City Buildings will be closed May 29 for Memorial DayThe Owatonna Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the Four Seasons Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue. The public is invited to attend.
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Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion Project ProgressingOn May 22, the Minnesota legislature approved $22 million in funding to support Owatonna’s Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion project. Another $4.5 million was approved for Medford to modify its wastewater collection system so it can connect to Owatonna’s plant. By combining the resources of the Cities of Owatonna and Medford with state funding, this regional project maximizes the use of tax dollars through economies of scale, a lower cost per gallon for treatment, better performance and reliability, greater staff efficiencies and reduced permitting, sampling and testing. It is also the most environmentally sound option for the region’s waterways. This regional facility will meet current and future capacity needs for both cities. “We want to thank State Representative John Petersburg and State Senator John Jasinski for helping Owatonna advocate for this important project,” said Kris Busse, City Administrator. “Without their tireless work throughout this legislative session, Owatonna would not have received this critical support for this solution for treating the region’s wastewater.” Construction began last July on Owatonna’s Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. Over the last few months, the project has progressed and is expected to be completed in late 2024. Read more about the project online or view videos and photos at Expansion | Owatonna, MN. |
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Open House for Proposed East Side CorridorSteele County and the City of Owatonna are inviting the public to an open house to learn about the East Side Corridor study for a new road proposed for the east side of Owatonna. The meeting is scheduled for May 31 from 5 through 7 p.m. at the Steele County Community Center, 1380 S. Elm Ave. in Owatonna. County and City staff will share study details with area motorists and residents. Attendees can learn about the study of the East Side Corridor, review the recommended preferred alternative and learn about upcoming activities that include environmental review and engineering design. Additionally, attendees will learn about the process used to identify strategies to mitigate project impacts and can share feedback with the project team. There will be no formal presentation. Attendees can arrive and leave at any time. Steele County and the City of Owatonna have been studying options for a new north-to-south route on the east side of Owatonna between 18th Street SE in the south and County Highway 8/Kenyon Road in the north. The new road is needed to meet the travel needs generated by existing and future community growth. Currently, traffic cannot travel directly between the northeast and the southeast parts of Owatonna. Drivers must use existing highways and streets in the downtown area to travel between these parts of town. This increases traffic in the downtown area and increases travel times. The project is planned to be constructed within the next five years. For additional information about the project, visit eastsidecorridor.com. The website also provides an opportunity to provide feedback on the project.
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Program prepares youth for careers in law enforcementOwatonna Explorers Win Big at State The Owatonna Police Department’s Explorer program is designed to introduce youth in the community between the ages of 14 through 20 to potential careers in law enforcement. Owatonna’s Explorers team recently competed at the state competition in Rochester and won several awards including fifth place in Emergency Field First Aid and Traffic Stop, third place in Traffic Stop & Arrest and Control, second place in street decisions and first place in White Collar Crime and Burglary response. Dietrich Piepho received a first-place award for report-writing, second place in the sample police exam and third place in the air pistol competition. Abigail Morriss placed fifth in the women’s 5K race. Congrats to Dietrich Piepho, Abigail Morriss, Emmy Flemming, Devon Porter, Mathew Mitchell, Noah Cannon, Dakota Duchene, Becca Hanson, Aiden Morriarty, Wyatt Bonilla and Landon Parkos on such a great performance! School Resource Officer Derrik Quinlan said, “We are so proud of their hard work preparing for this competition and for bringing back so many awards!”
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Motorcycle Exhaust Noise Reminders
With the weather warming up, motorcyclists have a chance to get out on the road. This time of year typically generates complaints to the Police Department by citizens regarding loud noises projected from some motorcycle exhaust systems. According to section 71.021 of Owatonna’s City Code, the following regulations apply to operating motorcycles: - No person shall operate a motorcycle unless it is equipped at all times with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall motorcycle noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
- The exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling noise.
- To read the full code, visit Owatonna.gov.
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Summer Fun in OwatonnaCity parks are open! The City of Owatonna’s 35 parks are ready to enjoy! Park crews have turned on water lines and opened the restrooms. Picnic tables and trash cans were refreshed over the winter and portable restrooms will arrive at their locations soon. Athletic fields and green spaces are also being prepped. Park users are encouraged to take any items they take to parks with them when they leave for proper disposal. Even natural items such as food and pet waste impact the environment. Pet waste stations are available at each park. Check out the online Parks & Recreation Finder to know which amenities or activities each park offers. Host a private event in a park pavilionGo online or call to reserve pavilions for a family reunion, picnic, graduation or other special occasion! Volunteer to adopt a parkAdopt-a-Park volunteers have started clearing debris from park areas. For information about becoming a volunteer, visit Owatonna.gov or call 507-444-4321. Several parks are still available to adopt and provide a monthly clean-up from April through October.
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Sign up now for Summer Camps & programsLooking for a fun way to spend the summer? Summer programs include preschool activities, camps and family programs to keep everyone busy. Spots are filling up quickly so register soon at Owatonna.gov. Dates, times and costs are also available online or by calling 507-444-4321. Backyard Adventure CampThis program offers a range of activities including archery, backyard games and creating a homemade rocket. It's a perfect opportunity to make new friends while enjoying fun and engaging summer activities. Outdoor Adventure CampExplore the vast outdoors of Owatonna's parks and learn various skills like archery, fishing, geocaching and survival skills. Meet new people while having a blast with exciting summer activities. |
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Get out on Lake Kohlmier!The Lake Kohlmier boat house and concession stand will be open Thursday through Sunday afternoons May 27 through September 4. It will also be open Memorial Day! Rent a single or double kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board or pedal boat. The beach is open daily and has ropes indicating swimming areas. There are no lifeguards on duty - individuals will swim according to beach rules and at their own risk. Save on rental fees by purchasing a monthly season pass for $20 or a summer pass for $55. Passes allow individuals to book rentals for a maximum of two hours. Rentals are also available hourly for $6 for each item.
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River Springs Water ParkRiver Springs Water Park will open June 1 at 4 p.m. for the 2023 season! It features a lazy river, climbing wall, body slide, tube slide, zero-depth pool area, activity pool, lily pad walk and a large concessions area with various snacks and beverages to choose from. River Springs is open seven days a week, Mondays through Fridays from noon until 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 8 p.m. for open swim. Check it out at 3065 St. Paul Road on the north side of Owatonna, just off 26th Street. For additional information, visit Owatonna.gov, follow the River Springs Water Park Facebook page or call 507-774-7370. Family Season PassesFamily season passes can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation Office at City Hall and at River Spring during the open season for unlimited access to Lap Swim, Water Walking, AM and PM Water Aerobics, Tiny Tot Time and open swim hours. The cost for up to three people is $185 with an additional charge of $22 for each additional person. Requirements are as follows: - A household consisting of up to two adults (parents or legal guardians only) and their dependent children.
- Family members must all live in the same household.
- Only individuals in the immediate family can be included on the family season pass.
- Dependents include children 22 years old and under. A student ID is required for proof of enrollment for college-age dependents.
Programs Check out these programs: - Group and private swimming lessons are offered all summer. Registration for the first classes is May 18.
- Water Aerobics classes Mondays through Thursdays 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Tiny Tot Program Mondays through Sundays 11 a.m.
- Water Walk Mondays through Fridays 6 until 10 a.m. and 7 until 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until noon.
- Lap Swim Mondays through Fridays 6 until 10 a.m. and 7 until 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until noon.
Log Rolling Sponsored by Wottreng Family Dental and Wayne, Norrid, Wetmore Wealth Management Ameriprise Financial Services Tuesdays 7 until 8 p.m. Specials and EventsOpening Day June 1 School’s Out admission just $5. - Daily specials:
- Mondays are Grandparents Day – free admission with a paid grandchild at normal facility rates (one grandparent per grandchild).
- Tuesdays are Twilight Day - $5 Twilight Rate admission all day.
- Wednesdays are Family Day – admission is $5 per individual or $19.50 for a family of up to six people ($3.50 charge for each additional family member).
- Thursday are Mystery Concessions – check for the surprise concession special.
- Friday is Facebook Friday - check our Facebook Page for the post announcing a new special each week!
- Sunday specials:
- June 4 School’s Out Special $5 admission
- June 11 Family Day Special $5 admission or $24 per family up to six people ($4 charge for each additional family member).
- June 18 Father’s Day Special no charge for Dads with a paid child at the regular admission rate.
- June 25 Ducky Dash June 25 receive a duck to race down the water slide, around the lazy river and to the finish to win prizes.
Group Outing and Birthday PartiesDo you have a large group outing, company picnic or birthday party coming up? River Springs Water Park offers discount admission rates to large groups and company picnics that register two or more weeks in advance. Choose a birthday party package to fit the needs of any size of group.
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