Local Contractors Attend City Building Session

Local construction and trades industry professionals attended the second annual Construction & Development Information Session hosted by City Staff to share information about working collaboratively as warm weather approaches and outdoor projects begin. The April 25 session included information from the Community Development and Public Works Departments about navigating OpenGov and the City’s permitting processes. By providing information and guidance ahead of the construction season, City staff can better support local construction and development which aligns with the City’s strategic priorities Economic Prosperity and Our Neighbors.

Since 1985, the first week in May has been set aside to honor the people who serve as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. Please consider thanking a City employee for their service to Owatonna. For additional information, visit the Partnership for Public Service.

City Employees Recognized for Career Milestones

The City of Owatonna is fortunate to have employees with long tenures who have demonstrated their commitment to serving the community for a significant portion of their careers. On April 23, the following employees were recognized by City Council Members, the Mayor and coworkers at the annual banquet.

20 Years

• Community Development: Kristen Kopp
• Fire: Matthew Halverson
• Library: Darla Lager
• Parks and Recreation: Wes Miller
• Police: Josh Sorensen

10 Years

• Fire: Brody Dalland, Leila Kath
• Facilities: Bob Nelson
• Police: Travis Ardolf, Steve Bowman
• Public Works: Brad Rademacher

5 Years

• Community Development: Korey Kamholz
• Fire: Dan Hed, Jacob Hines, Mitch Terpstra
• Human Resources: Emily Thamert
• Police: Anna Martin, Ben Metcalf, Zac Plein, John Van Alstine
• Public Works: Steve Arett, Kyle DeCoux

Arson Awareness

Arson Awareness Week highlights the dangers of arson and what can be done to prevent it. According to the State Fire Marshal, over the past 10 years in Minnesota, arson has killed 25 people and caused nearly $99 million in property damage. 

Arson destroys more than homes; it can devastate a neighborhood resulting in decline through increased insurance premiums and a decrease in property values. To help prevent arson, consider taking these steps:

• Install lights on all sides of the house including motion-activated lighting near entrances.
• Trim or remove shrubbery blocking the view of the house from the street.
• Clean around the house and garage to remove unused and unneeded paper, trash, cleaning supplies, partial cans of paint and other materials that could become kindling and fuel a fire for an arsonist.
• Get to know neighbors and help each other keep an eye on the neighborhood.

To anonymously report suspicious fires, call the Arson Hotline at 800.723.2020. Additional information about arson prevention is available on the US Fire Administration’s website.

Owatonna Police Explorers Earn Honors at State Competition

The Owatonna Police Explorer program continues to make a positive impact on young individuals in the community by providing youth, ages 14 to 21, with hands-on, scenario-based training that introduces them to the world of law enforcement. Explorers gain experience in key areas such as traffic stops, search and arrest procedures, suspicious activity investigations, domestic crisis intervention, burglary response, traffic crash handling, retail theft, community policing and even hostage negotiation.

This year, the Owatonna Police Explorers proudly competed in the 50th Anniversary Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer State Competition held in Rochester, Minnesota. The event brought together over 350 Explorers from approximately 60 law enforcement agencies across the state. It was a weekend of learning, growth, and spirited competition. Owatonna’s team performed exceptionally well, earning third place in the Traffic Stops scenario which demonstrated their skills and training. In addition, Explorer Abigail Morriss made a remarkable achievement by taking first place in the 5K run which showcased her determination and athleticism.

The Owatonna Police Department would like to extend congratulations to all of this year’s dedicated Explorers: Dakoda Duchene, Abigail Morriss, Kam Smith, Tyler Sheehan, Omar Dahir, Carter Quinlan, Becca Hansen, Sophia Cupkie and Kaden Keller. Each one has demonstrated commitment, discipline, and teamwork throughout the year.

This year also marks a bittersweet milestone as Officer Melissa Michael completes her final year as the lead advisor for the Owatonna Police Explorers. After ten years of leadership and mentorship, Officer Michael is stepping down from her role. Her dedication to shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals and community leaders has been invaluable. The department and the entire Explorer team thank her for her decade of service, guidance and encouragement.

As the program looks ahead, it remains committed to building character, developing leadership, and providing youth with the tools and confidence to succeed—whether in law enforcement or any other noble profession they choose to pursue.

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• Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.

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