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January 28, 2026
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City to Host Open Houses on Proposed Police & Fire Facilities

 The City of Owatonna invites community members to attend an upcoming open house to learn more about plans to build new police and fire facilities that meet the needs of the community and first responders. The open houses will take place February 3 and February 26 from 4 until 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall to provide community members with flexibility to attend the date that works best for them.

After serving the community well for many years, Owatonna’s current police and fire stations no longer meet modern public safety standards. Aging infrastructure, limited space and outdated systems affect safety, efficiency and emergency response — making it increasingly difficult for first responders to deliver the level of service residents deserve.

Over the past two years, the City has carefully evaluated public safety needs and developed a long‑term plan to address these challenges. The proposed plan includes building a new fire station on the site of the current Law Enforcement Center and a new police station on the West Hills Campus. These locations were selected to support efficient operations, fast emergency response and responsible use of taxpayer dollars by building on properties already owned by the City.

At the open houses, residents can explore self‑guided information stations, ask questions and learn how the proposed facilities will support public safety operations and serve the community for decades to come.

To learn more about the proposed facilities, visit Owatonna.gov/psf.

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.

February 2:

  • Owatonna Firefighters Relief Association Meeting at the Fire Station, 107 West Main Street, at 6 p.m.

February 3:

  • Open House from 4 until 6 p.m. with information on plans to construct new police and fire facilities

February 4:

  • Joint Powers Board Meeting in the Commissioner’s Room at the Rice County Government Building in Faribault at 4 p.m.
  • City Council Closed Session on Security and Emergency Preparedness Communications at 4:30 p.m.
  • City Council Study Session at 5:30 p.m. regarding a proposed ordinance amendment regarding the use of Utility Task Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles within city limits. If time permits, there will also be updates about various boards and commissions.
  • City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. including a public hearing to consider comments regarding the proposed assessments for the 2025 Street and Utility Project.

2025 Minnesota Traffic Fatalities Hit Six-Year Low

In 2025, Minnesota saw encouraging improvements in road safety. Preliminary figures show 370* traffic-related deaths. This marks the lowest fatality count since 2019 and reflects a 22 percent decrease from 2024 (475 deaths). Specific categories below show improvements in behaviors and where challenges remain.

Category

2025 Deaths

Change from 2024

Notable Milestone

Total Fatalities

370

↓ 22%

Lowest since 2019

Speed-Related

98

↓ 29%

43% lower than 2021

Unbelted

70

↓ 31%

Lowest in 7 years

Distracted Driving

21

↓ 30%

Lowest in 7 years

Motorcycle

57

↓ 25%

Lowest since 2019

Bicycle

14

↑ 100%

Highest since 2020

*Preliminary as of 1/13/2026

Note: while most categories saw a decline, bicycle fatalities doubled compared to 2024.

Why Safe Driving Matters in 2026

  • Real lives, not just numbers: every fatality is a neighbor, friend or family member. Last year, 105 more Minnesotans made it home safely than the year before.
  • Winter risks: it’s January and Minnesota ice and snow are at their peak - slow down for the current conditions.
  • Protecting everyone: the roads belong to everyone - staying alert helps protect those who are most vulnerable, like cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Reduce the burden: fewer crashes mean less strain on first responders and lower costs for insurance and medical bills for everyone.

Let’s work together to make 2026 the safest year yet. Buckle up, put the phone away and drive for the conditions.
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Snowmobiles Use in City Limits

The Owatonna Police Department would like to remind snowmobilers about the City ordinance regarding operating snowmobiles within City limits. Highlights of the ordinance are summarized below:

  • A snowmobile may only be operated on a City street going to and from the City limits and on the most direct route.
  • It is unlawful to operate on private property without written permission from the property occupant or owner.
  • Snowmobiles may not be operated on school grounds, park property, playgrounds, recreational areas or golf courses.
  • Snowmobiles shall not create loud or unnecessary noise to create a public nuisance.
  • Snowmobiles shall not be used in a careless or reckless manner.
  • Snowmobiles shall not be operated in the downtown area.
  • The speed limit of a snowmobile operated in the city limits is 15 miles per hour.
Image of the signs located at the Vine Street Parking lot entrances for motorists to scan QR code to view vine street parking lot closures

As-Needed Vine Street Parking Lot Closures

The Vine Street parking lot offers downtown Owatonna’s residents and visitors a convenient off-street parking option. The lot has designated four-hour and 24-hour parking spaces. Signage has been installed indicating these designated areas and can be seen on this map along with time limits for the other parking available throughout the downtown area.

On January 7, 2025 City Council passed Resolution 3-25: Authorizing As-Needed Vine Street Parking Lot Closures. As-needed closures are necessary to facilitate maintenance such as snow removal and street sweeping. Lot closures will be announced eight hours prior to the closure via Notify Me and posted on the City of Owatonna - Public Works Facebook Page. Closures will most commonly occur during off-peak parking times (early morning) to avoid impacts to downtown businesses. However, closures may occur anytime throughout the day. Signs will be posted at the main entry and exit points of the Vine Street parking lot informing motorists of lot closures with a QR code to scan for a list of current closures. Parking violators may be ticketed or towed.

Motorists who frequent the lot are encouraged to sign up for the notifications using this link: Public Works – Vine Street Parking Lot Notify Me List. City staff is available to assist if needed. City Staff appreciates cooperation from those using the lot to ensure efficient and effective maintenance. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Public Works Department at 507.444.4350 or publicworks@owatonna.gov. 
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Managing Winter Snow & Ice

 Winter months provide many recreational opportunities and pose a challenge when it comes to snow removal, slippery surfaces and recreational facilities. The Parks & Recreation Department has trained staff and specialized equipment to handle winter weather. The City begins snow and ice control operations with the following conditions: snow accumulation of two or more inches, drifting snow that causes travel challenges, icy conditions that impact road conditions that could deteriorate due to traffic.

After any snow event, the priority for Parks staff is to help the Streets crew remove snow on City streets. The next priority is to clear the downtown area before the roads are plowed followed by trails, sidewalks, public parking lots and, finally, skating rinks and ski trails. How quickly each one of these areas can be addressed is based on available equipment and staff as well as weather conditions. For example, staff may begin working on a trail when other staff and all available equipment for streets and downtown are deployed or in use. Snow removal and ice control may be suspended temporarily if weather conditions pose employee safety concerns such as ice storms, blizzard conditions or extreme cold.

Staff are certified through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for Smart Salting of parking lots and sidewalks. The training covers best practices to improve effectiveness and reduce chloride pollution in nearby bodies of water and salt use while keeping parking lots and sidewalks safe.

Drivers and pedestrians are asked to use extra caution during winter months on the roads and sidewalks and be courteous to City employees who are working to make these surfaces safer.
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Discover Year-Round Opportunities for Seniors at West Hills Social Commons

 West Hills Social Commons is the place to be to stay active, engaged, and connected year-round. Programs, with a wide variety, are designed specifically for adults ages 50 and over, provide opportunities to meet new people, explore a hobby or stay physically and mentally fit.

 An affordable annual membership with many options including:

  • Artistic activities
  • Book club
  • Sports and fitness programs
  • Games and cards
  • Social gatherings
  • Day trips

Call 507.444.4321, visit owatonna.gov or stop by 500 Dunnell Drive for more information about membership and program offerings.
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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”.

Helpful Links
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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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