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November 5, 2025

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Honoring Owatonna's Veterans

City Hall and several City buildings will be closed November 11 for the Veterans Day Holiday. Watch for the green lights at City buildings in honor of local veterans.

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Mayor for a Day!

 The League of Minnesota Cities is hosting its annual "Mayor for a Day" Essay Contest, inviting fourth, fifth and sixth grade students from across the state to share their ideas for improving their communities. Students are encouraged to think creatively and write about what they would do if they were mayor for a day. The contest is a fun way to spark interest in local government and civic engagement at a young age. Selected winners will have their essays published and may receive special recognition from the League. It's a great opportunity for students to make their voices heard! For additional information, visit lmc.org.

Winter Parking Web Map QR Code

Winter Parking Restrictions

Odd/Even parking begins November 15

Winter parking restrictions in Owatonna are in effect November 15 through March 31. These restrictions facilitate effective snow removal and allow crews to perform other street maintenance.

During this period, street parking is only allowed on alternating sides of the street every night between 12:01 a.m. and noon, regardless of the weather. On even-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may park on the sides of streets with even-numbered addresses. On odd-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may park on the sides of streets with odd-numbered addresses.

Between noon and midnight, the winter parking restrictions are not in effect. Therefore, parking is allowed on both sides of the street (unless otherwise marked). At 12:01 a.m., parking is only allowed on the side of the street that corresponds with the calendar date. Anticipating the date change at 12:01 a.m., there’s no need to move from one side of the street to the other at midnight. Instead, park prior to midnight on the side of the street that corresponds with the next day’s date.

Keep in mind December and January both end and begin with odd dates – the 31st and the 1st. Parking restrictions are enforced nightly from November 15 through March 31 regardless of weather conditions. Odd/even parking restrictions do not apply to any street that has posted restrictive parking or any cul-de-sac which has combined even and odd house numbers.

The City’s easy-to-use Winter Parking Map app shows where to park during winter months. The app is available on the City of Owatonna’s website Owatonna.gov, search for “Public & Winter Parking.”

025nov1harvestsafety

Fall Harvest in Full Swing

Help keep roads safe for everyone this harvest season

Harvesting is underway around much of the area and farmers are back in the fields or driving between fields. Tractors and other machinery are allowed to operate on many roadways. They are often large, slow-moving and make wide turns or sudden stops which can catch other drivers off guard. The Owatonna Police Department urges all motorists to slow down, stay alert and use caution when approaching or passing farm machinery especially when the equipment is turning left or entering a field. Give extra space, be patient and never assume the operator can see you. 

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Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Is there a beep or a chirp coming out of a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm? What do they mean? Knowing the difference can save lives and property. Make sure all family members understand the sounds and know how to respond. 

 

What the beeps and chirps of a CO alarm mean:

  • A continuous set of four loud beeps (beep, beep, beep, beep) means carbon monoxide is present in the home. Go outside, call 911 and stay out.
  • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced. Even alarms that are plugged in have a battery back-up which needs to be replaced.
  • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and it must be replaced. Don’t remember how old the CO alarm is? Replace it! CO alarms should be replaced every seven years.
kids in pool

Planning an Event?

Rent the West Hills Pool!

Renting the West Hills Pool for an event offers a perfect opportunity for families or groups to enjoy a personalized, private aquatic experience. Whether planning a birthday party, team-building event or just a family day out, reserving the pool means exclusive access. The pool is staffed by trained lifeguards to ensure a safe environment for all ages. Book a pool reservation online, over the phone by calling 507.444.4321 or in person at the Owatonna Parks and Recreation Office.

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Coffee Conversations

Residents ages 50 and over are invited to meet the Parks & Recreation Department team and enjoy a free cup of coffee November 10 from 11 a.m. until noon. Hear about various activities happening at West Hills Social Commons for seniors. Feedback is appreciated and newcomers are welcome. Find out what’s coming up this month and throughout the winter to stay active and engaged. From bus trips to ping-pong, you’ll find it all at the Social Commons.

OPL fall

Fun at the Library

Storytime Tuesdays

Preschool Storytime in Children’s Service is every Tuesday morning at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, and fun!

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Saving You a Seat!

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.

November 5:

  • 4 p.m. 911 Call Center Joint Powers Board Meeting, Commissioner’s Room, Commissioner’s Room, Steele County Administration Building, 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna. 
  • 5:30 p.m. City Council Study Session regarding:
    • Fire Department rental licensing
    • Finance Department structure review by Jodi Bursheim, Abdo
    • Preview Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Fall Conference by Council President Kevin Raney
    • Investment updates by Brian Johnson, Ehlers, Inc
    • Update on proposed cannabis regulation Ordinance
  • 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting including a public hearing to consider proposed assessments for the 2024 Street & Utility Project

November 12:

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

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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