Owatonna Update masthead

January 14, 2026
MLK Day graphic
2026 MLK Day event graphic

Owatonna’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Everyone is welcome to attend the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration January 19 at the Steele County History Center, 1700 Austin Road. 

This free event, hosted by the Owatonna Human Rights Commission, includes a complimentary meal and a panel presentation followed by a discussion on Justice in Motion, Moving from Recognition to Responsibility. Participating on the panel will be Sarah Sanchez, Gospel Kordah, Martha Sykes and Whitney Harvey. They plan to speak courageously and advocate for Owatonna citizens and the well-being of the community as a whole. Harvey is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served noon and will be followed by the panel presentation. Preregister at Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon.
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Bold & Cold Festival

Winter Weekend Out, a collaboration with the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Bold & Cold event, will be January 21 through 25 and provides opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends.

Parks & Recreation Events: 

  • Pool Bingo at Owatonna Middle School January 23 from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
  • Pickleball Tournament at Tennis and Pickleball Center January 24 beginning at 8 a.m.
  • Snowshoeing at Brooktree Golf Course January 24 from 1:30 until 3 p.m. 
  • Rock on Ice at Morehouse Park skating rinks January 24 from 5 until 7 p.m.
  • Luminary Walk at Brooktree Golf Course January 24 from 6 until 9 p.m.
  • Tennis/Pickleball Open House at Tennis and Pickleball Center January 25 at 12:30 p.m.
  • Ice Fishing at Lake Kohlmier January 25 from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m.
  • Puzzle Competition at West Hills Social Commons January 25 from 1 until 4 p.m.
  • Snow Sculptures at Central Park (CANCELLED due to lack of snow)

For more information about these Parks & Recreation Department activities or to register to attend, visit owatonna.gov. Find out all the ways to get out and enjoy the winter season at visitowatonna.org/boldandcold.

City Meetings

The Owatonna City Council meets at 7 pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. Contact Council Members with questions, suggestions and concerns. Agendas, Minutes and Council Packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.
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Saving You a Seat!

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this coming week. Unless otherwise specified, these meetings are held at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. Meeting materials are available at owatonna.gov.

January 15:

  • Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room at the Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue

January 19:

  • MLK Jr. Day Event at noon at the Steele County History Center

January 20:

  • City Council Study Session at 5:30 p.m. to include a discussion on a proposed ordinance for parkland dedication and the Fees Manual
  • City Council Meeting at 7 p.m.

January 21: 

  • Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m.

City Elected Officials Information

  • Doug Voss (At Large) 507.475.0550 douglas.voss@owatonna.gov
  • Dan Boeke (At Large) 507.363.1932 daniel.boeke@owatonna.gov  
  • Nathan Dotson (Ward 1) 507.3631189 nathan.dotson@owatonna.gov  
  • Don McCann (Ward 2) 507.456.6383 don.mccann@owatonna.gov  
  • David Burbank (Ward 3) 507.451.3166 david.burbank@owatonna.gov 
  • Kevin Raney (Ward 4) 507.456.3116 kevin.raney@owatonna.gov 
  • Brent Svenby (Ward 5) 507.363.1136 brent.svenby@owatonna.gov 
  • Matt Jessop (Mayor) 507.363.1980 mayor@owatonna.gov 
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City Council to Seek Legislative Authority for Local Sales Tax

 The City Council is seeking legislative authority to allow voters to approve a half percent local sales tax to fund the construction of a $75 million community center that would serve the region. This funding approach is being pursued to spread the cost beyond Owatonna’s property owners to include visitors and non-residents who shop and use services in Owatonna.

At its January 6 meeting, the City Council approved a resolution to submit this request to the state legislature before the January 31 deadline to be considered during this legislative session. If lawmakers grant authorization, the next step would be to ask local voters to decide whether to approve a local sales tax to fund this project. The City Council could place this question on a future election ballot. If approved by voters, the sales tax would be dedicated exclusively to the community center and expire when adequate revenue is collected, projected within 25 years.

This step advances the Our Community, Our Center planning process, which aims to create a modern, accessible facility offering recreation, education, and gathering spaces for all ages to meet community members’ long-desired priority of a new community center in Owatonna.To support the legislative effort, the City Council also approved a contract with Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP.

Updates will be provided as the legislative process advances and project planning continues. For additional information, please visit OurCommunityOurCenter.org or email communitycenter@owatonna.gov.
photo sunset over Owatonna

2025 Building Permits Indicate Community Growth 

The City of Owatonna had a busy year with new construction in 2025. The valuation of construction projects totaled $76,960,735. City staff issued 2,152 building permits in 2025 which also indicates future community growth. These permits are an initial step in construction projects. Other growth indicators in 2025 include 244 commercial and industrial permits totaling $53,804,896. 2026 is expected to be another year with significant new construction projects in Owatonna as many large private projects are in the planning stages.
2026 Spring Summer Community Activity Guide Cover

Registration begins January 27 for Spring Recreation Programs

Upcoming programs offered through the Owatonna Parks & Recreation Department include something for everyone! Check out the Spring/Summer Activity Guide that will be mailed January 20 to all Owatonna addresses or view it online at www.owatonna.gov. 

Registration for most spring and summer programs, classes and camps begins January 27. Additional details for all programs and facilities can be found online at owatonna.gov or on the Parks and Recreation online registration page at owatonnat.gov/prcatalog. Registrations are also accepted by phone at 507.444.4321 or in person at the Parks & Recreation Office, 500 Dunnell Drive. Ask about scholarships or serving as a volunteer coach for youth sports programs.
Seasonal employees work at River Springs Water Park as lifeguards and several other locations.

Seasonal employees work at River Springs Water Park as lifeguards and several other locations.

Parks and Recreation is hiring!

Recreation Assistant and seasonal positions are open

Join a team where employees are considered the greatest asset of the organization! The City of Owatonna offers exciting career opportunities which include professional growth through meaningful work that positively impacts the community. Visit owatonna.gov and search “Employment Opportunities” to apply or to subscribe to receive alerts about job opportunities with the City of Owatonna. Watch for a variety of seasonal positions for Spring and Summer employment in these areas:

  • Guest Service Staff and Guest Service Lead positions at River Springs Water Park and/or Brooktree Golf Course
  • Program Leads for summer camps, adaptive recreation and outdoor education programs
  • Water Safety Instructors
  • Lifeguards and Head Lifeguards
  • Golf and Park Maintenance
  • Youth Sports, Aquatics, Programs, and Golf Coordinators
  • Program Officials for Youth Soccer
Eric Anderson portrait

Eric Anderson Appointed to MRPA Board

Congratulations goes to Eric Anderson, Recreation Manager in the Parks & Recreation Department, for being appointed to serve on the Board for the Minnesota Recreation & Park Association (MRPA). While Anderson has been involved with MRPA for many years, serving on various committees, 2026 will mark his first year on the Board of Directors for the organization. He was sworn in January 9 to represent the Southern Minnesota Region and will serve a two-year term.
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OPL Events

  • Book Club meets the second Monday of every month at 1 and 6 p.m.
  • Winter Book Bingo will begin February 1 and run through March 31. 
  • Storytime Tuesdays resume January 13. Preschoolers with their parents/caregivers are invited to the Children’s Services area at the library for stories, songs and fun on Tuesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

To see details on other upcoming planned activities, visit owatonna.gov/library.

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.

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540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
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