Owatonna Update masthead

August 21, 2024
Labor Day graphic
You're invited sign image

We’ll Save You a Seat!

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 21: Economic Development Authority meeting at 4 p.m. in Room 120 at the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle. 

August 26: Housing & Redevelopment Authority meeting at 4 p.m. in Room 120 at the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle.

August 27: Owatonna Public Utilities Commission meeting at 4 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room at Owatonna Public Utilities, 208 S Walnut Avenue. The first of three 2025 City Department Budget Presentations will be in the Gainey Room at the Library, 105 North Elm Avenue from 4 until 7 pm. Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle.
Civil Air Patrol logo

Owatonna Annual Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast August 25

The Owatonna Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) will hold its annual Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport August 25 from 7 a.m. until noon. The event is open to the public and includes an all-you-can-eat French toast, sausage and fresh fruit breakfast. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are $10 at the door. Kids ages five and under eat free. Discounted pre-sale tickets are available at Hy-Vee. All proceeds benefit the CAP. With good weather, the event often draws aircraft from around the area.
Aerial photo of downtown

Loans Provide Support for Downtown Renovations

A forgivable loan program is making an impact on Owatonna’s downtown. The program, offered by the Owatonna Economic Development Authority (EDA), provides forgivable loans to building owners and businesses in the downtown area that want to make improvements on their buildings. The program provides up to $10,000 for interior improvements and $10,000 for exterior improvements that bring the building into compliance with codes or make the building more historically accurate. All awarded loan amounts must be matched by private dollars. Loans are forgiven if the business continues operating for a five-year period. The program is in its sixth year and more than $450,000 has been awarded to more than 35 buildings. This is one of the tools the EDA uses to help revitalize Owatonna’s historic downtown. For additional information about the program or to apply, contact Lisa Cochran, MainStreet Director, at 507.451.7970 or visit Owatonna.biz.
OPL movies graphic

Movies at the Owatonna Public Library are shown the fourth Thursday of every month beginning at 2 p.m. in the Gainey Room. Visit owatonna.gov/library for information on the next film being featured.
aeration graphic

Brooktree Aeration 

Aeration of the greens at Brooktree Golf Course is scheduled for August 27 (lower) and 28 (upper), weather permitting. This fine turf surface gets heavy machine and foot traffic which compacts thatch and soil. Aerifying greens removes thatch allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots which encourages new, deeper roots and better green health and, subsequently, improves playability and greens speed. 

The process begins by pulling small cores of soil/thatch/turf. Greens are then top-dressed by filling the holes with sand to create a smoother surface with channels for water and air movement which helps greens recover from aeration more quickly. Timing and weather are essential to aid the healing of the greens.

The process can be frustrating to golfers, yet according to the USGA, only 10 percent of a green’s surface is affected by aerating. Golfers are encouraged to take a longer backswing and play more break while putting to navigate better the recovering slower greens.
stock image of kids playing basketball

Open Basketball Returns

Open basketball for all ages is, once again, being offered at the West Hills Gym - a fun and safe environment. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Open basketball means access to the indoor court to play games, practice shots and work on dribbling skills. To ensure safety and enjoyment for all participants, guidelines and rules must be followed. This includes wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, respecting fellow players and following the directions of City staff. Registration is required. The daily cost is $5. Visit owatonna.gov for details and to register.
stock photo water aerobics

Indoor Water Aerobics

Get an aerobic workout promoting movement of joints, muscles and heart. The small pool environment and comfortable water temperature of approximately 90 degrees at the West Hills Tennis and Fitness Center is great for rehabilitation and arthritis. Numerous classes are offered; however, class sizes are limited. The cost for two classes per week is $11. For class options, visit Owatonna.gov. 

Helpful Links
Licenses and Permits graphic

Licenses & Permits
Park and recreation registration

Registration
Employment with brief case icon

Employment

Stay Informed

  • Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.

  • City News Releases: View news releases published by the City of Owatonna.

  • Newsletters: The City of Owatonna publishes a weekly newsletter called Owatonna Update. Current and past newsletters are available here.

  • Social Media: Stay connected with the City of Owatonna by following these social media sites.

  • Spotlight Videos: Videos produced by the City of Owatonna.

Feel free to forward this message to other Owatonna community members. Visit the Notify Me Sign-up page to update your email address, unsubscribe, or sign up for additional City alerts. Be sure to add listserv@civicplus.com to your safe sender/address book to ensure messages are delivered to your inbox. 
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright 2024 City of Owatonna. All Rights Reserved.
540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus