Candidate Forums

The Early Edition Rotary Club of Owatonna, the Owatonna People’s Press and the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to host candidate forums for the upcoming election. Six forums will be held at the Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Road. Two forums are for City offices that will be included on this year’s ballot. Community members are invited to attend the forum planned for October 21 - Council Member at Large & Council Ward 4. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with a cost of $16. There is no cost to attend for those who are not there for the lunch. Registration and payment is required to attend due to limited seating. Click on the link above for additional information or to register. The first forum was held October 14.

photo of officer with k9 at 2023 Coptober

2024 Coptober for Kids!

Are you looking for something fun to do over the MEA school break? Well, mark your calendars! The Owatonna Police Department's third annual COPTOBER event will be October 17 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Owatonna Public Library. The police officers are so excited for kids to come and hang out with them! Learn what it takes to become a police officer and how to keep children safe. This free family event will be fun and educational with hands-on demonstrations, book readings, squad car tours, K9 visits, fingerprinting, handouts and so much more! The event is designed for fifth-grade students and younger.

stock photo of person in a bucket on boom truck trimming a tree

Boulevard Tree Trimming

Street Maintenance crews in the Public Works Department trim trees that interfere with the operation of snowplows, street sweepers, school buses or delivery vans. This is done as complaints are received and as time allows. Storm-damaged boulevard trees are trimmed or removed depending on the damage severity. Broken branches are removed to prevent injuries or damage to property. Stumps of removed trees are ground and the site is restored and seeded. There is no charge to the abutting property owner for these services. Residents are able to report boulevard tree concerns using SeeClickFix. Please contact Owatonna Public Utilities at 507.451.2480 when tree branches are interfering with overhead power lines.

The removal of trees is typically a last resort option when it comes to tree care. City crews remove public trees determined to be diseased, dying, dangerous, or a public nuisance. Property owners who wish to have a boulevard tree adjacent to their property removed must make a request to the City of Owatonna Public Works Department, these removals must be approved by the City Forester. Stumps of removed trees are ground and the site is restored and seeded. Property owners may request a replacement tree by completing a boulevard tree order.

Movie Trivia Night

October 24

Owatonna Public Library invites you to “Movie Trivia Night: Oh ... The Horrors!” October 24 from 6:30 until 8 p.m. in the OPL Gainey Room. Test your knowledge of all things horror movie and win amazing prizes! Light refreshments will be served.

This event is for adults. Teams of 2-5 people may participate, with a maximum of 10 teams. Registration Required: https://forms.gle/HZ3y7CNEm1dxCWFq9

Storytime Tuesdays

Preschool Storytime is held in the Children’s Services area Tuesday mornings at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Watch for Traffic to be Rerouted

Traffic Pattern Shift – Florence Avenue

Thursday, October 17

Beginning October 17, there will be a shift in traffic patterns on Florence Avenue near the Bridge Street West intersection for catch basin repairs. Please slow down, remain aware and use an alternate route for travel if possible. The repairs are expected to take one day to complete. View the Florence Avenue Traffic Control Plan to see the affected area.

Lane Closure – Bridge Street West

Monday, October 21 – Wednesday, October 23

Beginning October 21, there will be a lane closure on West Bridge Street near the Bridge/Florence/Allan intersection for catch basin repairs. Please slow down, remain aware and use an alternate route for travel if possible. The lane closure is expected to be in effect for three days. View the Bridge Street West Traffic Control Plan to see the affected area.

We’ll Save You a Seat!

Weekly Meeting Schedule

Agendas, meeting minutes and packets for upcoming meetings are available at: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

October 16: Appeal Hearing to Re-registration of Potentially Dangerous Dog Designations at 1 p.m. in the Chambers in the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle.

October 17: Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m. in the Meeting Room at the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. West Hills Commission Meeting at noon in the Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane. Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue.

October 22: Owatonna Public Utilities Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room at OPU, 208 South Walnut Avenue. Planning Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers in the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle.

October 23: Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 540 West Circle Drive.

October 28: Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle.

Helpful Links

Licenses & Permits

Registration

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.

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October 16, 2024