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.

August 9: City Council Members, Mayor Kuntz, Department Directors and City Administrator Busse are invited to share ideas on potential projects and revitalization with City officials at New Ulm

August 10: Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room, Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue. Airport Commission Meeting at 5 p.m. at the Degner Regional Airport, 3400 West Frontage Road

August 14: Park Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the West Hills Social Commons

August 15: City Council Study Session at 5 p.m. and City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. in the Gainey Room at Library, 105 North Elm Avenue

August 16: Economic Development Authority has been rescheduled to August 23 due to the Steele County Fair

Ensuring a Beautiful Community

As summer winds down, here is a friendly reminder of the ordinances related to exterior property maintenance:

• Grass needs to be less than eight inches tall on developed lots. For vacant lots, it needs to be less than 18 inches tall.
• Household trash should be kept in a container designed for such use ensuring that it does not leak and that it is always covered.
• Do not place unwanted items such as furniture or appliances on the right-of-way or in the yard.

Additional information is available on the City of Owatonna website.

Steele County Fair Stormwater Education Booth

Learn about what Clean River Partners (CRP) and the City of Owatonna have been working on. Stop by their booth at the Steele County Free Fair August 15 through August 20. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide information about stormwater management alongside Clean River Partners at a booth in the Conservation Building at the Steele County Free Fair.

Annual Opportunity for MS4 Program Feedback! 

There will be an opportunity to review the City of Owatonna’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and comment on it. This is part of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. The plan is also available to review and comment on the City’s website. Input from the community is greatly valued as this plan is implemented.

The Power of Hydration in Sporting Activities

For athletes and sports enthusiasts, proper hydration is not just a suggestion; it's an absolute necessity. When engaging in physical activities, our bodies undergo increased stress and exertion, leading to higher fluid loss through sweat. As a result, maintaining optimal hydration levels becomes paramount for performance, recovery, and overall well-being.

One of the primary reasons hydration is critical during sporting activities is its direct impact on athletic performance. Dehydration can lead to reduced endurance, strength, and speed, making it difficult to achieve peak performance. As little as two percent dehydration can cause a noticeable decline in physical capabilities, hindering an athlete's ability to excel. By staying well-hydrated, athletes can maintain their energy levels, delay fatigue, and optimize their performance potential.

Proper hydration also plays a vital role in regulating body temperature during exercise. As the body heats up during physical activity, it relies on sweat to cool down. Sweat, however, contains water, and if not replenished adequately, dehydration can occur rapidly. This not only impairs performance but can also lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Additionally, hydration is essential for reducing the risk of injuries. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, strains, and even injuries due to impaired muscle function and coordination. Well-hydrated muscles are less prone to injuries, ensuring athletes can stay in the game and minimize downtime due to physical setbacks.

Moreover, proper hydration accelerates post-exercise recovery. After intense physical activity, the body needs to replenish fluids lost during sweating to initiate the recovery process. Water facilitates nutrient delivery to muscles, aiding in the repair of damaged tissues and reducing post-exercise soreness.

While participating in our programs, remember proper hydration is a cornerstone of successful sporting activities. Send water with your youth athletes for every practice and game. Adults, make sure you take water breaks during your games as well.