Community

Clogged sewer illustration with non-flushable wipes — Image by Randy Thompson

The Menace of 'Flushable' Wipes to Our Sewer Systems

Updated 4 months ago

Owatonna's sewer systems are facing severe blockages from non-flushable 'flushable' wipes. What can we do?

City crews removing a boulevard tree — Image by Randy Thompson

City Crews Begin Boulevard Tree Removals

Updated 4 months ago

Online reporting platform for city issues — Image by Randy Thompson

Navigating Owatonna’s Online Reporting Tools

Updated 4 months ago

Family enjoying a sunny day at Lake Kohlmier Beach. — Image by Randy Thompson

Enjoy a Safe Day at Lake Kohlmier Beach

Updated 4 months ago

Illustration of Brooktree Golf Course and River Springs Water Park — Image by Ann Porter

Brooktree Golf Course and River Springs Water Park Earn Top Honors

Updated 4 months ago

Illustration of maintaining a garden and proper waste disposal. — Image by Randy Thompson

Ensuring a Beautiful Community: Summer Ordinance Reminders

Updated 5 months ago

Owatonna City Hall with election booths — Image by Randy Thompson

2024 Elections & Opportunities on City Boards

Updated 4 months ago

Image of people engaging in Water Aerobics and Water Walking at a water park. — Image by Randy Thompson

Discover Adult Programs at River Springs Water Park

Updated 5 months ago

Inclusive playground at Owatonna park with children playing. — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna's Inclusive Parks: Playgrounds for Every Ability

Updated 5 months ago

Doodle of bees and flowers representing Pollinator Week in Owatonna. — Image by Ann Porter

Owatonna Marks Pollinator Week with Renewed Commitments

Updated 5 months ago

Illustration of street construction with workers and machinery — Image by Randy Thompson

2024 City Infrastructure Projects Kick Off in June

Updated 5 months ago

Illustration of a park with a police badge and dollar sign. — Image by Randy Thompson

Reward Programs Combat Vandalism in Local Parks

Updated 5 months ago

Sandbag barrier protecting a doorway from floodwaters — Image by Randy Thompson

City Offers Sandbags to Shield Against Flooding

Updated 5 months ago

Drawing of planes and pilots at Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. — Image by Ann Porter

Owatonna Airport to Host 49 Teams in Prestigious Air Race

Updated 5 months ago

Illustration of a fire pit with people and homes in the background. — Image by David Marshall

Essential Guidelines for Recreational Fires

Updated 5 months ago

Community members discussing the future development of Owatonna — Image by Randy Thompson

Imagine Owatonna 2050: Shaping Our City's Destiny Together

Updated 5 months ago

Illustration of community members around a future community center sign — Image by Ann Porter

Charting the Future: Owatonna's Community Center Plan

Updated 5 months ago

Illustration of a motorcyclist with a muffler on the bike to reduce noise — Image by David Marshall

Navigating Noise: Owatonna's Motorcycle Muffler Mandate

Updated 5 months ago

Mosquito fogger in operation near a pollinator-friendly area sign — Image by Randy Thompson

Fighting the Buzz: City's Plan for Mosquito-Free Summer Evenings

Updated 6 months ago

Illustration of seniors participating in strength training and table tennis at West Hills Social Commons — Image by Dicky Cooper

Active Aging: Fitness and Socializing at West Hills

Updated 6 months ago

Illustration of Owatonna residents participating in Stormwater Pond Clean-up — Image by Ann Porter

Join the Clean Water Crusade: Spring Into Action for Owatonna's Waterways

Updated 6 months ago

Doodle of a tractor and car on a rural road highlighting road safety — Image by Randy Thompson

Safe Passage: The Business of Co-existing with Farm Equipment on Spring Roads

Updated 6 months ago

Doodle of tornado siren representing safety preparedness — Image by Randy Thompson

Ready, Set, Drill: Preparing for Severe Weather

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of city council strategic planning with community engagement — Image by Randy Thompson

City Council Awaits Community Input in Upcoming Planning Session

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of an officer on an e-bike in a community setting — Image by Ann Porter

Owatonna Police E-Bike Patrol: Enhancing Safety & Community Relations

Updated 7 months ago

Doodle of a city official shaking hands with a legislator at the state capitol — Image by David Marshall

Owatonna's Voices Heard in State Legislature

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of clogged sewer pipes due to grease buildup — Image by Randy Thompson

Combatting the FOG Crisis: A Community and Business Call to Action

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of City Council members discussing the Charter Commission — Image by Ann Porter

Shaping the City's Charter: Reappointments and Implications

Updated 7 months ago

Citizen clearing a catch basin as part of the Adopt-A-Catch Basin program — Image by Randy Thompson

Join the Adopt-A-Catch Basin Initiative This Spring

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of cheerful senior citizens on a bus adventure — Image by Randy Thompson

Embracing the Golden Years: Adventures Await Owatonna's Seniors

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of a community meeting with residents and city council members — Image by Randy Thompson

City Council to Discuss Street Project Assessments in Public Hearing

Updated 8 months ago

Doodle of kids enjoying summer camp activities like fishing, sports, and exploring nature — Image by Dicky Cooper

Owatonna's Summer Camps Offer Adventures for Every Young Explorer

Updated 8 months ago

Illustration of an empty voter booth with a 'low turnout' sign — Image by Randy Thompson

Primary Engagement Dips as Predictable Candidates Emerge

Updated 8 months ago

Illustration of Owatonna firefighters training at fire school — Image by Randy Thompson

Local Firefighters Hone Skills at State Fire School

Updated 8 months ago

Doodle of community members enjoying swimming and water aerobics with a lifeguard on duty — Image by Randy Thompson

Dive Into Spring: Swimming Lessons and Lifeguard Opportunities

Updated 8 months ago

hand drawn, simple bold line doodle detailing the concept of a simplified permit process using technology — Image by Ann Porter

Owatonna Simplifies Permit Process with Online System

Updated 8 months ago

Line drawing of someone cleaning up after their dog — Image by Randy Thompson

Simple Steps to Safeguard Owatonna's Waterways

Updated 8 months ago

Illustration of Owatonna's community enjoying spring in a freshly prepared public park — Image by Randy Thompson

Embrace Spring: Activities and Volunteerism in Owatonna Parks

Updated 8 months ago

Illustration of city renovation plan with blueprints and community buildings — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna Unveils Plans for City-Wide Upgrades

Updated 8 months ago

Doodle of a melting no parking sign, symbolizing end of winter parking rules — Image by David Marshall

Owatonna Parking Updates for Spring's Arrival

Updated 8 months ago

Winter Book Bingo event illustration — Image by Ann Porter

Delve Into the Pages with 'Winter Book Bingo' at Owatonna Public Library

Updated 8 months ago

Doodle of a happy volunteer coach with young athletes playing soccer and baseball — Image by Dicky Cooper

Shape the Future: Volunteer as a Youth Sports Coach

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of a water aerobics class — Image by Randy Thompson

Dive into Fitness: Water Aerobics Program at West Hills

Updated 9 months ago

Family enjoying a picnic under a rented park pavilion — Image by Ann Porter

Reserve Your Slice of Green: Pavilion Rentals Await

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of Owatonna's 18th Street SE Trail extension with community members enjoying the path — Image by Randy Thompson

Connecting Communities: The 18th Street SE Trail Extension

Updated 9 months ago

Community members assembling a puzzle in the shape of their town — Image by Randy Thompson

Help Shape Owatonna’s Future: Community Engagement Role Open

Updated 9 months ago

Simple hand drawn, doodle with bold lines of Men from a delivery service dropping off a bundle of firewood at the doorstep of a rural home. — Randy Thompson

Warmth Delivered: City's New Wood Delivery Service

Updated 9 months ago

Doodle of family enjoying spring recreational programs — Image by Randy Thompson

Embrace Owatonna’s Spring Recreation Activities

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of local firefighters engaged in NFA training session — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna Firefighters Sharpen Skills at NFA Training Course

Updated 9 months ago

Sketch of construction blueprints and city infrastructure development — Image by Randy Thompson

Building the Future: 2024 Capital Improvement Vision for Owatonna

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of a home escape plan with family gathering at an outside meeting place — Image by Randy Thompson

Every Second Counts: Owatonna's Seven-Step Guide to Fire Escape Planning

Updated 9 months ago

Doodle of community event with Reserve Police Officers and civilians — Image by Randy Thompson

Honoring Our Protectors: Tribute to Owatonna's Reserve Police Force

Updated 9 months ago

Doodle of Owatonna citizens voting — Image by Randy Thompson

2024 Primary Polling Places: Owatonna's Guide to Voting

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of various municipal job roles in Owatonna — Image by Randy Thompson

City of Owatonna Opens Doors for New Job Opportunities

Updated 9 months ago

Industrial innovation at KAMP Automation's new Owatonna facility. — Image by Ann Porter

KAMP Automation Expands, Strengthens Owatonna's Economic Fabric

Updated 9 months ago

Cozy reading during winter season — Image by Ann Porter

Curl Up With a Book Bingo Challenge This Winter

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of infrastructural development and community enhancement — Image by Ann Porter

Owatonna's Roadmap to Progress: 2024's Leap Forward

Updated 9 months ago

Merrill Hall renovation sketch depicting a historic building, construction icons, and community dialog — Image by Randy Thompson

Merrill Hall Revamp: Nurturing Owatonna's Historic Roots

Updated 9 months ago

Simple line drawing of a growing cityscape depicting Owatonna’s development — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna’s Economic Growth and Leisure Expansion in 2023

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of Owatonna police car with 'Safety First' slogan — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna Amps Up DWI Enforcement: Roads Safer with 11 Arrests

Updated 9 months ago

Illustration of a snow plow in action — Image by Randy Thompson

Snow Season Strategies: 10 Expert Tips for Owatonna Residents

Updated 10 months ago

Illustration of a family engaged in winter festivities in Owatonna — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna's Winter Celebration: Bold & Cold Unites Community

Updated 10 months ago

Doodle of a credit card and a store on a justice scale representing the payment card settlement — Image by Ann Porter

Local Businesses Eligible for Historic Payment Card Settlement

Updated 10 months ago

Illustration of a family engaged in springtime outdoor recreation — Image by Randy Thompson

Spring into Action: Owatonna's Outdoor Activities Kickoff

Updated 10 months ago

Doodle of an individual clearing snow off the sidewalk — Image by Ann Porter

Understanding Owatonna's Snow Removal Policy and Compliance Costs

Updated 10 months ago

Ballot being placed in a vote box — Image by Randy Thompson

Answer the Call of Democracy: Be an Election Judge

Updated 10 months ago

Collage of winter activities at Bold & Cold event — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna's Bold & Cold: Your Ultimate Winter Wonderland Event

Updated 10 months ago

Doodle of a reading session and a movie screening at the library — Image by Randy Thompson

Library Initiates Storytime and Monthly Movie Magic

Updated 10 months ago

Illustration of a safe home heating setup — Image by Randy Thompson

Stay Warm, Stay Safe: Winter Fire Safety Tips

Updated 11 months ago

Illustration of a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony — Image by Ann Porter

CDI's Expansion Unveils New Horizons in Owatonna

Updated 10 months ago

Owatonna residents enjoy winter sports on a groomed snowy trail — Image by Randy Thompson

Winter's Call to Trail: Owatonna's Unified Pathway Etiquette

Updated 11 months ago

A snowmobile cruising on a snowy city street with city limit signs. — Image by Randy Thompson

Stay Safe and Legal: Owatonna's Snowmobile Ordinance

Updated 11 months ago

Community gathering to honor MLK Day with keynote speaker — Image by Ann Porter

Seema Pothini to Empower Community Action on MLK Day

Updated 11 months ago

Winter maintenance vehicle applying deicing materials on a snow-covered street — Image by Randy Thompson

Navigating Winter's Icy Impact: Smart Salting in Our City

Updated one year ago

Owatonna community members engage in a local park board meeting — Image by Randy Thompson

City Development Opportunity: Seeking New Members for Owatonna's Park Board and HRA

Updated one year ago

People enjoying winter sports like cross-country skiing and skating in Owatonna's scenic snowy parks. — Image by David Marshall

Winter Delights: Outdoor Fun Awaits in Owatonna

Updated one year ago

Family checking ice safety on a frozen lake — Image by Ann Porter

Essential Ice Safety Guide for Owatonna's Winter Sports

Updated one year ago

Owatonna residents enjoying a walk at West Hills' indoor tennis courts — Image by Ann Porter

Stride Through Winter: West Hills' Exclusive Indoor Walking

Updated one year ago

Cozy winter scene inside Owatonna Public Library decorated for the holidays — Image by Randy Thompson

Winter Festivities at the Library: Seasonal Fun for Grown-Ups and Kids

Updated one year ago

Illustration of the expansion of Owatonna's Wastewater Treatment Plant during winter — Image by David Marshall

Owatonna's Wastewater Treatment Plant Unveils Upgrades

Updated one year ago

Photograph of 18th Street Southeast roundabout in Owatonna — Photograph by Owatonna Observer

18th Street Roundabout Opens: Simplifying Your Commute

Updated one year ago

Illustration of attendees at Owatonna MLK Day celebration — Image by Ann Porter

Remembrance and Reflection: Owatonna's Upcoming MLK Day Event

Updated one year ago

Family fun at River Springs Water Park with a festive recreation gift card — Image by Randy Thompson

Win Big by Gifting Wellness and Fun in Owatonna

Updated one year ago

Illustration of a small town polling site — Image by Ann Porter

Election Year Ahead: Key Dates and New Polling Sites in Owatonna

Updated one year ago

Illustration of officials and community members at Crandall Center ribbon-cutting ceremony — Image by Randy Thompson

Charles S. Crandall Center: A New Horizon for Civic Interaction

Updated one year ago

Illustration of Owatonna DECA students — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna High DECA Celebrates Civic Engagement

Updated one year ago

Family cooking safely during Thanksgiving with visible safety measures — Image by Randy Thompson

A Community's Commitment to Safety: A Guide to Fire Safety This Thanksgiving

Updated one year ago

Owatonna City Council and community members in a Truth-in-Taxation meeting — Image by Randy Thompson

Navigating Owatonna's Budget: Understanding the Tax Levy Process

Updated one year ago

Abstract representation of urban renewal and construction in downtown Owatonna

Parking Progress: Downtown Owatonna Embraces Change

Updated one year ago

Ribbon cutting event at the newly renovated City Hall Council Chambers

Thanks to the Past, A Promise to the Future: City Hall Council Chambers Unveil Modern Upgrades

Updated one year ago

Abstract depiction of an autumn compost setup

Owatonna Compost Site: Seasonal Closure and Complete Pricing for Disposal

Updated one year ago

Brightly lit holiday train in Owatonna with spectators embracing the festive spirit

Bright Lights and Community Spirit: Owatonna's Holiday Festivities

Updated one year ago

An artistic rendering of a man people watching in central park

The Art of People Watching in Downtown Owatonna: A Joyful Pastime

Updated one year ago

A rendering of a crew of city workers with snow equipment.

Owatonna Parks & Rec Tackles Winter Snow & Ice Management

Updated one year ago

Elf in the Park: A Festive Winter Adventure in Owatonna

Updated one year ago

Owatonna Parks and Recreation Launches Indoor Swimming Programs

Updated one year ago

Owatonna's Clean H2Owatonna Initiative: Protecting Local Water Resources

Updated one year ago

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