Owatonna Update masthead

March 5, 2025
photo from March 4 swearing in Staska DuChene

Swearing-In Ceremony

At the March 4 City Council Meeting, Fire Commander Ben Staska and Police Captain Tracy DuChene were sworn into their new posts by Mayor Matt Jessop.

Presentation of Colors was presented by the Owatonna Police Honor Guard and the National Anthem was performed by Mercy Mwanga. After a brief welcome from City Administrator Kris Busse, Fire Chief Ed Hoffman and Police Chief Jeff Mundale introduced their promotional candidates, Commander Ben Staska and Captain Tracy DuChene.

Mayor Jessop administered the Oath of Office and Owatonna Police Chaplain Reverand Brent Carlson provided a short prayer for the newly appointed personnel. A reception was held following the ceremony in the Owatonna Arts Center.
March 4 swearing in PD FD
Brooktree patio at night

New Food & Beverage Services at Brooktree

On March 3, the Owatonna City Council approved an agreement with Chill-Aqui to provide food and beverage services at Brooktree Golf Course.

According to Chill-Aqui’s owner, Brandon De La Rosa, “We are excited to be back serving familiar faces as well as new people from the community.” Family-owned and operated, Chill-Aqui at Brooktree will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Beverage options will be expanded with a full coffee and tea bar. The food and beverage agreement continues through 2029 and includes an on-the-course beverage cart.

“The City of Owatonna understands the importance of quality food and beverage options at Brooktree Golf Course and we believe Chill-Aqui is a perfect fit—not just for golfers, but for the entire community,” said T.W. Dieckmann, Park & Recreation Director. “Chill-Aqui will bring an exciting and unique dining experience to the course, offering both grab-and-go options for golfers and a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a great meal.” 

Follow Brooktree Golf Course on Facebook for updates on Chill-aqui’s opening date and to find out when the course will open for the 2025 season. Brooktree, a city-owned golf course and clubhouse, is nestled along the banks of Maple Creek near the entrance of picturesque Mineral Springs Park.
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Change Your Clocks, Check Your Batteries

When Daylight Savings Time begins March 9 and clocks are turned ahead one hour, use this opportunity to check the batteries in smoke alarms as well. Working smoke alarms are a key element of home fire safety.

To help make sure all smoke alarms are working properly, here are some reminders:

  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to last for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, the battery is low and the entire alarm needs to be replaced right away.
  • Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
Open Gov logo

Online Building and Zoning Permits

As the weather is getting warmer, plans are getting underway for spring and summer home improvement projects. Remember, permits are required for roofing, siding, windows, sheds, fences and more! For a complete list of which projects require a permit, visit License & Permit Forms | Owatonna, MN. The OpenGov system allows for online payments! In-person payments are also accepted. Please e-mail inspect@owatonna.gov or call 507.444.4370 for additional information.
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Managing Stormwater

Catch Basin Clearing

The coming days will be a good time to check nearby catch basins and storm drains. Remember, some are located in yards. This week’s dense snow is expected to melt quickly. As it drains through catch basins, along with trash and debris it collects, the catch basins and storm drains may freeze and cause localized flooding. Removing the debris and build-up clears a path for stormwater and helps minimize environmental impacts.
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Provide Input on Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Community members are invited to participate in a survey regarding Owatonna’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program and MS4 Permit. Information is available on the stormwater webpage and at City Hall. Click here to participate: Form Center • Citizen Input and Feedback (owatonna.gov)
West Hills Social Commons front doors

Programs & Events for Seniors

West Hills Social Commons

500 Dunnell Drive 507.444.4321


Adult Leisure Pursuit Membership Adults ages 50 and over can find enriching social opportunities to stay active and engaged with an affordable annual membership offering access to year-round programs that suit diverse interests and ability levels. $45 membership fee ($40 with existing key card). Scholarships are available.

Coffee Conversations This is an opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on upcoming seniors programming and West Hills Social Commons while enjoying a free cup of coffee. Free for everyone, no membership is required. March 14 from 11 a.m. until noon.

AARP Drivers Safety This four-hour course is hosted by AARP and qualifies individuals over age 55 for a 10 percent reduction in car insurance.

Pilates & Yoga Exercise that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance and posture through precise movements, controlled breathing and muscle engagement. Pilates participants need to be able to get up and down from the floor (chairs available for assistance). Yoga is for people of all fitness levels and is at the West Hills Tennis & Pickleball Center. $45 for a 6 Pass Punch Card. $84 for a 12 Pass Punch Card. Pilates is Mondays and Thursdays from 5:15 until 6 p.m. Yoga is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m.

Strength Training This group-led strength training class, designed for those ages 50 and up, increases flexibility, mobility and balance. Weights and resistance bands are available. Included in Adult Leisure Pursuits Membership. $3 per day for non-members. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 until 10 a.m.

Semcac Senior Dining Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. until noon with several dietary alternatives such as diabetic and low-salt. Call 507.455.3195 for information or to sign up. Participants ages 60 and older may make a donation of $4. Participants ages 59 and under are asked to make a donation of $7. Everyone will be served a meal regardless of whether or not they can donate.

City Meetings This Week 

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this week. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

March 5: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room at the Rice County Government Building in Faribault.

March 5: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room at the Rice County Government Building, 320 Third Street NW in Faribault.

March 6: 2025 Strategic Planning Session from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle.

March 11: South Central Drug Investigation Unit (SCDIU) meeting at 1 p.m. in the Waseca Public Safety Center Meeting Room, 303 South State Street in Faribault. Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle. Human Rights Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles S. Crandall Center Meeting Room , 540 West Hills Circle.

Helpful Links
Licenses and Permits graphic

Licenses & Permits
Park and recreation registration

Registration
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Employment

Stay Informed

owatonna.gov

  • 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.

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540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
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