Owatonna
Politics
How to stay safe, vigilant this tornado season in the Rice County area
The warm winter seems to have had minimal impact on severe weather, as Rice County Skywarn Social Media Director Brian Klier noted it’s been an average tornado season so far in the United States. Still, Faribault Fire Chief Dusty Dienst and Rice County Emergency Preparedness Director Joe Johnson said it’s imperative to be aware of any possible severe weather and have a plan in the event that severe weather should arise. ...
13 Free Concerts + Perfect Pizza at Beautiful Minnesota Hidden Gem
Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Music Venue 🎶. Picture this: It's a gorgeous summer evening in SE Minnesota. The sun's going down, the breeze and temperature are just right. Now, fill the air with the mouth-watering smell of fresh wood-fired pizzas sizzling in nearby brick ovens, there's a stage buzzing with...
County to allow comment, get environmental review of gravel mine
Rice County residents will be able to express their opinions and concerns regarding a controversial proposed gravel mine after the Board of Commissioners voted to extend the permit process another 60 days, allow public comment and further review possible environmental impacts of the mine. Commissioners said their inboxes were flooded with voicemails and emails regarding the proposed mining operation. The public will be permitted to voice their concerns to the Board of Commissioners at 9 a.m. June 11 in the Board of Commissioners room. ...
13 Free Concerts + Perfect Pizza at Beautiful Minnesota Hidden Gem
Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Music Venue 🎶. Picture this: It's a gorgeous summer evening in SE Minnesota. The sun's going down, the breeze and temperature are just right. Now, fill the air with the mouth-watering smell of fresh wood-fired pizzas sizzling in nearby brick ovens, there's a stage buzzing with...
Waseca County craft and vendor show set for the weekend
The 2024 Waseca Craft & Vendor Show will take place at the Waseca County Fairgrounds, 409 8th Ave., Waseca. The event takes place 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 17; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 18; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 19. The show includes dozens of craft vendors, sharing and selling their products for all those interested. Those interested in reserving a spot can call Jennie Johnson at 507-475-1021 or email jrj1220@gmail.com. WASECA CITYWIDE GARAGE SALES Garage sales will be taking place across the city of Waseca on the weekend of May 17-19. Join the Waseca Area Garage Sales Facebook group to see specific locations posted. d62d42ce-3020-4d37-aff3-3f0a6d99f519
13 Free Concerts + Perfect Pizza at Beautiful Minnesota Hidden Gem
Minnesota's Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Music Venue 🎶. Picture this: It's a gorgeous summer evening in SE Minnesota. The sun's going down, the breeze and temperature are just right. Now, fill the air with the mouth-watering smell of fresh wood-fired pizzas sizzling in nearby brick ovens, there's a stage buzzing with...
Citizens concerned about gravel mine's lack of impact studies
The rarest flower in Minnesota, the Minnesota dwarf trout lily, is classified as endangered at the federal and state level. A St. Olaf College environmental studies professor said it could soon be endangered locally due to a proposed mine on…
Join the Green Movement: Minnesota GreenCorps Seeks Rice County Participants for Environmental Program
Rice County, Minnesota, will host a new member of the Minnesota GreenCorps this fall. The program focuses on environmental conservation throughout the state. GreenCorps members participate in activities like energy conservation, waste management, and community outreach to support local sustainability efforts.
Owatonna's North Cedar Avenue to get much desired makeover
One of Owatonna's most infamous roads is ready for a facelift. During the Tuesday night meeting of the Owatonna City Council, councilors happily awarded a contract to the Crank Creek Asphalt Division of Mathy Construction, of Faribault, to do a mill and overlay of N. Cedar Avenue, a street littered with potholes and often brought up in conversation about the worst roads in the community. "This is a good project...
🚧 Construction Update: Road Work Reported Between Exit 66 and MN 21 in Faribault, MN
The time displayed is local to the original 511 traffic site in Minnesota. Local drivers are advised that construction activity has been reported on the Blue Star Memorial Highway/34th Infantry (Red Bull) Division Highway/Deputy John W. Liebenstein Memorial Highway, specifically between Exit 66, Millersburg Boulevard, and MN 21 in Faribault, Minnesota. A user of the Waze navigation app noted the road work resulting in the generation of this traffic alert. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) wishes to inform the public that while the report details are sourced from the app, they do not verify the accuracy of the information provided. Commuters are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays, and remain vigilant for the safety of road workers and fellow drivers while passing through the construction zone.
Citizens concerned about gravel mine's lack of impact studies
The rarest flower in Minnesota, the Minnesota dwarf trout lily, is classified as endangered at the federal and state level. A St. Olaf College environmental studies professor said it could soon be endangered locally due to a proposed mine on a site where the lily is present. The professor, Kiara Jorgenson, is among a few hundred citizens who form the “Nerstrand MN Conservation Society” working to stop a proposed gravel mine and asphalt plant in northeastern Rice County from moving forward. ...
Here Are the Only Five Drive-In Theaters Left in Minnesota
I grew up watching movies at the '100 Twin' Drive-In just off 694 in Fridley. In Owatonna it was the '45 Hi-Way Outdoor' (later named the 'Starlite' Drive-In), and Faribault had the 'Family' Drive-In -- all three are long gone. At their peak nearly 80 existed across Minnesota, but that number has shrunk to just five. Here's where to find them.
New Summer Hours for Rice County Government Services and Highway Dept.
The Rice County Government Services Building and Highway Department will switch to a new summer schedule from May 20 to September 27, as approved by the Board of Commissioners last month. Both facilities will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Other county facilities will keep their regular hours. Full-time employees at these buildings will continue to work their standard 40-hour weeks. The offices will close on state holidays including Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day. For more details, contact Sara Folsted, the County Administrator, or Suzy Rook, the Communications Coordinator.'Visit here for more details.
Join the Field of Heroes Flag Display in Owatonna Memorial Day Weekend
Between barbecues and backyard parties, it's easy to lose sight of the true meaning behind the Memorial Day holiday. Memorial Day honors those who have lost their lives serving in the U.S. Military. The Moonlighters Exchange Club, Exchange Club of Steele County, and Exchange Club of Owatonna are honoring local...
County to allow comment, get environmental review of gravel mine
Rice County residents will be able to express their opinions and concerns regarding a controversial proposed gravel mine after the Board of Commissioners voted to extend the permit process another 60 days, allow public comment and further review possible environmental impacts of the mine. Commissioners said their inboxes were flooded with voicemails and emails regarding the proposed mining operation. The public will be permitted to voice their concerns to the Board of Commissioners at 9 a.m. June 11 in the Board of Commissioners room. ...
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