Winona County, Minnesota

Economic Development Authority Board

The July 23, 2026, meeting of the Winona County Economic Development Authority has been canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on six conditional/interim use permit petitions. One request seeks to allow a one-day public gathering of up to 499 people on private land in the Agricultural-Resource Conservation (A/RC) Zoning District. Five other petitions involve new dwellings on less than required acreage in the A/RC district, with two also within the Shoreland Overlay District. The commission will also consider altering its start time and receive updates from the Board of Adjustment and County Board.

• Petition PC 07-16-26-01: Nyhus Schaffer for Chariots4Hope seeks a permit for a one-day public gathering of up to 499 people in the A/RC Zoning District.
• Petition PC 07-16-26-02: James & Sheila McNalley and Mitchell McNally seek a permit for a new dwelling on less than required acreage in the A/RC district.
• Petition PC 07-16-26-03: William & Jacqueline Underhill and Skip Wieser seek a permit for a new dwelling on less than required acreage and within the Shoreland Overlay District in the A/RC district.
• Petition PC 07-16-26-04: Underhill and Wieser seek a permit for a new dwelling on less than required acreage in the A/RC district (second petition).
• Petition PC 07-16-26-05: Underhill and Wieser seek another permit for a new dwelling on less than required acreage in the A/RC district (third petition).

Board of Adjustment

The Winona County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a petition by Mitchell McNally, and James & Sheila McNally for a variance from Zoning Ordinance Chapter 10.4.7.6 to allow a single-family dwelling on class I–III soils in the Agriculture/Resource Conservation district. Staff recommends approval with conditions, including obtaining a conditional use permit. The property is located in Homer Township (Parcel ID 06.000.4760) along McNally Ridge Rd.

• Public hearing on variance request (Docket BOA 07-16-26-01) for a single-family dwelling on prime agricultural soils in Homer Township
• Staff analysis finds the variance meets all eight approval criteria and recommends approval subject to conditions
• Applicant seeks to build on a ~6-acre parcel carved from a 79-acre farm, retaining surrounding cropland
• No neighbor comments received as of staff report; legal notice published in Winona Post on July 1, 2026

Winona County Board

The Board of Commissioners will consider a preliminary levy resolution and a proposed boundary change presented by the DNR. The meeting includes several contract awards and the approval of a county abatement policy.

• Proposed boundary change presentation from the DNR
• 2027 preliminary levy resolution and SEMMCHRA allocation
• 2027-2031 Recycling Collection Services Contract to Harter's Quick Clean Up
• Bid award for two dump box and snowplow packages to Universal Truck Equipment Inc.
• Approval of Winona County Abatement Policy

Economic Development Authority Board

The Economic Development Authority meeting scheduled for June 25, 2026, has been canceled by Planning & Environmental Services. No items were decided or discussed.

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will hold a regular meeting at 6:00 PM, preceded by a Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting at 5:55 PM. The board is scheduled to vote on a consent agenda that includes an amended 2026 fee schedule, an intergovernmental agreement for emergency communications support with Rice and Steele 911 Center, renewal of liquor licenses, and several IT and highway projects. In general business, the board will appoint liaisons and receive information on awarding a 2027-2031 recycling services contract.

• Amended 2026 Fee Schedule
• Intergovernmental Agreement for Emergency Communications Support with Rice and Steele 911 Center
• Renewal of Liquor On/Off-sale and Beer Off-sale Licenses
• Approve CSAH 44 Cattle Pass Replacement with 24-inch Culvert
• Appoint Two County Board Members to Joint Airport Zoning Board

The Board approved several administrative items including the June 9 minutes and various committee minutes. Decisions were made regarding technology upgrades, emergency communications, and board appointments.

• Approved June 9, 2026 County Board minutes (5-0)
• Acknowledged Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission minutes (5-0)
• Approved liquor license renewals (5-0)
• Approved CSAH 44 Cattle Pass Replacement with 24” culvert (5-0)
• Approved payment to Katelynn Lange for well decommissioning (5-0)
• Approved amended 2026 fee schedule (5-0)
• Approved Heartland Business Systems statement of work for hazardous waste camera project (5-0)
• Approved Rice and Steele 911 Center intergovernmental agreement (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Winona County Planning Commission will review a petition by the Mark J Henderson Family Trusts for an Interim Use Permit to place 10,526 cubic yards of earthen fill on two parcels in the Zenke Subdivision. The fill, sourced from a nearby MN DOT highway project, is intended to raise grades for a new dwelling on lot 5 and a storage structure on Outlot A. Staff recommend approval with conditions on road repair, compliance with regulations, and final inspection.

• Interim Use Permit request for 10,526 cubic yards of fill on parcels #08.005.0200 and #08.005.0271
• Fill material coming from MN DOT I‑90 eastbound ramp project managed by Dunn Blacktop Company
• Condition that Dunn Blacktop repair any damage to New Hartford Township Road (Duane Drive)
• Requirement for final inspection to verify erosion and storm‑water controls after land disturbance
• Support noted from New Hartford Township (signed May 14, 2026) and public notice mailed to 53 neighbors

Board of Adjustment

The June 18, 2026, Winona County Board of Adjustment meeting has been cancelled. The next scheduled meeting is July 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Board of Appeal & Equalization

The Winona County Board of Appeal and Equalization will hear property owner appeals and vote on the assessor's 2026 assessment report, which recommends significant value increases: base house value per square foot rose from $170 to $189, commercial buildings increased 25%, and apartments rose 7-13%. Several districts have median sales ratios below the 90% threshold, requiring mandatory increases. The board will also act on the assessor's consent change list.

• Base value per square foot for houses increased from $170 to $189
• Commercial property buildings up 25% county-wide
• Apartments with 4 or fewer units up 13%; 5+ units up 7%
• Neighborhood factors changed in Homer Twp (1.11 to 1.2), Rollingstone Twp (0.96 to 1.2), and Utica City (0.93 to 0.97)
• Total reappraisals in Whitewater Twp, Minneiska City, Saratoga Twp, St. Charles Twp, Lewiston City, 50% of Goodview, and 20% of Winona City

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the 2026 fee schedule. The consent agenda includes appointments, bid awards, grant approval, and other routine items. Regular business also includes committee reports and communications.

• Public hearing to amend 2026 fee schedule
• Resolution appointing Jill Chaffee as Community Services Administrator
• Award bid for Aggregate Shouldering to Dunn Blacktop Company
• Award bid for 2026 Pavement Markings to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC
• Approve 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant

The Board approved several consent items including a new Community Health Services Administrator. They also authorized an application for the Minnesota Trail Assistance Program and passed a performance measures resolution.

• Approved May 26, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Acknowledged Health and Human Services Advisory Committee minutes (5-0)
• Approved Jill Chaffee as Community Health Services Administrator (5-0)
• Approved MN Trail Assistance Program application for SE MN ATV CLUB (5-0)
• Awarded bid for aggregate shouldering to Dunn Blacktop Company (5-0)
• Accepted certificate of performance and final payment for CSAH 16 & 20 resurfacing (5-0)
• Awarded 2026 pavement markings bid to Sir Lines-A-Lot, LLC (5-0)
• Approved 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant (5-0)

Parks & Environment Advisory Committee

At this meeting, the committee will discuss a Legacy Conservation Grant application for Apple Blossom Park and hold a comprehensive plan input session with Lew Overhaug. Old business includes review of the Outline of Operations approved by the county board on May 12. Progress reports will be given on Stone Point Park, Apple Blossom Park, and Farmers Park.

• Discuss Legacy Conservation Grant application for Apple Blossom Park
• Comprehensive Plan Input Session with Lew Overhaug
• Progress report on Stone Point Park: leafy spurge response and greenhouse auction
• Progress report on Apple Blossom Park: logging concluded, prescribed burn planning, prairie dedication
• Progress report on Farmers Park: no updates

Economic Development Authority Board

The Economic Development Authority meeting scheduled for May 28, 2026, has been canceled by Planning & Environmental Services. No other business is listed for this date.

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board of Commissioners will meet to award bids for 2026 road projects and approve a boating safety grant. The board will also discuss the Law Enforcement Center remodel and the potential replacement of the state flag.

• Award bid for 2026 Chip Seal Project to Scott Construction, Inc.
• Award bid for 2026 Otta Seal Surfacing to Scott Construction, Inc.
• Approve 2026 State of Minnesota Federal Supplemental Boating Safety Patrol Grant Agreement
• Discuss potential request for update on estimates for Law Enforcement Center remodel options
• Discuss potential replacement of MN Old State Flag with New Design

The Winona County Board approved the award of the 2026 Chip Seal Project and the 2026 Otta Seal Surfacing to Scott Construction, Inc. The board also approved the minutes from May 12 and the Economic Development Authority minutes from March 26. Additional actions included approving a state boating safety grant, confirming payment of various disbursements, and adopting a new Minnesota state flag design.

• Approved Board minutes dated May 12, 2026 (Yes – 5)
• Approved Economic Development Authority minutes dated March 26, 2026 (Yes – 5)
• Approved amendment moving Consent Business item 7.3 to 8.0 (Yes – 5)
• Awarded 2026 Chip Seal Project to Scott Construction, Inc. (Yes – 5)
• Awarded 2026 Otta Seal Surfacing to Scott Construction, Inc. (Yes – 5)
• Confirmed payment of disbursements totaling $2,648,158.21 (Yes – 5)
• Approved 2026 State of Minnesota Federal Supplemental Boating Safety Patrol Grant Agreement (Yes – 5)
• Replaced old Minnesota state flag with new design (Yes – 3; No – 2)

Whitewater Joint Powers Board (WWJPB)

The board is meeting for its final session to formalize the disbandment of the organization. Members will discuss the disposal of remaining properties and acknowledge resolutions from partners to terminate the Joint Powers Agreement.

• Formal disbandment of the Whitewater Joint Powers Board
• Disposal of properties not sold on public surplus or distributed to SWCDs
• Review of the 2025 Audit Report
• Financial update provided by Dicey Spring

The board approved the 2025 audit report and authorized disposal of leftover surplus items valued at no more than $200. It acknowledged partner resolutions, formalized the disbandment of the Whitewater Joint Powers Board, and set pending fund distributions to the three counties. The final meeting was adjourned with no future meetings scheduled.

• Approved 2025 audit report (vote: Yes – All)
• Authorized disposal, donation, or transfer of remaining surplus items (value ≤ $200) (vote: Yes – All)
• Acknowledged partner resolutions and formalized WWJPB disbandment (vote: All – Yes)
• Adjourned final meeting (vote: Yes – All)
• Approved minutes of Nov 25, 2025 meeting (vote: Yes – All)
• Approved agenda (vote: Yes – All)
• Approved consent items (vote: Yes – All)

Planning Commission

The May 21, 2026, Planning Commission meeting has been canceled by Planning & Environmental Services. The next scheduled meeting is June 18, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

• Meeting canceled by Planning & Environmental Services
• Next meeting: June 18, 2026, at 7:00 pm

Board of Adjustment

The Winona County Board of Adjustment will hear Petition BOA 05-21-26-01 from Sarah Slaby on behalf of Vicki Tiedemann requesting a variance from WCZO Chapter 10.4.7.6. The variance would allow a single‑family dwelling on a ~44.02‑acre parcel at the end of Windy Point Rd that contains about 51% Class I‑III soils, exceeding the ordinance’s soil‑type limits. Staff have prepared findings and recommendations, and public comments have been solicited.

• Petition BOA 05-21-26-01 seeks a variance to permit a single‑family dwelling on a ~44.02‑acre parcel of Class I‑III soils.
• Parcel is located at the end of Windy Point Rd with ~40 ft of road frontage, bordering the City of Stockton.
• Variance request aims to exceed the WCZO 10.4.7.6 soil requirement that parcels have less than 40% Class I‑III soils.
• Staff recommendation includes conditions and references prior permits (1978 variance, 1980 conditional use, 1992 sewage permit).
• Township acknowledgment and notice of hearing were provided to neighboring property owners and local townships.

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will consider several consent items including two conditional use permits and a professional services agreement. In general business, they will discuss a potential moratorium on development along scenic byways. The board will also discuss replacing the Minnesota state flag with a new design and future agenda items on data centers. A working session on the future budget is scheduled.

• Approve Conditional Use Permit for Randy Tarjeson
• Approve Conditional Use Permit for Jake and Edna Shetler
• Approve Professional Services Agreement for Certified Public Accountant Services
• Discuss Potential Moratorium of Development of Scenic Byways
• Discuss Potential Replacement of MN Old State Flag with New Design

The Winona County Board approved a detour agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for use of County State Aid Highways 22 and 39 as a detour during construction on Trunk Highway 74. The board also approved several consent items, including conditional use permits, a professional services agreement, and the 2025 Polling Place Accessibility Grant agreement. Resolutions were adopted for a law‑enforcement memorial day, donations, and other items. The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 a.m.

• Approved Detour Agreement No. 1061986 with MnDOT (vote: Yes – 4)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Randy Tarjeson (consent)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Jake and Edna Shetler (consent)
• Approved Professional Services Agreement for CPA services (consent)
• Approved 2025 Polling Place Accessibility Grant Program Agreement (consent)
• Approved Recovery Corps Program and fee with AmeriCorps (consent)
• Approved Resolution accepting $1,025.78 in donations (consent)
• Approved Resolution proclaiming May 13, 2026 Law Enforcement Memorial Day (vote: Yes – 4)

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will discuss a potential moratorium on development along scenic byways and approve various contracts, including road resurfacing and a mental health center partnership. The meeting also includes the appointment of a new county assessor and approval of a data backup solution.

• Discuss potential moratorium of development on Scenic Byways
• Award bid for CSAHs 4, 5, 12, 37 and 39 resurfacing to Dunn Blacktop Company
• Approve contract with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
• Approve appointment of Lindsey Brandt as County Assessor
• Approve purchase of ExaGrid Solution to maintain data backups

The board appointed Lindsey Brandt as Winona County Assessor at a salary of $112,636.42 per year, term through Dec 31 2028. The board approved multiple consent‑business items, including a contract with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, an LG220 gambling exempt permit for Pickwick Mill Inc., a road‑resurfacing award to Dunn Blacktop, a cooperative agreement with the City of Utica, an extension of the Port Authority lease for the 165 West Second Street parking lot, and a recycling program request for proposals. Additional approvals included purchase of an ExaGrid backup solution and adoption of the 2025 feedlot program review, each passing with a vote of Yes – 4.

• Appointed Lindsey Brandt as County Assessor (Yes – 4)
• Approved contract with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (Yes – 4)
• Approved LG220 gambling exempt permit for Pickwick Mill Inc. (Yes – 4)
• Awarded road resurfacing bid to Dunn Blacktop Company (Yes – 4)
• Approved cooperative agreement with City of Utica for CSAH 33 project (Yes – 4)
• Extended lease with Port Authority of Winona for 165 West Second Street parking lot (Yes – 4)
• Approved recycling program request for proposals (Yes – 4)
• Approved purchase of ExaGrid solution for data backups (Yes – 4)

Economic Development Authority Board

The Winona County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular meeting on April 23, 2026, to approve minutes, review financial reports and loan status, and discuss new business including a loan for Kickass Store LLC. Old business includes a workshop on the comprehensive plan and the 2026 workplan survey.

• Discussion of a loan for Kickass Store LLC
• Comprehensive Plan Workshop as old business
• 2026 Workplan Survey review
• Financial reports for March 2026 and current loan status

Planning Commission

The commission will consider a petition by Jake and Edna Shetler for a Conditional Use Permit to build a single‑family dwelling on less than 40 contiguous acres. It will also consider a petition by Randy Tarjeson for an Interim Use Permit to operate a recycling baler manufacturing business in Fremont Township. The agenda includes routine approvals of the agenda, the March 19 minutes, and an amendment to the Rules of Procedure.

• Conditional Use Permit petition (Docket # PC 04-16-26-01) for a single‑family dwelling on <40 acres per WCZO Chapter 10.4.6.36.A
• Interim Use Permit petition (Docket # PC 04-16-26-02) for a recycling baler manufacturing business in Fremont Township per WCZO Chapter 10.4.6(27)
• Approval of the meeting agenda
• Approval of March 19, 2026 minutes
• Adoption of amended Rules of Procedure

Board of Adjustment

The Winona County Board of Adjustment will consider a variance for Jake and Edna Shetler to keep a dwelling located 275 feet from a feedlot, which is less than the required 1,000 feet, and to allow the dwelling to be built on prime soils. The structure was built without permits and is currently used as living quarters for the petitioner's son and family.

• Variance request for dwelling near feedlot (275 ft vs 1,000 ft setback)
• Variance request to allow dwelling on prime soils (Class III)
• Conditional use permit application for dwelling on less than 40 acres
• Structure built without proper permitting
• Address: TBD Willnow Lane, St. Charles Township

Road & Bridge Committee

The Winona County Road & Bridge Committee will discuss winter gravel road maintenance, a change to county route sign design, the alignment of County Road 39, and review capital items for equipment, road and bridge projects. Updates on maintenance and construction projects will also be provided.

• Winter gravel road maintenance – discussion of sanding practices
• County route signs changed in Mn MUTCD from white square to blue pentagon
• County Rd 39 alignment review from S Jct Hwy 74 to CSAH 24 in Elba & St. Charles Townships
• Capital items review – equipment, road and bridge projects
• Maintenance and construction project updates

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will approve a local state of emergency declaration and ratify it. The board will also award contracts for fuel, two plow truck chassis, and a labor agreement, and approve software and grant agreements.

• Approve Declaration of Local State of Emergency
• Award Bid for Annual Supply of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel
• Award Bid for Two Plow Truck Chassis to DeBauche Truck & Diesel, Inc.
• Approve 2025-2027 Supervisors Labor Agreement
• Approve Well Inventory Grant Agreement with Minnesota Department of Health

The Winona County Board continued the Local State of Emergency related to a cybersecurity incident. It approved a Conditional Use Permit for Leidel’s Orchard with added conditions, and authorized several contracts and a labor agreement. The board also accepted a $22,750 state grant for the Sexual Assault Interagency Council.

• Continued Local State of Emergency (Resolution #2026-08) – approved
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Leidel’s Orchard with conditions – Yes 3; No 1; Abstain 1
• Approved utilization of reserves for pavement resurfacing at Nodine Highway Shop – Yes 4; No 1
• Approved 2025-2027 Supervisors Labor Agreement – Yes 3; No 2
• Approved renewal of ESRI GIS software user license agreement – approved
• Awarded annual gasoline and diesel fuel supply contract to Consolidated Energy Company – approved
• Awarded two plow truck chassis contract to DeBauche Truck & Diesel, Inc. – approved
• Accepted $22,750 State OJP grant for Sexual Assault Interagency Council – approved

Stockton Rollingstone Minnesota City Watershed District

The Watershed District board reviewed several items, including a Treasurer’s Report to be emailed, updates on Rollingstone ponds, a scholarship review, and plans to start the 2025 audit. They approved pond clean‑out work for several individuals, with some marked as completed.

• Treasurer’s Report – to be emailed by Diane
• Rollingstone ponds – updates to be reviewed next month
• WSD scholarship – three items to review
• 2025 audit – Katie Jacobson to start in April
• Pond clean‑outs approved for Michael Butenhoff, Richard Hauser, Diane Dingfelder (completed), Joel Speltz (completed), and Judy Gilow

Parks & Environment Advisory Committee

The Parks & Environment Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for April 7, 2026, has been cancelled by Planning & Environmental Services.

Economic Development Authority Board

The Economic Development Authority will hold elections for President and Vice President. The board will also discuss the 2026 work plan, a comprehensive plan workshop, and current loan statuses.

• Election of President and Vice President
• Review of 2026 Coordinators Report and Work Plan
• Comprehensive Plan Workshop
• Financial reports and loan updates
• Review of membership and vacancies

The Economic Development Authority approved its agenda and prior minutes, elected Jim Vrchota as President, Kyle Rupprecht as Vice President, and Lew Overhaug as Secretary/Treasurer. The board also approved the financial reports and changed the end‑of‑year meeting dates to Nov 18 and Dec 16, 2026. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved agenda (vote: Yes – All)
• Approved minutes for Oct 23 2025 (vote: Yes – All)
• Elected Jim Vrchota as President (vote: Yes – All)
• Elected Kyle Rupprecht as Vice President (vote: Yes – All)
• Elected Lew Overhaug as Secretary/Treasurer (vote: Yes – All)
• Approved financial reports (vote: Yes – All)
• Approved change of meeting schedule to Nov 18 and Dec 16, 2026 (vote: Yes – All)

Emergency Coordinating Committee

The Emergency Coordinating Committee will hear agency and department updates, consider 2026 training requests, and receive updates on the county radio system, hazard mitigation plan, ransomware recovery, and a new computer‑aid dispatch system. It will also discuss Public Safety Day at the Winona County Fair and hold an open discussion before adjourning.

• 2026 training requests
• Radio System Update
• Hazard Mitigation Plan – approved by all required, awaiting FEMA
• Ransomware Attack Recovery Update
• New Computer Aid Dispatch System

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board of Commissioners will hold a working session on future budgets and discuss the potential use of an annex for an emergency homeless shelter. The board will also consider several administrative appointments and grant amendments.

• Discussion on potential use of Annex for Emergency Homeless Shelter
• Appointment of Ross Dunsmoor as Community Health Services Administrator
• CDC Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure Grant Amendment
• 2026 Solid Waste Hauler and Facility License Applications
• Discussion on townships proposing to take over zoning administration

The board approved several consent items, including appointing Ross Dunsmoor as Community Health Services Administrator and granting a gambling premises permit to The Horse. It also approved the 2026 solid waste hauler license and confirmed payment of $1,500,190.52 in disbursements. Commissioners appointed Terry Olson and G. Charles Havener to the Economic Development Authority. A motion to allocate $15,000 from SAHA funds to Catholic Charities for a homeless shelter passed with a 3‑2 vote.

• Approved minutes from March 10, 2026 (Yes – 5)
• Approved agenda as presented (Yes – 5)
• Appointed Ross Dunsmoor as Community Health Services Administrator (consent)
• Approved gambling premises permit for The Horse (consent)
• Approved 2026 Solid Waste Hauler and Facility License Application (consent)
• Appointed Terry Olson and G. Charles Havener to Economic Development Authority (Yes – 5)
• Allocated $15,000 from SAHA funds to Catholic Charities for homeless shelter (Yes – 3; No – 2)
• Confirmed payment of $1,500,190.52 in disbursements (Yes – 5)

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to elect officers and review annual rules of procedure. The primary action item is a petition to allow a single-family home to be built on prime soils and within a required feedlot setback.

• Petition BOA 03-19-26-01: Variance for Jake and Edna Shetler to allow a dwelling within a 1,000 foot feedlot setback
• Petition BOA 03-19-26-01: Variance to allow a dwelling on Class I-III (prime) soils
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Annual review and adoption of Rules of Procedure
• Recommendation to the County Board for a Planning Commission liaison

Planning Commission

The Winona County Planning Commission will hold a meeting to elect officers and review annual rules of procedure. The commission will consider two conditional use permit petitions regarding a solar energy system and a single-family dwelling.

• Petition PC 03-19-26-01: Jake and Edna Shetler request a permit for a single-family dwelling on less than 40 contiguous acres
• Petition PC 03-19-26-02: Leidel’s Orchard and ICE HOUSE SOLAR 4 LLC request a permit for a 1.5-MW solar energy system
• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Annual review and adoption of Rules of Procedure

The commission elected Eugene Hansen as Chair, Jordan Potter as Vice Chair and Secretary, and adopted interim Rules of Procedure unanimously. It tabled a discussion on requiring home addresses and the Shetler feedlot petition (6‑2), opened and closed the public hearing on the Ice House Solar 4 LLC conditional-use request, and voted 4‑4 to adopt Findings of Fact recommending approval. Finally, the commission voted 7‑1 to forward the solar conditional-use petition to the County Board without a recommendation.

• Elected Eugene Hansen as Chair, Jordan Potter as Vice Chair, and Jordan Potter as Secretary – vote: Yes — All
• Adopted interim Rules of Procedure – vote: Yes — All
• Tabled discussion on requiring home addresses during public comment – vote: All — Yes
• Tabled Jake and Edna Shetler feedlot petition – vote: Yes — 6 No — 2
• Opened and closed the public hearing on the Ice House Solar 4 LLC conditional-use petition – vote: Yes — All (both motions)
• Adopted Findings of Fact and recommended approval of the solar conditional-use permit – vote: Yes — 4, No — 4
• Forwarded the solar conditional-use petition to the County Board without a recommendation – vote: Yes — 7, No — 1

Extension Committee

The Winona County Extension Committee will hold elections for chair and vice chair, approve the agenda and minutes, and receive updates on 4‑H youth development, Master Gardener volunteers, and regional activities. The meeting will also include an update on the Farm Family of the Year award. All items are scheduled for discussion and decision during the March 12 meeting.

• Chair and Vice Chair elections
• Additions and approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from prior meeting
• Program updates: 4‑H Youth Development, 4‑H Youth Update, Master Gardeners, regional updates
• Update on Farm Family of the Year

Winona County Board

The Board of Commissioners will consider funding for the WRAP+ program using opioid settlement funds and a contract for vector control services. Members will also discuss potential contributions to a homeless shelter and the use of an annex for an emergency shelter.

• Final payment for CSAH 21 Grading and Concrete Surfacing
• Funding for WRAP+ Program via Opioid Settlement Funds
• Contract with Driftless Region Vector Control LLC
• Migration of parcel data to ESRI’s Parcel Fabric Platform
• Discussion on potential contribution to homeless shelter and annex use

The board approved several consent‑business items, including final payment for CSAH 21 grading and concrete surfacing, migration of parcel data to ESRI’s Parcel Fabric, and a contract with Driftless Region Vector Control LLC. It also approved a funding portion of the WRAP+ program using opioid settlement funds. Discussion of a potential contribution to a homeless shelter was tabled until the March 24 meeting.

• Approved final payment for CSAH 21 grading and concrete surfacing (Yes – 4)
• Approved migration of existing parcel data to ESRI’s Parcel Fabric platform (Yes – 4)
• Approved contract with Driftless Region Vector Control LLC for vector control services (Yes – 4)
• Approved funding portion of WRAP+ program with opioid settlement funds (Yes – 4)
• Approved 'Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day' (Yes – 4)
• Approved confirmation of payment of disbursements (Yes – 4)
• Tabled discussion of potential contribution to homeless shelter (Yes – 4)

Economic Development Authority Board

The Economic Development Authority meeting scheduled for February 26, 2026 was canceled by Planning & Environmental Services. The board’s next meeting is set for Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 4:30 pm in the County Office Building, 202 West Third St, Winona, MN.

• Cancellation of the February 26, 2026 meeting
• Rescheduled meeting on March 26, 2026 at 4:30 pm, 202 West Third St

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will hold a working session to review future budget needs and establish structural savings. Staff will present an inventory of mandates and core functions to guide decisions on revenue enhancement and cost containment.

• Future Budget Discussion and structural savings
• Approve LG220 Gambling License for Ridgeway Elementary School PTA
• Approve Purchase of Service Agreement with Independent Management Services
• Approve Amended Katherine Frette Settlement Agreement
• Conduct Public Hearing for Shotgun Zone Repeal

The Winona County Board approved a $250,000 Minnesota Office of Justice Programs grant for the County’s Re‑Entry Assistance Program Plus and authorized the County Administrator and County Attorney to execute the award documents. The Board also approved several service agreements, licensing applications, and the interim appointment of Lindsey Brandt as Assessor. A public hearing on the shotgun‑zone repeal was opened and closed, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved acceptance of $250,000 MN OJP grant for WRAP+ (Yes – 5)
• Approved purchase agreement with Independent Management Services for guardianship conservator services (Yes – 5)
• Approved purchase agreement for single‑case services with Southeast Regional Crisis Center (Yes – 5)
• Approved amended Katherine Frette settlement agreement (Yes – 5)
• Approved development and notice of RFP for recycling collection services (Yes – 5)
• Approved 2026 solid waste hauler and facility license applications (Yes – 5)
• Approved interim Assessor appointment of Lindsey Brandt (Yes – 5)
• Approved agenda as presented (Yes – 5)

Planning Commission

The Winona County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026 was cancelled by Planning & Environmental Services. No agenda items were considered. The next meeting is set for March 19, 2026 at 7:00 pm.

Board of Adjustment

The February 19, 2026 Board of Adjustment meeting was canceled by Planning & Environmental Services. No agenda items were considered. The next scheduled meeting is March 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Winona County Board

The Board of Commissioners will consider several service contracts and licenses. The meeting includes a presentation on spongy moth management and a working session to discuss the future budget.

• Public hearing for Shotgun Zone Repeal set for February 24, 2026
• Renewal of services agreement with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
• Contract for building elevator inspections and repairs
• 2026 Solid Waste Collection, Transportation and Facility Services Licenses
• Purchase of replacement paging repeater for the Sheriff

The board approved past meeting minutes, several contracts, and the appointment of an additional Extension Committee member. It also scheduled a public hearing for the proposed shotgun‑zone repeal on February 24, 2026. All motions passed with a Yes‑5 vote.

• Approved Jan 13, 2026 and Jan 27, 2026 County Board minutes (Yes – 5)
• Acknowledged receipt of Extension, Health & Human Services Advisory, and Land Records minutes (Yes – 5)
• Tabling General Business item 7.1 to a future meeting (Yes – 5)
• Approved Health & Human Services Advisory Committee appointments (Yes – 5)
• Renewed service agreement with Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (Yes – 5)
• Approved contract for building elevator inspections and repairs (Yes – 5)
• Approved 2026 solid waste collection, transportation and facility licenses (Yes – 5)
• Set public hearing for shotgun‑zone repeal on Feb 24, 2026 (Yes – 5)

Mississippi River Winona La Crescent One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P)

The committee will discuss revising the local funding policy for well decommission cost shares. The body is also tasked with electing officers and selecting a fiscal agent and day-to-day contact.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Selection of Root River SWCD as Fiscal Agent
• Selection of Winona County as Day-to-Day Contact
• Revision of Well Decommission Cost Share Cap
• Review of Calendar Year 2026 Work Plan

Parks & Environment Advisory Committee

The committee will elect a Chair and Vice Chair and receive updates on the Outline of Operations. Members will also discuss progress reports for Stone Point Park, Apple Blossom Park, and Farmers Park.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Native Advisory updates from Winona County Historical Society
• Progress report on Stone Point Park
• Progress report on Apple Blossom Park
• Progress report on Farmers Park

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will vote to ratify the Local State of Emergency that the Chair declared on January 27, 2026 due to a cyber‑attack on county systems. The agenda also includes adopting Minnesota Merit System Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Guidelines, approving several human‑resources agreements, and re‑approving the 2026 budget resolution. Additional items are the termination of the Whitewater Joint Powers Board agreement and other consent business items.

• Ratify Declaration of Local State of Emergency (cyber‑attack) – no funding required
• Adopt Minnesota Merit System Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Guidelines – no funding required
• Approve Kathryn Frette Settlement Agreement
• Approve LELS 61 Labor Agreement 2025‑2027
• Re‑approve resolution for the 2026 budget

The Winona County Board ratified a local state of emergency declared for a cyber attack and adopted the full 2026 county budget. It also approved the termination of the Whitewater Joint Powers Board, several agreements, and moved agenda items. Votes were recorded on most items, with a few decisions made by consent.

• Approved amendment moving Consent Business items 7.5 and 7.4 to General Business 8.01 and 8.02 (Yes – 5)
• Ratified Declaration of Local State of Emergency due to cyber attack (consent business)
• Approved termination of Whitewater Joint Powers Board and withdrawal from agreement (consent business)
• Approved Addendum to Professional Services Agreement with Gwen Herbert (Yes – 5)
• Re‑approved 2026 County Budget (Yes – 3; No – 2)
• Approved LELS 61 Labor Agreement 2025‑2027 (Yes – 3; No – 2)
• Approved Kathryn Frette Settlement Agreement (consent business)
• Adjourned meeting (Yes – 5)

Economic Development Authority Board

Planning Commission

The Winona County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for January 15, 2026, has been cancelled by Planning & Environmental Services. The next meeting is set for February 19, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

• Cancellation of January 15, 2026, meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026

Board of Adjustment

The January 15, 2026, meeting of the Winona County Board of Adjustment has been cancelled by Planning & Environmental Services. The next meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

• Cancellation of January 15, 2026, Board of Adjustment meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 1:00 pm

Stockton Rollingstone Minnesota City Watershed District

The Watershed District board will approve routine items such as the agenda, minutes, and the treasurer's report. It will discuss implementing WSD rules and set a date for next year's budget hearing. The board will also award the 2025 scholarship, conduct the 2025 audit, and approve several pond clean‑out payments.

• WSD rules implementation and scheduling of next year's budget hearing
• Payment of the 2025 WSD scholarship award
• 2025 audit to be performed by Katie Jacobson or Peterson
• Approval of pond clean‑out payments for Michael Butenhoff, Richard Hauser, Diane Dingfelder, Joel Speltz, and Judy Gilow
• Discussion of taxes

Regional Railroad Authority

The authority is holding its annual meeting to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer for 2026. The body will also appoint a member and an alternate to the Joint Powers Board of the Great River Rail Commission.

• Election of 2026 officers for one-year terms
• Appointment of member and alternate to the Joint Powers Board of the Great River Rail Commission
• Review of Great River Rail Commission 2025 budget share of $2,580

Winona County Board

The Winona County Board will consider and vote on several items, including conditional use permits for private applicants, a contract with Winona Post for the 2026 official newspaper, and an extension of a joint powers agreement for the Law Enforcement Center. The board will also review interagency agreements related to child support, a cannabis regional campaign, and solid waste collection. Additional agenda items include a public hearing on the 2026 fee schedule and discussion of citizen advisory committees.

• Approve Conditional Use Permit for Todd and Sheila Weymiller (p. 61)
• Approve Conditional Use Permit for CMDM Winona LLC (p. 77)
• Award Bid and Approve Contract with Winona Post for 2026 Official Newspaper (p. 82)
• Approve Extension of Joint Powers Agreement for Law Enforcement Center (p. 96)
• Approve 2026 Solid Waste Collection and Transportation License for Harters Disposal of MN, LLC (p. 295)

The Winona County Board met on Jan 13, 2026 and approved a series of consent‑business items, including conditional use permits, contracts, service agreements and state grant awards. Notable approvals included the 2026 MPCA‑Winona County Feedlot Agreement and Work Plan, the extension of the Joint Powers Agreement for the Law Enforcement Center, and the 2026‑2027 Snowmobile and Off‑Highway Vehicle Safety Grants, each passing with a 5‑yes vote. The board also re‑appointed several members to boards and committees, such as the Board of Adjustments (5‑yes) and the Extension Committee (3‑yes, 2‑no).

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Todd and Sheila Weymiller (Yes –5)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for CMDM Winona LLC (Yes –5)
• Awarded contract to Winona Post for 2026 Official Newspaper (Yes –5)
• Approved 2026 MPCA‑Winona County Feedlot Agreement and Work Plan (Yes –5)
• Approved extension of Joint Powers Agreement for Law Enforcement Center (Yes –5)
• Approved 2026‑2027 State of MN Snowmobile Safety Grant (Yes –5)
• Approved 2026‑2027 State of MN Off‑Highway Vehicle Safety Grant (Yes –5)
• Re‑appointed Casey Mueller (Moger) and appointed Sadie Neuman to Extension Committee (Yes –3; No –2)