JUST THE FACTS

June 20, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 25

NEW BLUE

This past Sunday, former Community Service Officer Connor MacDonald joined the ranks of police officer with the Owatonna Police Department.  Officer MacDonald has been with the police department since December of 2023.  During this time, he has completed his college education and recently passed his test to be eligible to apply as a police officer.  Welcome to your new role here at the department!  Officer MacDonald will undergo our sixteen-week field training program before being on solo patrol.

Keep Grass Off the Road, Keep Riders Safe

Yard work season is in full swing, and as we fire up our mowers and tidy up our lawns, it is important to keep in mind that grass clippings on the road can be deadly for motorcyclists. Even when they look dry, grass clippings are still about 85% water, making them as slick as ice. Add a little rain, and they become even more dangerous, especially on curves or during sudden stops.

Preventing this is simple:

• Mow with intention: Make your last pass the one closest to the street, so clippings stay on your lawn.
• Aim wisely: Position your mower to blow clippings back into the yard. They naturally fertilize and hydrate your lawn as they decompose, so it's a bonus!

Most people don’t intend to create a dangerous situation, so with a little extra care, we can make our roads safer for everyone during motorcycle season. Thanks for doing your part as we work together to move Minnesota toward zero deaths.