Human Rights Day

According to un.org, Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on 10 December. It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The Owatonna Human Rights Commission (OHRC) believes that all people should have the same status in respect to civil rights, human rights, freedom of speech, property rights and economics opportunity. In addition, the commission believes in the value of inclusion and justice for all cultures and races. For additional information about the OHRC, visit owatonna.gov.

Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Home fires occur more frequently in winter than in any other season. While staying cozy and warm this winter, be fire smart! Follow these tips to help prevent winter fires and to stay safe this winter season:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters and candles.
• Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
• Have a qualified professional clean and inspect chimneys and vents every year.
• Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least ten feet from your home and any nearby buildings.
• Keep portable generators outside away from windows and as far away from the house as possible.
• Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.

Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. Don’t become a statistic – stay fire safe!

Give the Gift of Recreation

It’s that time of year to think about thoughtful gift-giving. The City of Owatonna Parks & Recreation Department offers easy ways to give the gift of recreation and connecting with others:

• River Springs Water Park passes
• Brooktree Golf Course passes
• Tennis & Pickleball Center passes  
• Yoga classes
• Swimming lessons 
• Water aerobics classes
• Adult Leisure Pursuits Senior Programming membership
• Trips
• Gift cards & much more

Shop for these and other recreation gifts at the City of Owatonna Parks & Recreation Catalog online at owatonna.gov/prcatalog or visit the Parks & Recreation office, 500 Dunnell Dr, Owatonna.

Vine Street Parking Lot Update

Construction on the Vine Street parking lot has been completed for the year. The parking area has been paved to the base course of asphalt and striped for use throughout winter and the parking lot and streetlights have been installed with temporary fixtures. Permanent light fixtures will be installed around the new year.

The newly reconstructed Vine Street Parking Lot offers Downtown Owatonna’s residents and visitors convenient parking options. The lot has designated four- and 24-hour parking spaces. Signage has been installed to indicate the designated areas and can be seen on this map: Downtown Parking Map (PDF)

Thank you for your patience as Wencl Construction of Owatonna worked to complete this project on a tight timeline. The final lift of asphalt along with landscaping and irrigation will take place next spring. 

Holiday Lighted Parade

Main Street Owatonna is organizing the 2024 Holiday Lighted Parade. This year’s parade begins at 6 pm December 6 on North Cedar Avenue. City staff and vehicles will be on display in the parade from several departments including Police, Fire, Public Works and Parks & Recreation. Immediately following the parade will be the lighting of the trees in Central Park with the Owatonna High School carolers performing on the Central Park Stage.

Compost Site Winter Hours

The Compost Site located at 400 32nd Avenue West will close for the season December 7. The site will reopen on January 3, 4, 10 and 11 from 3 – 6 pm for wreaths, Christmas trees and any leftover fall debris.

Helpful Links

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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