Houston County Sheriff's Office

Houston County Sheriff's Office The staff of the Houston County Sheriff's Office is committed to making Houston County a safe place for you and your family to live and work.

Planned temporary power outage in La Crescent will disable Hwy 61/16 traffic signal on May 21LA CRESCENT, Minn. – Motori...
05/20/2026

Planned temporary power outage in La Crescent will disable Hwy 61/16 traffic signal on May 21

LA CRESCENT, Minn. – Motorists in La Crescent should plan ahead and be alert for traffic backups on May 21 due to a planned power outage that will disable a traffic signal and require temporary stop signs, according to the Department of Transportation.

Xcel Energy will be doing work in La Crescent that includes a planned power outage. The power outage will affect the traffic signal that controls the intersection of South Third Street and Highways 61and 16. Temporary stop signs will be placed on all sides of the intersection during the outage. The utility’s work is expected to start at 9 a.m. and be done by around 3 p.m.

Safety in work zones

The two main safety issues in work zones are sp*ed and distraction.
We’re all in the work zone together. As you navigate work zones always:
• Slow down
• Put away your cell phone and other distractions
• Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or download the free 511mn app at Google Play or the App Store.
• Be patient. Do the zipper merge.
• Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
• Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures, narrower lanes, moving workers and vehicles.
Learn more about construction work zone safety tips.

Stay connected, informed

• Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
• Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us at MnDOT Southeast on X.
• Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota.
• Find road updates in Minnesota on 511mn.org or get a free app at Google Play or the App Store.
• Search job openings at the Minnesota Management and Budget website and sign up to receive southeast Minnesota job alerts.

www.mndot.gov

We're seeing an increase in scam calls where someone claims you have a warrant for a failure to appear, citation, or unp...
05/19/2026

We're seeing an increase in scam calls where someone claims you have a warrant for a failure to appear, citation, or unpaid fine- and must pay immediately to avoid arrest. These calls are fake.
Scammers are claiming to be law enforcement and using lines like - "This is Lt. Frank from the Houston County Sheriff's Office" to sound legitimate. They may leave voicemails telling you to call back "right away" or face charges.
Here's what you need to know:
My office will NEVER:
▪️Call you to demand payment for warrants or citations.
▪️ Ask for money over the phone.
▪️ Request gift cards, cash apps, wire transfers, or any form of electronic payment.
If you receive a call like this:
▪️ Hang up.
▪️ Do not send money
▪️ Do not giver personal information
▪️ Do not call the scam number back
If you're ever unsure whether something is legitimate, contact our office directly using our phone number (507)725-3379 ext. 1- not the number the caller provides.

Thank you,
Sheriff Brian Swedberg

The Houston County Sheriff's Office 1st boater safety class. Congratulations Cali, Nora, Harper, Winston, Easton, Wyatt,...
04/16/2026

The Houston County Sheriff's Office 1st boater safety class. Congratulations Cali, Nora, Harper, Winston, Easton, Wyatt, and Tucker.

To Our Dedicated Emergency Dispatchers,As Sheriff, I want to take a moment to recognize the critical role you play in ke...
04/14/2026

To Our Dedicated Emergency Dispatchers,

As Sheriff, I want to take a moment to recognize the critical role you play in keeping our community safe. You are the first point of contact in times of crisis—the calm voice in chaos, the steady hand guiding both callers and responders through some of life’s most difficult moments. The responsibility you carry is immense, and the stress that comes with it is something few truly understand.

Every call you answer could mean the difference between life and death. You manage fear, urgency, and uncertainty with professionalism and compassion, often without ever seeing the outcome of the help you set in motion. That kind of strength and resilience does not go unnoticed.

During National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, we especially honor and recognize your dedication and sacrifice. It is a time to shine a light on the vital work you do each and every day.

On behalf of the entire Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve, thank you for your unwavering commitment, your courage under pressure, and your service. We are grateful for you.

Sincerely,
Sheriff Swedberg

NOTICE TO HAULERSSeasonal load restrictions on Houston County Highwaysgo into effect on TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026 These res...
03/03/2026

NOTICE TO HAULERS

Seasonal load restrictions on Houston County Highways
go into effect on

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026

These restrictions will limit allowable axle weights until further notice. Said restrictions will be enforced as per highway posting. County Highway, town roads, or city streets not posted, the weight on any single axle shall not exceed 5 ton on an unpaved street or highway and 10 ton on a paved street or highway, any single axle. (M.S. 169.87).

The purpose of spring load restrictions is to prevent premature failure of our roads and thereby protect taxpayer’s investments in our roads. Please respect the postings. A county map showing the spring load restrictions for county roads is available for download at www.co.houston.mn.us Highway
Dept Notices and Announcements.

HOUSTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Today, January 21, 2026, at approx. 4:30 am, Houston County Emergency Dispatch received a call of a house fire at 90 S. ...
01/21/2026

Today, January 21, 2026, at approx. 4:30 am, Houston County Emergency Dispatch received a call of a house fire at 90 S. 3rd Street, Hokah, MN. When deputies arrived, the residence was totally engulfed. They located an adult female outside the residence with extreme burns throughout her body and other injuries. She was transported to Emplify Health emergency room.

La Crescent Fire Department assisted the Hokah Fire Department. After the fire was put out, a deceased person was found in the debris. Houston County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Hokah Police Department and State Fire Marshal with this active investigation.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Sheriff Brian Swedberg

Looking for the owner of this package.  Last week a package was left on top the UPS drop box located outside the Justice...
11/18/2025

Looking for the owner of this package. Last week a package was left on top the UPS drop box located outside the Justice Center. The package had no label or owner identification on the outside or inside. The package contains female clothes possibly from "Stitch Fix". The owner can put up the package is at the Sheriff's Office. If we still have the package after 6 months, it will be given to the Salvation Army.

Remember to join us tonight for National Night Out.Houston:  4:30pm to 7pm at Houston Hoedown Fest GroundsLa Crescent: 5...
08/05/2025

Remember to join us tonight for National Night Out.

Houston: 4:30pm to 7pm at Houston Hoedown Fest Grounds
La Crescent: 5pm to 8pm at Frank Kistler Memorial Park (swimming pool)
Hokah: 5pm to 7pm at Veterans Park
Caledonia: 5:30pm to 8pm at Veteran's Memorial Park (swimming pool)

This will be the 1st year for the City of Hokah to participate in National Night Out. It is hosted by the Hokah Lions Club and sponsored by the Houston County Sheriff's Office. The 1st 48 kids get free backpacks plus school supplies, live music, face painting, and a free meal.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. The campaign is designed to enhance relationships between neighbors and law enforcement and restore a true sense of community.

Hope to see you there,
Sheriff Brian Swedberg

The Houston County Sheriff's Office along with other local EMS volunteered at the Eitzen Lions/Caledonia Haulers Youth B...
07/31/2025

The Houston County Sheriff's Office along with other local EMS volunteered at the Eitzen Lions/Caledonia Haulers Youth Baseball Academy tournament Monday & Tuesday evening.

There were 160 p*e wees (10 teams) that played. To celebrate home runs EMS would turned their lights and sirens on.

Next Tuesday night games will resume at 5:00 with the championship games at 8:20, and fireworks afterwards. Come and have fun supporting our youth.

Also remember Tuesday, August 5, is National Night Out.

Houston County Adopts Ordinance Allowing ATVs, Golf Carts, and Side-by-Sides on County RoadsHouston County, MN – The Hou...
07/29/2025

Houston County Adopts Ordinance Allowing ATVs, Golf Carts, and Side-by-Sides on County Roads

Houston County, MN – The Houston County Board of Commissioners has approved a new ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, and side-by-side utility task vehicles (UTVs) to operate on all county roads.

Under Minnesota state law, local governments must pass an ordinance and establish a permit process before these vehicles can legally travel on public roads. The new ordinance creates a framework for residents to apply for permits and outlines safety requirements, including equipment standards and operating rules besides state and federal rules and laws.

We did our best to streamline the process to keep it simple as possible for the permit process. Permits are valid for three years which is the maximum allowed by law. Applications are available from the Houston County website (link below) or paper copy at the Houston County Sheriff's Office. The completed application and copy of insurance must be emailed or delivered to the Sheriff's Office. We will do our best to email the permit within the same day of receiving the completed application and insurance card. We suggest to keep the electronic permit with you or a paper copy of the permit in the vehicle or remember your permit number. Applicants will not receive any type of sticker to display. If the vehicle already has a valid permit from another county or city, including out of state, a Houston County permit is not required.

https://www.co.houston.mn.us/departments/sheriff/

“This ordinance gives residents a safe and legal way to use these vehicles on county roads, while also ensuring public safety through a clear permitting process,” said Sheriff Swedberg

Operators must meet all federal and state requirements, including driver license, insurance, and age restrictions. The ordinance does not apply to city streets and state or federal highways.

Address

306 S Marshall Street Suite 1100
Caledonia, MN
55921

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15077253379

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Houston County Sheriff's Office posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share