The Owatonna Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Four Seasons Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue. The public is invited to attend.

City Volunteers Recognized

During the May 6 City Council Meeting, Mayor Jessop recognized previous members whose final terms expired this year. Owatonna's Code of Ordinances limits the number of successive terms an individual can serve on a board. These volunteers were thanked for serving through term limits:

• Jim Gunderson - Human Rights Commission, first appointment November 7, 2017
• Trudy Severson - Library Board, first appointment May 3, 2016

Mayor Jessop is interviewing volunteers to serve on the Library Board. The Board/Commission Member Application is posted at owatonna.gov. There are also openings on the Fire Code of Appeals/Civil Service Board, Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Planning Commission.  The Economic Development Authority will an opening at the end of September. The City of Owatonna encourages community members to attend board and commission meetings. Meeting information is posted on the city’s website Owatonna.gov.

Mayor Jessop’s Recent Proclamations

May 2025 Frontline Worker Month 

Frontline workers are the builders of the community, exercising curiosity, compassion, courage, and creativity to provide essential services that ensure residents’ safety, health and education. This proclamation recognizes and honors the heroic contributions of healthcare workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel and teachers.

May 4-10 National Travel and Tourism Week 

The travel industry is essential to the success of many industries and will continue to be a critical part of Owatonna’s economy, development and workforce.

May 7 Walk to End Alzheimer's Kick-off 

The Alzheimer’s Association Owatonna Walk Committee participated in this campaign with a Walk Kick-off May 7 in advance of the Paint the Town Purple Event that will be June 1 through 11. Owatonna’s Walk to End Alzheimer's will be September 27. It raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. All Owatonna residents are encouraged to join in the fight against this disease.

How does the Housing & Redevelopment Authority help Owatonna?

The Owatonna Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) currently serves 180 families with rental assistance in Steele County. Eligible households select a privately owned rental unit and pay approximately 30 percent of their monthly income toward their rent. The HRA pays the remaining balance of the rent directly to the landlord.

The HRA administers rental assistance programs provided through federal assistance (HUD), state assistance (Minnesota Housing) and a local grant. These programs are designed to assist clients based on their current financial needs and housing circumstances. The HRA collaborates with several local organizations to reach clients in need including SPERO, Transitional Housing, MN Prairie County Alliance, United Way and SEMCAC.

Summer Reading Program

Resources and programming for those of all ages are available at the Owatonna Public Library all year ‘round. There are also ways for youth to maintain reading skills throughout the summer months with free programs and materials. Visit Owatonna.gov/library for details on the 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World.” Stop by the library for the program kick-off between 3 and 6 p.m. June 5. Events planned include Sustainable Safari Wildlife Show, the National Eagle Center, and much more!

May 18-24, 2025 National Public Works Week

(Article source: apwa.org)

The American Public Works Association is proud to announce the theme "People, Purpose, Presence" for the 2025 National Public Works Week poster. Meeting the needs of people is what gives public works its sense of purpose. Public works professionals are ever present, working in the background to advance quality of life for all.

The "People, Purpose, Presence" theme highlights how public works makes communities safer, more vibrant, and a better place to live. Whether serving as first responders, responding to electricity outages, providing regular waste pickup, or making roads and sidewalks passable after a winter weather event, public works is always there when people need them.

Public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of Owatonna. These infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens.

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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