June 21, 2023

Hands holding a sign that says You're Invited!

We’ll Save a Seat for You!

City of Owatonna Weekly Meeting Schedule

This week, the following City boards and commissions will meet. The public is invited to attend. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

June 21 at 4 p.m. – Economic Development Authority, Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall
June 26 at 4 p.m. – Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall
June 27 at 4 p.m. - Public Utility Commission (Owatonna Public Utilities), Morehouse Meeting Room at 208 South Walnut Avenue
June 27 at 5:30 p.m. – Planning Commission, Gainey Room at the Library

Pollinator Week in Owatonna

June 19-25

On June 6, Mayor Thomas Kuntz declared the week of June 19 through 25 to be Pollinator Week in Owatonna. The City of Owatonna recognizes the importance of creating habitats for pollinators and has established several pollinator gardens and managed wildlife habitats, parks and public areas. In 2019, the City of Owatonna adopted Resolution 6-19 to be a Pollinator Friendly City, pledging to increase flowering habitat, limit pesticide use and use pollinator-friendly plants in landscapes.

Road Closed: Monday June 26

Cedar Avenue at 15^th Street NE Intersection

On June 26, Cedar Avenue North will be closed at the 15th Street NE intersection for work related to the Street & Utility Project taking place on 15th Street NE. The work is anticipated to be completed by June 27. Please follow the posted detour while it is in place. This date is subject to change due to weather or other factors. The traffic control plan is available at owatonna.gov. Please remember to slow down and remain attentive when approaching work zones. Thank you for your patience while this project is completed!

Children playing on the lily pads at the River Springs Water Park

Teenage boy on stand-up paddleboard at Lake Kohlmier

Three people in a canoe on Lake Kohlmier

Summer Weekend Out July 21-23

Enjoy a special summer weekend in Owatonna's parks

We’re celebrating Park and Recreation Month this July by acknowledging the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering the growth of the community. Mark the calendar for July 21-23 for the City of Owatonna’s annual Summer Weekend Out! We'll offer a variety of activities including the following:

July 21 Movie in the Park at sunset at Chuck Fuller Field at Dartts Park. Come out and watch ‘Angels in the Outfield’ with us in a baseball outfield! Outdoor activities begin at 8 p.m. Sponsored by Southeast Minnesota Relators. The rain date is July 22.
July 22 Enjoy free kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at Lake Kohlmier.
July 23 River Springs Water Park’s Super Splash Special, admission is only $3.50 per person from noon until 8 p.m.!

Summer Youth Sports

Youth sports have long been recognized as an essential component of a child's development. Beyond the thrill of competition, these organized activities offer a plethora of physical, mental and social benefits that contribute to the holistic growth of children. From building teamwork and leadership skills to fostering physical fitness and instilling valuable life lessons, youth sports play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for our younger generation.

Physical health and active lifestyle

Regular participation in sports activities enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones and improves coordination and motor skills.

Mental wellbeing and personal growth

Physical activity releases endorphins which promote positive moods, reduce stress and enhance mental resilience. Through sports, children learn to set goals, overcome challenges and develop self-discipline.

Character development and life skills

Team sports cultivate teamwork, cooperation and effective communication, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility.

Social integration and community building

Athletes form lasting friendships, bond with teammates and learn to value diversity and inclusion. Sports provide a platform for interaction, fostering social skills, empathy and respect for others.

Long-term health and lifetime engagement

The skills and habits developed during childhood often carry over into adulthood, promoting long-term health benefits and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

The benefits of youth sports extend far beyond the field or court. Sports provide an invaluable platform for children to grow, learn and thrive. By encouraging youth sports participation, we invest in future generations and equip them with the skills, values and resilience necessary to navigate life's challenges successfully. Let us embrace and support youth sports, ensuring that every child can experience the transformative power of sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth. Visit Owatonna.gov to explore the youth sports programs available year-round through the City of Owatonna’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department

Children attending the 2023 Safety Camp helicopter demonstration

Steele County Safety Camp

Owatonna youth enjoyed another successful camp!

Steele County Safety Camp board members, counselors and instructors hosted 241 third graders at camp earlier this month. The participants spent their time learning about a variety of safety topics. Mixed in with the class time were a few breaks for snacks and games, along with a visit from North Memorial Hospital Air Care helicopter. The conclusion of camp was a graduation ceremony and ice cream social.

Important Message about Emergency Communication Networks

Help us help you!

Dispatch centers across the state are experiencing a significant uptick in pocket dials and hang-ups -- with some 911 call centers seeing these calls go up 300 percent. These misdials often require dispatchers and law enforcement officers to follow up with the caller to see if there is an emergency, which prevents them from answering other calls.

If you have a device that can make emergency calls, like a cell phone or smartwatch, be aware of its settings. Simply knowing how to activate your "Emergency SOS" feature can reduce instances of accidentally triggering it -- especially during high-movement activities. Sometimes it's just an instance of lint or grease jamming the trigger, so cleaning and maintaining the device may be the solution. Also, if 911 is dialed by mistake, don't hang up! Let the dispatcher know the call was a mistake so they can end the call and move on to the next caller.

City of Owatonna Streets Department Hiring!

The Streets Department is hiring a Senior Maintenance Worker. The position is responsible for operating all light equipment and heavy equipment on project sites as assigned. Responsibilities may include: providing work direction to labor support, regularly performing basic heavy equipment operation and performing tasks such as installing culverts and drainage pipes, repairing streets, removing trees and snow. Visit owatonna.gov for the full job posting and to apply online.

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