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January 21, 2026

Human Rights Commission Hosted MLK Day Celebration
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2026 MLK Day photo of commissioners

OHRC Members Jessica Bjore, Sherry Hill, Edgar Esquivel and Julia Seykora (left to right).

More than 100 community members gathered to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy January 19 at the Steele County History Center. The event, hosted by the Owatonna Human Rights Commission (OHRC), provided an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence and to reflect, listen, and learn from others. Panelists Sarah Sanchez, Gospel Kordah, Martha Sykes and Whitney Harvey responded to questions about issues of equity, justice and inclusion. Mayor Jessop spoke words of encouragement for respect, reflection and understanding others. This annual event is planned by OHRC members. It is the third year the event was held mid-day rather than during breakfast.

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 21

  • Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m.

January 22

  • Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m.

January 26

  • Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. 

January 27

  • Public Utility Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room, 208 South Walnut Avenue
  • Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m.

Serve on a City Board or Commission

 The City of Owatonna encourages community members to attend public meetings and serve on a board or commission. At the January 20 City Council meeting, Mayor Matt Jessop announced upcoming openings on the Owatonna Human Rights Commission and in the First Ward for the Owatonna Public Utilities Commission. For additional information or to apply, visit owatonna.gov.
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City Information

  • Visit owatonna.gov
  • Send an email to info@owatonna.gov
  • Watch the Public Access Cable Channel 181 on Charter/Spectrum or 900 on Jaguar/MetroNet 
  • Follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook

Sign up to receive notifications when the latest City Newsletters, News Releases or City Spotlight Videos are posted at Owatonna.gov. Click on “Notification Sign-up” on the home page and look for “Communications”.
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Snow Removal Around Fire Hydrants

This winter, the Owatonna Fire Department is asking residents for help keeping nearby fire hydrants clear of snow and ice. During a fire, every second counts. After a snowfall, hydrants can become difficult to for firefighters to spot. Having an easily accessible fire hydrant makes a big difference in how quickly firefighters can successfully put out a fire in the neighborhood. 

  • Keep snow and ice three feet away from fire hydrants 
  • Clear a path from the hydrant to the street
  • Make sure the hydrant is visible from the street
  • Help an elderly neighbor by offering to “adopt” a hydrant in their yard for the winter
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Lake Kohlmier Aeration

Each winter, Parks & Recreation Department staff apply for a permit with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to operate an aeration system on Lake Kohlmier. The DNR has several requirements including proof of public notice when it starts, verification of liability insurance, posting thin ice signs four to six feet high, at least 100 feet apart around the open area and completing a written inspection once every seven days.

The aeration system, which creates open water and thin ice, is operating on Lake Kohlmier. Please stay clear of the marked areas.

Aeration increases oxygen levels in the lake to prevent winter fish kills. Oxygen is created through photosynthesis. Oxygen is used up by live plants, fish and bacteria that feed on decaying vegetation. When that level declines, fish can begin to suffocate. The aeration opens an area for sunlight to reach vegetation in the lake, replenishing the oxygen supply. Winterkill is a natural process that can be detrimental which is the reason the DNR issues permits for lakes that should use aeration.
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Winter Parking Ordinance

Avoid the Ticket & Help Crews Perform Efficient Snow Removal

Odd/Even Parking restrictions and consistent enforcement help facilitate an efficient snow removal process by ensuring cars are parked on only one side of the street on any given day in the event there is significant snowfall. On even-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street with addresses that have been assigned even numbers. On odd-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street with addresses that have been assigned odd numbers. 

Parking restrictions are enforced nightly from November 15 through March 31 regardless of weather conditions.

The Winter Parking Map web app shows parking restrictions in place from November 15 through March 31.

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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