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January 15, 2025
2025 MLK Day graphic
qr code to register to attend MLK Day event

Owatonna’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

The Owatonna Human Rights Commission will host a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event on January 20, 2025. All are welcome at this free event will be at the Steele County History Center with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. The keynote presenter, Seema Pothini also spoke during the 2024 MLK Jr. Day event. Pothini's presentation begins at 1 p.m. She is an acclaimed author and Lead Equity Specialist for the Equity Literacy Institute. Participants will leave with new perspectives, knowledge and a deeper conviction to humanize each other to provide more inclusive environments. Register to attend at owatonna.gov or by scannng the QR code. Cosponsors include Riverland Community College, Rainbowatonna and the Alliance for Greater Equity (AGE).
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Bold & Cold Festival

January 21-26

The Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Winter Weekend Out, once again, in collaboration with the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Bold & Cold event. The event provides an opportunity for community members to enjoy time with family and friends and includes several new activities this year. Find out all the ways to get out and enjoy the winter season at visitowatonna.org/boldandcold.

2024 Building Permits Indicate Community Growth

The City of Owatonna had a good year for new construction in 2024. The valuation of  construction projects totaled $94,071,983. City staff issued 1,997 building permits in 2024 which also indicates future community growth as they are an initial step taken for construction projects. Other growth indicators in 2024 include 309 commercial and industrial permits totaling $74,199,304. 2025 is expected to be another year for significant new construction in Owatonna with many large private projects in the planning stages.
Lake Kohlmier aeration

Lake Kohlmier Aeration

Each winter, Parks & Recreation Department staff apply for a permit with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to operate an aeration system on Lake Kohlmier. The DNR has several requirements including proof of public notice when it starts, verification of liability insurance, posting thin ice signs four to six feet high, at least 100 feet apart around the open area and completing a written inspection once every seven days.

The aeration system creating open water and thin ice is operating on Lake Kohlmier. Please stay clear of the marked areas.

Aeration increases oxygen levels in the lake to prevent winter fish kills. Oxygen is created through photosynthesis. Oxygen is used up by live plants, fish and bacteria that feed on decaying vegetation. When that level declines, fish can begin to suffocate. The aeration opens an area for sunlight to reach vegetation in the lake, replenishing the oxygen supply. Winterkill is a natural process that can be detrimental which is the reason the DNR issues permits for lakes that should use aeration.
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Winter Parking Reminders

Even when there is no snow

This has been a unique winter thus far with higher-than-normal temperatures and minimal snowfall. What isn’t unique to Owatonna is the City’s winter parking ordinance. On even-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street with addresses that have been assigned even numbers. On odd-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street with addresses that have been assigned odd numbers.

Parking restrictions are enforced nightly from November 15 through March 31 regardless of weather conditions.

The Winter Parking Map web app shows parking restrictions in place from November 15 through March 31 to facilitate effective snow removal and other street maintenance.
Excavator at snow covered construction site

Construction Stormwater Updates

Winter Season Considerations

Projects that extend more than one season or will still be active during winter months need to take special considerations when planning for winter shutdown or an active winter construction season. Read the latest Stormwater Construction Update to learn more about winter considerations and find answers to commonly asked questions.

City Meetings This Week

January 15 Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting at 4:00 p.m. in the Chambers, Charles S. Crandall Center at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. 

January 16 Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m. in the Meeting Room in the Charles S. Crandall Center. Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue.

January 21 Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers in the Charles S. Crandall Center. Items of discussion will include amendments to the City’s Noise Ordinance and the Local Board of Appeals. The regular City Council Meeting will follow at 7 p.m.

Helpful Links
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Licenses & Permits
Park and recreation registration

Registration
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Employment

Stay Informed

owatonna.gov

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540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
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