rock county board of commissioners
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 30, 2026After several rounds of discussion over the past few months, the Rock County Board of Commissioners set its preliminary levy to increase 5% for taxes payable in 2027. This is down nearly 2.5% from the county’s initial 2027 budget projections in August. The vote on Sept. 22 to approve the 5% increase was unanimous, and following the vote commissioners weighed in with comments. “There’s a lot…
September 22, 2026Watch the video below or use the links below to jump to specific sections of the video.
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 16, 2026After initially looking at a tax levy increase of 7.46% for 2027, the Rock County Board of Commissioners has reduced the proposed tax levy amount to increase 5%. Four factors contributed to the reduction. The first is that the county’s planned appropriation to A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota was reduced by nearly $19,500 after the organization received a grant. The second is that Rock County…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026After 33 years on the job, Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre officially submitted his notice of retirement during the Aug. 18 county board meeting. Oldre’s final day of service will be Feb. 28, 2027. “After 33 wonderful years, making the decision to step away is truly bittersweet,” Oldre told the board. “It has been a distinct privilege to serve the residents of Rock County for over three…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026Rick Peterson won the special election for Rock County’s District 3 and joined the county board of commissioners earlier this week. Peterson, who retired last month as Star Herald general manager, garnered 259 votes compared to Deon Carriere’s 103. While he tried to follow results as they were coming in, Peterson said he and his wife were on a drive when he found out that he’d won the race…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 14, 2026Rick Peterson won the special election for Rock County’s District 3 and is set to join the county board of commissioners early next week. Peterson, who retired last month as Star Herald general manager, garnered 259 votes compared to Deon Carriere’s 103. While he tried to follow results as they were coming in, Peterson said he and his wife were on a drive when he found out that he’d won the…
July 08, 2026Rock County voters will participate in the Aug. 11 primary affecting the Dist. 3 County Board seat. Early voting began last week and mail ballots will be sent out this week, so the Rock County Star Herald this week is featuring candidate profiles to inform voters on this local race. Candidates in each race received the same questions as their opponents with instructions to provide responses…
By Nicole RonchettiMay 13, 2026The Rock County Board of Commissioners approved an order for a new dump truck during its meeting on Tuesday, May 5. The equipment will be a 2026 MAC GU 713 tandem axle dump truck and plow, with attachments. Due to the extended production time, the new dump truck wouldn’t arrive in Rock County until spring of 2027. “We’re asking to reserve a slot,” said county engineer Mark Sehr. “They only…- By Lori SorensonMay 13, 2026The filing period for many public offices opens May 19 and those interested in seeking election to a local public office have until June 2 to throw their hats in the ring. Offices on the ballot in Rock County this year include •U.S. Senator and Congress •Minnesota Governor and Lieutenant Governor •Minnesota Secretary of State, State Auditor & Attorney General •State Senate and House…
By Nicole RonchettiMarch 25, 2026The Rock County Board of Commissioners reviewed the next several years of county road and bridge projects and approved a five-year construction plan. Rock County Highway Engineer Mark Sehr presented the plan during the March 17 County Board meeting. The plan outlined eight projects coming up in 2026, including: •Bituminous mill/overlay on 11 miles of County Road 20 from Highway 23 to…
By Lori SorensonMarch 18, 2026For the third year in a row, wind energy production taxes will exceed $1 million in Rock County. In fact, the amount will be the most paid ever at $1,133,665. The five wind production farms in Rock County will pay $71,461 more in 2026 than they did in 2025. That’s according to an update provided to the Rock County Board of Commissioners at their March 3 regular meeting. The 165 turbines…
By Lori SorensonMarch 11, 2026Rock County Commissioners at their regular meeting Tuesday, March 3, approved a resolution spelling out the process for filling the seat left vacant by Greg Burger. Burger, who served on the board for nine years, resigned from his District 3 seat on Feb. 17 effective Feb. 28. Because he is leaving the board with three years remaining on his four-year elected term, the County Board took…
By Lori SorensonFebruary 25, 2026Rock County Commissioner Greg Burger has resigned from his seat on the County Board, effective Feb. 28. He made the announcement at the Tuesday, Feb. 17, regular board meeting when commissioners accepted his resignation “with regret.” In his official resignation letter to the board, Burger said it has been “an honor and privilege to serve the county citizens” during these past nine years. He…
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