Staying Fire Safe on Thanksgiving

A flurry of activity comes with Thanksgiving with multiple dishes cooking and baking at the same time, entertaining family and friends and other distractions that can make it easy to forget about what is on the stove or in the oven.

Since Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment with more than three times the average number, the Owatonna Fire Department is reminding residents to follow a few simple tips to keep everyone safe from fire during the holiday season:

Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. Use a timer when baking.
Stay home when cooking the turkey and check on it often.
Keep children away from the stove. Create a three-inch kid-free zone around the stove.
Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
Make sure smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

For additional information and kids' activities, visit owatonna.gov/fire.

Person putting money into Salvation Army Red Kettle

Battle of the Badges

The Owatonna Police Department will face off with the Owatonna Fire Department in their annual bell-ringing fundraiser for the Salvation Army On November 26. Please stop by the HyVee Grocery Store, 1720 South Cedar Avenue, between 4 and 6 p.m. This friendly fundraising competition has been going on for several years. The Police Department won the 2024 bell ringing fundraiser.

Help your Guests Avoid the Ticket!

Winter Parking Restrictions in Effect

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, please be sure to remind any out-of-town guests of the Winter Parking Ordinance to ensure they are parked in compliance with the winter parking restrictions. The easiest way to know where to park is by using the Winter Parking Map web app.

Winter Parking restrictions are enforced through March 31 regardless of the weather. It is the City’s objective to educate community members and seek voluntary compliance, followed by consistent enforcement for significantly more effective and efficient street maintenance operations.

City of Owatonna Budget Process

Truth-in-Taxation Meeting December 2

The City of Owatonna will hold its annual Truth-in-Taxation meeting December 2 at 6 p.m. in the Chambers at City Hall. Such meetings are held annually by each taxing jurisdiction (City, County, School District) to publicly present a summary of and receive input on proposed budgets and levies for the coming year.

Based on a recommendation from City staff, the City Council approved a preliminary budget and levy for 2026 at its September 16 meeting with a 13 percent increase. A levy amount is one component of several used to calculate property taxes. Therefore, the percent increase in the levy doesn’t directly equate to the percent change in tax rates. The tax statements sent to property owners from the Steele County Auditor’s Office in November were created based on property tax valuations and the City’s, County’s and School District’s preliminary 2026 levies and budgets. Property tax valuations were set in March and the public was invited to attend the annual Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting in April to provide input on valuations. Budgets for all three taxing jurisdictions are planned based, in part, on tax revenues calculated from these valuations.

The City Council will adopt a final 2026 budget and levy at its December 16 meeting. Until the final budget is adopted, the City Council may lower the levy from the preliminary amount, but cannot increase it.

Check out the City’s budget in an interactive document that can be found online at www.owatonna.gov/Finance. Community members are encouraged to provide input throughout the budget process by contacting a City Council member or the mayor. For questions regarding property valuations, taxes or property tax relief options, please contact the County Assessor’s Office at 507.444.7435.

New Police & Fire Personnel Welcomed

Several new police officers and firefighters were introduced to the community and sworn in to serve in their roles at the November 18 City Council meeting.

Owatonna Police Department Honor Guard leads the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off the November 18 City Council meeting.

Owatonna Police Department Honor Guard leads the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off the meeting.

Mayor Jessop swearing in new officers Iris Reyes Mijares, Connor Macdonald, Jorge Jimenez and Kristen Steinberg (left to right).

Mayor Jessop swears in Iris Reyes Mijares, Connor Macdonald, Jorge Jimenez and Kristen Steinberg (left to right).

Owatonna's newest police officers officially sign onto duties.

Owatonna's newest police officers officially sign onto their duties.

Mayor Jessop swearing in new fire personnel Jacob Dashiell, Justin Beman, Isaac Potter and Katherine Pepp (left to right).

Mayor Jessop swears in new fire personnel Jacob Dashiell, Justin Beman, Isaac Potter and Katherine Tepp (left to right).

Owatonna's newest firefighters officially sign onto duties.

Owatonna's newest firefighters officially sign onto their duties.

Police Chief Jeff Mundale and Fire Chief Ed Hoffman introduce Owatonna's newest public safety personnel.

School Bus Stop Arm Violations Uptick

Since the start of the school year in September, the Owatonna Police Department has received 13 complaints involving motorists failing to stop for school bus stop arms. Three violations were documented in September, five in October and another five reported so far in November. Of these, nine have been investigated and charges have been requested against the involved drivers for failing to stop for school bus stop arms.

The Police Department requests drivers remain vigilant and always stop for school buses when flashing lights and stop arms are activated.

These violations are often the result of inexperienced or distracted driving and they put youth at significant risk. Please help keep youth safe as they travel to and from school by sharing this message with family and friends. Your attention and cooperation make a meaningful difference in protecting our children.

City floats in the 2024 holiday parade.

Holiday Lighted Parade

Main Street Owatonna is organizing the 2025 Holiday Lighted Parade. This year’s parade begins at 6 p.m. December 5 on North Cedar Avenue. City staff and vehicles will be on display in the parade from several departments including Police, Fire, Public Works and Parks & Recreation. Immediately following the parade will be the lighting of the trees in Central Park with the Owatonna High School carolers performing on the Central Park Stage.

Letters to Santa are Back!

The elves delivered Santa’s mailbox to the Parks & Recreation Office. The mailbox is accepting letters until December 12 at 4:30 p.m. Children who write a letter to Santa by the deadline will receive a letter back before Christmas. The mailbox is available at 500 Dunnell Drive during regular office hours – weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Remember to include return address on letters!

Giving the Gift of Recreation

It’s the time of year to think about gift-giving. Instead of buying trinkets or other items that may be tossed aside in a day or two, consider giving the gift of memorable experiences. The Parks & Recreation Department has ideas to help make memories by giving the gift of recreation. Choose from the following list or build a customized gift to match the interests of parents, children, grandchildren, neighbors, coworkers or anyone:

River Springs Water Park passes
Brooktree Golf Course passes
Tennis & Pickleball Center passes or lessons
Yoga, Pilates, & Water Aerobics classes
Gift cards in any amount
Swimming Lessons
Legends Senior Membership Pass
Family pool or gym rental

Shop recreation gifts online from the comfort of home at owatonna.gov/prcatalog or in person at West Hills Social Commons weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Season Passes for 2026 Available

River Springs Water Park & Brooktree Golf Course

Don’t let the early sunset or chilly weather get you down. It’s never too early to start planning for springtime. Beginning December 1, season passes for Brooktree Golf Course and River Springs Water Park will be available to purchase for yourself or as a gift. Parks and Recreation staff are available weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at West Hills Social Commons, by phone or online.

Appreciation for Sponsors and Volunteer Coaches

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to thank the many business sponsors and volunteers who support Parks and Recreation Department programs by coaching youth sports. These sponsors and volunteers help keep programs affordable while allowing opportunities for Owatonna’s youth to explore numerous sports each season. To join these dedicated business sponsors and volunteers that make program ideas become a reality, email park.rec@owatonna.gov or call 507.444.4321.

compost site closing for season with snowy evergreen backdrop

Compost Site to Close for Season

The Compost Site will close for the season December 7. Please watch for additional information about when it will open for disposing winter greens and remaining autumn yard waste.

Snow Removal Reminders

Ready or not, the first significant snow fall of this winter season is upon us. The City of Owatonna would like to remind property owners and residents of some best tips and ordinances to help facilitate efficient snow removal operations. Read the latest Public Works Update for these helpful reminders.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout the winter season!

Information Resources

Visit owatonna.gov
Send an email to info@owatonna.gov
Watch the Public Access Cable Channel 181 on Charter/Spectrum
Follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook

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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November 26, 2025