JUST THE FACTS

December 6, 2024 Volume 15 Issue 49

And the winner of BATTLE OF THE BADGES IS…. 

Owatonna Police Department with $891
Owatonna Fire came in with $738.46 

The real winners are the people who can use the generous donations through the Salvation Army organization.  As always, thank you to everyone who came out to support this event.  The PD and FD had a great time!

STAY TUNED FOR NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFO-

In the near future the Police Department and Sheriff's Office will no longer be sharing the same facility. How will this affect you? The Police Department is staying in the same location, but our main phone number and records request email will be changing due to the split of our records departments. Our IT department is in the process of getting this set up and information will be sent out soon with this new contact information. Our main goal is to make this a seamless process for the public we serve.

In Custody Arrests this week

Timothy Venaro was formally charged with domestic assault (F)
Orlando Galvan was formally charged with domestic assault (GM) and 5th degree assault (GM)
Ferdinand Davis II was formally charged with domestic assault (F)
Scott Pfeifer was formally charged with harassment restraining order violation (M)
Lamonica O'Neal was formally charged with domestic assault (M)

Older Driver Week December 2-6

As we age, it's natural to experience changes, but with a little care and attention, we can continue to enjoy the freedom and convenience of driving. Certain medical conditions can affect driving ability. It's essential to discuss any health concerns with your doctor and consider these factors:

Vision: Regular eye exams are crucial to detect and address any vision problems that may impact driving.
Hearing: Hearing loss can impair a driver's ability to perceive important auditory cues, such as sirens or horns.
Cognitive function: Conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease can affect judgment, decision-making and reaction time.
Medication side effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired vision, which can be dangerous while driving.

Did you know that nutrition and physical activity matter when it comes to safe driving? A balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly impact driving safety. Here's how:

Nutrition:
- Improved cognitive function
- Enhanced reaction time
- Boosted overall health
- Link: National Institute on Aging: Nutrition for Older Adults
Physical activity:
- Increased strength
- Improved flexibility and balance
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Link: National Institute on Aging: Physical Activity for Older Adults or visit Exercise for Mature Drivers | The Hartford

Do you need to have a conversation with a family member? Below are some tips for a productive conversation around that topic.

Choose the right time: Pick a calm and quiet moment when you're both relaxed.
Express your concern: Share your love and concern for their well-being.
Listen actively: Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
Focus on safety: Emphasize that your goal is to ensure their safety and independence.
Offer support: Suggest ways to improve driving safety, such as regular check-ups, taking a defensive driving course or considering alternative transportation options.

For additional assistance on aging and driving:

The Minnesota Emergency Nurse Association provides videos and resources.
Read about steps you can take with Driver and Vehicle Services.

By prioritizing these factors and talking with your loved ones, you can help them maintain their independence while ensuring their safety on the road or help them to make a plan around retirement from driving. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

HOLIDAY LIGHTED PARADE TONIGHT

Parade starts at 6pm

The above picture shows the parade route in yellow and the detour to go around the road closures in green. This draws quite the crowd each year, so be safe going to and from this great event and have fun!

The following roads will be closed starting at 5:00 PM until the end of the parade at approximately 8:00 PM

North Street at Cedar Ave North

Front Street at Cedar Ave North

Fremont Street at Cedar Ave North

Rose Street at Cedar Ave North

Rose Street at Hoffman Drive

Main Street at Oak Ave and Elm Ave

Cedar Ave South at Mil Street

Court Ave at Mill Street

The following roads will be closed starting at 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM

Cedar Ave North at Rose Street

Pearl Street at Cedar Ave North

Vine Street at Cedar Ave North

Broadway Street at East and West Park Square

Bridge Street at West Park Square

Main Street at East Park Square