burn restrictions upon. The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste ...

DPS Announces Increased Distracted Driving Enforcement

If you have traveled I-94 this week, you have likely seen the interactive signs advising motorists about distracted driving and texting while driving. That isn’t a coincidence. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that t...

U of M Extension to Host Online BQA and SBS Training

A Message from University of Minnesota Extension

University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, will host several online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) training sessions starting in February through April. ...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff's Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of March 29 to April 4, 2021. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2450

DPS Reminding Homeowners to Call 811 Before They Dig

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reminding homeowners to call 811 or go to the Gopher State One Call website before you dig in your yard. Many underground utilities like natural gas can run just inches below the surface and, with warming tempe...

Stage 2 of CSAH 39/42 Construction in Otsego to Begin the Week of April 12

A Message from the Wright County Highway Department on the CSAH 39/42 Project

Work on Stage 2 of the CSAH 39/42 project in Otsego will begin soon. Stage 2 road construction will take place on CSAH 39 between Odean Avenue and Page Avenue. It is scheduled to...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, much like the rest of the country, Wright County has experienced the largest surge in new cases in three months in terms of cases, hospitalizations, ICU stays and deaths. There we...

Appointments Open at License Center

At 8 a.m. today (April 2), approximately 600 appointment slots opened at the Wright County License Center for driver’s license renewals. The appointments cover the period of April 12-23. Walk-ups are accepted between 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., but ...

County Facilities to Fly Flags at Half-Staff Friday

Tomorrow (April 2) all Wright County facilities will lower their flags to half-staff as a memorial to Regina Hughes and awareness of the devastating impacts suffered by the victims and families of domestic violence.

Hughes was a Records Management Analyst ...

First Half Property Taxes Due May 17

A Message from Wright County Finance and Taxpayer Services Department

Wright County Taxpayer Services would like to remind all property owners that first half property taxes for most properties are due May 17, 2021.

Payments can be mailed to:  Wrig...

Parks & Rec Releases 2021 Spring/Summer Events Schedule

Wright County Parks & Recreation has announced its spring and summer 2021 events schedule. Most of the events are for the entire family and many are free of charge.

To register for any of the events, call (763) 684-2387 or email Parks & Rec at park...

Severe Weather Awareness Week Coming April 12-16

Each year, Wright County Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Emergency Management in collaboration with the National Weather Service sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. This year, it will be conducted April 12-16.

Severe Weather...

DNR Looking for Comments on Proposed Waterfowl Hunting Changes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for public comments about proposed waterfowl regulation changes. These proposed changes include increasing the Canada goose bag limit, extending legal shooting hours and establishing season dates th...

Minnesota Housing Launching Program to Assist Renters, Landlords

The Minnesota Department of Housing is launching its RentHelpMN program to assist renters and landlords who have not be able to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Housing will be hosting a pair of information sessions today and tomorrow.

The ...

HHS Opening New Phone Contact Center System Tomorrow

Effective tomorrow (Wednesday, March 31), Wright County Health & Human Services will have a new Contact Center with more direct lines to connect residents with services provided by HHS. The main Call Center line is (763) 682-7400. The list of direct e...

U of M Extension Offers Tips on Pruning Hydrangeas

By Julie Weisenhorn, UMN Extension educator, horticulture

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular blooming woody shrubs in Minnesota landscapes and, as you’d expect, people often ask how and when to prune these beloved shrubs.

Hydrangea paniculata,...

Wright County Included In New List of Counties with Burning Restrictions

With dry conditions and high winds, this morning 25 Minnesota counties were placed under burning restrictions. Effective Wednesday (March 31), 14 more counties will restrict open burning, including Wright County.

The 14 counties in the new restriction list...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of March 22-28. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2433

I-94 Construction Ramping Up

Motorists who are traveling on Interstate 94 for their work commutes noticed this morning that work crews are on the job and the result will be lane closures in the coming days, weeks and, in some cases, months.

Starting this week, there will be multiple t...

Driver's Licenses Must Be Current to Be Valid After March 31

A reminder that by order of the State of Minnesota, the COVID-related grace period extensions for operating a motor vehicle without a current license will expire Wednesday, March 31. After that, it will be a violation to not have a valid driver’s license....

Links to Getting Signed Up to Get Your COVID-19 Vaccination

With today’s announcement that many more Minnesotans will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, many who thought they would have to wait can now get signed up with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Vaccine Connector.

By signing in t...

HHS Announces New Call Center

A Message from Wright County Health & Human Services

Wright County Health & Human Services has implement Genesys Cloud as its new Contact Center for improved customer service experience.

The main Wright County Health & Human Services numbers rem...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. For the second straight week, the county experienced an increase in the number of new confirmed cases with 274. Following eight straight weeks with less than 200 new confirmed cases, ...

Minnesota Expected to Open COVID Vaccine to All Adults Friday

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected announce tomorrow a major expansion in COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. Minnesota is expected to join a growing list of states that will make the vaccine available to everyone over the age of 16, effective Tuesday, Mar...

DNR Looking for Rainfall Monitoring Volunteers

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteer rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). More than 20,000 volunteers nationwide take part in the program and measure precipitation in t...

Stage 2 of CSAH 39/42 Construction to Begin Week of April 12

A Message from the Wright County Highway Department on the CSAH 39/42 Project

Work on Stage 2 of the CSAH 39/42 project in Otsego will begin soon. Stage 2 road construction will take place on CSAH 39 between Odean Avenue and Page Avenue. It is scheduled to...

Absentee Balloting for District 876 Bond Referendum Opens Friday

On Tuesday, May 11 residents in School District 876 (Annandale) will have a single-question ballot to vote on – a proposed $81.55 million bond referendum to build a new high school facility to house grades 9-12, renovation of the existing high s...

St. Cloud COVID Testing Site Has New Hours

Many Wright County residents have been having COVID-19 testing done at St. Cloud’s River’s Edge Convention Center. Starting today, there are new hours for testing – Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturd...

Sheriff's Office Warning Residents About Persistence of Phone, Email Scams

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has issued a news release warning residents about the continuing prevalence of mail, online and phone scams that have been reported to the Sheriff’s Office in recent weeks. To see the full release, cl...

Free Webinars to Be Trained as Weather Spotters Coming in April

The National Weather Service has announced the dates for the 2021 virtual training sessions for those who want to be trained weather spotters in the Skywarn Spotter program. The sessions last approximately one hour and 15 minutes and will be held at 7 p.m...

Extension Taking Applications for 2021 Farm Family of the Year

A Message from University of Minnesota Extension

The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over 30 years and honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. This prog...

First Half Property Taxes Due May 17

A Message from Wright County Finance and Taxpayer Services Department

Wright County Taxpayer Services would like to remind all property owners that first half property taxes for most properties are due May 17, 2021.

Payments can be mailed to:  Wrig...

Sheriff's Office Releases Names in Connection with Murder/Suicide in Rockford

A Message from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office

On Friday, March 19 at approximately 8:27 p.m. the Wright County Sheriff’s Office responded to 4031 Woodhill Court in the City of Rockford. Neighbors had reported a running vehicle in th...

Judge Grants Prosecution, Defense Motions in Ulrich Case

Gregory Ulrich made his second appearance in court this morning (March 22) related to the Feb. 9 shootings at the Allina Health Clinic in Buffalo. The hearing was brief and conducted virtually. Ulrich’s attorney requested and was a granted a Rul...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of March 15-21. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2411

Ulrich Scheduled for Court Appearance Today

Gregory Ulrich is scheduled to appear in court at 10:30 a.m. today in Wright County for a hearing in connection with the Allina Health shootings Feb. 9. Ulrich, 67, is facing charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder and setting off explosive devi...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Conducting a Death Investigation

Wright County Sheriff’s Office Death Investigation

On Friday, March 19th around 8:30 p.m., Wright County Deputies responded to a residence in the 4000 block of Woodhill Court in the City of Rockford after neighbors reported seeing an unoccupied v...

One-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 in Wright County in Spotlight Story

One year ago today, Wright County made the difficult decision to close its facilities and send employees home as COVID-19 caused the county to enact its Continuity of Operations plan. The leadup and aftermath of that day are chronicled in our most recent ...

15 Wright County Parks Camp Sites to Become Available Monday

A total of 15 campsites at Collinwood and Schroeder Parks that were held back when campground reservations opened for the 2021 Wright County campground season will become available at 8 a.m. Monday, March 22. There are five sites at Collinwood Park (Site ...

Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. For the first time since Jan. 7 (a span of nine weeks), Wright County had more than 200 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. A total of 212 new cases were reported. Nine cases required ho...

License Center Announces Appointment Openings for March 29-April 9

At 8 a.m. Friday, March 19, the Wright County License Center will open up more than 600 driver’s license renewal appointments covering the period of March 29 through April 9 on the Wright County website under the “Make an Appointment&a...

Permanent COVID Vaccination Site Opening in St. Cloud

Wright County residents looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine will soon have a much better opportunity to get in the line to get their shots – if they’re willing to drive a little bit.

The River’s Edge Convention Center in St. C...

MDH Releases New Guidance Concerning Visiting Elder Care Facilities

There have been many heartbreaking aspects to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one of the worst has been the isolation of residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Earlier today (March 17) as part of the loosening of restrictions in Minnesota, ...

Parks & Rec to Host Winter Bird Watching Event Saturday

Spring is right around the corner and Wright County Parks & Recreation is getting into the spirit as migratory birds are returning to Minnesota on their flights north. On Saturday, March 20, Parks & Rec will be hosting a guided Winter Bird Watchin...

U of M Extension Offers Tips on Dealing with Nuisance Insects

By Adam Austing and Katie Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension educators

With the recent increase in temperature you may begin to notice insects in your home. These insects include cluster flies, boxelder bugs, sowbugs, multicolored Asian lady beetle...

DNR Has New Limits on Minnesota Lakes (Including Three in Wright County)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that new restrictions for number of specific fish daily limits and those allowed to be in possession have been placed on Minnesota lakes for 2021.

Much of the focus is on sunfish, but other specie...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of March 7-13, 2021. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2396

Snow, Rain Predicted Throughout the Day in Wright County

The Wright County Highway Department is preparing for what may turn out to be a sloppy (and potentially dangerous) spring weather event today.

Wright County Highway Maintenance Supervisor Steve Meyer said Wright County is currently forecast to pick up two ...

Township Election Results from March 9

On Tuesday (March 9), 15 of Wright County’s 18 townships conducted their elections. Most of the elections were uncontested. Township supervisors were elected to three-year terms. Town Treasurers were elected to two-year terms. These are the fina...

MnDOT to Begin Clearing Brush, Trees on I-94 Monday Between Monticello and Clearwater

A Message from the Minnesota Department of Transportation

Crews will begin to clear brush and trees along both sides of I-94 between Monticello and Clearwater on Monday, March 15. The work will require shoulder closures along both directions of I-94.&n...

Parks & Rec to Open 15 Campsites for Reservations on March 22

The Wright County Parks and Recreation Department has issued a news release regarding the impact on county campgrounds at Collinwood Park and Schroeder Park, as well as campground stores at both sites. The biggest news is that 15 sites previously closed d...

The Turn to Conduct Graduation Ceremony March 25

A Message from the Tenth Judicial District

The Turn is pleased to announce the celebration of graduate Damon Rohde from Wright County Adult Drug Court. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony will be held virtually via Zoom at 1:30 p.m. Thursday...

Sheriff's Office Looking for Public's Help Regarding Body Found in Middleville Township

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in an investigation into the death of Tony Conley Perry, who went missing in July 2020 and his remains were found in Middleville Township in December 2020. To learn ...

Walz to Announce Significantly Rollback of Gathering, Business Restrictions

At a press conference at 11 a.m. today, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is going to announce significant rollbacks impacting businesses and large gathering. Walz is expected to announce that the changes will begin Monday, March 15.

Here are some the restriction ch...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the last seven days, there 182 new confirmed cases – the seventh consecutive week with less than 200 new cases after averaging about 1,000 new cases a week in November ...

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday Morning

A reminder that Daylight Savings Time will begin at 2 a.m. Sunday so remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night

DNR Warning About Dangers of Deteriorating Lake Ice

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges people to be extremely cautious on and around the ice, as recent warm weather has deteriorated ice conditions across the state. Some lakes already have large areas of open water and there have been...

Rivers of Hope to Host Annual Fundraising Gala April 16

Rivers of Hope will be hosting its annual gala from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 16 – the organization’s primary fundraising event.

For more than 30 years, Rivers of Hope’s mission has been to end family violence in Wright a...

Wright County Expected to Be Missed During Intense Weather Day

In a day that is expected to bring some wild weather to Minnesota – ranging from confirmed tornadoes in southern Minnesota to snow less than 100 miles away tonight, all signs currently point to Wright County being in the clear on both ends of th...

Township Election Results Available Later This Week

Township elections were conducted in 15 of Wright County’s 18 townships Tuesday (March 9), but the final results have not yet been announced.

Those townships include Albion, Buffalo, Chatham, Cokato, Corinna, Franklin, French Lake, Maple Lake, Ma...

Virtual Tour of Justice Center

Wright County has released a virtual tour of the public spaces at the Wright County Justice Center. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the building opened with little in the way of fanfare in the fall of 2020, but the video gives residents a glimpse at what th...

HHS Thanks Businesses for Assisting to Reduce Truancy, Educational Neglect

A Message from Wright County Health & Human Services

Wright County Health & Human Services would like to thank several community businesses for donating incentives for students currently struggling with school attendance and engaging in learning. T...

Limited COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available Thursday

Wright County Public Health has announced that it has some COVID-19 vaccination appointments available on Thursday, March 11. Public Health will be taking appointments via phone today from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those who are eligible include health care wor...

HHS Special Needs Fund Assists Those in Dire Straits

A Message from Wright County Health and Human Services

The Special Needs Fund at Wright County Health and Human Services can meet the needs of families and individuals when no other program or community resource can be found to meet the need. Over the past...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of March 1-7. The entire report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2372

CDC Lightens Recommendations for Those Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19

This morning the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made an announcement many have been waiting semi-patiently for over the last few weeks – fully-vaccinated Americans can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing...

Cottage Food Producer Webinar Coming March 27

A message from University of Minnesota Extension

Do you get rave reviews on your homemade breads, cakes and cookies? Are family and friends asking to buy your yummy home-canned salsa and pickles? Have you considered starting a food business out of your hom...

K9 Grizz Beginning Training to Join Sheriff's Office

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is beginning the process of adding its newest officer to the force – K9 Grizz.

Grizz, a hand-picked 1-year old German Shepherd/Malinois mix, replaces K9 Vader, who retired from service at the end of Fe...

Parks & Rec Has Record-Setting Opening Day for Campground Reservations

Wright County parks have always been a showcase for residents of the county who utilize the parks and appreciate the commitment county leaders have made over the decades to preserve and expand the county’s park system. On Monday, the annual rese...

Tomorrow Marks One-Year Anniversary of COVID in Minnesota

One year ago tomorrow (March 6), Minnesota reported its first case of COVID-19. In the year since, there have been a series of life-changing decisions that have been made as Minnesota and the world have adjusted to a year under the cloud of COVID.

It’s bee...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period of Feb. 26-March 4. There were only 107 new confirmed cases reported – the lowest weekly total since early October. There were seven cases that required hospit...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for March 15-26

As of 8 a.m. today (March. 5), more than 600 appointments for driver’s license renewals at the Wright County License Bureau are open for the period of March 15-26. Appointments can be scheduled on the main page of the county website (www.co.wrig...

Scammers Looking for Private Information, Money In Multiple Ways

Apparently, it is scam season in Minnesota and they’re coming at people – primarily targeting the elderly – claiming to be everything from someone who can get you to the front of the line to get the COVID-19 vaccine to being ...

Pair of Deadlines Approaching for Expired Driver's Licenses, REAL ID

A pair of key deadlines are approaching – one soon and one less than seven months away – that Minnesotans should be aware of.

The first is the end of the grace period for driving with an expired driver’s license. When the COVI...

USDA Releases Row Crop Yield Estimates for 2020

The final estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture for row crops yields are now available. These estimates include corn and soybeans, the two most common crops in Wright County and Minnesota. In general, growing conditions in 2020 were v...

Low Income Homeowners in Need Can Access Energy Assistance Program Funds

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has doubled the crisis benefits for its Energy Assistance Program as bills start arriving covering the brutal two-week cold snap that hit Minnesota in February.

The maximum crisis benefit for qualifying households has d...

Absentee Voting for March 9 Township Elections Available

Absentee voting is available for the 2021 March Township Elections, which be conducted Tuesday, March 9.

A total of 15 of Wright County’s 18 townships will hold their elections in March – Albion, Buffalo, Chatham, Cokato, Corinna, Frank...

U of M Extension Offers Tips on Spring Tree Pruning

By Adam Austing & Katie Drewitz, University of MN Extension educators

As March welcomes us with mild weather perhaps you are looking for something to do to get out of the house. There are a few tasks you can be focusing on to help get you ready for spr...

Spring Road Weight Restrictions to Begin Friday, March 5th

The Wright County Highway Department announced today that, due to consistently warm weather projected for this week and thawing that will accompany that, the 2021 Spring Load Restrictions on county highways throughout the county road system will take effe...

New COVID Cases Continue to Remain In Low-End Trajectory

As more COVID-19 vaccines are expected to come into Wright County in the coming weeks and months, the bad news is that many will likely have to wait until late-spring or early-summer to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The good news, however, is that, as more peo...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff's Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of February 22-28. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2355

From Slovakia to Buffalo Township: A K9 Police Dog's Journey

When one thinks about the centers of law enforcement, Buffalo Township not only doesn’t jump immediately to mind, it’s not even part of the conversation.

However, for many law enforcement agencies, Buffalo Township is a destination to a...

Deadline for Public Input on Hwy. 25 Project Coming Sunday

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for public input on the future construction of Highway 25 between Catlin Street in Buffalo and Kjellberg Court in Monticello, which is slated for construction in 2026.

MnDOT is currently conducting a co...

What You Need to Know If You Are Going to Reserve a County Campground Space

Monday (March 1) is going to be the busiest day of the year – and the most lucrative – for the Wright County Parks & Recreation Department. At 8 a.m. Monday, the on-line application portal to reserve campsites in Collinwood and Sch...

K9 Officer Retiring After Eight Years of Service to Sheriff's Office

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a pair of retirements this week. Captain Dan Anselment, whose final day of work after 33 years with the Sheriff’s Office is today, was honored at Tuesday’s Wright County Board...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. For the first time since October, there were no deaths of Wright County residents during the last week.

The lowering of numbers has continued throughout the first two months of 2021 af...

County Receives Prestigious Financial Reporting Award for Fifth Straight Year

For the fifth straight year, Wright County’s Finance & Taxpayer Services Office (formerly known as the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office) has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association of ...

Governor Lays Out Projected Timeline for COVID-19 Vaccinations

At a press conference this afternoon, Gov. Tim Walz laid out the timeline for the anticipated rate of getting Minnesotans vaccinated.

The state is still in the first phase of vaccinations, having inoculated heath care personnel, long-term care facility res...

United Way Donates $2,500 to Wright County Sheriff's Office

This afternoon (Feb. 25), The Wright County Sheriff’s Office was pleased to accept a donation of $2,500 from the Wright County Area United Way. The purpose of the donation was to contribute to officer wellness.

Wright County Area United Way Execu...

Interactive County Map Updated on County Website

The Wright County Surveyor’s Department has updated its interactive county map on the Wright County website.

Whether on a computer or with a mobile device, if you click on a city or township, you will be directed to their respective websites.

For ...

Fish Houses Must Be Off Lakes By Monday

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding those who ice fish in the lower two-thirds of Minnesota (including Wright County) that the deadline to remove fish houses is 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 1. The deadline for the northern third of Minn...

PPP Funds Being Made Available to Businesses with Less Than 20 Employees

On Monday, President Biden announced changes to the Small Business Relief Programs conducted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide more equity for small businesses with less than 20 employees, including sole proprietors, independent contra...

Absentee Voting for March Township Elections Now Open

Absentee voting has opened for the 2021 March Township Elections, which be conducted Tuesday, March 9.

A total of 15 of Wright County’s 18 townships will hold their elections in March – Albion, Buffalo, Chatham, Cokato, Corinna, Frankli...

Anselment Honored for 33 Years in the Wright County Sheriff's Office

In 1988, we were in the second term of the Reagan Administration, the Berlin Wall was still a year from coming down, fans of the Minnesota Twins were still celebrating their first World Series title in franchise history, the Internet wasn’t yet ...

Farmers Reminded That ARC, PLC Deadlines Coming March 15

A Message from University of Minnesota Extension

If you have not already made your 2021 Farm Bill Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) decision, now is the time to sign-up. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agen...

DNR Announces Changes to Married Couples Fishing Licenses

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is now requiring both members of married couple looking to purchase a 2021 combination fishing or hunting license to be present to provide and verify their own complete information.

This practice is new to Minn...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of Feb. 15-21, 2021. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2337

Deadline Looming for Public Input on Hwy. 25 Project

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for public input on the future construction of Highway 25 between Catlin Street in Buffalo and Kjellberg Court in Monticello, which is slated for construction in 2026.

MnDOT is currently conducting a co...

Parks & Rec Preparing for March 1 Opening for Campsite Reservations

March 1 is the most active day of the year in the Wright County Parks & Recreation Department. It is the annual opening of reservations for campsites in Wright County parks and most of the available spots fill up quickly. When the reservation portal o...

State Launches Website for All Minnesotans to Register to Get In Line for Vaccine

There has been a lot of confusion concerning when most Minnesotans will become eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In a way to help streamline the process, the state has launched its “Vaccine Connector” website to help inform residen...

MPCA Issues Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Tonight Through Noon Sunday

Many of us have been waiting for more than two weeks for mild weather to return, but those in vulnerable groups – the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions – are being warned to limit outdoor activities over the...

Public Health Issues Press Release Marking One Year of COVID-19 In the U.S.

Wright County Public Health has issued a press release concerning the last year under the cloud of COVID-19. The first release Public Health put out, dated Feb. 13, 2020, dealt with the fact that the virus had entered the United State. At that point, only...

Grace Period for Renewing Expiring Driver's Licenses Coming to a Close

The Wright County License Bureau is reminding residents that the grace period for being able to drive with an expired driver’s license is ending soon.

The deadline for those with commercial driver’s licenses is Sunday, Feb. 28. After th...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, for the fourth straight week, the number of new confirmed cases in Wright County has been less than 200. Over the last seven days, there were just 133 new cases. Two of those requ...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for March 1-12

As of 8 a.m. today (Feb. 18), appointments for driver’s license renewals at the Wright County License Bureau are open for the period of March 1-12. Appointments can be scheduled on the main page of the county website under the “Make an...

Lantern Cross County Ski Event Coming to Ney Park Saturday

After two weeks in the deep freeze, Wright County Parks & Recreation’s Lantern Cross-County Ski event couldn’t come at a better time than 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 20). The event is at Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve in Maple Lak...

CMRP Looking for Public Input for Framework 2030 Project

The Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP) is entering Round 2 of its Framework 2030 Plan and is looking for input from the stakeholders involved in the project.

CMRP is a collaborative effort between Wright and Sherburne counties. ...

State Legislature May Be Key to Overhaul of Driver's Testing System

Last year, Wright County residents were stunned to learn that, following the state shutdown of all License Bureaus, DMVs and driver road testing stations as the first wave of COVID-19 swept through Minnesota, the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) testing ...

Two 4-H Summer Internships Available

A Message from University of Minnesota Extension

Two temporary summer internship opportunities are available to provide assistance to the Wright County 4-H Program in support of youth development activities related to 4-H programs, camps, the Wright County...

County Adopts Service Animal Policy (with Surprise Inclusion)

As part of its Feb. 16 agenda, the Wright County Board of Commissioners approved almost 20 items on its Consent Agenda – items that are approved without discussion. Among them was what appeared to be a housecleaning item that wasn’t pa...

Members of Solar Farm Work Group Named

At its Jan. 26 meeting, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted to implement an emergency moratorium on the construction and development of solar farms in the county. The moratorium could be kept in place for as much as one year as a study group wo...

I-35W Bridge to Glow Purple Tonight

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced this morning that the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis that crosses the Mississippi River will be glow purple tonight in honor of the victims of the Allina Health Crossroads Clinic and in solidarity with the...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period of February 8-14. The entire report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2312

County Board, Staff to Conduct Moment of Silence for Victims of Tuesday's Shootings

The Wright County Board of Commissioners and several county staff will conduct a moment of silence in honor of the victims of Tuesday’s shooting at the Allina Health Crossroads Clinic at 9 a.m. at the start of its Tuesday, Feb. 16 meeting. The m...

HHS Releases 2020 Social Services Block Grant Report for Public Review, Comment

A Message from Wright County Health & Human Services

Wright County Health & Human Services receives federal funding through the Social Security Block Grant. These funds are utilized to assist our community members in maintaining economic self-suffi...

National Weather Service Issues Wind Chill Advisory for Wright County

At 2:20 p.m. this afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory for Wright County through noon Saturday (Feb. 13) with wind chill temperatures expected to reach 25 to 35 degrees below zero. Wright County is also under a Wind Chill A...

Absentee Voting for March Township Elections Now Open

Absentee voting has opened for the 2021 March Township Elections, which be conducted Tuesday, March 9.

A total of 15 of Wright County’s 18 townships will hold their elections in March – Albion, Buffalo, Chatham, Cokato, Corinna, Frankli...

All County Offices and Facilities Closed Monday

All Wright County offices and facilities will be closed Monday, February 15, 2021 in observance of the President’s Day holiday. All offices and facilities will re-open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 16.

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and the good news is that the number of new confirmed cases continue to be in decline for new confirmed cases.

This week there were 127 new confirmed cases, the lowest weekly total sinc...

County Board Comments on This Week's Tragic Events

A Message from the Wright County Board of Commissioners

The Wright County Board of Commissioners extends our heartfelt condolences to the victims, families, employees and neighbors impacted by the tragic events of Tuesday. We often hear the phrase, &ld...

View Today's Press Conference

UPDATE: The original video posted cut off approximately eight minutes of media questioning. The link below is the entirety of the press conference

This morning (Feb. 11), charges were filed against Gregory Ulrich in connection with the shootings Tuesday at...

Flags At Half-Staff At All County Facilities to Honor Victims

Yesterday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ordered that flags at all state and federal buildings be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of Tuesday’s fatal shooting at the Allina Health Crossroads Clinic in Buffalo. Wright County has ordered that fl...

County Attorney Files Charges Against Gregory Ulrich

At 9:16 a.m. this morning (Feb. 11), Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes filed the criminal complaint documents with the 10^th Judicial District Court in the case of the State of Minnesota vs. Gregory Paul Ulrich. The full filing can be viewed here: https:/...

Park & Rec Snowshoe, Boot Hike Event Scheduled for Saturday Cancelled

Due to brutally cold temperatures and wind chills forecast for this weekend, the Wright County Parks & Recreation Valentine’s Day-themed Sweetheart Snowshoe and Boot Hike scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13 at Robert Ney Memorial Park in Maple L...

Press Conference Scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday with Sheriff, County Attorney

At 11:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 11), Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes and Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer will conduct a press conference discussing the charges being filed against Gregory Ulrich in connection with Tuesday’s inciden...

A Statement from the Wright County Sheriff's Office

Updated shooting information / Upcoming Press conference

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Buffalo Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the ATF continue to process evidence and interview potential witnesses...

A Message from Buffalo Clinic, Central Minnesota Mental Health Center

A Message from Stephanie Barnes, Buffalo Clinic Manager/BIP Coordinator, Central Minnesota Mental Health Center

“As we all continue to process the tragic events of Tuesday in our community of Buffalo, I wanted to extend the support of Central MN ...

Law Enforcement Cracking Down on Excessive Speeding

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has announced that there will be increased enforcement of speeding on Minnesota highways over the next several weeks after 2020 data produced some startling results.

Preliminary data from 2020 showed that 120 motor...

Suspect in Shooting Named, First Court Appearance Set

At a press conference this afternoon, Gregory Ulrich, 67, was identified as the lone suspect in the shooting this morning at the Allina Crossroads Clinic. Given the early stages of the investigation into the shooting, Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer a...

Sheriff's Office Statement on Shooting

A Statement from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office

At 10:54 the Wright County Sheriff's Office communication's center received a call from the 700 block of Crossroads Campus Drive in the City of Buffalo for a report of shots fi...

Press Conference Scheduled for 3 P.M. With Sheriff, Buffalo P.D.

A press conference has been scheduled for 3 p.m. in Courtroom 2 on the Second Floor of the Wright County Government Center in connection with this morning’s shooting at the Allina Crossroads Clinic in Buffalo.

Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer ...

Traffic Detoured in Buffalo Due to Active Shooter

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to stay away from the area of Highway 55 and Willems Way in Buffalo. There has been an active shooter incident at the Allina Health Urgent Care – Buffalo Crossroads clinic. A susp...

Highway Department Warning Drivers About Black Ice Patches

This morning throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area, including Wright County, there were hundreds of crashes and spinouts despite a mere dusting of snow. The culprit? Black Ice.

Black Ice can be created by frozen drizzle and rain, but can also occur...

U of M Extension to Host Beef Calving Essentials Webinar Series

University of Minnesota Extension is excited to host a six-part webinar series titled “Beef Calving Essentials Webinar Series.” The Zoom meetings will be held on February 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, and 25 from 8-9 p.m. each day. The series wil...

First-Time Home Buyers Program Includes $2 Million for Wright County

The Minnesota Department of Housing is providing funding of more than $2 million in Wright County to assist first-time home buyers as part of the Minnesota Cities Participation Program (MCPP).

The MCPP has been around for more than 20 years and offers assi...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of February 1-7, 2021. To see the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2284

Residents 65 and Older Can Sign Up for COVID-19 Vaccine Lottery

As the COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in greater supplies, local governments are setting up random selection processes for residents age 65 and older to sign up to be selected. Wright County Public Health has added a link to its COVID-19 page on the...

Census Bureau Hiring Field Reps for Summer Survey Work

The United States Census Bureau completed its decennial population count in 2020, but there are hiring opportunities for well-paying positions for field representatives with the American Housing Survey (AHS).

The AHS is sponsored by the U.S. Department of ...

Emergency Management Has Tips for Dealing with Prolonged Cold Weather

Wright County is going to be experiencing potential record-breaking cold over the next several days and Wright County Emergency Management has some precautions that residents should be aware of.

The Polar Vortex that is descending on Wright County is going...

Trailblazer Transit Offer Free Rides to Anyone Getting a COVID-19 Vaccination

A Message from Trailblazer Transit

Trailblazer Transit will offer transportation at no cost to customers for any rides related to a COVID-19 vaccination.  Caretakers and children may also ride along at no cost.  Customers will need to coo...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. The number of new confirmed cases hit its lowest point since early October with 166 new cases. The county also recorded the least number of hospitalizations (3), trips to an intensive...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for Feb. 16-26

As of 8 a.m. today (Feb. 4), appointments for driver’s license renewals at the Wright County License Bureau are open for the period of Feb. 16-26. Appointments can be scheduled on the main page of the county website (www.co.wright.mn.us) under t...

U of M Extension Offering Tips On How to Extend the Life of Your Garden

By Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension Educator

As we enter February, many Minnesota gardeners find themselves wishing they didn’t have to wait until April or May to get back in the garden. Cold fall temperatures usually shut down our...

2021 Wright County Fair Remains in Limbo Amid COVID-19 Protocols

Last year, the Wright County Fair was cancelled for the first time since World War II (when the County Fairgrounds were being used as a German prisoner of war camp) due to COVID-19. Organizers held out hope entering last summer that it could come off as p...

MnDOT Seeking Public Input for 2026 Construction on Hwy. 25

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for public input on the future construction of Highway 25 between Catlin Street in Buffalo and Kjellberg Court in Monticello, which is slated for construction in 2026.

MnDOT is currently conducting a co...

Potter Named Citizen of the Year By WCEDP

Former Wright County Commissioner Mike Potter may be done in his capacity of serving the residents of Wright County as an elected official, but he was honored Jan. 29 by the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) as its 2020 Outstanding Ci...

See What Topics the Wright County Board Will Discuss and Watch Meetings Live

Wright County residents may be unaware that if they want to follow the decisions made by the Wright County Board of Commissioners, they can be kept up to date on what topics will be discussed and what supporting materials come along with each item to help...

DPS Warns Drivers About School Bus Stop Arms

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is warning drivers about the dangers and penalties for ignoring stop arms on school buses. Last year, more than 500 tickets were given to drivers who didn’t obey stop arms. MDPS has a video explaining th...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of January 25-31, 2021. To see the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2270

Small Business Relief Grant Deadline Extended to Feb. 8

The deadline for Wright County-based small businesses to apply for Small Business Relief Grant funding has been extended. The deadline to submit an application is 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8. Small businesses that have been impacted by Executive Orders from ...

County Board Approves Moratorium on Solar Farm Development

At its meeting Jan. 26, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted for a second time in five years to place an emergency moratorium on the construction and development of solar farms in the county.

The placement of solar farms on agricultural land has ...

Highway Department Preparing for Weekend Snowfall

Here we go again. Another weekend, another storm to contend with.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings for potentially poor road conditions as a small storm rolls through the area with the potential for a combination of snow and freezing rain t...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and the feared post-Christmas spike in cases hasn’t materialized locally. The number of new cases over the last week was 186 – the lowest weekly increase since Octo...

Bail Set at $1 Million for Suspect in Monticello Police Standoff

A message from Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes

The Wright County Attorney’s Office has charged Justin Michael Dellwo in connection with the armed standoff that occurred in Monticello on January 25 and 26. Justin Michael Dellwo is charged with ...

Driver's License Renewals Must Be Up To Date By March 31

Last March when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz made numerous executive orders. Among them was to shut down all License Bureaus and DMVs, which created a backlog for those seeking to renew driver’s licenses. Because d...

Sheriff's Office Releases Statement Concerning Incident in Monticello Tuesday

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released details on the arrest of Justin Dellwo of St. Michael after a standoff in the City of Monticello that lasted 17 hours. The full release can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.as...

Parks & Rec Offering Four February Programs

Wright County Parks & Recreation has some exciting programs coming in February for those interested in enjoying the brisk outdoors.

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Parks & Rec will host “Woodworking for Wildlife” &ndas...

Sheriff: Active Incident Ongoing In Monticello

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is currently in an ongoing standoff with a suspect in Monticello near the roundabout at Fenning Ave. NE and School Boulevard. The suspect is in a vehicle, is believed to be in possession of a firearm and has refused to e...

Safe Families For Children Expanding Reach in Wright County

At a time in life when someone feels isolated, overwhelmed and alone from their normal life, having a friend to talk to or lend a helping hand can be critical. For a single parent or a family that is struggling to get from one day to the next, having some...

Small Business Relief Grant Deadline Coming Jan. 29

A reminder for those looking to access funds from the Small Business Relief Grant program that the deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 29. The online application portal, which can be found on the front page of the Wright County website under the heading &am...

U of M Extension Offering Online Webinars for Beef Cattle Producers

Online Beef Quality Assurance & Secure Beef Supply Training Scheduled

University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, will host several online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) training sessions starting in...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of January 18-24, 2021. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2250

Drivers Advised to Have Winter Emergency Kit In Their Vehicles

Although the winter of 2020-21 has been mild by Minnesota standards, we’re far from done with winter and the hazards winter weather can bring. All drivers should have an emergency kit in their vehicles in the event your vehicle breaks down or yo...

The Turn to Hold Graduation Ceremony Jan. 28

The Turn is pleased to announce the graduation of Isaac Hamilton from its program. The Turn is an adult drug court diversion program that is extremely stringent and requires those in the program to meet numerous requirements to have their felony cases red...

Highway Department Preparing for Weekend Snowfall

Another round of snow is expected Saturday in much of Minnesota and the Wright County Highway Department is already out on the roads laying down de-icing brine before the storm arrives.

Currently the storm is projected to drop three to four inches of snow ...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 Dashboard. The number of new confirmed cases over the past week (199) is the lowest weekly total in three months, but the other key numbers have remained consistent. Over last seven days, there ...

U of M Extension Offering Farm Safety Webinars

University of Minnesota Extension is excited to be partnering with North Dakota State University Extension to offer a series of farm safety webinars this winter. Each of us has been impacted in some way by an accident, injury, or fatality that has occurre...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for Feb. 1-12

As of 8 a.m. this morning (Jan. 22), the Wright County License Bureau has opened hundreds of appointment slots for driver’s license renewals covering the period of Feb. 1-12. For other License Bureau transactions, the walk-up window on the south...

25 Years of Wright County Safe Schools Celebrated

In the Spotlight section of the Wright County website, we examine the 25th anniversary of Wright County Safe Schools and how this groundbreaking program started with a cup of coffee 25 years ago an had become one of the most effective collaboration of the...

Wright County Public Health Releases Statement About Vaccination Pilot Project

A Message from Wright County Public Health

On Monday, January 18, the Minnesota Department of Health announced a pilot program to expand vaccine distribution in Minnesota. Nine pilot vaccination sites are opening up across the state to vaccinate adults age...

U of M Extension Offers New Year's Resolutions for Gardeners

By a team of University of MN Extension educators

Did you make a New Year's resolution this month? Extension gardening educators have come up with a few gardening practice resolutions that should be easy to keep and are sure to help you help your ...

County Board Start Property Value Appeals Process, Sets Board of Equalization for June 14

It seems like every year, residents show up at the annual Country Truth in Taxation public hearing in early December to contest their property values. However, that process of appeal actually takes place in the spring and the first step in the process beg...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of January 11-17, 2021. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2236

Sign Up to Be Notified About Community COVID-19 Vaccination Schedules

A Message from Wright County Public Health

Wright County Public Health is currently vaccinating those eligible as part of the phased approach to COVID-19 vaccination. As more people become eligible and more vaccine is available, we will provide information...

Small Business Relief Grant Deadline Coming Jan. 29

A reminder for those looking to access funds from the Small Business Relief Grant program that the deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 29 and those seeking funds are encouraged to get in their applications as soon as possible because it is anticipated that ...

County Offices Closed Monday, Jan. 18

All Wright County offices and facilities will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. All offices and facilities will reopen for business at 8 a.m. Tuesday, January 19.

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and the last week witnessed Wright County surpassing 100 deaths attributed to the pandemic.

The number of new confirmed cases has continued a three-week trend of low numbers. Over the l...

License Bureau Selling New Critical Habitat License Plates

The Wright County License Bureau has announced it has a new Critical Habitat License Plate available for those looking to add some color to their state-issued license plates.

The Pollinator Plate includes the state butterfly (the monarch butterfly) and the...

A Message from Public Health Concerning Vaccine Distribution

A Message from Wright County Public Health

We are aware that the federal and state governments have changed direction for the guidance regarding vaccine distribution. The next priority group has changed to include those over the age of 65. Wright County Pu...

Storm Expected to Accumulate Later Than Initially Anticipated

The Wright County Highway Department is dealing with the front of end of a snowstorm that is expected to continue through the rest of today and almost all of Friday.

Wright County Highway Maintenance Supervisor Steve Meyer said the biggest problem his crew...

Small Business Relief Grant Program Processing Applications, Jan. 29 Deadline Looming

Small business owners that have been adversely impacted by the recent Executive Order 20-99 that forced businesses to close or reduce service are encouraged to access the $2.7 million that is available under the state’s Small Business Relief Gra...

Storm Heading Toward Wright County Could Produce Significant Snow

Late last week, the Wright County Highway Department was combatting high humidity and temperatures hovering around freezing – treating roads for frost buildup. Starting Thursday morning, they’re going to be battling the more standard w...

DNR Sponsoring Free 'Take a Kid Fishing Weekend'

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that the annual Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend will be held over the coming three-day weekend Saturday, Jan.16 through Monday, Jan. 18.

Minnesota anglers age 16 and older can fish without having t...

County Administrator Looks Back on 2020, Ahead to 2021

A Message from Wright County Administrator Lee Kelly

It is safe to say that 2020 was an unprecedented year presenting unique challenges that drove Wright County to adapt and change to our “new normal.” It would have seemed impossible to...

WCCO-TV Filming in Buffalo Today for Thursday Early Morning Segment

Depending on what time of morning you’re up, you may want to watch or set your DVR to record “WCCO 4 News This Morning” at 5:45 a.m. Thursday. A camera crew is in Buffalo today filming the historic downtown area as part of WC...

Parks & Rec to Host Lantern Cross Country Ski Event Saturday at Ney Park

The Wright County Parks & Recreation will be hosting a Lantern Cross-County Ski event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve in Maple Lake Township. Almost 50 lanterns will be lit up on the pond loop trail for part...

MDH Rolls Out COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard

Starting today, the Minnesota Department of Health has a new vaccine distribution dashboard dealing with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the initial data that is provided, just 1.8 percent of Wright County (using old population data) hav...

Reservations Now Being Accepted for 2021 Parks Shelter Rentals

As of 8 a.m. today, the Wright County Parks & Recreation Department has begun accepting reservations for park shelter rentals in Beebe, Bertram Chain of Lakes, Clearwater/Pleasant, Collinwood, Otsego and Schroeder Parks for 2021.

Those interested in re...

U of M Extension to Host Free Gardening Webinars Feb. 16-19

University of Minnesota Extension educators are excited to bring you the second annual Gardening from the Group Up webinar series to help you achieve your garden and lawn goals. This free webinar series will take place February 16-19, 2021 from 1 to 2:30 ...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of Jan. 4-10. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2219

Parks Shelter Reservations Open Monday with New System

Wright County Parks & Recreation has a pair of important announcements for those intending to rent shelters at Beebe Lake County Park, Otsego County Park, Clearwater/Pleasant County Park, Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park and Collinwood and Schroed...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, for the fourth straight week, Wright County has seen a reduction in the number of new confirmed cases. Over the past week, there were 282 new confirmed cases – the lowes...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for Jan. 19-29

The Wright County License Bureau has opened hundreds of appointment slots for driver’s license renewals covering the period of Jan. 19-29. For other License Bureau transactions, the walk-up window on the south parking deck of the Government Cent...

National Weather Service Issue Dense Fog Advisory for Friday

For those who will be on the roads for the morning commute Friday, the National Weather Service Twin Cities has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the central portion of Minnesota. Added caution is advised and drivers are being warned to be prepared for rapi...

County Board Completes 2021 Committee, Advisory Board Assignments

At the first meeting of 2021, the Wright County Board was tasked to make some of the most important decisions it makes at any point during the year. At its annual reorganizational meeting, the board named a new chairperson (Commissioner Mark Daleiden) and...

Residents Warned to Be On the Lookout for COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Wright County residents are being warned to be on the lookout for telephone and email scams dealing with the COVID-19 vaccine. Instances throughout the state and the country have been reported of emails or phone callers claiming to be able to get vaccines...

U of M Extension Offering Podcast Aimed at Dairy Farmers

By Jim Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension

Dairy producers in the I-29 corridor and the United States have a new way of receiving information, thanks to the I-29 Moo University dairy consortium. Extension dairy specialists from each state develop eac...

Small Business Relief Grant Application Portal on County Website Has Gone Live

The Wright County Small Business Relief Grant Application portal has gone live on the county website. It can be found on the main page of the county website on the left side of the page under the heading “Business Relief Grant Application.” To learn more ...

Highway Department Treating Roads Tonight and Wednesday to Combat Frost Buildup

Starting late this afternoon and for the next three days, the Wright County Highway Department will be spreading de-icing salt brine on county roads and highways because of the anticipation of frost problems in the coming days. The plan is start laying do...

VIDEO: Lutes Sworn in as Wright County Attorney

Shortly after noon today (Jan. 4), Brian Lutes was sworn in as the new Wright County Attorney – the first county attorney other than retiring Tom Kelly the county has had in the last 22 years. In front of an enthusiastic, socially-distanced crow...

Borrell Retires After Two Terms As the Defender of the 'Little Guy'

For the last eight years, Charlie Borrell has been an outspoken proponent of the “little guy” – residents who pay their taxes, obey the laws and basically want government to leave them alone. He was a Wright County farmer who...

County to Open Applications for Small Business Relief Grants

In mid-December, the Minnesota State Legislature approved a Minnesota Small Business Relief Grant package to assist small businesses damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically losses directly resulting from Executive Order 20-99 signed by Gov. Tim ...

Potter Leaves County Board with Lasting Transportation Legacy

At tomorrow’s meeting of the Wright County Board of Commissioners, two new commissioners will be sworn in, replacing two sitting commissioners. One of them is Mike Potter, who has represented District 4 for the last eight years.

Potter lost a clo...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of Dec. 28-Jan. 3. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2201

Public Health Releases COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its latest COVID-19 dashboard through December 31. Since the pandemic began, Public Health has released an updated county dashboard every Thursday. Because county offices were closed on the afternoon of Dec. 24, th...

County Offices and Facilities Closed Friday

All Wright County offices and facilities will be closed Friday, January 1, 2021 in observance of the New Year’s holiday. All offices and facilities will re-open at 8 a.m. Monday, January 4.

First COVID-19 Vaccines Have Arrived in Wright County

On Wednesday, the Wright County Public Health vaccination teams received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the next few weeks, our Public Health Nurses and other support staff will be hard at work vaccinating the first priority groups.

&ldq...

County Honors Retiring License Bureau Supervisor

If you’ve renewed a driver’s license, got new plates or license tabs or needed a fishing or hunting license at the Wright County Government Center over the last 35 years, you’ve probably met Becky Aanerud. She announced her r...

County Board Appoints Veteran Services Officer to Four-Year Term

Four years ago when Greg Pickard was hired as the Veteran Services Officer (VSO) for Wright County, his department was struggling. Like many counties, Veteran Services was tied together with Emergency Management/Nuclear. Unlike most counties, Wright Count...

County Board Bids Farewell to Commissioners Charlie Borrell and Mike Potter

It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone you’ve worked closely with for a long time, but that’s what the Wright County Board of Commissioners faced at its Dec.29 board meeting. It was the final meeting for Commissioners Char...

Highway Department Prepared for Snow Later Today

The Wright County Highway Department wants to inform residents that the snow that is coming today is likely to begin entering Wright County from the southeast at approximately 2 p.m. – a couple hours later than was initially expected.

Plow crews ...

U of M Extension Hosting Six-Part Winter Dairy Series

By Adam Austing, UMN Extension educator, Wright County

University of Minnesota Extension, in collaboration with the Minnesota Dairy Initiative- SouthCentral Region, have announced the upcoming Winter Dairy Series. This series will consist of six informal c...

Kelly Leaves an Imprint, Legacy on Wright County

For about 9,000 mornings, Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly has driven to his job in Buffalo. On Thursday, he will be doing so for the last time. A 37-year employee in the Wright County Attorney’s Office – the last 22 as elected by coun...

Highway Department Preparing for Third Round of Snow in Less Than a Week

Here we go again.

After avoiding snow up until the days leading up to Christmas, it looks like Wright County will once again be dealing with a commute that comes in the middle of a snow event.

As it did a week ago and again on Sunday, the Wright County High...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period covering December 21-27, 2020. To see the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2189

County Offices and Facilities to Close at Noon Thursday

All Wright County offices and facilities will close at noon tomorrow (Thursday, December 24) in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices and facilities will re-open at 8 a.m. Monday, December 28.

UPDATE: I-94 Closed in Both Directions Due to Separate Multi-Vehicle Crashes

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed the eastbound lanes of I-94 from Hwy. 25 in Monticello to the Rogers exit due to a crash near the Hwy. 241 St. Michael/Albertville exit. Drivers will need to take alternate routes. MnDOT has not provid...

County Moving into 2021 with New Approach to Setting Budget, Levy

At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Wright County Board of Commissioners adopted its 2021 budget and certified levy (the portion of the budget that is paid in property taxes).

The budget for 2021 will be $153,827,273 – $8.2 million less than last year &a...

License Bureau Unable to Take Walk-In Appointments for Driver's License Renewals Today

Due to the inclement weather, the Wright County License Bureau will not be accepting indoor walk-up traffic for driver’s license renewals for the remainder of today (Dec. 23). The staff is shorthanded and will only be able to process those with ...

Licence Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for Jan. 4-15

The Wright County License Bureau has announced that at 8 a.m. Thursday, December 24, a new round of appointments for driver’s license renewals will open covering the period of January 4-15. The appointment portal can be found on the front page o...

Pre-Christmas Storm Bearing Down on Wright County with Higher Totals Expected

The anticipated pre-Christmas storm that is bearing down on Wright County has been delayed from earlier projections, but it is coming and the potential snowfall totals have been ramped up.

Wright County is under a blizzard warning until late in the evening...

U of M Extension Offers Tips on Saving Holiday Poinsettias

By Katie Drewitz, University of MN Extension educator

For many, 2020 has meant trying things they’ve always wanted to do but never took the time. Perhaps one of those activities can be keeping your holiday poinsettia and working to get it to chan...

License Bureau Has Message for Residents About December 24 Schedule

A Message from the Wright County License Bureau

On Thursday, December 24, the License Bureau will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. Currently, the appointments are full for that day, however, limited walk-ins indoors for all types of transactions will be accept...

Highway Department Out on Roads in Preparation for Winter Storm

If you’re out and about on roads in Wright County this afternoon and evening, you may encounter Wright County Highway Department vehicles spraying the roadways in advance of what is expected to be a relatively significant snow event with a combination of ...

COVID-19 Testing Centers Will Be Closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1

At her daily press briefing today, Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm announced that COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state will be closed Thursday, December 24, Friday, December 25, Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1. The closures ar...

U of M Extension Hosting Winter Dairy Series Seminars January Through March

By Adam Austing, UMN Extension educator, Wright County

University of Minnesota Extension, in collaboration with the Minnesota Dairy Initiative- SouthCentral Region, has announced the upcoming Winter Dairy Series. This series will consist of six informal co...

Opening for District 1 Citizen Member on Wright County Board of Adjustment

A Message from Wright County Planning and Zoning Administrator Sean Riley

There is an opening for a citizen member on the Wright County Board of Adjustment.  This opening is for a member that resides in District 1, which is represented by Commissi...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report covering the period of December 14-20, 2020. The full report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2175

HHS Modifying Annual Foster Care Holiday Party Due to COVID-19

A Message from Wright County Health & Human Services

Wright County Health and Human Services brings holiday joy to child foster families each year with an annual holiday party. This tradition began back in 2007 with a small gathering in the lobby of th...

DNR Warning Residents About Thin Ice

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning about the danger associated with going out on ice on Minnesota lakes. While the temperatures have been consistently below freezing, typically you need a few days of temperatures around zero have ice...

Wright County Public Health Releases Updated COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period covering Dec. 11-17. The past week marked Wright County experiencing its 10,000^th confirmed case of COVID-19. As has been the trend throughout Minnesota, the number of n...

First-Time Homebuyers Program to Have New Allocation Pool in January

For many families, the biggest investment they’re ever going to make is their first home. They need to come up with the first down payment and many haven’t built up equity to that point. There is a long-running program that has helped ...

Parks & Rec to Open 2021 Park Shelter Reservations January 11

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department has announced that it will open its 2021 campground shelter reservations for county parks at 8 a.m. Monday, January 11. The shelter reservations apply to Beebe Lake County Park, Bertram Chain of Lakes Re...

U of M Extension Offering Seminars for Annie's Project

Annie’s Project is a nationwide program that empowers farm and ranch women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information. This program is Inspired by Annie's Project and will focus o...

Highway Department Seeking Public Input for Highway 19 Project

The Wright County Highway Department has set up a webpage to provide a virtual open house for a construction project in St. Michael involving the intersection of CSAH 19/Central Avenue and CSAH 19/St. Michael Parkway. Wright County has received federal fu...

County Board to Honor County Attorney At Tuesday's Meeting

At the beginning of its meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 15), the Wright County Board of Commissioners will honor County Attorney Tom Kelly, who has served the county for 37 years – the last 22 as the elected Wright County Attorney. Kelly announc...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report, covering the period of December 7-13. The full report can be found here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2161

MnDOT Seeking Public Feedback on Statewide Pedestrian System Plan

The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites public feedback on the agency’s first Statewide Pedestrian System Plan. The plan provides policy and investment guidance to improve places where people walk across and along Minnesota highways.

T...

Sheriff's Office Beard Challenge Raises More than $18,000

A Message from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office is very proud to announce that the 2020 Beard Challenge was able to raise and donate an amazing $18,330 to RiverWorks of Rockford. This wonderful organization aligns...

Wright County Public Health Releases Updated COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the last seven days, there have been 1,058 new confirmed cases, 34 cases that required hospitalization, three cases that required Intensive Care Unit beds and seven deaths. The c...

Public Hearing Set for Dec. 15 to Discuss Change in the Auditor/Treasurer Position

As part of its December 15 agenda, the Wright County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution that will turn the Auditor/Treasurer’s position from an elected position to an appointed position – similar to all nine Minnesota co...

License Bureau Announces Appointment Openings for Dec. 21-31

As of 8 a.m. today (Dec. 11), hundreds of new appointment slots have opened for the Wright County License Bureau. The appointments cover the period of Dec. 21-31. Appointments are primarily for driver’s license renewals, but, with the cold winter months a...

Public Health Provides a COVID-19 Vaccine Update

A Message from Wright County Public Health

Over the past several weeks and for the foreseeable future, Wright County Public Health and partners are planning for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Initial doses of the vaccine are anticipated to be distri...

MEADA Receives $125,000 Federal Grant

Congressman Tom Emmer announced today that MEADA (Mentorship, Education and Drug Awareness) was awarded $125,000 in grant funding through the federal Drug-Free Communities Support Program.

Emmer released a statement praising the efforts of MEADA, which was...

Take Virtual Tour of Sheriff's Office Training Center

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office Training Center opened this summer and a virtual tour of the facility is available on the county’s YouTube channel. To see the virtual tour, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FckONQ...

HHS Offering Those with Child Support Cases to Text Child Support Workers

The Child Support Division of Wright County Health & Human Services is part of a pilot project in the state that will allow child support workers to text clients regarding their child support cases.

Data has showed that more people text than email or c...

MDH: Likely Months Before Most Wright County Residents Get COVID-19 Vaccine

On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz and the state’s top health leaders gave some insight as to how Minnesota will begin the process of vaccinating residents for COVID-19, which is expected to begin later this month.

However, many residents who want to get the vaccin...

U of M Extension Offering Advice for Livestock Farmers as Winter Approaches

By Karen Johnson, Extension Educator – McLeod and Meeker Counties

Recently, I was working with a farmer that was trying to get his automatic waterers functioning efficiently for winter. The heating element had been disconnected from dairy heifers...

Fire Prevention Tips Available Dealing with Space Heaters, Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Although it may not seem like it at the moment, the cold and snow of winter is coming and many Wright County residents will be using space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces to heat their homes, garages and cabins over the winter months.

Wright County Eme...

Park & Rec Announces Schedule of Outdoor Events for Early 2021

A Message from Wright County Parks & Recreation

It has been an interesting year, to say the least, and here at Wright County Parks & Recreation we’ve been working hard to come up with a plan to provide some activities for you to get out and “Explor...

Department of Public Safety Warns of Dangers of Distracted Driving

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, as part of its Toward Zero Deaths initiative, has released a video entitled “Eight Seconds: One Fatal Distraction.” The video tells the true-life story of a distracted driver and the consequences of his actions, ...

Vetsch Explains Purpose of Wright County EDA

In November, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted to create an Economic Development Authority (EDA) for Wright County after receiving a recommendation from the Wright County Economic Development Authority Advisory Committee, which met in August ...

Wright County License Bureau Has Modified Winter Schedule

A Message from the Wright County License Bureau

Starting today (Monday, Dec. 7), the Wright County License Bureau will be utilizing Conference Room 120 on the first floor of the Wright County Government Center as a waiting area for customers utilizing our ...

U of M Extension Offers Tips on Picking, Caring for the Perfect Christmas Tree

By Katie Drewitz, University of MN Extension educator

As we gather with family and friends this week to give thanks for our many blessings some of our minds will wander to decorating for Christmas. While I personally wait to

put up any Christmas decorations...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report covering the period of November 30 through December 6, 2020. To view the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2143

Wright County's 2021 Proposed Budget, Levy Available for Residents to View

At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Wright County Board of Commissioners will have as one of its agenda items approval of its 2021 budget and certified levy.

The 2021 budget is scheduled to be $153,827,373 with a certified levy of $78,944,903, which represents a 5...

Wright County Public Health Releases Updated COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its most recent COVID-19 dashboard. Previously, the Wright County numbers were updated Thursday afternoons. Starting Nov. 30, the local numbers are updated twice a week on the county website – on Monday a...

U of M Extension to Hold Virtual Meeting Dec. 10 to Discuss Caterpillar Tunnels

By Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension

The University of Minnesota Extension and the Crow River chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) have partnered to bring you a conversation about caterpillar tunnels, simple structures that ha...

Residents Facing Financial Difficulties Can Apply for Emergency Assistance

Wright County Health & Human Services wants residents who are facing severe financial difficulties to be aware that they may be eligible to apply for emergency assistance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been record numbers of people who were ...

A Message from the Wright County Compost & Recycling Facility

A Message from the Wright County Compost and Recycling Facility

The Wright County Compost and Recycling Facility will be establishing winter hours beginning on Tuesday, December 1.  The hours available for public drop-off of household hazardous wa...

Public Health Director Interviewed on Area Podcast

Wright County Public Health Director Sarah Grosshuesch was a guest on the most recent edition of the Buffalo Community Podcast. The hosts interviewed Grosshuesch at length about the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically how the pandemic has impacted Wright C...

Section of Westbound I-94 Reduced to One Lane Tonight

The westbound lane of I-94 between Co. Rd.180 and Hwy. 101 will be reduced to one lane starting at 8 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Dec. 2) until 6 a.m. Thursday (Dec. 3). Motorists are advised to expect delays on that stretch of road, especially during the ear...

MnDOT Announces Completion of I-94 Road Work for 2020 Construction Season

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that it has completed its 2020 work on I-94 between St. Michael and Albertville for this construction season. All four lanes will remain as they are between the Crow River Bridge in St. Michael and ...

Truth in Taxation Hearing Tonight to Be Live-Streamed on YouTube

At 6 p.m. tonight, the Wright County Board of Commissioners will conduct its annual budget/levy public meeting (often referred to as Truth in Taxation) in the Wright County Board Room. Due to COVID restrictions, seating will be limited, but the meeting wi...

Public Health Releases COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its new COVID-19 dashboard and, as expected, the surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths are on a sharp climb in Wright County.

For the last several months, Wright County Public Health has been releasing its wee...

Sheriff's Office Releases Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period covering November 23-29, 2020. To see the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2130

Truth in Taxation Hearing Tomorrow Night (Dec. 1)

The Wright County Board of Commissioners will conduct its annual budget levy public hearing (also known as the Truth in Taxation hearing) at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 1) in the Wright County Board Room. The meeting will be conducted in person with ac...

County Facilities Will Be Closed Thursday and Friday

All Wright County offices and facilities will be closed Thursday and Friday (Nov. 26-27) in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Offices and facilities will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30 

Planning & Zoning to Close Office from Noon to 1 p.m. Daily Beginning Wednesday

Beginning tomorrow (Nov. 25), the Wright County Planning & Zoning Office public-facing counter will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily. The reason is due to a short staff and COVID-19 requirements for sanitizing surfaces and equipment. For those who ...

Public Health Issues Press Release on Isolation and Quarantining

As numbers of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wright County and throughout the country continue to surge as we near the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Wright County Public Health has issued a press release dealing with quarantining and isolation and how th...

DNR to Offer Free Park Friday Nov. 27 In All 75 State Parks

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that Friday, Nov. 27 will be a Free Park Friday at all 75 Minnesota state parks. Those looking to enter a state park for a hike won’t need to have the required seasonal sticker on their...

No COVID-19 Dashboard This Thursday due to Thanksgiving Holiday

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Wright County Public Health will not be posting its weekly COVID-19 dashboard on Thursday, as is the custom. Starting Monday, Nov. 30, Wright County Public Health will begin updating county COVID-19 numbers on Mondays and ...

Parks & Recreation Department Announces Continuity of Operations Plan

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department has issued a statement about the Continuity of Operations Plans for the Wright County parks system. To see the full statement, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2120

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report covering the period of Nov. 15-22. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2121

License Bureau to Open Up Driver's License Renewal Appointments Wednesday, Nov. 25

A Message from the Wright County License Bureau

The next round of appointments for the Wright County License Bureau for driver’s license renewals will be at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. The appointments will cover the period from Monday, Dec. 7 to ...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, for the third straight week, the county has shattered the existing highs for the number of confirmed cases as the surge in new contractions throughout Minnesota and the United Sta...

County Board Asks Legislative Delegation to Help Get Buffalo DVS Exam Station Re-Opened

Wright County officials are going to be picking up the torch of trying to get the driver’s testing station in Buffalo re-opened in 2021 and they will have the backing of the county’s state legislative delegation.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, ...

WCEDP Announces Cancellation of Annual Holiday Networking Social

The Wright County Economic Development Partnership regrets to announce that its annual Holiday Networking Social, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 has been cancelled due to COVID-19. It has been one of WCEDP’s most popular annual events. Executive...

Full Text of Governor Walz's Executive Order 20-99

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will announce a four-week dial-back of gatherings at 6 p.m. tonight. Here is the full text of Executive Order 20-99 and what it entails: https://beta.documentcloud.org/documents/20412665-executive-order-20-99-four-week...

Veterans Encouraged to Join Virtual Career Fair Thursday

CareerForce Veterans Employment Services and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will be conducting a Virtual Career Fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 19). All veterans, active military members and their spouses are invited to t...

Social Security Scam Calls Being Made to Wright County Residents

Residents are being warned about scammers attempting to obtain Social Security numbers under the threat of arrest.

The auto-message that comes with the call, many of which have out-of-state area codes from places like Texas and Georgia, claims that there h...

Walz to Address Minnesotans at 6 P.M. Today to Announce COVID-19 Related Restrictions

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is going to address the state at 6 p.m. tonight to discuss further restrictions that are expected to be imposed as the number of new cases and deaths related to COVID-19 continue to skyrocket.

While no official pronouncements ha...

MnDOT to Reduce Eastbound I-94 to One Lane In Albertville the Next Two Nights

Those who travel on I-94 are being advised by the Minnesota Department of Transportation that the eastbound lane of I-94 in the Albertville area between Hwy. 241 and Co. Rd. 19 will be reduced to one lane for the next two nights.

Traffic will be reduced to...

Wright County Voters Turned Out In Record Numbers

Wright County residents came out in record numbers to vote earlier this month in the Nov. 3 elections and many of them did so by absentee/early mail-in voting.

In all, 82,723 Wright County residents voted, an increase of 18 percent above the number of resi...

License Bureau Reopens with New MNDRIVE Software System

At 8 a.m. this morning, the Wright County License Bureau and other DMV offices around the state re-opened with the new MNDRIVE software system to process requests from residents for new driver’s licenses, tab/plate renewals, title transfers, etc...

U of M Extension Hosting Crop Management Input Seminar Dec. 4

The Annual University of Minnesota Extension Crop Management Input Seminar will be held virtually Friday, Dec. 4. The online Zoom seminar is free, but preregistration is required by logging on to https://z.umn.edu/2021cropseminar.

The program runs from 8:4...

Sheriff's Office Releases Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report covering the period of November 9-15, 2020. To see the report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2106

MDH to Start Text-and-Call Contact Tracing for COVID-19

Starting today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will be sending text messages to those who have been exposed to or have tested positive for COVID-19.

The text will inform the recipient that an interviewer from MDH will be calling them. The purpose...

Assessor Clarifies Special Budget/Levy Hearing Dec. 1 Is Not a Forum to Appeal Property Values

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Wright County Board of Commissioner will meet in special session to discuss the 2021 draft budget and certified levy – a meeting often called a Truth in Taxation hearing. Wright County Assessor Tony Rasmuson wants ...

Links to Follow for Specific Guidelines, Information for Impacts of COVID-19

There are numerous links that Minnesota residents can access to help better understand the requirements that have taken effect for different groups of people based up Gov. Tim Walz’s Emergency Executive Order 20-96.

The links include the full Exe...

Walz to Take Part in MDH Briefing at 2 P.M. Today

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is going to join the daily briefing by the Minnesota Department of Health at 2 p.m. today (Nov. 13) to discuss measures being taken to dial back some business operations and social gatherings in an attempt to slow a significant...

U of M Extension Conducting Meetings to Discuss Farmland Rental Prices

Landlords, farmers, agri-business professionals should make plans to attend one of the informative meetings being held across Minnesota and online. These free meetings are being provided by University of Minnesota Extension. Farm land rental rates are the...

A Message from Wright County Public Health About the Recent Spike in COVID-19 Cases

A Message from Wright County Public Health

“Wright County Public Health officials are concerned with the recent COVID-19 case growth (now at 4,440 total cases), increase in people dying from the virus (25 total deaths) and the ripple effects we a...

Wright County Has More Than 1,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in the Last Seven Days

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard, which mirrors the results statewide in record-setting surges in numbers of confirmed cases and deaths.

Positive cases of COVID-19 in Wright County exploded this week, shattering existi...

MnDOT Provides Update on I-94 Project from Maple Grove to Clearwater

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has released a detailed outlook for construction on I-94 between Maple Grove and Clearwater that includes current lane closures and what to anticipate during the winter months.

The outlook includes traffic impacts...

Department of Public Safety Warns of Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisining in Winter

This week is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Safety’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division is warning Minnesota about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the reasons why it is vi...

License Bureau Closed Today and Friday for Software Changeover

A reminder to Wright County residents that the Wright County License Bureau will be closed today (Nov. 12) and Friday (Nov. 13) as the Minnesota Department of Public Safety switches over from the failed MNLARS software system to the new MNDRIVE system.

All...

Wright County Under Winter Storm Warning Until Midnight

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective until midnight tonight (Nov. 10) with the forecast of heavy mixed precipitation. The snow projection is between 4-6 inches of new snow with the potential of ice accumulation mixed in...

Nov. 9-15 Is National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week

November 9-15 is National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week, an educational campaign to remind motorists of the dangers and caution needed to assist first responders on the scene of traffic crashes.

Every minute of every day, emergency responders ac...

Compost & Recycling Facility Announces Holiday-Related Hours Modification

A Message from the Wright County Compost & Recycling Facility

The Wright County Compost & Recycling Facility has announced modified hours for the holiday season.

The facility has standard operating hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays an...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period covering Nov. 2-8. To see the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2091

License Bureau to Close Wednesday Through Friday

A reminder from the Wright County License Bureau

The Wright County License Bureau will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Friday, Nov. 13 (as well all other License Bureaus/DMVs throughout Minnesota) as part of a mandatory shutdown as the state replaces ...

County Board Appoints Lutes as New County Attorney Effective Jan. 1

On Sept. 30, Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly announced that he was going to be retiring effective at the end of 2020. In his statement, Kelly specifically asked that the Wright County Board of Commissioners appoint Brian Lutes, Chief of the Criminal Divi...

County Board to Welcome Two New Commissioners in January

When the Wright County Board of Commissioners convenes its first meeting of 2021 on January 5, it will do so with two new commissioners. 

Three commissioners were up for election earlier this week. In District 2, incumbent Darek Vetsch won re-elec...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, for the second straight week, the county has shattered the previous weekly record for new confirmed cases and saw a significant spike in the number of cases requiring hospitalizat...

Wright County Has Completed, Submitted All Absentee Ballots Received On or Before Election Day

As of 5 p.m. today, Wright County Elections announced that it had uploaded absentee vote totals to the State of Minnesota. That finishes out all absentee votes received on or before Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3). Any additional ballots postmarked on or b...

MnDOT Announces Road Work on Hwy. 12 in Cokato Will Be Completed Tomorrow

Travelers will experience smoother lanes, wider sidewalks and safer accesses along Highway 12 through Cokato as crews finish the four-month project Friday, Nov. 6, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced in a statement today. 

Road si...

U of M Extension Offering Online Horse Certificate Courses in 2021

Adam Austing & Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension

Back by popular demand, five online horse certificate courses will be offered by UMN Extension in 2021! Courses include equine biosecurity, manure management, basic horse nutrition, g...

Santa Coming to Bertram Park Dec. 5

A Message from Wright County Parks & Recreation

Is it ever too early to start getting into the Christmas spirit? We will leave that debate between you and your family. What we do know is that Santa Claus is coming to Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Par...

Wright County Turns Out in Record Numbers for 2020 Election

One of the talking points of the 2020 election as it pertains to Wright County is that, once again, county residents took the privilege of casting their vote extremely seriously and came out in record-setting numbers to let their voices be heard and their...

County Board to Have Two New Commissioners in 2021

The votes have been counted and the Wright County Board of Commissioners is going to have to two new members in 2021.

In District 2, Commissioner Darek Vetsch was elected to a second term with a win over Tom Perrault. With all eight precincts reporting, Ve...

Important Election Day Reminders for Those With Absentee Ballots

It’s Election Day and Wright County Elections has some important reminders for voters.

1. Voters can’t vote in-person at the Wright County Government Center today. It served as one of the sites for voting absentee prior to the election, but now voters need...

Minnesota OSS Offering Ballot Tracking Link for Those Who Voted By Mail, Absentee

A record number of Minnesotans have voted by mail. For those who are wondering if their ballot has been received, the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office has a link where you can track your vote to determine it has been received and, if so, wh...

MDH Continuing to Offer Free At-Home COVID-19 Saliva Tests

With COVID-19 cases on the rise and many people wondering if they potentially are carrying and spreading the virus, the Minnesota Department of Health continues to offer free at-home saliva tests to those who think they might have COVID-19. Wright County ...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the period covering October 26 to November 1. The full report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2074

Today is the Final Day for Absentee Voting In-Person

Those looking to beat the crowds anticipated for Election Day tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 3) have one more day to vote absentee in-person today at the Wright County Government Center in Buffalo and City Halls in Albertville, Buffalo, Delano, Hanover, Howard L...

State Voter Registration Software Experiencing Difficulties This Morning

The statewide voter registration system is experiencing issues this morning and has been going down intermittently through the morning as most county and city early voting sites have been open since 10 a.m. today. Wright County Elections said that residen...

Reminder to Turn Back Your Clocks Saturday Night

A reminder to turn back your clocks Saturday night before you go to bed because Daylight Savings Time ends in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 1. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep you have the chance to get.

Hwy. 24 in Downtown Annandale Closed This Afternoon for Trick-or-Treat Car Parade

Highway 24 in downtown Annandale will be closed from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. today for the annual Trick-or-Treat Car Parade. Through traffic is asked to use Poplar Avenue or Highway 55 as alternate routes. Motorists are asked to use caution and slow down in t...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

October has been a brutal month for COVID-19 in Wright County. Over the last reporting period for Wright County Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard (Oct. 23-29), the number of positive COVID-19 cases almost doubled the previous weekly high. There...

Auditor/Treasurer Dispels Social Media Rumors About Polling Place Closures Tuesday

The Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office wants to dispel rumors that are making the rounds on social media this morning that claim polling places throughout the state will be closed on Election Day. That is not true. Seven cities in Wright C...

Important Message for Those Intending to Mail In Ballots

A message from Wright County Elections

Voters,

Late Thursday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit overruled the State of Minnesota’s approved consent decree extending the deadline for submitting an absentee and mail ballots. The Court...

License Bureau Announces New Appointment Schedule, Office Hours Changes

At 8 a.m. today (Oct. 30), the Wright County License Bureau opened hundreds of new driver’s license appointment slots, which can be accessed on the main page of the county website (www.co.wright.mn.us).

License Bureau staff was residents to be aw...

Monticello City Hall Closed to Absentee Voting Due to COVID-19

In-person absentee voting at Monticello City Hall has been closed due to positive COVID-19 tests among the staff. Those looking to vote in-person prior to the Nov. 3 elections are being instructed to drive to the Wright County Government Center in Buffalo...

Hwy. 24 Traffic in Clear Lake Will Be Detoured Next Week

Those who drive from I-94 in Clearwater to Hwy. 10 in Clear Lake will be subject to a detour next week. Hwy. 24, which connects I-94 on the Wright County side of the Mississippi River to Hwy. 10 on the Sherburne County side of the River, will be closed in...

Early Voting Locations to Be Open Additional Hours Saturday and Monday

With in-person absentee voting underway at the Wright County Government Center and eight City Hall locations (Albertville, Buffalo, Hanover, Howard Lake, Delano, Monticello, Otsego and St. Michael), residents looking to vote prior to the Nov. 3 elections ...

An Open Letter from Safe Communities of Wright County

An open letter from Lieutenant Eric L Kunkel, Wright County Sheriff’s Office/Member of Safe Communities of Wright County

In Minnesota the months of October and November tend to be the transition months between fall and winter but in 2020 many thi...

U of M Extension Offer Tips on Storing Root Vegetables

By Katie Drewitz and Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension Educators

Since we got snow last week it’s pretty safe to say that the growing season has come to an end. With canning supplies being in short supply this year the question on how to prop...

Eight City Halls Open for Absentee In-Person Voting

A Message from Wright County Elections

Wright County residents are being advised that if you are a resident of the following cities, to avoid congestion in the early voting period between now and Monday, Nov. 2, your City Hall is open for absentee in-perso...

Highway Department Provides Update on CSAH 30 Project in Delano

The Wright County Highway Department has provided an update on the CSAH 30 reconstruction project in Delano.

Over the coming week, the contractor will continue asphalt paving on CSAH 30, pave the trail along McKinley Parkway, perform asphalt patching along...

Emerging Leaders Launch Holiday Initiative Working with Local Food Shelves

Starting today (Oct. 26) and running through Monday, Nov. 23, the Wright County Emerging Leaders Program is preparing baking boxes – containing items used in baking holiday treats for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season that aren’t t...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period of Oct. 19-25. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2056

Absentee Voting In-Person Begins Tuesday, Oct. 27

Absentee voting in-person begins tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 27) at all absentee voting locations, including the Wright County Government Center. In addition, the absentee voting in-person locations be open additional hours on Saturday, Oct. 31 (10 a.m. to 3 ...

County Board Adopts Strategic Planning Initiatives to Plan for Future County Growth

What started as a suggestion to use a free product has become a focal point of where Wright County will be heading in its future as it takes a measured approach to strategic planning for the county’s future.

As part of a technology contract the c...

State Bonding Bill Includes $1.4 Million for Dental Clinic in New Government Center

It took five months longer than expected, but when the Minnesota State Legislature met in special session last week, it finally passed its enormous bonding bill – a collection of thousands of individual projects throughout the state – ...

KSTP Channel 5 to Air Story on At Home Saliva Testing for COVID-19

Tonight on KSTP Channel 5’s Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. the station will be airing a segment dealing with the new COVID-19 at home saliva testing program that was launched yesterday by the Minnesota Department of Health. The pilot project involve...

Minnesota Shattering Number of Votes Being Made Absentee

With less than two weeks remaining until the 2020 general election, Minnesota is shattering the record for absentee voting. Likely the result of the COVID-19 pandemic that is expected to keep many Minnesotans away from polling places, the numbers are impr...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. The number of confirmed cases in Wright County rose to 2,334 – an increase of 191 from the previous week’s report. The number of cases requiring hospitalization in...

Wright County to Be Part of Free COVID-19 Saliva Test Pilot Project

The Minnesota Department of Health announced today that it has started a pilot project for the COVID-19 Test at Home Saliva Program. The program involves 23 counties, including Wright County, as well as the Red Lake Nation.

The testing is free and resident...

Highway Department Preparing for Second Wave of Winter Weather

Residents are asked to be on the lookout for Wright County Highway Department trucks because the storms that were predicted in Wright County have started popping up and the highway department is currently monitoring the roads closely in preparation of get...

Wright County Elections Office Has Important Message About Mail-In, Absentee Voting

A message from Wright County Elections Division

Options for Returning Absentee/Mail Ballots

Voters have multiple options for returning their absentee or mail ballot.

* Return it in the first-class, postage-paid envelope included with their ballot. Ballots mu...

Ready for Round 2 of Winter Storms in Wright County? Or Even Round 3?

As much of Minnesota digs out from the first snowstorm of the season, which dumped anywhere from four to eight inches of wet, heavy snow throughout a significant portion of the state, the hope was that it wouldn’t last long because Thursday was ...

View the Ballot You Will Be Filling Out

Those preparing to vote between now and Nov. 3 may not know the number of elections and the candidates in the races that will appear on the ballot specific to the city or township they live in. There are numerous federal, state, county and local races tha...

CSAH 19 Closure Over I-94 Bridge Postponed Until Tonight

Due to the snow that fell Tuesday, Oct. 20, the second night of closure of CSAH 19 in Albertville over the I-94 bridge was postponed until tonight (Oct. 21). Work crews were expected to do night closures of the bridge to install beams for the expansion of...

Highway Department Trucks Out in Force to Plow, Salt County Highways, Roads

Shortly after noon today (Oct. 20), the Wright County Highway Department sent out its trucks to plow and salt roadways that quickly became snow covered. The same is true for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MnDOT trucks are out on I-94 and, wit...

Highway Department Preparing for First Snow Event of the Season

Minnesotans know the drill by now when it comes to driving in Minnesota weather. While a little earlier than most expect or prefer, this afternoon and into te evening commute, drivers in Wright County are going to be dealing with their first snow event of...

Public Health Issues Press Release on the Challenges Around Halloween This Year

Wright County Public Health has issued a press release about safety around Halloween and the fact that many will likely avoid taking children trick or treating or answering their doors for trick or treaters this year. To see the full release, click here: ...

License Bureau Warns Walk-Up Traffic Outside Government Center to Prepare for Wait, Weather

The Wright County License Bureau is asking residents who are coming to the Wright County Government Center for transactions other than driver’s license renewal appointments to dress accordingly for the weather. Other transactions (tabs, title tr...

Sheriff's Office Releases Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report, It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2034

CMRP to Hold a Pair of Public Engagement Events in Monticello Oct. 19 and Oct. 26

A message from the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership

As we enter Round 2 of engagement on the Framework 2030 Plan, we encourage you to provide your feedback on the developing vision, strategic commitments, a...

Co. Rd 19 to Be Closed Monday, Tuesday Nights Over I-94 Bridge in Albertville

Motorists should plan for Wright County Road 19 to be fully closed under the Interstate 94 bridge in Albertville. Work is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19 and Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly. These closures are necessary to set beams at the I-...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

It was a grim week of milestones for Wright County in its battle against COVID-19 as three one-week highs were reported by Wright County Public Health in its most recent COVID-19 dashboard. The county set a single-week high in the number of new confirmed ...

Scammers Claiming to be Representatives of the Social Security Administration

In recent weeks, several Wright County residents have been receiving both live calls and robot calls from individuals claiming to be from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) saying that there is a problem with their Social Security Number and, i...

Northbound Lane of Hwy 101/169 Closed After Crash

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that the northbound lane of Hwy. 101/169 at the Elk River/Otsego interchange has been closed due to a crash. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes until the crash site has been cleared. MnDOT ...

County Highway 38 Set to Open in Albertville/Otsego

With the completion of the roundabout at the intersection of Highway 38 (70^th Street NE) & MacIver Avenue NE, the Wright County Highway Department is excited to announce all-new lanes, roundabouts, and pedestrian trails along County State Aid Highway ...

Road Resurfacing Begins Today on Hwy. 12 in Cokato

As of today (Oct. 16), drivers traveling on Hwy. 12 in Cokato will be encountering an increase in work crew and equipment activity. Resurfacing of the road in the city begins today and is expected to last two weeks. For more information about the project,...

900 New Driver's License Renewal Appointments Now Open

As of 8 a.m. this morning, 900 new appointment slots have opened up at the Wright County License Bureau for driver’s license renewals. The appointments can be accessed at the county website (www.co.wright.mn.us). All other non-driver’s...

MDH, Local Public Health Officials to Conduct Free COVID Testing Oct. 20-22 in Monticello

The Minnesota Department of Health is partnering with local public health officials to conduct free COVID-19 testing for anyone who wishes to be tested – with or without COVID symptoms. Wright County Public Health has issued a press release for ...

CARES Act Wright County Funds Ready for Disbursement for Small Businesses

The Oct. 8 deadline for small businesses and non-profit organizations to apply for CARES Act grants has come and gone and the numbers are in. In all, 203 small business and 51 non-profits applied for grants for as much as $20,000 to help assist them in bu...

U of M Extension Discusses the Necessity of Raking Leaves

By Katie Drewitz & Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension Educator

Raking leaves is one of those fall chores that you likely aren’t thrilled about doing, especially if you have an abundance of trees. It seems that this time of year t...

Today Is the Deadline for Second Half Property Tax Payments

A reminder from the Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office that today is the deadline for payment of 2020 second half property taxes. Those wishing to make their payments in person at the Government Center in Buffalo can go to the customer ser...

Parks & Rec Announces the Return of Some of Its Winter Programs

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department has announced its annual winter program offerings that will start back up in January. The release from Parks & Rec can be seen here: https://www.co.wright.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2017

BNSR Railroad Crossing Project at CSAH 5 Won't Be Completed Until Thursday

Those who travel on CSAH 5 in Middleville Township are going to have an extra day of the road being closed north of Hwy. 12.

The project, being done by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSR) Railroad to do a reconstruction at the railroad crossing on CSAH...

Auditor/Treasurer's Office Closes Public Window Today After Potential COVID-19 Exposure

A statement from Bob Hiivala, Wright County Auditor/Treasurer:

“The public window of the Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office will be closed for the remainder of today (October 14) due to potential COVID-19 exposure. In discussions ...

Highway Department Hosting Virtual Open House on the Co. Rd. 118 Project in Monticello

The Wright County Highway Department is holding a virtual open house concerning the Co. Rd. 118 (Fenning Avenue NE) reconstruction project in Monticello. To learn more about the project, visit https://cr118-wsbeng.hub.arcgis.com/ where you can learn about...

Buckthorn a Problem in Woodland Areas

By Karen Johnson, University of Minnesota Extension

Do you know if buckthorn is present in your woodlands? Buckthorn is one of Minnesota’s most damaging invasive plants. It can outcompete native vegetation and degrade wildlife habitat. Buckthorn ...

I-94 Closed in Both Directions in Albertville

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that Interstate 94 is closed in both directions between Co. Rd. 18 (Exit 194)  and Co. Rd 37 (Exit 202) in Albertville after a significant crash took place shortly before 2 p.m. MnDOT said ...

CMRP Launches Second Round of Public Engagement

A message from the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership

The Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership is seeking feedback on its regional vision and strategic commitments through the next phase of the Framework 2030 project...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report covering the period of Oct. 5-11. The entire report can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2009

Court Administration Announces Change of Address

A message from Wright County Court Administration/10^th Judicial District

As of Monday, Oct. 12, our office has moved to a new location. Our new address is 3700 Braddock Avenue NE, Room 1100, Buffalo, MN 55313. This is in the new Wright County Justice Cente...

Links for Residents Looking to Vote Absentee on the Front Page of the County Website

With less than four weeks remaining until the Nov. 3 election, those interested in voting absentee can access the information they seek about voting absentee by mail and in-person on the front page of the Wright County website (www.co.wright.mn.us) at the...

MnDOT Announces Completion of Road and Sidewalk Improvements on Hwy. 24 in Annandale

A statement from the Minnesota Department of Transportation

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is excited to announce all new lanes, cross street connections and sidewalks along Highway 24 between Highway 55 and Poplar Avenue will open this afterno...

Emerging Leaders to Start Holiday Initiative Working with Local Food Shelves

As challenging and, at times, depressing 2020 has been under the cloud of COVID-19, as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season approaches, that angst may become even more pronounced – especially for families struggling to make ends meet.

In...

U of M Extension Offers Tips to Storing Bulb Plants Indoors

Katie Drewitz and Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension

Have you finished everything on your autumn to do list? It can be hard to get everything done. However, if you are hoping to enjoy some of your favorite flowers and save some money next spri...

County Records Most Confirmed COVID-19 Cases for a Single Week in Latest Public Health Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard covering the period of Oct. 2-8. Wright County set a one-week high of 185 new cases, bringing the county’s total number of confirmed cases to 1,915. There have been 114 cases...

Public Health Offering Free COVID-19 Tests for Uninsured, Underinsured County Residents

Wright County Public Health has issued a press release offering uninsured and underinsured residents of Wright County access to free COVID-19 testing. Both adults and children are eligible. To see the full release, click here: http://www.co.wrigh...

MSHSL Announces Parameters for Attendance at High School Events

High school sports have returned to Wright County and throughout the state and the Minnesota State High School League has announced guidelines for attendees at indoor events for the 2020-21 school year, ranging from sports events to plays to band concerts...

County Organizations Combining for Prescription Drug Take Back Event Oct. 28

A Message from Wright County Public Health

Wright County Public Health, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mentorship, Education, and Drug Awareness (MEADA) Coalition are partnering to host two medication disposal sites for this year&...

Free COVID-19 Testing Being Offered Next Week in St. Cloud

Those looking to be tested for COVID-19 will have the opportunity to get tested for free next week in St. Cloud. The testing will be done at the St. Cloud Rivers Edge Convention Center from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 13-15. The testing requires...

CSAH 5 in Middleville Township Will Be Closed Oct. 12-13 for Railroad Crossing Construction

CSAH 5 in Middleville Township will be closed north of Hwy. 12 on Tuesday and Wednesday Oct. 12-13 at the railroad crossing. Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad is reconstructing the railroad crossing on CSAH 5. This will be a two-day closure and...

Prospective Young Drivers Can Take Learner's Permit Knowledge Test Online Starting Thursday

Since the start of COVID-19, young prospective drivers looking to get their learner’s permit often had to travel many miles to one of the few Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) exam stations that remained open around the state during the pande...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the period covering Sept. 28-Oct. 4. The report can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1994

Highway Department Has Update on CSAH 30 Project in Delano

A message from Virgil Hawkins, Wright County Highway Engineer

Work on Highway 30 is on track to be completed for the season by mid-October (weather permitting). The Highway 30 Project is a collaborative effort between the county and city with both agencies...

MnDOT Reminding Motorists of Increased Farm Equipment on Minnesota Highways in October

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be aware of slow-moving farm equipment on Minnesota highways this weekend and over the next couple of weeks. Harvest season is in full swing and farm equipment is on area roads transportin...

Four Offices Currently in Government Center to Move to Justice Center Oct. 12

Residents who have visited the Wright County Government Center recently have seen signage in the lobby, outside of Court Administration and on the Fourth Floor of the Annex that four offices currently located in the Government Center – Court Administratio...

County Adds Disclaimer to Beacon Parcel Summary Page to Reduce Confusion

Many Wright County residents use the Beacon interactive GIS (Geographic Information System) to view aerial photos of land parcels and specific information on those properties, such as the parcel ID, the section/township/range of the parcel, deeded acres a...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the past week, there have been 156 new confirmed cases – the second highest weekly total since the pandemic began recording cases in Minnesota – bringing the ...

900 New Driver's License Renewal Appointments Now Open

At 8 a.m. today (Friday, Oct. 2), 900 new appointment slots will open for those wishing to renew their driver’s licenses at the Wright County License Bureau. The appointments will cover the period of Oct. 12-23. To make an appointment, go the ma...

U of M Extension Offering Farmers Tips to Set Up Livestock Operations Contingency Plan

By Emily Krekelberg, University of Minnesota Extension

The University of Minnesota Extension Livestock Team has released a set of customizable forms that can be used to create an operations contingency plan for their farm. The contingency forms are meant t...

Construction, Detour on CSAH 39 in Otsego Completed for 2020 Construction Season

The Wright County Highway Department has announced that the roundabout construction on CSAH 39 is done for the 2020 construction season and the detour that had been in place has been taken down. The project has two phases. The first was officially complet...

MRBC Looking for Participants In Rural Minnesota to Take Broadband Speed Test

The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition (MRBC) is looking for participation from residents in rural areas of Minnesota to help identify issues they face with slow internet speeds by launching the Minnesota Speed Test Initiative.

This issue of the lack of b...

DNR Has Maps to Locate What Portions of the State Have Reached Fall Color Peak

As we flip the calendar to October, one of the annual rites of autumn is the vibrant change in the color of leaves, especially in the forests of Greater Minnesota. Many families make an annual pilgrimage to travel to parts of the state where the fall leav...

County Attorney Tom Kelly Announces Retirement

A Statement from Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly

I have been with the County Attorney’s Office representing the citizens of Wright County for almost 37 years, the past 22 as your elected County Attorney. I started my career as a prosecutor for W...

Auditor/Treasurer Reminds Residents That Polling Places Will Be Open Election Day

There has been a lot of confusion in recent weeks about the process of voting in the Nov. 3 election. As the result of COVID-19, there has been a push by many groups – government and independent alike – promoting absentee voting and vo...

MDH Announces Increases in Hot Spots, Hospitalizations Due to COVID-19

As Minnesota nears its 100,000^th confirmed case of COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is cautioning that the worst of the pandemic may not be over.

Earlier today, MDH announced there were 16 deaths reported in the state attributed to COVID-...

Extension Offering Resources to Assist Farmers Suffering Stress from COVID-19

Midwest farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented stressors and uncertainly imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, weather related concerns, and the derecho storm that impacted parts of the Midwest. As a result, mental health experts are predicting an incr...

Voters Have Options for Voting Absentee and In Person for the November Elections

Amid concerns as to whether votes are going to be counted properly in the coming election and if the U.S. Postal Service will be able to handle the volume of ballots expected, there are a couple of simpler options for those who want to be sure their ballo...

U of M Extension Offers Tips for Fall Care of Vegetable Gardens Before Winter Hits

By Tracy Beaufeaux, University of MN Extension Master Gardener - Wright County

With the impending winter looming just on the other side of fall, we might be ready to call it quits on our gardens for the year. But, don’t put your tools away just y...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report, covering the period of Sept. 21-27. To view the full activity report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1972

Potter to Renew Fight to Get Final Segment of I-94 Funded Between Albertville and Monticello

When Oct. 1 rolls around, Wright County Commissioner Mike Potter is going to renew his annual efforts to get highway funding for Wright County. That is when the federal fiscal year begins and funding for road projects starts being discussed.

Potter has bee...

CASPER Study Halted Due to Fears for Workers, But Wright County Had No Such Issues

In what was intended to be a research study to help determine how the COVID-19 virus is spread in communities throughout Minnesota, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) began dispatching two-per...

Compost & Recycling Facility to Be Open Additional Hours in October and November

A Message from Bill Stephens, Wright County Environmental Health Officer

The Wright County Compost and Recycling Facility will be providing additional public drop-off hours during the months of October and November through Thursday, Nov. 24. The hours avai...

Parks & Recreation Announces Seasonal Closing Date for Facilities in County Parks

A message from Wright County Parks & Recreation

Public restrooms in four Wright County parks are going to be closed for the season Sunday, Sept. 27. Those parks include Bertram Chain of Lakes Park, Beebe Lake Park, Clearwater/Pleasant Park and Otsego P...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the past week, there have been 97 new confirmed cases, bringing the county total to 1,574. Of those, 94 have required hospitalization, an increase of six from the previous week. ...

Highway Department Provides Update on CSAH 19 & 38 Road Project

The Wright County Highway Department has posted an update to the progress on the CDAH 19 &38 road improvement project. The update includes a map of the Stage 1B detour with a timeline, project background, an aerial map of the project layout, project v...

MDVA Has COVID Relief Program for Families of Veterans Forced into Distance Learning

To assist Minnesota Veterans impacted by distance learning expenses, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) recently introduced the COVID-19 Distance Learning Support Grant. The purpose of the COVID-19 K-12 Distance Learning Support Grant is ...

A Pair of Roundabout Projects Will Be Completed by Next Week

A pair of roundabout projects are at or near completion in the northeast corner of Wright County.

The CSAH 19 roundabouts in Albertville have opened and roundabouts on CSAH 39 and 42 will be fully open next week. All that remains on the CSAH 39/42 roundabo...

Small Businesses Have Until Oct. 8 to Apply for CARES Act Grants

In July, the Wright County Board of Commissioners earmarked up to $3 million of its CARES Act funding for economic development – assisting small businesses that have struggled to keep their doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is ...

U of M Extension Explains Why So Many Lilac Plants Are Dying

By Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension Educator

There are widespread reports of lilacs dying throughout Wright County and Minnesota this year. In many cases, affected plants were mature and never had noticeable issues in the past. The common li...

Project Update Provided on CSAH 19 and 38 Project

An update on the CSAH 19 and 38 Improvement Project

On Monday, Sept. 21, the contractor for the project closed the intersection of Hwy. 38 and MacIver Avenue to construct a roundabout. The intersection is expected to be reopened approximately Monday, Oct. ...

MnDOT Wants Public Input on Howard Lake Project

The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites the community of Howard Lake to an online open house to learn about future Highway 12 road and sidewalk improvements between 13th Avenue and Sixth Avenue in Howard Lake. 

The venue is open for pub...

Wright County HHS Seeking Foster Care Providers for Teens

Can you be the light for a teen in foster care?

Wright County Health & Human Services has an immediate need for foster care providers willing to care for teens. Orientation is now being offered online.

If you are interested or would like additional info...

MDH to Conduct COVID-19 Surveys in Wright County today Through Wednesday

Today through Wednesday (Sept. 21-23), the Minnesota Department of Health will be conducting in-person surveys in many Minnesota communities asking questions about the impact COVID-19 is having on communities. While specific areas that the interviews will...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report covering the period of Sept. 14-21. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1956

Courts Will Continue to Conduct Most Hearings Virtually During Move to Justice Center

A message from Wright County Court Administration

The Wright County court system continues to hear the majority of court hearings virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parties receive hearing notices that provide the information needed to sign in to the...

Trailblazer Transit Groundbreaking Thursday A Sign of the System's Success in Wright County

A little less than 10 years ago, Wright County was at acrossroads when it came to public transit. The county had a bus service called River Rider that it shared with Sherburne County. But, when Sherburne County unilaterally decided to pull out of River Ri...

Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day

There has been as big a movement to get people to vote in the 2020 election as any election cycle in our history. Voter advocacy groups as both as the political parties and the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office are going to great lengths to ...

U of M Extension Explains Evergreen Needle Drop in the Fall

By Adam Austing and Katie Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension

Despite their name, evergreen needles do not stay green forever. Older, inner needles discolor and drop off after one or more years, depending on the species. Sometimes the drop occurs sl...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. After four straight weeks of having 100 or more new positive cases of the coronavirus, over the last week the number of new cases rose by 71, bringing the county total to 1,477. A tot...

What Is the Start-to-Finish Process of Voting Absentee?

Absentee voting for the Nov. 3 general election has opened today and voters are expected to use the absentee option more than ever before due to concerns over crowds at the polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of concerns about community spread of COV...

Department of Health to Conduct In-Person Survey Dealing with COVID-19

Wright County Public Health would like to inform residents
that on Monday, Sept. 21 through Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Minnesota Departmentof Health (MDH) will be conducting voluntary in-person surveys with residents
to understand the effect COVID-19 is...

900 New Appointment Slots Open Tomorrow for Driver's License Renewals

At 8 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 18), 900 new appointment slots will open for those wishing to renew their driver’s licenses at the Wright County License Bureau. The appointments will cover the period of Sept. 28 to Oct. 9. To make an appointme...

Temporary Signal System Coming to Albertville and Otsego Next Monday

The intersection of County Highway 137 (60^th St NE) and MacIver Ave NE/MacKenzie Ave NE, just east of I-94 in the Cities of Albertville and Otsego, will be temporarily controlled by a signal system beginning on Monday, Sept. 21.

The signal system is tempor...

U of M Extension Looking for Those Interested In Joining Its Master Gardener Program

By Adam Austing, Wright County, University of MN Extension

BUFFALO, Minn. (09/14/20) – Do you have an active interest in gardening? Do you have a desire to share your gardening interest with others? Are you willing to learn more about ga...

Absentee Ballots to Start Being Mailed Out Next Week

A Message from the Elections Division of the Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office

The start of the period prior to the Nov. 3 general election for people to vote absentee by mail opens Friday, Sept. 18. The Wright County Auditor/Treasurer&...

Veterans In Need of Counseling Assistance Have Resources at Their Disposal

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation wants to remind vets and non-vets alike that September is Suicide Prevention Month and wants to shine a light on the crisis of suicide among veterans.

DVFN data shows that, on average, approximately 22 veterans a d...

County to Adopt Preliminary Budget, Levy at Tuesday's County Board Meeting

At its meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 15), the Wright County Board of Commissioners has on its agenda adoption of its 2021 preliminary budget and levy. At a time when the world has changed dramatically due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Wright County ...

U of M Extension Offering Webinar for Sheep and Goat Producers

University of Minnesota Extension will be hosting a webinar 6:30 p.m. Wednesday September 30 focusing on the different factors and steps to connect goat and sheep producers with consumers.

Discussion will center on the different types of processing and dir...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the period covering Sept. 7-13. The report can be seen in full here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1938

One Southbound Lane of Hwy. 25 in Monticello Closed for Road Repairs

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed one of the southbound lanes of traffic on Hwy. 25 in the City of Monticello between the Mississippi River and I-94 for roadway maintenance. Traffic delays are possible in the area of the work and drive...

Absentee Voting In Person Starts Friday

The Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office has provided on update on absentee voting, which is scheduled to open Friday (Sept. 18).

For those wishing to absentee vote in-person, that process will begin Sept. 18. For a full list of polling place...

Court Administation Provides Update on Court Schedule, Planned Move to Justice Center

A message from Wright County Court Administration

The Wright County court system continues to hear the majority of court hearings virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parties receive hearing notices that provide the information needed to sign in to the...

Highway Department Provides Update on CSAH 30 project in Delano

The Wright County Highway Department has provided a project update as of today (Sept. 11) on the CSAH 30 project in Delano.

Here are some of those updates:

• The contractor is completing the aggregate base work throughout the project.

• The...

Auditor/Treasurer's Office Has Links for Those Interested in Absentee Balloting

One week from today (Friday, Sept. 18), the Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office will begin accepting absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election. As part of this effort, there are two web pages on the county’s elections web p...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. For the fourth straight week, Wright County has topped 100 new confirmed cases. Over the last seven days, 107 cases have been reported, down from 162 the previous week. The total numb...

County Board to Adopt 2021 Preliminary Budget and Levy At Its Sept. 15 Meeting

The Wright County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to adopt its 2021 Preliminary Budget and Levy at its next meeting (Tuesday, Sept. 15).

To see a breakdown of the budget and levy amounts from 2020 and 2021, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/Agenda...

County Residents Asked to Be On Alert for Rising Number of Catalytic Converter Thefts

Residents are being warned to be on the lookout for thieves
involved in catalytic converter thefts. Throughout the 11-county metropolitanarea, which includes Wright County, the number of catalytic converter thefts
has skyrocketed over the past few mon...

CARES Act Funding for Small Businesses Application Forms ARE Live On WCEDP Website

The Wright County Board of Commissioners earmarked up to $3 million of its CARES Act funding for economic development – assisting small businesses that have struggled to keep their doors open during the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pro...

Highway Department Looking for Public Input on Its 5-Year Plan for Future Road Projects

A Message from Wright County Highway Engineer Virgil Hawkins

Wright County updates its Five-Year Plan periodically, and we welcome your input and feedback as part of that process.

The update involves adding new years to the end of the previous five-year pro...

It's Not Too Late to Be Counted in the 2020 Census

With the 2020 United States Census expected to shut down its tabulation at the end of September, Minnesota continues to lead the way with self-reporting data for the state and national total population.

As of data collected through Sept. 8, Minnesota curre...

Fingerprinting No Longer Being Done at Government Center

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform residents in need of fingerprinting that those services are now located exclusively in the Wright County Law Enforcement Center, 3800 Braddock Ave. NE, Buffalo. The LEC has always done fing...

Residents Being Warned About Scammers Dealing with Social Security Numbers

Residents are being warned about scam calls being made
regarding problems with Social Security numbers. Several Wright Countyresidents have been receiving robo-calls claiming there is something wrong with
their Social Security numbers that needs to be...

Farmers Warned About Invasive Weed Species In Minnesota Found In Contaminated Cattle Feed

By Nathan Drewitz, Jared Goplen, Adam Austing, Chryseis Modderman - UMN Extension

Keep an eye out for Palmer amaranth hitching a ride into Minnesota via contaminated feed ingredients. Minnesota has at least one infestation in the state that arrived via con...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period covering Aug. 31 through Sept. 7. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1919

CSAH 30 Project Nearing Completion

The CSAH 30 project in Delano is nearing completion. The project contractor is completing the aggregate base work on the west end of the project, as well as near the intersection of CSAH 30 and McKinley Parkway. Following the completion of the aggregate b...

Wright County HHS Prepared to Assist Care Providers and Families with CARES Act Funds

On March, 27, 2020, the United States Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security CARES Act with overwhelming, bipartisan support. The intent of the CARES Act funding is to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American wo...

Construction at Bertram Chain of Lakes Parks Near Completion

In a year that many people would just as soon get through and forget, one of the rare positives of 2020 has been Wright County residents enjoying the county’s robust parks system.

The crown jewel of the system is Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional P...

U of M Extension Explains Warning Signs of Bur Oak Blight

By Karen Johnson, UMN Extension Educator in McLeod & Meeker counties

Does your oak tree have brown leaves? If it is a Bur Oak tree, then it may be affected by Bur Oak Blight.

The Extension office has seen several pictures over the last couple of weeks o...

Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard and, for the third consecutive week, the county registered a one-week high in the number of new confirmed cases.

Since cases started being reported in March, Wright County had never had...

County Offices Closed Monday in Observance of Labor Day

All Wright County buildings will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. All county facilities will re-open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Road Work on Hwy. 25 Starting Sept. 8

Those driving on Highway 25 south of School Boulevard in Monticello in the Kjellberg neighborhood may have noticed road signs in both directions stating that road work is going to be taking place starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. While not a city or county proje...

MnDOT Looking for Residents to Complete Survey Dealing with Pedestrian Safety

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for public input as it prepares to start a new educational campaign designed to improve pedestrian safety throughout Minnesota. MnDOT is asking for feedback to assure its new campaign messages are easy...

Master Gardener Explains His Lifelong Passion for Gardening

This article was written and submitted by Gary Cobus, UMN Extension Master Gardener, Wright County

I have enjoyed gardening since I was 5 years old and had the honor to be asked by my grandfather to help him in his garden. He grew vegetables, but he also h...

A Message to Parents Who Will Be Driving Their Children to School

A message to parents from Wright County School Districts

Wright County school districts are anticipating a dramatic increase in traffic levels in and around the schools’ properties as many more families are choosing to self-transport their childr...

License Bureau to Open 900 Appointment Slots Tomorrow

The Wright County License Bureau will be opening 900 new appointments for driver’s license renewals tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 4). The appointments, which can be accessed on the front page of the Wright County website (www.co.wright.mn.us) by click...

Court Services Employee Wins Award from National Guard

Whenever an employer hires a member of the Minnesota Army National Guard, they are aware that the potential exists that the call to duty can come at any time and the employer needs to adjust on the fly. In the four years Danny Heikkinen has been employed ...

Minnesota to Be Part of COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

Minnesotans will be among the first to volunteer for a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Today (Sept. 2), Bloomington-based HealthPartners announced that it is seeking 1,500 volunteers for a study for the vaccine AstraZeneca’s Phase III study.

Previous tri...

AMC Fall Policy Conference Faces Significant Challenges Being Conducted Virtually

In a typical September, the Wright County Board of Commissioners cancels a Tuesday board meeting so the commissioners can attend the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Annual Fall Policy Conference. The conference is designed to bring commissioners a...

Sirens to Sound at 1 P.M. Today, But Why?

At 1 p.m. today, Wright County will observe a ritual it has done for more than 50 years – sounding sirens at 1 p.m. to make sure they are operational during an emergency.

Commonly known as “tornado sirens” because that is what...

County to Allocate Up to $3 Million of CARES Act Funding to Small Businesses

When Wright County received $16.5 million from the federal CARES Act to help with costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, $3 million of that funding was earmarked for economic development – helping small businesses that have struggled to ke...

MnDOT to Host Online Open House to Learn About Hwy. 12 Project Coming to Howard Lake

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting the community of Howard Lake to an online open house to learn about future Highway 12 road and sidewalk improvements between 13^th Avenue and Sixth Avenue in Howard Lake.

The venue is open for public re...

U of M Extension Offering Advice for What Is Ailing Your Trees and Plants

By Adam Austing, Wright County, University of Minnesota Extension

With fall quickly approaching, we are in our last weeks of being able to accurately diagnose most plant issues. Once leaves start to change color, it becomes much more difficult to find out ...

CSAH 39/42 Roundabout in Otsego Now Open to North/South Traffic

The roundabout at CSAH 39 and 42 (Parrish Avenue) in Otsego has re-opened to north-south traffic as of this morning (Aug. 31).

East-west traffic remains closed to through traffic. There remains paving to be done west of Parrish Avenue to Page Avenue that w...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period covering Aug. 24-30. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1896

License Bureau Appointments Filled Through Sept. 11, Some Walk-Ups Available

The Wright County License Bureau has announced that all appointments for driver’s license renewals are booked through Friday, Sept. 11. However, the office is accepting limited walk-up business for license renewals, pointing out that those with ...

DPS, State Patrol Reminding Drivers to Be Aware of School Buses Returning to Roadways

With schools starting to open throughout Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Minnesota State Patrol are co-branding the message of driver awareness now that school buses are back on the roads.

Despite the efforts of alerting ...

Vetsch: The Work of CMRP Continues to Move Forward Despite the Challenges Posed by COVID-19

As with many ongoing projects, COVID-19 has thrown a hurdle in the planning process of the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP) – a collaborative effort between cities and townships along the Mississippi River in both W...

Tour the Virtual Hot Zone As Part of Celebrating Fire Prevention Day at the State Fair

Like so many aspects of our life in 2020 under the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the pleasures Minnesotans derive that they have missed out on is the State Fair, or as the locals call it, The Great Minnesota Get-Together because almost two million people atte...

Wright County Election Officials Provide Resources for Absentee, Mail-In Voting

The November 3 general election is a little more than two months away and many Minnesotans are looking at the options for voting – from showing up at the polls on Election Day as has been the common practice of voters for centuries to voting ear...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period ending Thursday, Aug. 27. For the second consecutive week, Wright County set a one-week high for confirmed cases with 118, bringing the county’s total number o...

MnDOT To Post Road Closures, Detours on Hwy. 12 in Cokato From Aug. 31 Through Sept. 5

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that motorists who travel on Highway 12 through Cokato will encounter a detour and road closure starting Monday, Aug. 31 and expected to continue through Saturday. Sept. 5, as crews replace an under...

Minnesota Department of Housing Looking to Help Those Facing Eviction, Foreclosure

For those struggling to make mortgage or rent payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Housing has a program that can assist those struggling to make ends meet.

The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides assistance payments ...

License Bureau Online System Back Up and Running

The Wright County License Bureau has announced that, shortly after 10 a.m. today, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) national online system that went down overnight is back up and running. Anyone with driver’s licen...

License Bureau Temporarily Unable to Process Driver's Licenses Due to National Outage

The Wright County License Bureau wants to inform those with appointments to get driver’s license renewals inside the Government Center today that the national connected system for the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) ...

How to Combat White Grub Lawn Infestations

By Adam Austing, Wright County, and Robin Trott, Douglas County, University of MN Extension

If you are seeing unsightly brown patches in your lawn, you might be having a problem with white grubs. White grubs are soil-dwelling larvae of beetles. The adult b...

MDH to Announce Saliva Testing for COVID-19 Coming to Minnesota By Early-October

At its daily press briefing at 2 p.m. today, the Minnesota Department of Health is expected to announce the establishment of a new saliva testing lab in Minnesota that will double the state’s current test processing capacity.

Gov. Tim Walz announ...

Road Closure in Monticello Tuesday

Edmonson Avenue in Monticello will be closed between Dundas Road and Chelsea Road tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 25). Suggested alternate detour routes are Cedar Street or Fallon Avenue. The closure is the result of watermain work related to the Deephaven projec...

Wright County Parks & Rec to Allow Food Trucks to Operate in Five Parks

If you’re heading to a Wright County park in the future, you may see something different as you enter – food trucks.

Food trucks have become increasingly popular because of their mobility and a way for restaurateurs to serve their speci...

U of M Extension Accepting Applications for Master Gardener Program

By Adam Austing, Wright County, University of Minnesota Extension

Do you have an active interest in gardening? Do you have a desire to share your gardening interest with others? Are you willing to learn more about gardening and other horticultural topics? ...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period covering Aug. 17-23. The full report can be found here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1879

Minnesota Department of Health Links Howard Lake American Legion to Outbreak of COVID-19

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) tied 29 Minnesota restaurants to outbreaks of COVID-19, including Howard Lake American Legion Post 145.

MDH considers an outbreak to be where at least seven people who tested positive for COVID-19...

U of M Extension Offers Advice on How To Prepare Lawns and Gardens for Autumn

This article was written and submitted by Alannah Sperr, UMN Extension intern, Wright County

In Minnesota, we can usually expect fall to come at the end of September or beginning of October. Fall freeze dates can start as early as September 22, which means...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period ending Thursday, Aug. 20. It includes several milestones to the pandemic. The county had a one-week high for positive COVID tests with 101, the number of confirmed cases...

Next Round of Driver's License Renewal Appointments Opens Today

The Wright County License Bureau has announced that the next round of 900 appointments for renewing driver’s licenses at the Wright County Government Center became available at 8 a.m. today (Aug. 21).

The timeframe covered under the new release w...

Options for Those Looking to Vote Early, Absentee or By Mail

In the Minnesota Primary Election last week, a record number of Minnesotans cast votes, despite there not being a contentious statewide contest that typically brings and uptick to the numbers. In a typical primary, approximately 10 percent of eligible vot...

Swimming Beach at Beebe Lake Park Re-Opens

After being closed since Wednesday, Aug. 12, Wright County Parks & Recreation has announced that the swimming beach at Beebe Lake Park has reopened this afternoon.

On Aug. 12, the beach was closed through the weekend after water quality testing discove...

Why Are Flags at Half-Mast Today?

For those wondering why flags at several buildings are being flown at half-mast today (Aug. 19), it is because Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset to remember, mourn...

Sheriff's Office Reports Drowning in Granite Lake

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has reported a drowning at Granite Lake in Albion Township. To see the sheriff’s new release, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1869

U of M Extension Discusses White Mold on Soybeans

By Eliza Carlson, University of MN Extension intern, Stearns, Benton, and Morrison County

White mold or Sclerotinia Stem Rot is a destructive disease that is quite common throughout Minnesota. The occurrence of white mold varies widely from year to year an...

River Street In Monticello Closed to Thru Traffic Today As Part of Storm Sewer Project

As part of the Maple Street storm sewer project in Monticello, River Street will be closed to through traffic at Maple Street today (Aug. 18). The street is closed to allow a crane to install a new storm sewer structure. The purpose of the new structure w...

MDH Announces More Than 1 Million Minnesotans Have Been Tested for COVID-19

The Minnesota Department of Health announced this morning (Aug. 17) than more than 1 million Minnesotans have been tested for the COVID-19 coronavirus (approximately 18 percent of the population of the state), including almost 13,000 in the previous 24 ho...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the period covering the week of Aug. 10-16. The report can be found here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1864

Work Begins Tuesday on the Removal of The Corner Bar in St. Michael

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has issued a statement for those who will be driving on Hwy. 241 in St. Michael this week.

Work will be done at the intersection of Hwy. 241/St. Michael Parkway and Main Street S. The work being done is the demoli...

Aug. 25 Webinar to Have Industry Experts Discussing Dairy Outlook for U.S., Global Markets

There has been unprecedented milk and product price volatility over the last few months. Rabobank’s global dairy strategist Mary Ledman and Vice President of Dairy Research Ben Laine discuss their outlook on the global and U.S. dairy markets on ...

License Bureau Not Accepting Walk-Up Traffic for Driver's License Renewals Today

The Wright County License Bureau announced this morning (Aug. 17) that, due to staffing shortages today, the office won’t be taking any walk-up business inside the Wright County Government Center for driver’s license renewals.

The other...

Wright County to Be One of 13 Counties Targeted with Extra DWI Patrols Through Labor Day

Wright County is going to be one of 13 Minnesota counties targeted with increased DWI enforcement patrols thanks to a program enacted by the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety – starting today (Aug. 14) and continuing through Labor Day (Sept. 7)...

Highway Department Releases Construction Project Updates

A message from the Wright County Highway Department

Here are the latest updates for each county road project on the 2020 construction schedule (see map attached for locations):

• 2020 Pavement Preservation (Highways 8, 31, 106, 145): All work complete except ...

Trailblazer Transit Project In Buffalo Comes In Almost 25 Percent Under Projections

Wright County has had extremely good luck in recent years when it comes to the timing of putting projects out for bid. When it put its new Government Center out for bonds, the low bid came in $6 million under projection and many other recent projects have...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period ending Thursday, Aug. 13. After five straight weeks of increases in confirmed cases in July, the number of new cases dropped for a second week in a row to bring the coun...

MnDOT Announces Revised Timeline for I-94 Project from Maple Grove to Clearwater

The Minnesota Department of Transportation sent out an update Thursday (Aug. 13) concerning the I-94 project between Maple Grove and Clearwater. The project is in its second year (it will be completed in 2021) and MnDOT provided both a project update and ...

Beebe Lake Park Beach Closed At Least Through This Weekend

The Wright County Parks and Recreation Department has temporarily closed the Swimming Beach at Beebe Lake County Park (St. Michael, MN) as of Thursday, Aug. 13 and will remain closed through the weekend. Regular sampling of bacteria found that E. coli bac...

Invasive Turf-Eating Beetle Found in Minnesota for the First Time

As if 2020 hasn’t witnessed enough misery, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is warning residents about swarms of an insect that has been found in Minnesota for the first time.

The European chafer beetle has been spotted in large swar...

Buffalo Driver's Exam/Testing Station Won't Open Any Time Soon

At Tuesday’s workshop meeting of the Wright County Board of Commissioners, the board received an update on some of the legislative actions that have taken place over the last two special sessions. As it turned out, not much was accomplished in t...

County Commissioners Races Set After Tuesday's Primary Election

The field of candidates for two of the open Wright County commissioner seats was reduced down to two in Tuesday’s primary, setting the stage for the November general election.

In the District 4 primary, Mary Wetter led the three candidates for th...

Wright County Shatters Record for Number of Absentee, Mail-In Votes

There was a lot of discussion in the weeks and months
leading up to today’s Primary Election that the option of voting absentee or bymail would be the preferred option for many more voters due to the COVID-19
pandemic and the wish for some t...

Sheriff's Office Issues Release Informing Residents That Census Takers Will Be Knocking on Doors

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has issued a release informing residents who have yet to fill out the 2020 U.S. Census that census takers will be visiting residences in person between now and Sept. 30. The release also includes information as...

P&Z Releases Public Notice Concerning Low-Interest Septic System Loan Program

A Public Notice from Bill Stephens, Wright County Environmental Health Officer

“In previous years, Wright County has been able to provide low-interest loans to homeowners to upgrade failing or non-compliant septic systems on their property. Fundi...

What You Should Know If You're Going to Own a Horse

By Alannah Sperr, University of MN Extension intern, Wright County

Hay burner and lawn ornament are two of the more popular terms used to describe horses in the ag world. If you’re looking to invest in a horse, you should know the facts first.

Acc...

Where Is My Polling Place Location?

Despite a record number of absentee and mail-in balloting for the primary election tomorrow (Aug. 11), the majority of votes that will be cast will be done at the polls on Election Day.

There are a total of 45 voting precincts in Wright County. Six cities ...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report covering the period of Aug. 3-9. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1840

Primary Elections Often Don't Mirror General Election Results

For as much as Wright County residents take voting in the general election seriously – routinely turning out in higher numbers than almost any county in the nation – the turnout in primary elections has been surprisingly low.

The number...

Wright County HHS Has Message for Recipients of SNAP or Cash Assistance

A message from Wright County Health & Human Services

If you are currently receiving SNAP or Cash Assistance, you were recently notified by the Department of Human Services (DHS) the requirement to recertify monthly benefits will begin effective Sept. 1...

MnDOT Has Timeline Schedule of I-94 Construction-Related Road Closures

Starting this week, there have been a number of changes in the I-94 road construction project between Rogers and Clearwater. These current changes impact Wright County Road 19, Wright County Road 37and Hwy. 101 in Otsego.

Co. Rd. 19 closed Monday (Aug. 3) ...

Absentee, Mail-In Voters Can Track Their Ballots to Assure That They're Counted

Amid largely unsubstantiated concerns about the sanctity of mail-in or absentee voting, the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State has provided a link that allows absentee voters to track their ballots to make sure that they are processed and included...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period ending Thursday, Aug. 7. After five straight weeks of increases in confirmed cases, the number of new cases leveled off this week at 87 to bring the county’s t...

Next Round of Appointments for License Bureau Open at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7

The Wright County License Bureau has announced that the next round of 900 appointments for renewing driver’s licenses at the Wright County Government Center will become available at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7.

 The timeframe covered under the...

Office of Traffic Safety Providing Refresher Material on One-Year Anniversary of Hands Free Law

Saturday, Aug. 1, marked the one-year anniversary of the Hands Free Law, which prohibits the use of cell phones in vehicles. To mark the anniversary, the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, a sub-division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, has ...

Road Work On Highway 12 Between Montrose and Delano to Begin Aug. 17

Drivers who use Highway 12 between Montrose and Delano may be looking for alternate routes later this month.

Road work is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 17, between Zephyr Avenue in Montrose and Bridge Avenue in Delano, which will result in lane closures ...

Sheriff's Office On the Lookout for New Deputies

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is hiring for the position of deputy sheriff. The office is seeking extraordinary individuals with strong communication skills who are passionate about being involved in the communities they serve. If you are l...

U of M Extension Offers Tips for Growing Peonies Late in the Season

This article was written and submitted by Laurie Jensen, Wright County Extension Master Gardener

Peonies in July, August or even September? Peonies are a favorite wedding flower, yet they flower in our Minnesota gardens in late spring and early summer &...

Health & Human Services Looking for Child Foster Care Providers

Wright County Health & Human Services has cancelled its Child Foster Care Orientation classes for the foreseeable future due to the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but has made the orientation courses available online.

Wright County c...

County Board Prepares for 2021 Budget Meetings with Department Heads Aug. 17-26

The Wright County Board of Commissioners will be in for a busy 10 days later this month, as it begins the process of determining a budget for 2021 with a 10-day flurry of activity Aug. 17-26.

At the Aug. 4 meeting of the Wright County Board of Commissioner...

Timelines, Deadlines Explained for Those Wishing to Vote Absentee in the Aug. 11 Primary Election

With Primary Election Day one week from today (Aug.
11), those voting by mail are encouraged to get their ballots in this week. Tobe eligible, mailed ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Aug. 11, and be received
on or before Thursday, Aug. 13. In-pe...

Department of Education Provides Links for Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21

The Minnesota Department of Education has released a comprehensive “Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21” to address the numerous unanswered questions related to the state’s three-tiered, individualized-by-district plan to open sch...

Families Urged to Have A Spending Plan in Place in the Event of an Emergency

A message from Wright County Emergency Management

With the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to prepare your finances for an emergency. Develop a spending plan to keep household costs down and build up...

U of M Extension to Host a Six-Part Webiner Series for Beef Farmers

The University of Minnesota Extension will host a six-part webinar series titled: Key Components of a Successful Beef Operation: Cow/Calf to Consumer! The series will be held on Aug. 12, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The series will ...

Law Enforcement Increasing Hands Free Cell Phone Driving Law This Week

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is informing drivers that this week (Aug. 2-8), there will be increased enforcement of the Hands Free cell-phone driving law. Over the last year since Hand’s Free driving has been a requirement in Minnes...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the period ending Monday, Aug. 3. It can be viewed here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1822

License Bureau Issues Statement Regarding Changes in Services Available to Residents

A message from the Wright County License Bureau

The License Bureau now has two separate Service Counters:

License Bureau Indoor Service Counter, located inside the Wright County Government Center, Room 160; Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 12pm and 1 p.m. to ...

Missing Person Alert Issued By Sheriff's Office

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Tony Conley Perry, age 52. He was reported missing July 9 and was last seen in the area of Howard Lake.

 To see the full Bureau of Criminal Ap...

Highway Department Shares Videos Dealing with Roundabouts

Earlier this week, Wright County posted a story about the increase in the number of the roundabouts that are going to be on the county’s highway systems – two projects that will increase the number of roundabouts on Wright County highw...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard, and, for the second straight week, the county hit a one-week high for confirmed cases with 96.

Wright County numbers for confirmed cases have steadily been on the rise in July. After c...

State Lays Out Plans for Opening Schools

As announced by the
State of Minnesota today, school administration will be using the 14-day countylevel case rate to inform their decisions regarding in-person learning this
school year. The Minnesota Department of Health will update that information...

Potter Explains Ramifictions of State Legislature Being Unable to Pass Bonding Bill

When the Minnesota Legislature recessed July 21 without
passing a bonding bill – the third time in 2020 state legislators adjournedwithout a bonding bill agreement – reasons cited was that it was different than
the previous bonding...

Governor to Announce Plans for How Schools Will Open in September

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has scheduled a press conference today (July 30) at 2 p.m. to discuss the state’s plan for how to open schools in September.

Given the anticipation of the announcement and the gravity of the consequences of the selection o...

Absentee Voting Can Be Done In Person at Government Center, Seven City Halls

The primary elections in Minnesota are less than two weeks away (Tuesday, Aug. 11) and many residents are taking the option of voting absentee. Absentee voting can be done of two ways – by mail or in person prior to the election.

There are eight ...

Great American Outdoors Act Approved by Both Houses of Congress

One of the benefits Wright County has over many areas of the state is a robust county parks system. There is no way the county could have afforded to pay for the land acquisition and park and trail improvements on its own. Part of the reason the parks sys...

Borrell Returns to County Board Meeting for the First Time in Four Months

Tuesday’s meeting of the Wright County Board of Commissioners saw a familiar face come back to an unfamiliar place in recent months, as Commissioner Charlie Borrell returned to the county boardroom for the weekly county board meeting for the fir...

Highway Department Releases Construction Update on CSAH 19 & 38 Project in Albertville

The Wright Highway Department has provided an update on the progress of the CSAH 19 & 38 construction project in Albertville.

The project will be entering the next phase of Construction starting August 3. The following is a breakdown of proposed schedu...

County Board Repeals Mask Policy, Adopts Executive Order 20-81 from State

Today (July 28), the Wright County Board of Commissioners approved repealing its policy on face coverings and replaced it with Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Order 20-81, which took effect at midnight Saturday, July 25.

The county’s policy w...

Roundabouts in Wright County on the Rise

Whether you love them or hate them, roundabouts on major roadways have become the trend in road design when improvements are being made. By next summer, the number or roundabouts on Wright County highways is going to nearly double.

While there are several ...

U of M Extension Offering Three-Day Lunchtime Discussions with Dairy Farmers

University of Minnesota Extension will be hosting a three-part Dairy Discussion Series on topics of interest to dairy farmers from noon to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 1-3. The discussions will be interactive and participants are encouraged to share ideas, ask questio...

Wright County Receives $98,000 In CARES Act Funding for Elections

The CARES Act has provided numerous funding streams for governmental units, businesses and non-profits to assist them in trying to maintain business as usual while preparing themselves and their polling places during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the primary...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period ending Monday, July 27. It can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1802

County Highway 100 in Cokato Township Will Be Closed Aug. 3-13 for Road Repairs

The Wright County Highway Department has announced that County Highway 100 in Cokato Township will be closed from Aug. 3-13 for soil correction work being performed by the Highway Department Maintenance Division.

Starting at approximately 7 a.m. Monday, Au...

County Administering Low-Interest Septic System Loan Program Through the MPCA

For Wright County residents who have failing or non-compliant septic systems, there is an affordable option for them to find the assistance they need through a low-interest septic system loan program administered by the county through the Minnesota Pollut...

Emmer Urging Residents to Be Aware of EDA Grant Scams

Congressman Tom Emmer has released a statement warning residents of fraud alerts for people claiming to represent the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The EDA has become aware of incidents over the past few weeks of fraudulent emails, letters and ...

CDC Provides Guidance Urging the Reopening of Schools in September

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the foremost public health organization in the United States, has issued updated guidance for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has placed an emphasis on the importance of reopening classrooms to...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard. Over the past week (figures through Thursday, July 23), Wright County has experienced its largest weekly total of new confirmed cases with 88, bringing the county’s total of...

Parks & Rec Releases a Statement Dealing with the Face Covering Mandate and County Parks

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department has released a procedures statement as it pertains the Minnesota’s face covering mandate and county parks. Executive Order 20-81 is very specific in terms of indoor settings, but county parks b...

Next Round of Driver's License Renewal Appointments Open July 24

The Wright County License Bureau will be opening the next round of 900 appointments for driver’s license renewals at 8 a.m. Friday, July 24. It will cover the period of Aug. 3-14.

License Bureau staff wish to remind residents that the walk-up win...

County Board Approves Bid for Demolition of The Corner Bar in St. Michael

As the City of St. Michael
continues to grow, one of the casualties of that growth was discussed by theWright County Board of Commissioners this week.

The county board approved a
contract for the demolition of The Corner Bar, a landmark business in St....

Department of Health Releases Answers to Questions Dealing with Face Covering Mandate

As part of Minnesota’s mandatory wearing of masks and face coverings, the Minnesota Department of Health has released answers to frequently asked questions regarding face coverings and links that provide more detailed analysis of some of those q...

Governor Enacts Exective Order 20-81, Masks Become Mandatory at 11:59 p.m. Friday

At 2 p.m. today (July 22), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the enactment of Executive Order 20-81, which will mandate that masks be worn. The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. Friday (July 24).

As it pertains to wearing face coverings, the Executi...

Walz Expected to Announce Statewide Mask Requirement at Today's News Conference

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. today (July 22) at which time he is expected to announce a statewide mandate to wear masks or face coverings at all “indoor places of public accommodation.”

The mask...

Information About How to Vote Absentee

With COVID-19 numbers continuing to rise, many people are taking the option of voting absentee. As of July 20, Minnesota has sent out a record number of ballots – more than 350,000 of them – as the primary election Tuesday, Aug. 11 is ...

Public Health Adds FAQ Section to Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has added a “Frequently Asked Questions” section to its COVID-19 weekly dashboard. The new section provides answers to such questions as why more specific information about positive cases isn’t ava...

County Board Redistrictng History Featured in Spotlight Profile

For the first time since the 1960 Census, Wright County won’t have to conduct a redistricting of the county commissioner districts. For the last 50 years, redrawing commissioner district lines have been a way of life in Wright County –...

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Announces Face Covering Requirement Starting July 27

For those who have scheduled vacations that will have them flying to their destination, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport has been added to a growing list of businesses and areas where people congregate in large numbers that will be requiring face coverings. M...

Extension Offers Tips for Farmers and Gardeners to Reduce Damage Done by Deer

By Alannah Sperr, University of MN Extension intern - Wright County

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a popular species of wildlife in Minnesota. Hunters and wildlife watchers enjoy seeing these deer make a home on their property, but deer ...

U of M Extension Hosting Webinar to Discuss Aid Programs Available to Dairy Farmers

University of Minnesota Extension will be hosting a webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 to discuss the 2020 financial programs available for dairy farmers.

COVID-19 caused significant agricultural market upheaval, with milk prices experiencing some o...

Department of Health Announces Highest Single-Day Total of COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota

At its daily press briefing today (July 20), the Minnesota Department of Health reported 922 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 – the highest single-day total since the pandemic began experiencing cases in Minnesota in March.

It was reported the fir...

Video of Wright County Area Crisis Nursery TV Story Available to View

On Friday, July 17, TV station KSTP Channel 5 aired a news story on the Wright County Area Crisis Nursery – a collaboration between Wright County Health & Human Services and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

 Wright County has op...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its activity report for the period ending Monday, July 20. It can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1780

Campers Advised to Take Precautions with Severe Weather Expected Overnight

For those who will be heading out on camping trips over the weekend, the National Weather Service is advising that those people be aware of the potential for significant storms that are expected to be rolling through the state early Saturday morning.

Many ...

Parks & Rec Planning to Do Crack Filling on Trail System in Otsego County Park

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department is in the process of finalizing a timeline for crack filling on its trail system in Otsego County Park that will require a temporary closure. A date for the crack filling to be completed has yet to be fi...

FCC Unanimously Approves Creation of 988 Number for National Suicide Hotline

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a spike in suicides – a growing national problem that has only been magnified during a global pandemic.

On Thursday (July 16), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved a three-d...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period ending Thursday, July 16. For the third straight week, there have been increases in the number of confirmed cases with 71 new confirmed cases reported this week. Through...

Wright County Area Crisis Nursery to Be Featured on KSTP Channel 5 New Tonight

On the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts on KSTP Channel 5 tonight (July 17), the Wright County Area Crisis Nursery will be highlighted.

The Wright County Area Crisis Nursery is a joint venture with Wright County Health & Human Services and Lutheran Social S...

Potter Says Transportation Alliance Hopes to See Bonding Bill Passed

Wright County Commissioner Mike Potter was in St. Paul Monday in his capacity as 2020 president of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, which met for its monthly meeting to discuss the current impasse between Gov. Tim Walz and the State Legislature in g...

DNR to Host Virtual Open House to Discuss Deer Population Management on Aug. 18

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting a one-hour virtual open house starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, to discuss deer and deer management. The meeting will include a presentation from Barbara Keller, the DNR’s bi...

Target, CVS Added to List of Corporations Requiring Customers to Wear Masks

Target Corp. and CVS Pharmacies have joined the growing list of retailers that are going to require customers entering their stores to wear a face covering.

CVS will start imposing the mask/face covering requirement Monday, July 20. Target will initiate it...

County Board Pledges $4 Million in CARES Act Funding to Assist Schools for COVID-19 Costs

The changes that have needed to be made by all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic have required the federal government to take unprecedented steps to keep the economy from collapsing.

For the last three months, the unemployed have been given $600 a wee...

Wright County Has Surpassed 500 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Four Months After First Case

Today (July 15), Wright County reported that the number of county residents who have confirmed COVID-19 cases had surpassed 500, including five deaths attributed to the coronavirus. The first confirmed case was reported March 13.

Wright County Public Healt...

Parks & Rec to Host a Family Fishing Clinic Saturday at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department will be co-hosting a Family Fishing Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 18, at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Monticello.

The clinic will be presented by Minnesota Trout Unlimited, which ...

Walmart to Require All Shoppers to Wear Face Coverings Starting Monday, July 20

Wearing face coverings or masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a polarizing issue for many. Some see it as an essential way of preventing the spread of the virus, while others see it as an invasion of their Constitutional rights. There is the belie...

Dental Clinic Gets Increase in Funding in Both House and Senate Bonding Bills at Legislature

The proposed dental clinic that has been a component piece of the construction of the new Wright County Government Center got some surprisingly good news this week despite political in-fighting at the State Legislature.

The Legislature is back in special s...

Auditor/Treasurer's Office Publishes Sample Ballot for Voters to See

The 2020 primary election is four weeks away (Tuesday, Aug. 11) and for those wondering what the ballot will look like, the Wright County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office, which oversees elections in the county, has published a sample ballot of what a...

Federal and State Aid Programs Available for Farmers

A message from University of Minnesota Extension

You’ve likely seen that both the Minnesota State Legislature and the U.S. Congress passed financial relief laws in response to the COVID-19 situation. But what do they mean financially for farmers ...

Minnesota Added to To List of States on New York's Travel Restriction List

Anyone with travel plans to the State of New York may have to make some changes to those plans if they aren’t more than two weeks out.

As New York attempts to re-open as part of phased in approach to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota has...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period ending July 13. It can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1761

License Bureau Appointment Schedule Fully Booked Through July 31; 900 More Spots Coming July 24

The Wright License Bureau announced this morning (July 13) that its appointment calendar is completely booked through July 31 for those looking to renew their driver’s licenses or upgrade to REAL ID or an enhanced license. A total of 900 slots w...

Farm Health and Safety? There's an App for That

By Emily Krekelberg, University of Minnesota Extension

Technology plays a vital role in agriculture today, and it can even help us stay safe and healthy on the farm. There are a variety of applications—or apps—available for our smart ph...

State Demographer Projections Show Continued Steady Growth in Wright County

For much of 2020, the United States Census Bureau is tracking the official count of U.S. residents. However, populations can change significantly over the course of 10 years and states take that into account. In the years in between Census periods, state ...

County Creates Task Force to Study the Formation of an Economic Development Authority

Many cities and counties in Minnesota have established Economic Development Authorities (EDA) to oversee the economic growth of their jurisdiction. An EDA’s primary objective is to aid, assist and promote the growth and expansion of commercial, ...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 dashboard for the period ending Thursday, July 9. For the second straight week, Wright County saw an increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The county’s total number of...

Department of Education Study Shows 64 Percent of Parents Comfortable Sending Kids Back to School

The Minnesota Department of Education released the results of a survey of more than 134,000 respondents (parents of students) dealing with questions about whether or not to re-open schools in the fall and the results were significant in the feelings of pa...

REAL ID Causing Issues for Recorder's Office Due to Documentation Confusion

With all requirements and associated headaches with the implementation of REAL ID and enhanced driver’s licenses, the situation has become more complicated for people who have changed their name over the course of their lives – typical...

Bidding for Construction of Trailblazer Transit Facility in Buffalo Set

Construction on the Trailblazer Transit Center in Buffalo is getting closer to getting underway. Wright County and Trailblazer have announced that the bidding process will be completed in July with work scheduled to start in August.

A pre-bid conference am...

Next Round of Driver's License Renewal Appointments Open July 10

The next round of appointments to renew driver’s licenses at the Wright County License Bureau will be available at 8 a.m. Friday, July 10 and will cover the two-week period from July 20 to July 31. The appointments can be made by going to the ho...

Courts to Require Face Coverings Beginning July 13

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Wednesday, July 8 that face coverings are going to be required in all court spaces.

Beginning Monday, July 13, face coverings will be required in all court facilities in Minnesota. If someone does not have a face covering,...

Notice of an Open Seat on the Clearwater River Watershed District Board of Managers

OPEN SEATCLEARWATER RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICTBOARD OF MANAGERS

Notice is hereby given by the Wright County Board of Commissioners that an opening currently exists for a three-year term for one of the seats on the Clearwater River Watershed Board of Managers...

P-EBT Applications Extended Through July 31

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDHS) has some updates regarding Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) for those who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

The deadline to apply for P-EBT benefits has been ex...

Recycling & Compost Facility Now Operating Under Normal Business Hours

A message from Bill Stephens, Wright County Solid Waste Administrator

The Wright County Compost & Recycling Facility is operating again at its regular hours – Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the second Satu...

License Bureau Walk-Up Window Open for Business

As of today (July 8), the Wright County License Bureau
has opened its walk-up window facing the south parking deck of the WrightCounty Government Center.

The walk-up window was installed this week and will
allow residents to have several services proce...

2020 Census Timeline Pushed Back Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the standard timelines for the 2020 U.S. Census have been pushed back approximately three months and, in some cases, more.

Many of the timelines for collecting Census data were focused on April and May, but much of the...

CSAH 32 Segment in Rockford Township Closed Until Thursday

The Wright County Highway Department has announced that a 1.5-mile segment of CSAH 32 east of CSAH 14 in Rockford Township will remain closed until approximately 5 p.m. Thursday, July 9, weather permitting.

A deteriorated centerline pipe underneath CSAH 32...

I-94 Construction Between St. Michael and Albertville Falling Behind Schedule

The construction of a six-mile segment of Interstate 94 between St. Michael and Albertville is approximately a month behind schedule and, by the time it is completed, it will likely have taken two months longer than initially projected.

Wright County Commi...

Wright County Board Accepts Highway Department Annual Report

At its meeting this morning (July 7), the Wright
County Board of Commissioners accepted the annual report from the Wright CountyHighway Department.

The report covers all activities of the department in
2019, including a financial statement, accounts re...

New Driver's Manual Includes Section About Being Stopped with a Legal Firearm In Vehicle

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS) has
updated its Minnesota Driver’s Manual to address growing concerns dealing withdrivers being pulled over by law enforcement, including those legally in
possession of a firearm inside a vehi...

Wright County Residents Responding to 2020 Census In High Percentages

The Wright County Board of Commissioners was presented with updated 2020 U.S. Census data last week that showed the progress that has been made in the self-response portion of the census data collection.

The United States Census Bureau makes every effort t...

U of M Extension Provides Resources to Identify What Is Wrong with Plants

By Jamie Stang, Wright County Extension Master Gardener

Have you ever looked at something growing in your yard and asked, “I wonder what’s wrong with that plant”? If so, you may want to check out the University of Minnesota Ex...

Wright County Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly Activity Report for the period ending July 6. It can be seen here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1739

Two County Park Beaches to Close Tuesday, July 7 for Treatment

A pair of beaches in Wright County parks will closed Tuesday, July 7 for preventative treatment for Swimmer’s Itch.

The beaches at Clearwater/Pleasant and Schroeder Parks will be closed for 24 hours while the treatment is done. There haven&rs...

Wright County Deputy Completes Leadership Course

Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer recently presented Deputy Austin Henre his certificate for completing the Institute for Credible Leadership Development (ICLD) course. Those who choose to take this course do so with development of their leadership skil...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 Dashboard, which has replaced the weekly Surveillance Reports. After four weeks of consistent declines over the previous four weeks, the number of new confirmed cases spiked upward over the last...

Parks & Rec Provides Update for Those Who Will Be Using the Parks Over Holiday Weekend

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department has released a statement wishing parkgoers a safe and happy 4^th of July weekend, along with several links dealing with safety guidance at campgrounds, protocol for safety at crowded beaches, the &ldq...

All County Buildings Closed Friday, July 3

A reminder that all Wright County buildings and offices, as well as the Tenth Judicial District courts, will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Buildings will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, July 6.

DNR to Be Patrolling Lakes and Rivers to Promote Boating Safety On Holiday Weekend

A Message from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota’s lakes and rivers have been particularly popular this season as people ignite or reignite their passion for the water and take advantage of abundant opportunities to boat and...

Growth of Hobby Farms Can Conflict With County's Feedlot Ordinance

Over the last several years, Wright County has witnessed a significant increase in the number of hobby farms in townships. Whether it be families with a horse or two, those who raise chickens for eggs or as pets or those with children in 4-H or FFA, the n...

Upper Lobby of Law Enforcement Center to Reopen to Walk-Up Traffic July 6

Starting Monday, July 6, the upper lobby of the Wright County Law Enforcement Center will reopen to general walk-up traffic. Appointments will no longer be necessary for the Sheriff’s Office records window, civil process window or to apply for a...

MnDOT Has Dash Cam Video Showing Lane Change Construction on I-94 East of Wright County

The Minnesota Department of Transportation wants to make those traveling on the 4^th of July weekend aware of changing lane configurations on eastbound I-94 between Rogers and Maple Grove.

MnDOT has a short dash cam video showing the route in question and w...

Safe Communities of Wright County Has Message About the Dangers of Speeding

A message from Virgil Hawkins, Wright County Highway Engineer/Safe Communities of Wright County Board Member

You may have noticed extra law enforcement on the roads recently. They are working extra speed patrols for those motorists who drive above the spee...

Absentee Ballot Drop Box Installed at Government Center

Anyone who has visited the Wright County Government Center this week has likely noticed a new addition – a large red, white and blue container similar to a mailbox.

It is the county’s drop-off spot for absentee ballots from voters who w...

Today Is the Deadline To Apply For P-EBT Funds

Today (June 30) is the final day for individuals to sign up for the Minnesota Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program – a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Education.

P-EBT...

License Bureau Waiting On Walk-Up Window to Fully Reopen

The Wright County License Bureau has been playing the waiting game throughout the month of June as the office prepares to fully open for business. The holdup has been the arrival of a retrofitted window for the south side of the License Bureau on the park...

DEED Grant Program Deadline Coming Thursday, July 2

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is making $62.5 million in grants available for small businesses that don’t require repayment. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2.

The grants target businesses i...

U of M Extension Taking Applications for Master Gardener Program

By Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension 

Do you have an active interest in gardening? Do you have a desire to share your gardening interest with others? Are you willing to learn more about gardening and other horticultural topics? Are y...

Sheriff's Office Releases Weekly Activity Report

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has released its weekly activity report for the period ending June 29. To see the full report, click here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1718

List of Voting Sites In Wright County for Absentee Voting

For those interested in absentee voting in person prior to the Aug. 11 primary election, there are eight voting sites available. It should be noted that only residents of the seven cities that conduct absentee voting (Albertville, Buffalo, Delano, Hanover...

Applications for Absentee Voting Begins Today

As of today (Friday, June 26), Wright County residents can start receiving absentee ballots for the Aug. 11 primary election.

There are two options voters can use to complete an absentee ballot application – online or filling out a standard paper...

Wright County Public Health Releases Weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report

Wright County Public Health has released its weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report. There have been 410 confirmed cases in Wright County, an increase of 19 cases from the same period last week. That represents the fourth straight week of declining weekly co...

Parade Outside Government Center Honors Three Graduates of The Turn Program

At 1:30 p.m. today, approximately 70 people gathered on the north sidewalk of the Wright County Government Center to celebrate a participation recognition parade for three graduates of the The Turn program.

In 2016, The Turn – an alternative prog...

New Round of Driver's License Renewal Appointments Coming Friday

The next round of appointments for renewing driver’s licenses at the Wright County License Bureau will become available starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, June 26) and will cover the period of July 6-17.

 A total of 900 appointment slo...

I-35 Bridge, Target Field to Salute Graduating Class of 2020

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota Department of Education have announced that over the next two nights (June 25-26) the I-35 bridge over the Mississippi River will be illuminated to honor the graduating class of 2020 throughout Minn...

Economic Development Partnership Looking To Assist Small Businesses

The Wright County Economic Development Partnership has
been assisting small businesses get on their feet since 1993 with low-interestor no-interest loans. With COVID-19 creating a new problem for struggling small
businesses, WCEDP is looking to step u...