2,126 Deaths

The Annual Medical Examiner’s Report given by Dr. R. Ross Reichard, at the July 7 Board Meeting.  The report was for the 2025 statistics.  He reported there were 2,126 deaths in Olmsted County.  Other information and causes of death included:

• 3 Homicides (down from 2024)
• 25 Suicides (down from 2024. Per 100,000 population this is the state average)
• 26-44 the ages that have the highest suicide rate
• 231 Accidental (down from 2024)
  • Of these, 150 accidental deaths were caused by falling. This is the largest cause of accidental death.
  • 85-94 the age group with the most recorded falls leading to death.
  • 75-84 the age group with the second most falls.
  • Most falls occur at home.

• 1,580 Natural deaths (down from 2024);  of these:
  • 518 were cancer (up from 2024)
  • 392 Cardiac (down from 2024)
  • 277 Neurologic (stroke, dementia, parkinsons, etc.) (up from 2024)

• 1 Drowning (down from 2024)
• 12 Firearm (down from 2024)
• 151 Jump/Fall (down from 2024)
• 25 Motor Vehicle (down from 2024)
• 45 Poison/Drugs (up from 2024) This includes Prescription Drugs and over the counter drugs.
  • 8 deaths due to illicit Fentanyl
  • 6 deaths due to illicit Fentanyl plus Methamphetamine
  • 7 deaths due to illicit Methamphetamine (Meth used to be the leading illicit drug death)
  • 4 deaths due to illicit Cocaine plus Fentanyl
  • 2 deaths due to Cocaine, plus Fentanyl and Meth
• 65 deaths due to alcohol; of these:
  • 61 deaths due to Chronic alcohol use
  • 2 deaths due to acute alcohol use
  • 3 deaths due to alcohol with drugs

 

Olmsted Continues to Lead

In June, Olmsted hosted the first ever Child and Family Services conference.  The event brought together family professionals from the area and focused on trauma informed practice and strengthening family systems.  I support our staff and the county to share our vast knowledge with others while learning how to improve our own services.

 

Red Dogs and Babies

At Oxbow Park and Zoo new babies have arrived.  Bison babies are often called “Red Dogs” because their coat is redish-orange color.  Other babies born in June include deer, elk, and porcupine.

The new campground, which includes several camping cabins, is scheduled to open Labor Day weekend.

 

It Has Been 40 Years

Olmsted’s zoning ordinance has received its first update in 40 years.  The draft will be reviewed by townships, city, county Planning Commission, County department heads, and the general public.  Olmsted contracted with Clarion and Associates to assist the planning staff with this project.

 

Planning into the Future

Rochester Olmsted Council of Governments and the County Planning Team will be studying transportation needs in the Northwest portion of the county.  The study is funded by federal and state grants.  ROCOG and the Olmsted’s planning team must look many years into the future to anticipate the best routes for traffic and which roads will need to be upgrades.  The plan guides future budgets and prepares the county for grant funding opportunities and allows for planned growth of the county.  Public Engagement on the plans will begin this summer.

 

17

The total number of building permits that have been issued due to this spring’s tornado damage.  Permits include two new homes Other permits were for home alterations for reroofing, residing, window replacements, and new decking.  Most permits were issued in Marion Township but permits were also issue in Quincy Township and the city of Stewartville.