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February 18, 2026
image of Mayor and Katy Kreutter

 Mayor Jessop recognizes School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and local bus company owner Katy Kreutter.

February 18 School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

At the February 17 City Council Meeting, Mayor Jessop delivered a Proclamation establishing February 18 as School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. He presented the proclamation to Katy Kreutter, Owner of the Owatonna Bus Company and remarked about the important role school bus drivers play in making sure children get to and from safely.
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Online tax calculator for proposed public safety facilities.

Proposed Police & Fire Facilities

Open House February 26 4-6 p.m. at City Hall

The City of Owatonna invites community members to attend the second of two open houses to learn more about plans to build new police and fire facilities. Around 50 people attended the first open house February 3 to speak with City officials, see project plans and get questions answered.

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 Aging infrastructure, limited space and outdated systems affect safety, efficiency and emergency response — making it increasingly difficult for first responders to deliver the level of service residents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. The facilities being considered will meet the needs of the community and first responders into the foreseeable future.

Over the past two years, the City has carefully evaluated public safety needs and developed a long‑term plan to address existing challenges by 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.

To learn more about the challenges with the current police and fire facilities, the status of the project or to estimate potential tax impact, visit owatonna.gov/psf.
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Board & Commission Openings

The City of Owatonna encourages community members to attend public meetings and serve on any of its 12 boards and commissions. Applications are being accepted to fill open seats on the Fire Code Board of Appeals and the Owatonna Public Utility (OPU) Commission effective May 1. The OPU commission will represent Ward 1 and must reside there. The Application Form is available online.
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City Meetings

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 19:

  • Airport Commission Meeting at 8:00 a.m.
  • Library Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Gainey Room at the Library, 105 North Elm Avenue.

February 23:

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

February 24:

  • Owatonna Public Utilities Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Morehouse Meeting Room, 208 South Walnut Avenue.

February 25:

  • League of Minnesota Cities updates at 9:00 a.m. for City staff and elected officials
  • West Hills Commission Meeting at 1 p.m. to review the final plans of the proposed Police and Fire Facilities.
  • Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m.
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Fire Department Hosting NFA Training

Members of the Owatonna Fire Department and other fire departments around Minnesota will be attending a National Fire Academy (NFA) course called “Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking” at the Owatonna Fire Station on February 21 and 22. The NFA, as a part of the US Fire Administration (USFA), provides free, specialized training courses and advanced management programs for fire officers, instructors and technical professionals. Fire departments across the nation are encouraged to apply to host a course taught by an NFA-qualified instructor.

This two-day course is designed to provide supervisors with basic leadership skills and tools needed to perform effectively in the fire and EMS environment. The course addresses skills needed for assessing situations from multiple perspectives, making critical decisions, fostering creativity and innovation, and using persuasion.
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Gym Closed for Maintenance

West Hills Gymnasium Floor Resurfacing

Maintaining the historic facilities on the West Hills campus is an ongoing process. The West Hills gymnasium is closed through February 24 for floor resurfacing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users. Daily open basketball and adult noon basketball league will resume their regular schedules on February 25.
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Pickleball players
Basketball indoors

Stay busy this winter 

Indoor activities for the whole family

West Hills Tennis & Pickleball Center

502 Dunnell Drive 507.444.4290

Tennis/Pickleball Center Tennis/Pickleball passes are available for individuals, couples, juniors or the whole family for five, nine or 12 months at a time. Find all the details online or in the catalog that was mailed to residents in January at owatonna.gov/prcatalog.

FREE Indoor Play Space for ages five and younger with parent/guardian supervision in the West Hills Activity Room Mondays through Thursdays 4-6 p.m., Fridays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 8:30-10:30 a.m. and Sundays 1-3 p.m.

Open Basketball $5 each for all ages (children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult) in the West Hills Gym Mondays through Thursdays 4-6 p.m., Fridays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 8:30-10:30 a.m. and Sundays 1-3 p.m.

Adult Noon Basketball pass valid through December 31 for players ages 18+ in the West Hills Gym weekdays 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for just $125.

Senior Strength Training for ages 50+, group-led strength training class increases flexibility, mobility and balance. Weights and resistance bands are available, free for Legends members, $3 Day Pass for non-members Mondays and Fridays 9-10 a.m. in the West Hills Social Commons Multipurpose Room (first floor).

Foot Clinic for ages 18+ a retired RN assists with toenail clipping and information on proper foot care. Cash payment and advance registration are required. Fee for Legends members $21 and for non-members $25 on 2/11, 3/3, 04/7, 5/5, 6/2, 7/7 (each date offers six appointment times 1-4 p.m.) at West Hills Social Commons.
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City Information

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owatonna.gov

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540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
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