School Zone Traffic Safety 

Extra Enforcement in School Zones

The Owatonna Police Department is asking drivers to stay alert, slow down and help keep children safe. As the new school year begins soon, there will be extra police patrols around schools.

To help protect children as they return to school this fall, please take note of the following reminders. Please allow more time to travel through school zones, pay attention and reduce speeds in school zones. When posted and when children are present, the speed limit is 20 miles per hour. Do not stop or obstruct the traffic lane to drop off or pick up students or passengers. Use established student drop-off zones. Yield to pedestrians and crossing guards in crosswalks. When school buses flash amber lights, they are preparing to stop. All drivers must stop at least 20 feet back and in all directions of a school bus flashing red lights with stop arm extended. It is illegal to pass a school bus with red flashing lights; penalties are enhanced if children are present.

The Owatonna Police Department will be actively looking for drivers who disregard these rules. We can all do our part to get students to school and home safely by staying alert and obeying speed limits.

Sign up for Fall & Winter Activities

Registration is NOW OPEN for 2025 Fall and Winter Activities. The catalog is filled with activities for all ages including archery, geocaching, water aerobics, youth sports, adult trips and weekly activities, adaptive recreation activities, snowshoeing, tennis, pickleball, special events and so much more!

Register for programs online at owatonna.gov/prcatalog or call 507.444.4321 or stop by the Parks and Recreation office in person at West Hills Social Commons during office hours.

Saving a Seat for YOU!

The public is invited to attend the City's public meetings. 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.

• August 20: Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. 
• August 21: Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m. at the Denger Regional Airport, 3400 W Frontage Road. Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue.
• August 25: Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. 
• August 26: Public Utilities Commission Meeting at 4:00 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room at Owatonna Public Utilities, 208 South Walnut Avenue. City Council and staff Preliminary Budget Workshop (1 of 3) presentations from the Park & Recreation Department, Police Department and Library at 4 p.m. in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue. Planning Commission Meeting at 5:30 p.m.