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July 2, 2025
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Patriotic Spirit Without Fireworks

Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays such as the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. If this isn’t an option, here are a few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:

  • Use glow sticks. They glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler. 
  • Noise makers are sure to make a statement. Find them at local party supply stores.
  • Outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and projector. Don’t forget the bug spray!
  • Red, white and blue silly string…fun for all ages.
  • Make a patriotic craft with the family.
  • Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.
Construction Reminder

4th of July Construction Zone Reminder

With the upcoming 4th of July holiday fireworks, please use caution while driving and walking through the construction areas near the Steele County Fairgrounds. 18th Street SE between Linn Ave & Austin Road is currently an active Construction Site with in-place traffic control, roped off areas, and construction equipment. Thank you and have a safe & enjoyable holiday!

 
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Watch for the new Community & Activity Guide in the Mail

Fall/Winter Events & Programs

The 2025-2026 Fall/Winter Community & Activity Guide will arrive in Owatonna mailboxes within the week. It is filled with various activities for everyone including archery, water aerobics, youth sports, trips, weekly activities, adaptive recreation events, snowshoe geocaching, tennis, pickleball and so much more! The guide also includes information about youth scholarships and events hosted by the Owatonna Police Department, Owatonna Public Library and more! Register for programs online at owatonna.gov/prcatalog, call 507.444.4321 or register in person at West Hills Social Commons during office hours.
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Chat with City Staff at Downtown Thursdays

Owatonna’s Downtown Thursdays feature local food, music, shopping and art on the first Thursday of each month during summer. Chat with Parks & Recreation Department staff in the City’s booth July 3 in Central Park. Future Downtown Thursdays dates and additional information is available at Owatonna.org.
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Free Play Equipment for All


Rec On The Go provides FREE, accessible activities in various neighborhood parks making recreation inclusive and convenient for everyone. Mark your calendars to join the Rec On The Go fun at these upcoming dates and locations: 

  • July 12 5-7:30 p.m. Brown Park
  • July 19 5-8:30 p.m. River Springs Water Park
  • August 1 5-7:30 p.m. Manthey Park

Visit owatonna.gov/recgo for updated locations where the Rec on the Go trailer will be located.
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Coffee Conversations 

at West Hills Social Commons

Learn about activities offered by the Parks & Recreation Department and provide feedback for future programming while enjoying a free cup of coffee. The Park & Recreation team is open to new ideas or suggestions and would like to hear from you. This event is free for everyone. 

Join us July 7 from 11 a.m. until noon. 
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Wet a Line in Owatonna

Enjoy one of Minnesota’s favorite pastimes right here in Owatonna! There are several opportunities to go fishing within city limits.

Lake Kohlmier is a 34.48-acre lake with more than a mile of shoreline. Put your boat, canoe or kayak in at the public access from the 18th Street/Mosher Avenue entrance. Motors are not allowed. Several concrete pads are available for shoreline fishing around the lake or try your luck off the dock on the north side of the lake. Species in the lake include bass, bullhead, bluegill, catfish, crappie, northern, perch, sunfish and walleye. Lake Chase, while smaller and classified as a pond, has bass, bullhead, bluegill, crappie and sunfish.

 Several opportunities for fishing are also available along the Straight River as it winds through town, eventually connecting with the Cannon River. A portage is available near the Morehouse Dam. Fish typically caught include bass, crappie, northern and carp. In Minnesota, a fishing license is required between ages 16 and 89. Visit Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for information about regulations and limits.
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July Summer Reading Program Events

The 2025 Summer Reading Program continues in July with the following special events:

  • 10-11:30 a.m. July 3: LEGO Day (ages 3 and up)
  • 10 a.m. July 10: Enso Daiko Drummers (all ages)
  • 10 a.m. July 16: Magician Jim Jayes (all ages)
  • 10 a.m. July 17: Mr. Billy: Singer and Song Rocker (all ages)
  • 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. July 24: July Bookfair - bring in your reading record and pick out a free book! (all ages)
  • 10 a.m. July 31: National Eagle Center (ages three and above)
aerial map Straight River Trail closure

Wastewater Treatment Facility Retaining Wall Project 

North Straight River Trail Closure

The existing retaining wall on the northeast side of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) and adjacent to the North Straight River Trail will be replaced with a Reinforced Soil Slope (RSS) wall. Construction of the wall is tentatively scheduled to begin July 7 and will result in the North Straight River Trail being closed for 6 to 8 weeks.

Watch City Meetings Online!

Owatonna’s City Council meetings are available to watch live or on demand. Visit owatonna.gov/Government/Mayor & City Council to see options and links. Click this link to view a live feed of Owatonna’s Public Access, Education & Government Channel where City Council meetings are aired live and rebroadcast. Or, to view any past City Council meeting on demand, click this link: owatonna.gov. Owatonna School Board meetings are also available to view through these options.
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Construction Project Updates

Interested in updates related specifically to Public Works topics and Construction Projects? Visit Notify Me and select Public Works – Engineering to start receiving weekly Public Works Updates. 
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City Meetings This Week

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this week. Unless otherwise specified, these meetings are held at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

July 2: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner's Room, Steele County Administration, 630 Florence.

July 8: South Central Drug Investigation Unit Meeting at 1 p.m. in the Waseca Public Safety Center Meeting Room, 303 South State Street, Waseca. Human Rights Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center. Planning Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers of the Charles S. Crandall Center.

Helpful Links
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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.

  • 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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540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
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