General Juror Guidelines

More information about Jury Duty can be found at:  http://mncourts.gov/jurors.aspx

Available Child Care Providers in Response to COVID-19

Update from Governor Tim Walz

COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for Foster Families

COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for Foster Families. This DHS article provides links you to the most updated information about the virus, linked articles on how to talk to children about COVID-19, and maintaining connections with parents and siblings of c...

Highway Department Continuing Operations

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic the Highway Department will be implementing the following procedures beginning Monday, March 30, 2020.  These procedures have been put in place to protect both the public and county employees in following the ...

Spring Weight Restrictions Begin March 09 at 12:01am

Spring load restrictions (SLR) in the CENTRAL frost zone, which includes Wright County, will begin Monday, March 9, 2020 at 12:01 AM.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axl...

Highway Department Releases 2020 Spring Load Restriction Map for County Highways

Every spring, in an attempt to preserve the more than 500 miles of roads on the county’s road system, the Wright County Highway Department places weight restrictions for vehicles on County State Aid Highways (CSAH) and county roads. The weight l...

County Highway 39 Improvement Project (Odean Ave to CSAH 42)

Project Background

County Highway 39 provides east-west mobility and connectivity through the northern part of Wright County from Monticello to Highway 101 in Otsego.  As with the Twin Cities metropolitan region, Wright County and the surrounding ...

Long Range Transportation Plan Adoption

On September 17, 2019 the Wright County Board of Commissioners adopted the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), a document that will prepare the County’s transportation system for continued growth and corresponding travel needs over the next 2...

Parks & Recreation Department Recommending Children Not Use Playground Equipment in Parks

Wright County Parks & Recreation is advising residents that, despite the need for children to get the opportunity to play outside, families should not be using the play structures in county parks.

Parks & Recreation Director Marc Mattice said that,...

Parks and Recreation Current Response To COVID-19

During this time, we understand that visiting parks and trails will provide citizens with an opportunity for physical activity, relaxation, and place to enjoy the outdoors all while maintaining some of the recommendations put forth by the CDC, WHO, and th...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending March 30, 2020

On March 23, Erik Samuel Garcia Salazar, 29, of Litchfield, was arrested in Victor Township on the charge of 5th degree possession of a controlled substance.

On March 23, Reed Allen Clark, 32, of Royalton, was arrested in St. Louis County on a Wright Count...

COVID-19 Executive Order

I have received several phone calls and emails since Governor Tim Walz released Executive Order 20-20 on Wednesday, also known as the “stay home order” so I thought that I would release some information that you may find helpful.&n...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending March 23, 2020

On March 16, John Lisle Halberg, 40, of St. Cloud, was arrested in Stearns County on a Wright County warrant for 4th degree DWI violations.

On March 16, Victoria Louise Hanks, 50, of Buffalo, was arrested in Buffalo on a Wright County warrant for 3rd degre...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending March 16, 2020

On March 9, Renee Ann White, 27, of Eagan, was arrested in Sherburne County on a Wright County warrant for fleeing law enforcement and a Dakota County warrant for theft.

On March 9, Jaime Lee Rathai, 33, of Jordan, was arrested in Hennepin County on a Wrig...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending March 9, 2020

On March 2, Fred Dale Button, 47, of Pine City, was arrested in Chisago County on a Wright County warrant for 5th degree possession of a controlled substance violation.

On March 2, Benjamin Keith Berry, 34, of Lester Prairie, was arrested in Cokato on the ...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending March 2, 2020

On February 24, Brian Robert Neary, 28, of Maple Grove, was arrested in Buffalo on a Wright County apprehension and detention order for 5th degree possession of a controlled substance violation.

On February 24, Tony Zachary Steinhofer, 51, of Annandale, wa...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending February 24, 2020

On February 17, Kenneth Loyd Billings, 32, of White Bear Lake, was arrested in St. Michael on the charge of theft.

On February 17, Brian George Condon, 53, of Delano, was arrested in Delano on the charge of 3rd degree DWI.

On February 17, Rodney Dean Cain, ...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending February 17, 2020

On February 10, Natalie Michelle Ramey, 37, of Albertville, was arrested in Anoka County on a Wright County warrant for 3rd degree possession of a controlled substance violation.On February 10, Law La Soe, 24, of St. Paul, was arrested in Ramsey County on...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending February 10, 2020

On February 3, Dallas Michele Fischer, 41, of Delano, was arrested in Buffalo on a Wright County warrant for violation of an order for protection.On February 3, Brandon Allen Wirgau, 33, of Albertville, was arrested in Sherburne County on a Wright County ...

Wright County Sheriff Activity Report for period ending February 3, 2020

On January 27, Ricky P. Saengsouvanh, 23, of Buffalo, was arrested in Buffalo on a Ramsey County warrant for theft.On January 27, Christopher Robert Anderson, 47, of Delano, was arrested in Buffalo on the charge of violation of an order for protection.On ...

Methamphetamine manufacturing materials located in Monticello

On Saturday, November 16th around 7:50am Wright County deputies were called to a drug complaint near the intersection of 90th St NE and Haug Ave NE in Monticello Township. During the investigation deputies located items and chemicals consistent with those...

Trailblazer Transit Expands Service Area to Assist Veterans to Get to Medical Facilities

Trailblazer Transit, which serves Wright County’s bus transit needs, has announced that it will be expanding the locations it typically provide rides outside of their service area to assist veterans in need.

In a press release issued today, Trail...

U of M Extension Offers Advice As Farmers Deal with COVID-19

By Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension Educator

As we learn more and more about the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems to be harder and harder to predict how long this crisis could last. So as we creep closer and closer to the growing season, I have b...

Recorder's Office Places Drop Box at Office Door to Assist in Processing Documents

Several Wright County departments are attempting to come up with solutions to dealing with the public during the time of public facing counter closures in the Wright County Government due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of them is the recorder’s o...

Governor Extends Driver's License Expiration Dates by Two Months

A notification from the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services: “Governor Tim Walz signed a bill Monday that includes an extension for Minnesotans whose driver’s licenses or ID cards expire during this time. The law extends ...

Spotlight Stories Highlighted on Main Page of County Website

A portion of the Wright County website includes the Spotlight section located at the bottom of the main page. The Spotlight focuses on the issues, programs and people of Wright County. Whether it’s a deep dive on the budget process, the changes ...

Court Administration Issues Release Dealing With Court Forms and Contact Numbers

The following is a message from the 10^th Judicial District, which has been operating during the COVID-19 pandemic under changing state laws that include three different Minnesota Supreme Court rulings. Cases are still being heard. The following is a list ...

Court Administration Has Amnesty Box to Accomodate Large Filing Paperwork

The Court Administration Office of the 10th Judicial District located in Buffalo at the Wright County Government Center wants to inform residents that there is an alternative to bringing large document packets to its office.

Most of the documents people ar...

Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Sends Message to Minnesota Vets

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Commissioner
Larry Herke has sent out a message to all Minnesota Veterans containing thenumbers of Veterans Administration health care facilities for those who are experiencing
symptoms of COVID-19. He u...

Parks & Recreation Department Urging Families Not to Use Playground Equipment in County Parks

Wright County Parks & Recreation is advising residents that, despite the need for children to get the opportunity to play outside, families should not be using the play structures in county parks.

Parks & Recreation Director Marc Mattice said that,...

A Message from Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer to County Residents

I have received several phone calls and emails since Governor Tim Walz released Executive Order 20-20 on Wednesday, also known as the “stay home order” so I thought that I would release some information that you may find helpful.

The Wr...

Highway Department Maintaining Operations

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic the Highway Department will be implementing the following procedures beginning Monday, March 30, 2020.  These procedures have been put in place to protect both the public and county employees in following the ...

License Bureau Looking for Solutions to Line Issues When It Re-Opens

One of the more frustrating aspects for many of those who have come into the Wright County Government Center in recent months been consistently long waiting lines at the county’s license bureau. The combination of the length of time it took to p...

Food Shelf and Health Care Facilities Need Donations During Difficult Time

At a time when all Americans are being asked to pull together to fight the spread of COVID-19, the need for assistance at food shelves and health care facilities are becoming more desperate as the crisis deepens.

Wright County Public Health has sent out a ...

Recorder's Office Still Providing Vital Services for County Residents Needing Vital Records

While a lot of our daily lives are being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus, essential job duties are still being performed in Wright County. One of those positions deemed essential is the county recorder’s office.

Wright County Recor...

County's Compost and Recycling Facility Closed to Public Drop-Off Until Further Notice

Due to the Emergency Declaration by the Wright County Board of Commissioners that was adopted earlier this month to close public facing counters in the battle against the COVID-19 coronavirus and the potential for community spread, the Wright County Compo...

Residents Have Until 3 PM to Drop Off License Tab Renewal Paperwork

With yesterday’s announcement that the State of
Minnesota was shutting down local license bureaus statewide after Governor TimWalz enacted a Shelter in Place stay at home Executive Order that takes effect
shortly before midnight tonight, the...

Child Foster Care Orientation Scheduled for April 14 Has Been Cancelled

Wright County Health & Human Services Child Foster
Care Orientation session that was scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 at the WrightCounty Law Enforcement Center has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
and the state order to stay at home for...

County Board Chair, County Administrator Release Statement on Facility Operations

March 26, 2020

A Statement from Wright County Board of Commissioners Chair Christine Husom and Wright County Administrator Lee Kelly

On March 25, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sent out an Executive Order for Minnesotans to stay at home and shelter in place, a...

REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Pushed Out One Year to Oct. 1, 2021

The
U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Public Affairs announced today(Thursday, March 27) that the deadline for people to switch over to the REAL ID
has been extended one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thedeadline for REAL...

State to Close All License Bureaus at the End of the Business Day Friday

Part of

Read on...

Available Child Care Providers in Response to COVID-19

Update from Governor Tim Walz

Governor Makes Shelter in Place Order, Updates for Child Care Providers and Foster Families

As part of his daily COVID-19 address, Minnesota Governor
Tim Walz announced that a two-week “Shelter in Place” order in an attempt to flattenthe spread of the virus and buy more time to put other plans in place will be
begin at 11...

County Board Approves Nature Preschool at Ney Park

A growing educational tool around the country has been
exposing youngsters to nature by having outdoor-themed preschools that teachand, at the same time, getting impressionable young minds feeling comfortable
with the outdoors in a learning environmen...

County Departments Collaborating to Assist Residents During COVID-19 Crisis

At a time of crisis, it is essential that individuals
and organizations alike work collaboratively for the better good. As we waitfor the next response from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention to provi...

Wright County Public Health Issues Release Listing Resources for Residents

Wright County Public Health has been the lead agent on the local front of the preparation and implementation for combatting the COVID-19 coronavirus at the local level. Today (March 25), WCPH issued a news release that lists many of the resources that res...

Sheriff's Office Receives Federal Grant for Water Patrol This Summer

At a time of isolation like most of us are experiencing at the moment and will be for the short-term future, thoughts of being out on a boat on a Wright County lake in the summer seems like a dream. However, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office is...

Assessor Announces Cancellation of Open Book Meeting Scheduled for April 9

A Memo from Wright County Assessor Tony Rasmuson

Cancellation of the Wright County Open Book Meeting on April 9th, 2020

“Due to concerns over the health and safety of Wright County property owners and employees, the Open Book meeting scheduled to ...

2020 Will Be A Big Year for Central Mississippi River Regional Partnership

For years, there have been mutual interests of cities, townships and drivers on both sides of the Mississippi River, primarily focused on getting a third bridge crossing on the Mississippi River to connect Wright and Sherburne counties. The two existing b...

Wright County Board of Commissioners to Conduct Special Meeting April 2

Last week when the Wright County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency and instituted its Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), it put a two-week employment window in place to address social distancing and allow those with the ability to do...

U of M Extension Office to Conduct Free Fruit and Vegetable Production Webinar April 7

The University of Minnesota Extension Office has been forced to alter some of its scheduled programming from in-person workshops to webinars due to the social distancing protocol.

Extension will be hosting a Fruit and Vegetable Production webinar from 1:30...

County Surveyor Lays Out Operations Plan During Public Distancing Period for Wright County

Wright County Surveyor Steve Jobe has provided information as to how his department will be operating under the constrictions placed on his office by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“We are committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible,&am...

Parks & Recreation Department Recommending Children Not Use Playground Equipment in Parks

Wright County Parks & Recreation is advising residents that, despite the need for children to get the opportunity to play outside, families should not be using the play structures in county parks.

Parks & Recreation Director Marc Mattice said that,...

Wright County Assessor Issues Statement Concerning Boards of Equalization

A memo from Wright County Assessor Tony Rasmuson to county residents and representatives of cities and townships concerning the schedule for Local Boards of Equalization:

As local governments adjust to protect their citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, w...

Be Aware of the Potential Danger of Mixing Cleaning Products As Part of Home Sanitization

Wright County Planning & Zoning, which oversees the county’s Compost and Recycling Facility, wants residents to be informed about the potential hazards of mixing cleaning products, which can be deadly if the wrong chemicals are mixed togethe...

Court Administration Remains Operational, But Public Windows Have Been Closed

The following Administrative Order was released from the 10th Judicial District pertaining to closing the public windows of Court Administration at the Wright County Government Center. Those with court cases pending or looking for forms should contact the...

County Board Meets In Emergency Session to Take Action on COVID-19 Issues

The Wright County Board of Commissioners met in emergency session this morning (Friday, March 20) to make official what the county leadership has been working on this week with the rapid response to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The meeting began with Wright C...

Public Health Issues News Release on Importance of Social Distancing

NEWS RELEASE

March 20, 2020

Importance of Social DistancingEvery person can work to halt the spread of COVID-19

BUFFALO, MN – The ideal goal in fighting a pandemic is to halt the spread of disease. As the number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota conti...

County Recorder Releases Policy for Residents Seeking Documents

Many of the functions of the Wright County Recorder’s Office have been changed. With the closure of public counters Tuesday, Wright County Recorder Tanya West has released the following statement of procedures moving forward:

Wright County Record...

DMV Exam Station in Buffalo Stopping Driver's Tests Effective Immediately

The Department of Motor Vehicles testing office in Buffalo has closed off its driver testing program effective immediately, according to Wright County License Bureau Supervisor Becky Aanerud. The Buffalo Exam Station, which is located at 15 First Ave. S i...

Court Services Remains Open, Providing Those Using Its Services With an Update

An update from Wright County Court Services:

• Court Services is open

• Group Check-in will be by phone – 763-684-8952 – during April and May

• It is recommended that those on probation remain in contact with their probation agents by phone or ...

Auditor/Treasurer's Office Offering Alternative Options for Some Services

Many Wright County residents find themselves looking for services from the county’s Auditor/Treasurer’s office and are looking for options with the public counters currently closed. The A/T office has made the following suggestions to ...

Wright County Parks Are Open and Being Used As an Oasis of Outdoor Activity

Wright County is proud of its parks system and
residents utilize them throughout the year. But, there are slow times in betweenseasons, with March being one of them. With no snow left for winter activities
and it is too early for the springtime warmup...

County Public Counters Closed, But Departments and Offices Are Still Open

Wright County government has closed public access to
window counter service to most areas (exceptions being the Sheriff’s Office,Court Administration and Court Services/Probation), but that doesn’t mean that
the Government Center, ...

Great River Regional Library Closes All Branches Through End of March

The Great River Regional Library announced Monday that it had closed all 33 of its branches effective at 6 p.m. Monday, March 16, and will remain closed through the end of the month.

Nine of GRRL’s 33 branches are in Wright County, serving the co...

Court Administration and Court Services/Probation Counters Remain Open

Earlier today (March 17), the Wright County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency that included closing public facing counters in the Government Center. However, two areas of the Government Center remain open – Court Administratio...

Trailblazer Transit Remains Open for Business

Trailblazer Transit released a statement today (March 17) informing the public that it plans to remain fully operational while many schools, businesses and government entities are closed or cutting back on services.

Here is the statement from Trailblazer:

&...

Wright County Government Center Closing Most Public Counters

With the Wright County Emergency Declaration that was adopted this morning (March 17) in the battle with the COVID-19 coronavirus, in preventing community spread of the virus, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted to close all public facing count...

County Board Adopts Emergency Declaration In Response to COVID-19

Wright County Emergency Declaration

WHEREAS, Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019, commonly known as COVID-19, a respiratory disease-that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not...

License Bureau Requesting That Residents Avoid Long Lines if Possible

At a time when the COVID-19 outbreak has schools and businesses
cutting back hours or closing their doors completely, one place that hasn’tseen a change is the License Bureau in the Wright County Government Center.

With the guidance from the M...

Parks and Recreation Releases a Statement in Response to COVID-19 Restrictions

Wright County Parks and Recreation Administrator Marc Mattice has released a statement about the operations of Wright County parks facilities moving forward in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The press release can be seen by clicking here: http://www.c...

First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 Indentified in Wright County

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 has been identified in Wright County. A press release dealing with the issue has been sent out by Wright County Public Health and can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.co.wright.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/19004/W...

County Administrator Releases Statement Dealing with Wright County Government's Operation Plan

A statement from Wright County Administrator Lee
Kelly:

The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in many changesto the daily lives of our residents. With the first confirmed case of COVID-19
identified in Wright County, we want to inform our residents tha...

Methamphetamine Remains a Critical Issue in Wright County

Last month, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office
coordinated with local police departments in a multi-jurisdictional investigationof several suspects believed to be trafficking methamphetamine. It was a
reminder that, while meth was a scourge ...

Extension to Host Fruit and Vegetable Grower Workshop

University of Minnesota Extension will be hosting a Fruit and Vegetable Grower Workshop focused on pests, diseases, and pollinators. This workshop will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Wright County Highway Building in Buffalo.

The ...

Second Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) stated a month ago that it wasn’t a matter of if Minnesota would see its first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus, but when. On Sunday, the state confirmed the second case of coronavirus in Minnesota, as a ...

Bertram Chain of Lakes Parks Campsite Project Expected to Finish Ahead of Schedule

Whenever there is a construction project of any kind,
one of the biggest fears is that the project will take longer than anticipatedand the potential for cost overruns come in. Just the opposite is true with the
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park pr...

County Roads and Highways Are In Awful Shape, But Not for Long

Anyone who has driven any distance over the last couple of weeks has likely noticed that many of the roads are choppy and make smaller vehicles bounce up and down as if they’re driving on a rumble strip.

Wright County Highway Engineer Virgil Hawk...

Why Do County Highways and Roads Have Spring Load Restrictions?

Every spring, in an attempt to preserve the more than
500 miles of roads on the county’s road system, the Wright County HighwayDepartment places weight restrictions for vehicles on County State Aid Highways
(CSAH) and county roads. The weigh...

Spring Weight Restrictions Begin March 9 at 12:01am

Spring load restrictions (SLR) in the CENTRAL frost zone, which includes Wright County, will begin Monday, March 9, 2020 at 12:01 AM.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axl...

Trailblazer Ridership on the Rise

When Wright County joined Trailblazer Transit, it
wasn’t by choice, it was by force. The State of Minnesota had mandated thatfunding for transit systems be regional, including multiple counties to create
fewer, more uniform systems. For deca...

Wright County Dental Clinic Passes A Big Hurdle at the State Legislature

The proposed inclusion of a dental clinic in the new
Wright County Government got a big boost Tuesday when a bill introduced at the MinnesotaState Legislature (House File 3644) got a hearing before the House Capital
Investment Committee.

One of the big...

Trump, Biden Winners in Wright County in Tuesday's Presidential Nomination Primary

For the first time in 28 years, Minnesota conducted a
Presidential Nomination Primary and President Donald Trump and former VicePresident Joe Biden were decisive winners in Wright County.

President Trump ran unopposed on the ballot and
received 3,298 v...

Minnesota Department of Commerce Urging Residents to Consider Flood Insurance

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is informing
Wright County residents that they may want to look into purchasing floodinsurance due to risks of flooding during the spring runoff season and may want
to act soon because of policy requirements.

The Na...

Wright County Board Adopts Second Amendment Dedicated County Resolution

On Tuesday, March 3, the Wright County Boardroom was
filled to capacity as the county board of commissioners voted to make WrightCounty the sixth county in Minnesota to adopt a “Second Amendment Dedicated
County” Resolution, joinin...

University of Minnesota Extension Looking for Wright County Farm Family of the Year Nominations

By Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension

Wright County has over 1300 farms and ranks in the top ten in Minnesota in the following categories according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture: horses (#1); fruits, nuts and berries; poultry and eggs; and...

Compost & Recycling Facility Taking On-Line Appointments for Drop-offs

With spring right around the corner, a lot of Wright
County residents will look to the annual rite of passage spring cleaning –getting rid of some of the clutter in their houses, garages and yards.

The Wright County Compost & Recycling Fac...

County Adds Link to Latest COVID-19 Information to Its Website Main Page

With concerns growing about the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Wright County Public Health has established a link the county’s website home page.

The link is on the left side of the main page under the heading “Coronavirus (COVID-1...

Wright County Public Health Issues Press Release Dealing with COVID-19

Wright County Public Health has sent out a press
release on developments with the COVID-19 coronavirus dealing with preparednessin the event cases start being confirmed in Minnesota. The release also has
valuable links to the Minnesota Department of H...

Twin Cities Public Television to Air Weekly Programs Dealing With COVID-19

Amid the growing concerns over the potential impact locally of the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) announced that it will be partnering directly with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to brin...

Potter Pushing for Legislative Bonding for Highway 55 Project

Wright County Commissioner Mike Potter has been spending
a good portion of the last two weeks between Wright County and the State Capitolin St. Paul. One of the proposals he is trying to shine a light on is bonding
for the beginning stages of a propos...

HHS Special Needs Fund Gets a $10,000 Donation From Wright County Area United Way

Wright
County Health and Human Services has a program called the Special Needs Fundthat helps Wright County residents in significant financial straits meet their
basic needs when no other resources are available.

TheSpecial Needs Fund seeks out donat...

County Assessor Explains Process of Appealing House Valuations

In March, Wright County residents are going to start
receiving the valuation notices for their homes, businesses and properties fromthe Wright County Assessor’s Office.

County Assessor Tony Rasmuson said that his department
oversees 67,000 pa...

Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit Partners With City Police for Meth Bust

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is tasked as the lead law enforcement agency in all of the county with three exceptions – the cities of Annandale, Buffalo and Howard Lake, all of whom have city police forces.

But, it was the collabor...

Extension Office to Run Weekly Stories From Master Gardeners On How to Be Successful Gardeners

Submitted by Adam Austing, extension educator

What is the University of MN Extension? In 1914, the
Smith-Lever Act created a “Cooperative Extension Service” associated with the landgrant institution in each state. For us, that would ...

Minnesota Department of Health Releases Information Pertaining to Northern Metals Fire in Becker

The information below was developed by the Minnesota Department of Health and shared with local public health agencies on February 20, 2020 in dealing with the fire and smoke emanating from the Northern Metals facility in Becker. Wright County Public Heal...

Dates and Times for Local Boards of Appeal and Equalization Have Been Set for 2020

Next month, the Wright County Assessor’s Office will be sending out valuation notices with the market value of homes and businesses in the county. While not a property tax statement, it is the valuation/classification of properties that determin...

The Census is Coming and Why It Is Important That Everyone Is Counted

In less than a month, citizens throughout the United States will be receiving their 2020 United States Census forms, as the country’s population is counted. The early projection is that the U.S. population is going to grow to approximately 333.5...

Highway Department Releases 2020 Spring Load Restriction Map for County Highways

Every spring, in an attempt to preserve the more than
500 miles of roads on the county’s road system, the Wright County HighwayDepartment places weight restrictions for vehicles on County State Aid Highways
(CSAH) and county roads. The weigh...

County Looking for Legislative Relief to Reduce Long Wait to Take a Driver's Test

Among the issues of interest to Wright County officials
during the current session of the State Legislature is a problem that has been growingover the last several years and may finally be hitting a tipping point –
scheduling a road test wit...

Wright County Public Health Issues a Press Release Discussing COVID-19

Much of the news in recent weeks has been dominated
with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak that began in Wuhan, China in Decemberthat has created a worldwide public health emergency to be declared by the
World Health Organization and in the United S...

For the First Time In 40 Years Wright County Won't Have to Change Commissioner Districts

For the first time in 40 years, barring a shocking
development when the 2020 United States Census is completed, the five Wright Countycommissioner seats will not be subject to redistricting.

Redistricting is the process of redrawing political ...

County Board Receives Annual Medical Examiner's Report of 2019 Deaths In the County

One of the more unpleasant rituals the Wright County Board of Commissioners undertakes every year is to accept the annual Medical Examiner’s Report, which details all deaths that occurred in the county over the course of the previous year.

Dr. A....

County To Change a Pair of Road Designations in Buffalo, Buffalo Township

Having nothing in the bank typically isn’t something positive,
but when it is in the realm of the Wright County Highway Department, havingnothing in the mileage bank is ideal and the department is going to be close to
getting their balance d...

Residents Can Use Drop Boxes to Avoid Lines When Renewing License Tabs

Anyone who has gone to the License Bureau in the Wright County Government Center knows that, thanks to the failed MNLARS computer system that routinely extends transaction times as well as the conversion to Real ID for driver’s licenses, the wai...

County Preparing Comprehensive Strategic Planning Update

One of the more significant projects Wright County is
going to embark on in 2020 is going to be tackling strategic planning for thecounty’s future – assessing the wants and needs of county residents in
determining the county&rs...

Wellness Program Showing Results for Wright County Employees

For almost 30 years, Wright County has made a
concerted effort to promote employee health through its Wellness Committee. Themission of the Wellness Committee is to provide educational and physical activities
and programs that contribute to the overal...

Parks & Recreation Department Conducting a Habitat Restoration Project At Ney Park

People traveling by Robert Ney Memorial Park in the
area surrounding CSAH 8 and 73rd Avenue NW in Maple Lake Township andsee downed trees and trucks and trailers moving around the property might think
there is a small logging operation going on.

There ...

Local Option Sales Tax Funding Several Needed County Highway Projects

At a time when state funding for road projects fluctuates
and the need to improve and repair an aging infrastructure system is becomingmore of an issue, for more than a decade Minnesota counties and larger cities
have looked for ways to increase reven...

Auditor/Treasurer's Office Wins Prestigious Award for Financial Reporting and Disclosure

For years, Wright County officials have expressed the desire to have full transparency with the public on how they conduct business. At the core of that pledge is making their financial books accessible to the public to scrutinize.

On Jan. 28, the Wright C...

Husom Reflects on County Plans for 2020

As part of the Feb. 4 meeting of the Wright County
Board of Commissioners, Christine Husom, the board chair for 2020 opened themeeting with a statement of where she feels Wright County has been and where it
is going.

Husom was the chair in 2015 and ref...

New Flagger Law Empowers Road Crew Employees to Report Dangerous Drivers

It may not always seem like it, but spring isn’t that
far away and, with the change of seasons, Minnesota drivers will beencountering road construction work zones, which can be a dangerous place for
workers and drivers alike.

From 2014-18, th...

Wright County Leading a Push to Get a Medical Assistance Dental Clinic

Earlier this week, the Wright County Board of Commissioners and several department employees met with three state legislators that represent the county to discuss issues of importance to Wright County for the coming legislative session. Among those topics...

County Officials Meet with State Legislators to Discuss Key Issues for the 2020 Legislative Session

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Wright County Board of
Commissioners and several staff members had a sit-down visit with three statelegislators that represent Wright County in St. Paul – Sen. Bruce Anderson
(IR-Buffalo Township), Rep. Eric Lucero (...

Full List of Presidential Nomination Primary Polling Places in Wright County

The Presidential Nomination Primary is coming Tuesday,
March 3 and there are 45 voting precincts in Wright County. Six cities and one townshiphave multiple precincts within their borders (Albertville, Buffalo, Hanover,
Monticello, Otsego, St. Michael ...

Official Notice of Presidential Nomination Primary

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 207A.11, a Presidential Nomination Primary will be held on March 3, 2020, in the State of Minnesota, the County of Wright.

Presidential nomination primary voters must be registered to vote pursuant to Minnesota Statute 201.054...

Potter Begins Term as Minnesota Transportation Alliance President for 2020

Wright County Commissioner Mike Potter oversaw his
first meeting Monday, Jan. 27 as the 2020 president of the MinnesotaTransportation Alliance (MTA).

The MTA is in its 127th year, making it the
oldest transportation lobbying firm in the country. It is ...

County Board Approves Moving Forward With Turn Lane Project at Bertram Chain of Lakes Park

There are often times when a project needs to get done,
whether it’s a small home remodel or a larger government project, and thequestion comes up, “Where will the money to pay for it come from?”

That was a topic of discuss...

County Board Approves Carrying Over Department Budget Dollars to Complete Projects

Every year, the Wright County Board of Commissioners deals with budget issues that include carrying over unused portions of county budgets from one budget year to the next – often referred to as turnback dollars.

At its Jan. 28 meeting, the count...

Wright County Looking to Connect Two of the State's Largest Bike Trail Systems

For more than a decade, the State of Minnesota has
prioritized enhancing bike trail systems that can connect large segments of thestate. That commitment included Minnesota residents voting to approve a half-cent
sales tax in 2008 to create Legacy fund...

Only One of Wright County's 15 Townships Will Have Contested Election In March

Fifteen of Wright County’s 18 townships will be conducting
elections for township board supervisor and clerk positions on March 10, butonly one of the elections will be contested and one will be determined by
write-in voting because nobody f...

Survey: More Than Half of Wright County High School Juniors Still Text and Drive

The Hands-Free Law, which prohibits talking or texting on a cell phone while driving, has been the law in Minnesota since Aug. 1, 2019, but compliance with the law among teens hasn’t fully caught on with teens.

Wright County Commissioner Christin...

Ney Park to Host Master Naturalist Volunteer Program Aug. 10-15

The Wright County Parks & Recreation Department
will serve as host this summer for the annual Minnesota Master Naturalist VolunteerProgram, which is run by the University of Minnesota Extension Office.

Registration is currently open and the class si...

Potter Hopeful of Obtaining Federal Transportation Dollars for I-94 Completion

When it comes to highway construction that will be ongoing
in Wright County over the next year to 18 months, drivers will be experiencinga “good news, bad news” scenario, especially in the northeastern portion of the
county. In the...

Highway Department Looking for Alternatives to Salt to De-Ice Roads in Winter

Whenever there is a snow or ice event in Minnesota,
you don’t need to see the area that got impacted to know where it hit. All youneed to do is look at vehicles that are streaked with road salt. However, the
day may be coming soon where high...

County Board Tables Discussion of Refugee Resettlement Amid Legal Battle In Federal Court

An Executive Order issued September 26, 2019 by
President Donald Trump requiring state and local governments to provideofficial consent to allow refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions has been
the source of nationwide discussion over the last fou...

Annual Dog Sledding Adventure A Big Success for Wright County Parks & Recreation

A True Minnesota Adventure – by Brad
Harrington, Parks & Recreation

After the holidays, winter starts to set in. Thetemperatures drop and the realization that all we might see for the next couple
of months is a blanket of white snow. What...

Commissioner Debunks Rumor Concerning Government Center Construction

There is plenty of business that comes before the
Wright County Board of Commissioners during its weekly meetings, but at itsJan. 21 meeting, the board had an unusual topic of conversation – quelling a
rumor that the county was looking to ex...

Recorder's Office Now Offering Option for Residents to Download Land Records

Prior to this week, if an individual wanted to access
documents pertaining to land records Wright County, they were required to cometo the Wright County Recorder’s Office to obtain copies of those documents.
But, that has changed thanks to t...

Sheriff's Office Presents Rivers of Hope $14,805 Raised From 2019's Beard Challenge

In November and December of 2019, Wright County
Sheriff Sean Deringer ran a contest in his office – the Beard Challenge. Itallowed deputies and sheriff’s office staff to grow beards, which they are
forbidden to do ordinarily. The p...

Veteran Service Office Completes Massive Records Digitization

There are times when a task seems a little too overwhelming
to take on, but when it something that will make life better and easier for alot of people down the road when the hard work is done, it can be gratifying.

It was one such challenge that greeted...

Backpack Buddies Program Helping Hungry Families

Sometimes the reality of those who are struggling
the provide their kids with the basic necessities of life can be a little overwhelming.Not every child gets three meals a day and Buffalo-Montrose-Hanover School District
has decided to do something ab...

Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Constructing Camping Sites for a 2021 Opening

One of the most beautifully aesthetic pieces of property in Wright County is the Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park in Monticello Township. It is a pristine park that, on weekends in the summer, will attract more than 800 visitors a day.

But, those who v...

County Board Makes Commitee/Advisory Board Assignments for 2020

When someone typically thinks of the job of a county commissioner, it involves their Tuesday board meetings that are live-streamed on YouTube. But, their jobs go far beyond that.

In reality, the primary job of the commissioners – or at least the most time-...

Feds Take Another Big Step In Combatting Vaping Among Children

The
tightening of regulation on the vaping industry is continuing to change thelandscape of e-cigarettes.

Last
month, President Donald Trump signed into law an act of Congress to raise thelegal age to purchase tobacco/e-cigarette products from 18 to ...

County Departments Collaborating for Jail Release Assistance Program

There are several unsung programs operated by Wright
County that are often in-house initiatives by employees to help people improvetheir lives – whether the programs receive much outside recognition or not.

One such program is the Wright Count...

Confusion Remains Over New T-21 Law

There has been a lot of confusion raised in recent
days about the changes made to the federal law that raised the legal age topurchase tobacco/e-cigarette products from 18 to 21. If you’re confused, you’re
not alone.

There have been...

Sheriff's Office Seeking Information From the Public Concerning Death Investigation

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is seeking anyone with information to assist the department in an active death investigation.

On Dec. 29, a body was found in Kingston Township in Meeker County, near the western border of Wright County. The body was iden...

Qualified County Residents Can Apply for First-Time Home Buyer Program

For many, the dream of home ownership is a goal set at
a young age, but often can be a daunting challenge for young people looking toavoid building a debt burden early in life or have difficulty coming up with
the needed money to make a down payment a...

Board Approves 2020 Meeting Schedule

The Wright County Board of Commissioners has announced its 2020 schedule authorizing board attendance at a series of meetings outside of the standard board meeting or workshop format. In keeping with Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law, which requires the public...

Wright County Social Services Receives $10,000 Grant From Wright-Hennepin Electric Trust

For those who find themselves in dire need of assistance there is only so much that government can typically do in trying to provide for those necessities. However, one such Wright County program has recently partnered up with an area business to help pro...

County Moving Forward On History Wall at Justice Center

The summer of 2020 is going to mark the opening of the new Wright County Justice Center and one of the aesthetic aspects of the building that is planned to be incorporated will be an iconic image for those entering the building.

Part of the design is going...

County Board Likely To Continue Lobbying Effort for 2020 Legislative Session

The Dec. 31 agenda of the Wright County Board of Commissioners will include a consent agenda item dealing with retaining the lobbying firm of Flaherty & Hood to represent Wright County’s interests during the 2020 session of the Minnesota Sta...

Spouses of Vietnam Vets May Be Eligible for Benefits Under Blue Water Navy Veterans Act

The Wright County Veteran Services Office is reaching
out to the surviving spouses and dependent children of Vietnam veterans who maybe eligible for benefits for “Blue Water Navy” veterans who, for decades, were
denied benefits related to potential ex...

Tobacco 21 Ordinance To Take Effect Jan. 1

On Jan. 1, Wright County will begin enforcement of its
Tobacco 21 ordinance, which officially raises the age in which someone canpurchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

The county had to go out on its own to get a Tobacco
21 ordinance passed because t...

WCCA Gets Grant Award From Otto Bremer Trust

For the last 75 years, the Otto Bremer Trust, a
philanthropic arm of Bremer Banks, has given out grants to worthy causes inMinnesota, North Dakota and western Wisconsin. Each year, there is a lot of
competition for grant funding because the trust, whi...

Sheriff's Office Beard Challenge Raises Money For Rivers of Hope

During the month of December, things were pretty hairy at the Wright County Law Enforcement Center, as more than 90 deputies, correctional staff and sheriff’s office employees took part in the Wright County Sheriff’s Office Beard Chall...

County Receives $227,000 Allocation To Combat Aquatic Invasive Species

Although Wright County no longer has a regional boat
inspection program to combat Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), it doesn’t meanthe county won’t have a big presence over the summer months.

This week, Wright County received $227,249 ...

Health & Human Services Has Urgent Need For Volunteer Drivers

This time of the year is known as the season of giving
and Wright County Health & Human Services (HHS) is looking for area residentsto give of their time to help fellow residents in need.

HHS has an urgent need for drivers in its Volunteer
Transpor...

County Board Sets 2020 Budget, Levy

A year after Wright County initiated one of the biggest
levy increases in county history, at its Dec. 17 meeting, the Wright CountyBoard of Commissioner adopted its 2020 budget and certified taxable levy (the
amount paid by county residents through pr...

County Awards Contract For Hwy. 19 and 38 Construction

For those who have fought the congestion attempting to get in and out of the Albertville outlet mall on Highway 19 next to I-94, help is on the way. It will take some time and will cause some traffic headaches along the way to get there, but the process o...

Parks & Rec To Partner Up To Combat Aquatic Invasive Species

Less than a year ago, Wright County was looking to
expand its pilot project to require boat inspections for Aquatic InvasiveSpecies (AIS) on county lakes from three lakes to nine. One of the six lakes that
was to be part of the expansion was Cedar Lak...

REAL ID Deadline Getting Closer

Over the coming months, the State of Minnesota will be reminding residents that many of them may want to get their driver’s licenses updated.

In 2018, Minnesota began implementing REAL ID, an upgrade to the standard driver’s license or ...

Wright County Board to Set 2020 Budget, Levy at Dec. 17 Board Meeting

The Wright County Board of Commissioners is scheduled
to set the 2020 budget and certified levy at its next board meetingTuesday, Dec. 17.

The proposed 2020 budget is $160,944,532, while the
levy (the amount paid in property tax by residents), will be ...

Sign Up for Free Alerts of County News and Programs

Want to have your devices connected to Wright County
events or programs of interest to you? You’re only a couple of clicks away withthe county’s Notify Me system, which is located on the county’s homepage at www.co.wright....

County Highway 39 Improvement Project (Odean Ave to CSAH 42)

Project Background

County Highway 39 provides east-west mobility and connectivity through the northern part of Wright County from Monticello to Highway 101 in Otsego.  As with the Twin Cities metropolitan region, Wright County and the surrounding ...

Long Range Transportation Plan Adoption

On September 17, 2019 the Wright County Board of Commissioners adopted the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), a document that will prepare the County’s transportation system for continued growth and corresponding travel needs over the next 2...

Justice Center construction on live video