Owatonna’s Economic Development Showcased

A regional development summit was held in Owatonna September 24 by the Minnesota Real Estate Journal. Attendees from around the state attended a packed event with several panels discussing factors that have led to recent business growth in Owatonna.

Mayor Matt Jessop welcomed attendees by describing how Owatonna’s downtown is “something special.” Several speakers noted the collaborative approach the community takes in providing funding for projects such as the construction of the new high school. Other notable projects mentioned included renovations at the Owatonna Country Club and several new assets in the downtown area such as the hotel, apartments and restaurants..

Community Development Director Troy Klecker reflected on the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development (OPED) and how this collaboration identified what Owatonna needed and then succeeded in facilitating projects that meet those needs such as Costco’s distribution center, a redeveloped riverfront with a brewery and is now focusing on addressing the need for housing options. Klecker also commented on the role City staff serve in supporting economic development, “Our part is to take an idea and help move it toward a doable project by ushering it through the City processes which can be complicated.” He cited projects such as the wastewater treatment facility expansion and the industrial park as steps taken that invite potential.

OPED is a partnership comprise of the City of Owatonna, the Owatonna Area Business Developoment Center, Owatonna Public Utilities, the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Steele County. For additional information, visit owatonnadevelopment.com.

Don’t Veer for Deer!

Fall brings beautiful colors and crisp air and it also comes with the increased risk of deer on the roads. The Owatonna Police Department would like to remind the community that deer are more active during this time of year, especially around dawn and dusk, the chance of a crash rises. The best way to avoid a deer-vehicle crash is to stay attentive behind the wheel and limit distractions.

Tips to Avoid Deer Crashes:

• Drive at safe speeds and always buckle up.
• Be especially cautious from 6 until 9 p.m. when deer are most active.
• Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.
• Never swerve to avoid a deer. Swerving can cause you to lose control and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
• Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population. This includes areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land and if you’re driving through forested areas between dusk and dawn.
• Deer can do unpredictable things — they stop in the middle of the road when crossing; cross and quickly re-cross back; and move toward an approaching vehicle. 
• Drive smart by expecting the unexpected and remember that your seat belt is the best defense in a crash.

Tips for Motorcyclists:

• When encountering an animal, slow down and use both brakes to stop.
• If a larger animal jumps out in front of you, use emergency braking (applying both front and rear brakes) to stop as quickly as possible.
• If you are unable to stop in time and/or contact is imminent after maximum breaking, and you have room in the lane, release the brakes and attempt to swerve slowly behind the animal.
• Always try to maintain control of your motorcycle.

Parks & Recreation

Senior Programs

As the seasons change, it is important for seniors to look for different ways for social interactions. Keeping an active social calendar provides a boost and can be the highlight of the week by gathering with friends for a meal or favorite card game. The City of Owatonna’s Parks & Recreation Department provides a variety of recurring activities and special events for seniors. 

The recreation team at West Hills Social Commons (WHSC) invites seniors age 50-plus to join a free bi-weekly Arthritis Foundation exercise group on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:15 until 11 a.m. Staying active may help keep the winter blues away.

A noon meal is available through Semcac on weekdays. A donation of $4 per meal for those 60-plus or $7 for those who are 59 and under is requested. However, everyone will be served a meal regardless of their ability to donate. Register in advance by calling 504.455.3195.

Other support organizations including Healthy Seniors and Senior Place, Inc. also have offices at WHSC. Many of the recurring activities are free to members or a visitor/day pass can be purchased at the WHSC front desk. Trips and guest speaker events have an additional cost and advanced registration may be required. The Fall Train Ride, for example, has one hundred people registered for a beautiful fall adventure.

The next AARP Driver Safety class is October 7 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Cost for the class is $30 with a $5 discount for AARP members. 

Weekly offerings for seniors include 500 cards for beginners or experienced players, pinochle, cribbage, billiards/pool, table tennis, mahjong, yoga, Pilates, strength training and bingo. Monthly book club, crafts and holiday decorating or parties are popular options. The annual membership fee is $45 or a visitor/day pass is $3 per person. Memberships are valid January 1 through December 31. Purchase a 2026 membership before the end of the year and begin enjoying its benefits in 2025 at a prorated amount. 

Visit owatonna.gov/prcatalog or call 507.444.4321 to sign up for activities. Stop by WHSC at 500 Dunnell Drive for a tour and add some fun to your social calendar!

Saving a Seat for YOU!

Weekly Meeting Schedule

 The public is invited to attend the City's public meetings. For meeting details, view the calendar at owatonna.gov. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

October 1:

• 11:30 a.m. Retirement Reception - Mark Kath
• 4 p.m. Rice/Steele 911 Center Joint Powers Board Meeting
• 4:30 p.m. Downtown Walk for city council, mayor, staff

October 5:

• Fire Department Open House

October 7:

• 4 p.m. South Central Drug Investigation Unit Meeting
• 5: 30 p.m. Council Study Session
• 7 p.m. City Council Meeting