Community

Paper heart ornament with festive lights background. — Image by Randy Thompson

Loving Lights Project Connects Community with Heartfelt Wishes

Updated 2 months ago

Albert Lea's "Loving Lights" project invites community members to share holiday memories and wishes, lighting up the town both physically and spiritually.

Children envisioning themselves as mayors with community symbols. — Image by David Marshall

Youth Civic Engagement: The Impact of 'Mayor for a Day'

Updated 2 months ago

Doodle of a tractor on a country road. — Image by Randy Thompson

Safety Tips for Drivers During Fall Harvest

Updated 2 months ago

Illustration of a carbon monoxide alarm sounding with sound waves — Image by Ann Porter

Decoding Carbon Monoxide Alarm Signals: A Life-Saving Guide

Updated 2 months ago

A doodle of a waste water treatment facility under renovation — Randy Thompson

Owatonna Wastewater Project: Progress and New Developments

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of city officials receiving awards — Image by Ann Porter

Honoring Excellence: CGMC Awards for Owatonna Leaders

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of Owatonna cityscape with curfew hours. — Image by David Marshall

Understanding Owatonna's Youth Curfew Ordinance

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of stormwater management system in an urban area. — Image by Randy Thompson

Exploring Stormwater Management's Role in Local Infrastructure

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of a campfire with safety symbols — Image by Ann Porter

Understanding Owatonna's Recreational Fire Guidelines

Updated 7 months ago

Lake Kohlmier outdoor activities with boats and beachgoers. — Image by Randy Thompson

Summer Fun at Lake Kohlmier: Rentals and Activities Galore

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of water park activities like aerobics, water walking, and log rolling. — Image by Dicky Cooper

Dive into Summer Fun at River Springs Water Park

Updated 7 months ago

Children reading and enjoying ice cream with animal doodles. — Image by Randy Thompson

2025 Summer Reading Program Sparks Joy and Exploration

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of sewer jetting process with machinery. — Image by Ann Porter

Zone 3 Sewer Jetting: What Residents Need to Know

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of Downtown Thursdays event in Central Park. — Image by Randy Thompson

Downtown Thursdays: City Trivia and Community Engagement

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of road and trail construction under cloudy skies. — Image by Randy Thompson

Construction Advances on Key Owatonna Infrastructure Projects

Updated 7 months ago

Illustration of cars parked on a snowy street with numbered signs. — Image by Randy Thompson

Navigating Owatonna's Winter Parking Regulations

Updated one year ago

Illustration of a city council meeting with officials taking oaths. — Image by David Marshall

Owatonna City Council Prepares for 2025 Organizational Meeting

Updated one year ago

Illustration of winter festival with ice activities — Image by David Marshall

New Activities Set to Delight at Bold & Cold Festival

Updated one year ago

Illustration of community gathering with a speaker at a podium. — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna Prepares to Honor Dr. King

Updated one year ago

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

The Menace of 'Flushable' Wipes to Our Sewer Systems

Updated one year ago

City crews removing a boulevard tree — Image by Randy Thompson

City Crews Begin Boulevard Tree Removals

Updated one year ago

Online reporting platform for city issues — Image by Randy Thompson

Navigating Owatonna’s Online Reporting Tools

Updated one year ago

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

Enjoy a Safe Day at Lake Kohlmier Beach

Updated one year 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 one year ago

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

Ensuring a Beautiful Community: Summer Ordinance Reminders

Updated one year ago

Owatonna City Hall with election booths — Image by Randy Thompson

2024 Elections & Opportunities on City Boards

Updated one year 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 one year ago

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

Owatonna's Inclusive Parks: Playgrounds for Every Ability

Updated one year ago

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

Owatonna Marks Pollinator Week with Renewed Commitments

Updated one year ago

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

2024 City Infrastructure Projects Kick Off in June

Updated one year ago

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

Reward Programs Combat Vandalism in Local Parks

Updated one year ago

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

City Offers Sandbags to Shield Against Flooding

Updated one year 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 one year ago

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

Essential Guidelines for Recreational Fires

Updated one year ago

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

Imagine Owatonna 2050: Shaping Our City's Destiny Together

Updated one year ago

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

Charting the Future: Owatonna's Community Center Plan

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year 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 one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

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

Ready, Set, Drill: Preparing for Severe Weather

Updated one year ago

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

City Council Awaits Community Input in Upcoming Planning Session

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

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

Shaping the City's Charter: Reappointments and Implications

Updated one year 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 one year ago

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

Embracing the Golden Years: Adventures Await Owatonna's Seniors

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

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

Primary Engagement Dips as Predictable Candidates Emerge

Updated one year ago

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

Local Firefighters Hone Skills at State Fire School

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

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

Simple Steps to Safeguard Owatonna's Waterways

Updated one year 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 one year ago

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

Owatonna Unveils Plans for City-Wide Upgrades

Updated one year 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 one year ago

Winter Book Bingo event illustration — Image by Ann Porter

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

Updated one year 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 one year ago

Illustration of a water aerobics class — Image by Randy Thompson

Dive into Fitness: Water Aerobics Program at West Hills

Updated one year ago

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

Reserve Your Slice of Green: Pavilion Rentals Await

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

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

Embrace Owatonna’s Spring Recreation Activities

Updated one year ago

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

Owatonna Firefighters Sharpen Skills at NFA Training Course

Updated one year ago

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

Building the Future: 2024 Capital Improvement Vision for Owatonna

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

Doodle of Owatonna citizens voting — Image by Randy Thompson

2024 Primary Polling Places: Owatonna's Guide to Voting

Updated one year ago

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

City of Owatonna Opens Doors for New Job Opportunities

Updated one year ago

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

KAMP Automation Expands, Strengthens Owatonna's Economic Fabric

Updated one year ago

Cozy reading during winter season — Image by Ann Porter

Curl Up With a Book Bingo Challenge This Winter

Updated one year ago

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

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

Updated one year 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 one year 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 one year 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 one year ago

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

Snow Season Strategies: 10 Expert Tips for Owatonna Residents

Updated one year ago

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

Owatonna's Winter Celebration: Bold & Cold Unites Community

Updated one year 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 one year ago

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

Spring into Action: Owatonna's Outdoor Activities Kickoff

Updated one year ago

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

Understanding Owatonna's Snow Removal Policy and Compliance Costs

Updated one year ago

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

Answer the Call of Democracy: Be an Election Judge

Updated one year ago

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

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

Updated 2 years 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 one year ago

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

Stay Warm, Stay Safe: Winter Fire Safety Tips

Updated 2 years ago

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

CDI's Expansion Unveils New Horizons in Owatonna

Updated one year 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 2 years 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 2 years ago

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

Seema Pothini to Empower Community Action on MLK Day

Updated 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago

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

Essential Ice Safety Guide for Owatonna's Winter Sports

Updated 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago

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

18th Street Roundabout Opens: Simplifying Your Commute

Updated 2 years ago

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

Remembrance and Reflection: Owatonna's Upcoming MLK Day Event

Updated 2 years 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 2 years ago

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

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

Updated 2 years 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 2 years ago

Illustration of Owatonna DECA students — Image by Randy Thompson

Owatonna High DECA Celebrates Civic Engagement

Updated 2 years 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 2 years 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 2 years ago

Abstract representation of urban renewal and construction in downtown Owatonna

Parking Progress: Downtown Owatonna Embraces Change

Updated 2 years 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 2 years ago

Abstract depiction of an autumn compost setup

Owatonna Compost Site: Seasonal Closure and Complete Pricing for Disposal

Updated 2 years ago

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

Bright Lights and Community Spirit: Owatonna's Holiday Festivities

Updated 2 years ago

An artistic rendering of a man people watching in central park

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

Updated 2 years ago

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

Owatonna Parks & Rec Tackles Winter Snow & Ice Management

Updated 2 years ago

Elf in the Park: A Festive Winter Adventure in Owatonna

Updated 2 years ago

Owatonna Parks and Recreation Launches Indoor Swimming Programs

Updated 2 years ago

Owatonna's Clean H2Owatonna Initiative: Protecting Local Water Resources

Updated 2 years ago

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