Illegal Signs Being Removed

Unclaimed signs to be disposed of after October 17

Enforcement of the City ordinance governing signs in public rights-of-way has increased. Sign owners are asked to remove their signs placed within public rights-of-way. Any remaining signs in violation are being removed by City staff and temporarily stored at the Parks Maintenance Facility at 1140 Industrial Road. Sign owners can retrieve their signs there between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays through noon on Friday, October 17. At that time, unclaimed signs will be disposed of.

City Ordinance 153.08 restricting the placement of signage in rights-of-way and boulevards helps ensure city boulevards maintain safe sightlines for drivers and pedestrians and protects underground utilities. The ordinance will continue to be enforced on an ongoing basis. For additional information including photos of signs explaining why they are in violation, frequently asked questions about temporary signs and rights-of-way and more, visit Planning & Zoning | Owatonna, MN at Owatonna.gov.

The areas between sidewalks and curbs are public rights-of-way

Signs cannot be attached to public utility poles, streetlights or utility boxes.

The areas alongside streets are public rights-of-way.

Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year Banquet October 9

The 2025 Firefighter Appreciation Banquet honoring all Owatonna firefighters is being held October 9. For the past 23 years, the Exchange Club has held a banquet honoring all firefighters for their contributions to the community. During the banquet, one firefighter is recognized as Firefighter of the Year for outstanding service to the community. This year that honor goes to Bonnie Hermel who was selected by the Fire Chief with input from fire department staff.

Willow Creek Nature Reserve Restorative Burn

On October 13 at 8:30 a.m., the Owatonna Fire Department will conduct a prescribed burn training session in the Willow Creek Nature Reserve. Such training is extremely important for firefighters to continue to develop their wildland firefighting skills.

Residents in the area may experience smoke present in the air. Keep windows closed to prevent the smoke from entering homes. Firefighters will remain in the area until the fire is out and the nature reserve is safe for use

Coptober for Kids!

Please join the Owatonna Police Department at the Owatonna Public Library to learn about what it takes to be a police officer and ways to keep children safe. This annual family event is fun and educational with hands-on demonstrations, book readings, squad car tours, K9 visits, fingerprinting, handouts and so much more! The free event will be October 16 from 9 a.m. until noon and is designed for fifth-grade students and younger.

Online 911 Reporting for Rice & Steele Counties

Upcoming Library Events

Haunted Library Tour

October 9 at 6 p.m.

As Halloween draws near, the history of the library comes alive with the ghosts of those who paved the way before us…and the many who never leave the beloved library.

OPL Book Club

October 13 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This month, there will be a discussion on All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker in the Reading Room.

The Reading Tap

October 14 at 6 p.m.

This month's discussion will be on The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens at MSB!

Prepping the Parks for Colder Weather

As the colors turn in the parks, so does the weather. That means City crews will be turning off water, drinking fountains and other water lines, closing bathrooms and removing portable toilets. This usually begins October 15 each year. Please plan park use accordingly.

Deer Management Reminder

The annual archery hunt will be October 19 through December 14 in several Owatonna parks. Parks remain open to the public during this time. For informational purposes, maps of hunter locations can be found at the main entrance to each park and online at Owatonna.gov. Signs posted at each park entrance alert the public in English, Spanish and Somali. Additional information is available on the City website by searching Deer Management.

Public Works Department Request for Proposals

Sidewalk snow removal services

The Public Works Department is seeking professional services from qualified, insured contractors to complete on-call maintenance activities for snow and ice removal on sidewalks in Owatonna. The 2025-2026 Winter Season Sidewalk Snow Removal Request for Proposals is available on the City of Owatonna’s Procurement Portal. Responses must be submitted via the online portal before 1 p.m. October 28.

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 9:

1:30 p.m. Appeal Hearing Potentially Dangerous Dog Designation
6 p.m. 2025 Firefighter of the Year Banquet

October 14:

5:30 p.m. Human Rights Commission Meeting
5:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting

October 15:

12 p.m. West Hills Commission Meeting

Helpful Links

Licenses & Permits

Registration

Employment

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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October 8, 2025