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MEDFORD spring/summer 2019

OWATONNA

BLOOMING PRAIRIE

ELLENDALE

STEELE COUNTY

Catch The Action!

Look in the back for great money saving coupons! Leann Rhimes

MotherNature Approved!

WaterSenseÂŽ Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Replacing a standard clock timer with a WaterSenseÂŽ irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 8,800 gallons of water annually from not overwatering lawns and landscapes! To encourage our customers to conserve this precious resource, Owatonna Public Utilities is offering a $75 rebate per controller. Learn more and download a rebate application with complete terms and conditions at www.owatonnautilities.com.

PER CONTROLLER

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ONE LOW PRICE... PLAIN AND SIMPLE...

Always!

1001 Hoffman Drive Owatonna, MN 55060

(507) 413-7366

spring/summer 2019

OwatOnna Veterinary HOspital

“Large enough to serve you - small enough to care...”

We know how important your pets are to you, and keeping them healthy is all we do! For a longer, healthier life, schedule your pet’s annual checkup today!

Dr. Tami Bauer • Dr. James Gute

1930 S. Cedar • Owatonna Mon-Wed, & Fri 8 AM - 5:30 PM • Thur 8 AM - 7 PM Sat. 9 AM - NOON

Serving Steele County Since 1966

For Appointments Call 507-451-8153 4

explore steele county

Contents

Welcome 7 Recreation & Family Fun

Parks & Trails

Camp Steele County

EXPLORESTEELECOUNTY

Golf 13 Make a Splash

Live Music

Arts & Culture 18

EXPLORESTEELECO

Calendar 20 Best of Southern MN

Savor Steele County 25 Maps 33 Shop Steele County 37

EXPLORESTEELEMAG

Libraries 42 County Stats

EXPLORESTEELEMAG

59 Managing Editor Jeffrey Jackson Media Sales Consultants Nicole Brandon, Crystal Hobart, Lisa Richmond, Kyle Shaw

Cover & Page Design Nikkie Gilmore Regional Manager of Magazines & Events Ginny Bergerson

spring/summer 2019

explore steele county

Welcome to Steele County

Signs of spring are popping up all around Owatonna now that winter’s record snowfall has melted! There is no better time than now to ditch those snow boots and grab your bike and hit the numerous multi-use trails throughout town. Don’t worry, if you’re not ready for all the activity you can grab your lawn chair and relax while enjoying some music at Downtown Thursday or 11@7 in our beautiful historic downtown Central Park. When your cravings start to hit, drop by any of the local restaurants. They have food for every mood! After trying all the local flavors, stroll into all the unique shops, from the large stores to the small boutiques. And you won’t want to miss our major events like Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival, Crazy Days and of course, the Steele County Free Fair – the largest free county fair in Minnesota! There really is always something happening in Owatonna – no matter what your age or interest. Explore everything the Owatonna area has to offer. Check out visitowatonna.org for a current calendar of events and more visitor information. Visit us soon!

Karen Pehrson Director of Conventions & Tourism Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

spring/summer 2019

Owatonna Farmer’s Market

d n a n o i t a e r c Re mily Fun Fa

Take in all that Steele County has to offer!

(And trust us, it’s a lot!) Check our calendar of events for more ways to catch the action in Steele County!

explore steele county

NORTHWOODS CINEMA 10 300 Allan Ave Owatonna | 507-451-1410 Catch the latest show in comfortable stadium seating at Northwoods Cinema 10 off Bridge Street in Owatonna. From popcorn and ice cream to beverages and candy galore, you’ll be more than satisfied. The theater offers private group showings and birthday party packages.

REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN DISCOVERY ZOO (“RAD-ZOO”) 3297 County Road 45 N Owatonna | 507-455-1465 Venture to the RAD Zoo, Minnesota’s premier destination for reptile exhibits. Marvel at the amazing creatures of the reptile and amphibian world including snakes, turtles, lizards, crocodilians, toads, frogs and salamanders. The zoo is home to over 150 animals from all over the world exhibited in re-creations of their native environments. The RAD Zoo houses a birthday pavilion and party options available for guests wanting a unique and crocodilian birthday experience.

SPARE TIME ENTERTAINMENT 333 18th Street SE Owatonna | 507-451-2524 This is a first-class bowling center providing the latest in entertainment. Virtual games added to the lanes and sleek seating makes it a comfortable and clean place to bowl. Volleyball is held outside in the sand courts specifically built for the occasion in the summer and both a laser tag area and game zone put the place over the top. Schedule a party, meet up with friends or revel in the bar with supreme drinks and food prepared by Chef Gar.

Community Garden

BLOOMING PRAIRIE YOUTH CLUB 401 4th Street SE Blooming Prairie | 507-583-6699 If there were ever an organization that a whole community stands behind and supports, itâ€™s the Blooming Prairie Youth Club. The club provides a space for children from kindergarten to grade 12 to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members. Activities provided are hands-on activities in the areas of health and life skills, education and career development, character and leadership, the arts, sports, fitness, and recreation.

ARCHERY For all skill levels, Steele County offers two locations to test your talents. Owatonna Archery Range 711 N Elm Avenue Owatonna Free to the public and includes several ranges. 20 RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB AND STRAIGHT RIVER ARCHERY CLUB 1675 NW 50th Street Medford | 507-259-7919 The club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting enthusiasm and safety awareness through shooting sports. The area is designed for members to become experienced handling firearms and archery equipment. In the woods of Medford, the club offers indoor and outdoor targets allowing the community a secure place to practice and teach.

Northwoods Cinema 10

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s k r Parails +T

A place to picnic and play games, to walk and run, to listen to concerts or watch a ball game, to ski or skate, or just to enjoy the beauty of nature — they all can be found in Owatonna’s parks and trails. The City of Owatonna has long been admired for its many beautiful parks. The city’s Park and Recreation Department currently maintains more than 700 acres of park land in 24 different city parks. The parks range from several neighborhood parks, which are less than a half-acre, to the Kaplan’s Woods Parkway, which is 225 acres.

Go to www.ci.owatonna.mn.us/parkrec to reserve a pavilion for your special event, sign up for a program or browse the full calendar of events! KAPLAN’S WOODS PARKWAY 1205 SW 18th Street Owatonna 507-444-4321 Outdoor lovers from the area head over to Kaplan’s Woods Parkway for the ultimate compilation of outdoor activities. From more than six miles of trails used for hiking, jogging, skiing and biking to picnic sites, boat ramps and fishing piers, this parkway is filled with pleasant greetings and scenic nature. Maps of the parkway are available at the Parks and Recreation office.

Owatonna Parks Central Park At the heart of Owatonna, Central Park is home to the Farmer’s Market and the 11@7 Concert Series. Visit the park to enjoy live music, shop for locally grown food and handmade crafts or take in the beauty of the iconic fountain and scenic view of downtown. Dartts Park Dartts Park is for the active type. Featuring two tennis courts, a baseball field with spectator seating, softball field, horseshoes, a playground and more, this park offers plenty of opportunity for you to enjoy the outdoors and some friendly competition. Jaycee Park Jaycee Park is the perfect destination for your next birthday party celebration or family get-together. Nestled between Main Street and Rice Lake Street, Jaycee Park features a picnic shelter, sand volleyball court and play equipment. A thank you is in order to the Owatonna Jaycees for their enormous contributions to the initial and continued development of the park. Manthey Park A community favorite, Manthey Park has been newly redone and hosted many family gatherings over the years. With two large picnic shelters, tennis courts, a basketball court, softball and baseball fields, play equipment, hiking trails and a large open grass area, families can spend some true quality time at this park.

Like Owatonna Parks and Recreation on Facebook or follow @OwatonnaParkRec on Twitter!

Rice Lake State Park 10

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Mineral Springs Park A must-visit for natives and visitors alike, Mineral Springs Park is home to the statue of Princess Owatonna. Also known for its healing mineral springs, this park features amenities for family outings as well as a disc golf course. Morehouse Park Bask in the beauty of the Straight River at Morehouse Park. Featuring the Warsinski Chalet, a picnic shelter, play equipment, horseshoe courts and a softball field, residents can also take advantage of sand volleyball and a skate park. In the spring and summer months, many families visit the park to feed the ducks and geese, fish or walk on the Kaplan’s Woods Parkway.

Medford Parks Canoe and kayak enthusiasts can enter the Straight River through the landing access available at Straight River Park, while the sports buff can enjoy the volleyball courts, tennis courts, a basketball court and baseball field. Perfect for reunions and gatherings, the park also features pavilions, a playground, kiddie pool as well as a large pool with a diving board.

Blooming Prairie Parks Central Park and Victory Field Park are two that residents frequently visit. Home to the Old Fashioned Fourth of July festivities, Central Park features a pavilion, gazebo and play equipment. Across from the high school, Victory Field Park offers two softball fields and a tennis court in addition to a pavilion and playground. Other parks in Blooming Prairie are East Side Park, Green Gardens Park and the Fire Department Park.

Parks in Steele County

Trails in Steele County Buxton Trail | Cashman Crossing Kaplan’s Woods Parkway |Muckle Trail

Trails

Three generous families left a lasting legacy on the Owatonna community by inspiring the Owatonna trail system as we know it today. Thanks to the Buxtons, Gaineys and Muckles, we’re able to hike, bike and explore nature in our community. If you’re thinking about riding the trails this season or have a few extra hours to volunteer, connect with the folks over at the Owatonna Trails Association on Facebook.

spring/summer 2019

p m Ca e tS eel y t n u Co

Enjoy the perfect staycation right here in Steele County with a visit to one of our many campgrounds. Camping isn’t for everyone, but whether you have a tent, camper or RV, the campgrounds of Steele County have amenities to satisfy even the most demanding needs. Let the stress of planning a big family getaway subside and enjoy summer nights lit not by cell phones but by campfires and stars. Grab your s‘more supplies because we’re going camping! Crystal Springs RV Resort Located in Ellendale, Crystal Springs provides services that give it the reputation as one of the most charming RV resorts in southern Minnesota. The intimate and welcoming atmosphere will have you rushing to this gated community for a peaceful and relaxing stay. Check out what Crystal Springs has to offer at www.crystalspringsrvresort.com. Hope Oak Knoll Campground Perfect for those seeking an engaging and clean place to camp, Hope Oak Knoll offers a family fun environment with fire pits, game room, laundry, showers and more. Enjoy a game of horseshoes, set up on the pavilion or mingle with your neighbors. This old-fashioned setting will kick you into relaxation mode for a serene and friendly retreat. Call 507-451-2998 to book your next camping trip. River View Campground Two miles south of Owatonna, River View Campground is surrounded by giant oak trees and bordered by the Straight River. Unwind in the heated pool, take a stroll along the river and finish the day with a campfire. Riverview will have you admiring the rolling countryside from sun up until sundown. Visit www.riverviewcampgroundminnesota.com for more information. Rice Lake State Park & Campground A prime setting for viewing birds and water fowl, this site symbolizes the peaceful and quiet getaway. Easy to get to with paved roads to the park, Rice Lake is for the laid-back camper. Take a walk to the lake or through the well-maintained trails, take a canoe across the water or set up a traditional picnic. Get out of town, smell the wildflowers and take it easy at Rice Lake State Park. Brookside Campground What would you say if we told you that you can now camp with your entire family, take part in local events, and get the best possible amenities (including free Wi-Fi) just by paying an affordable, all-inclusive price? All you have to do is contact Brookside Campground in Blooming Prairie by calling 507-583-2979. Brookside provides camping spaces that include RV sites, primitive and modern tent sites, pull-through campsites, group campsites, and cabin/camper rentals.

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f l o G RIVER ROCK DISC GOLF COURSE Mineral Springs Park, Owatonna

BLOOMING PRAIRIE COUNTRY CLUB 7701 SE 118th Street, Blooming Prairie | 507-583-2887

River Rock is a 9-hole disc golf course open to the public free of charge. Leagues are organized by and for the many avid disc golfers in the area. Never tried it? Anyone out there with an extra disc would welcome you as their own. Contact the Parks and Recreation department for more details.

Blooming Prairie Country Club facility features a 9-hole course and 3,026 yards of golf. Take a break in the Clubhouse for a quick bite or loosen your grip with a cold adult beverage! This course offers private memberships but is open to the public as well.

OWATONNA COUNTRY CLUB 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna | 507-451-6120 The Owatonna Country Club is situated in the southwest corner of town, located on 140 acres of rolling hills, rivers and lakes. The golf course integrates a natural setting with a challenging course and offers golf cats, driving range, putting green and exceptional restaurant and bar service. Pack your bag for this 18-hole private facility with 6,296 yards of golf!

HAVANA HILLS GOLF COURSE 210 Dane Road, Owatonna | 507- 451-2577 From family and junior passes to corporate outings and Moonlight Golf events, Havana Hills is for the learner, the experienced and the one looking to just have a good time. This 9-hole, par-3 course is for children and adults alike.

WATER’S EDGE MINIATURE GOLF COURSE 175 Landmark Drive NE, Owatonna | 507-451-3666 Waters Edge, located on the north side of Owatonna, is a course that is all about playing around water hazards and boulders. Holes are uphill, downhill and can present challenges for golfers of all ages. With 18-holes and Plaza Morena Campestre & Grill nearby, the family can plan an entirely pleasing afternoon. BROOKTREE GOLF COURSE 1369 Cherry Street, Owatonna | 507-444-2467 This municipal golf course has been dubbed one of the finest in southern Minnesota. From their 18 holes and golf carts to the Clubhouse featuring superb entertainment and Broken Tee Bar & Grill, Brooktree Golf Course is a golfer’s destination to eat, play and repeat!

spring/summer 2019

a e k a M

h s a l p S Medford Pool 14

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With its many lakes, pools, and waterparks, Steele County has aquatic adventures waiting for everyone. Fishing, kayaking, & swimming are just a few of the ways you can get your water fix this summer. Catch some fish, or just catch the action!

LAKE KOHLMIER Owatonna | 507-444-4321 Gear up your tackle box and pack your swimsuit, Lake Kohlmier in Owatonna is a favorite for locals to catch some quick rays. Swim, fire up the grill and dive into a game of sand volleyball or cast a line off the fishing dock to catch one of many species of fish. RIVER SPRINGS WATER PARK 3065 St. Paul Road, Owatonna | 507- 774-7370 River Springs is equipped with a lazy river that spans across the park, a large activity pool, climbing wall, lily pad walk and a sand volleyball court. Families can relax on the lounging chairs while enjoying a salty pretzel or slushie from the concession stand. Tube and body slides are the perfect combination of family-friendly and just-scary-enough and guests also have access to showers and locker rooms. Multiple experienced lifeguards are stationed from open until close and the water is checked every hour making it a clean and safe activity for all. THE GREAT SERENGETI INDOOR WATER PARK 2365 43rd Street NW, Owatonna | 507-446-8900 Africa is brought indoors with trees, a spraying elephant, life-size giraffe and python body slide to create the Great Serengeti Indoor Water Park at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites near Cabela’s. Slide down a hippopotamus or fire through Kilimanjaro, float down the lazy river or shoot a game of water basketball at this family aquatic attraction. MEDFORD POOL Medford | 507-455-2866 One big playground, kiddie pool, large pool with diving board and bathrooms provide all of the amenities of a great park. BEAVER LAKE Ellendale | 507-444-4321 Right outside of Ellendale is a 94-acre lake, complete with a swimming beach, park area and play equipment. The beach has become a summer hot spot for Steele County residents who are looking for a quiet and clean spot to cool off with the boat docks, fishing pier, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts. PINE SPRINGS PARK Corner of 1st Avenue & 1st Street NW, Blooming Prairie | 507-583-7573 If you’re looking for a concrete swimming pool to cool off during the hot summer months, Pine Springs Pool is not the place. It’s better. The manmade pool has a sand bottom and is fed from the natural springs located beneath the city block on which it sits. The pool also offers a picnic area with a gazebo and sandboxes.

River Springs STRAIGHT RIVER Owatonna & Medford | 507-444-4321 Anything but straight, the Straight River has presented residents and visitors a place to watch for wildlife, fish various species, a beautiful place to walk along as well as kayaking and canoeing. Canoeing on the Straight is best during the spring and early summer; by July the river may be too low for enjoyable river travel.

Go Fish

If you’re looking to catch something, look no further than Steele County! Panfish, bass and even walleyes can be found in Lake Kohlmier and Beaver Lake, or take on the challenge and the mystery of river fishing on the Straight River! Whether it’s a monster northern or something you’ve never caught before, there’s trophy catches to be found!

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c i s u M e v i L

After a recent “Owatonna Forward” survey, residents identified two topics as downtown impact areas for immediate attention in 2019. One was parking; the other was MUSIC. “Cue the Music” was formed to address the latter, to look at how Owatonna’s rich musical heritage could be used to spur enthusiasm and excitement for returning Owatonna’s hub – its once-vibrant downtown – to its former status. Members believe the mixture of what has gone before with the magic of what is currently on scene – or yet to be – could enlighten the attitude and outlook of downtown retailers, businesses and residents into one of anticipating change and welcoming it once it arrives! How do we combine the contributions of Roger Tenney and Harry Wenger and Arnold Krueger with the talents of Barry Gillespie and Adam Young and Sean Tillmann and Gregory Northrop and come up with a recipe for rebirth? Join us and find out! 16

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Har Mar Superstar to help kick off Downtown Thursday with free concert “We’re gonna have a party and rock the streets.” That was the message singer/songwriter Sean Tillmann – also known as Har Mar Superstar – gave to his hometown of Owatonna on Wednesday night via a Facebook video posted to The Music Space of Owatonna. The video officially announced the kick off of Downtown Thursday on June 6, which will feature a free concert by the international superstar. “I have a lot of people always asking if I’m going to make it down to Owatonna to perform,” Tillmann told the People’s Press. “It’s not for not wanting to, I’ve just been waiting for the right opportunity to do something and this is it.” Downtown Thursday is a monthly summer event that brings a night market to the streets of downtown Owatonna, featuring food, music, shopping, and art. The event closes off a few blocks of Cedar Avenue to allow vendors and businesses to set up along the streets and bring a “boulevard feel” to the event. The inaugural Downtown Thursday partnered with the 11@7 concert series last August, and was such a success that the Owatonna MainStreet program decided to make it permanent. “Last summer people kept coming up to us saying ‘Thank you, we are so glad Owatonna finally did this,’” said Shirley Schultz, the MainStreet Director at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “Downtowns have historically been the gathering place for people ever since they were created. Everyone wanted something to do downtown, so this is us giving them that.” Something new to the event this year will be additional music, according to Schultz. There will be local acts performing at the band shell in Central Park throughout the beginning of the evening, and Har Mar Superstar will be set up at The Music Space of Owatonna just a block away on North Cedar Avenue. “People of Owatonna have been looking for something different,” said Mark Woodrich, the owner of The Music Space. “Downtown Thursday is really stepping it up this year and I think it’s going to be great. We are kicking it off in a bigger way than I think they expected to.” Woodrich is the most recent winner of the MainStreet Retail Challenge, an effort by MainStreet in cooperation with the City of Owatonna’s Economic Development Authority with the goal of economic revitalization of the city’s downtown. Woodrich is the third winner of the challenge, which shifted the focus to dining and entertainment and to businesses that would bring people downtown after work or school. “I think that music is something that all walks of life enjoy,” Woodrich said about why he felt it was important to bring a music venue to downtown Owatonna. “It’s something that brings people together.” Bringing people together is precisely the goal of Downtown Thursday, and Woodrich believes that bringing in someone with the star quality of Tillmann will only add to that appeal.

Though it’s been a while since Tillmann has spent much time in downtown Owatonna, he said that he has plenty of memories as a teenager “cruising downtown” and enjoying the era of the movie theatre being in full swing on that side of town. Tillmann also noted that he still has a strong love for Mizuki Fusion, which he asserts rivals any sushi place in the Twin Cities and remains his favorite restaurant. The entire experience of the new event series, however, is what Tillmann is most excited for. “It feels good to be a part of the inaugural summer party that I hope goes on for a long time,” Tillmann said. “It feels good to have a venue and an event that I can play at in Owatonna. If it brings people together to have a good time, I am always happy about supporting that.” The first Downtown Thursday event of 2019 will be held on June 6 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Central Park in downtown Owatonna and along North Cedar Avenue. All fundraising during the event will be used towards purchasing new holiday lights for Central Park. For more information, call the Chamber office at 507-451-7970 or visit Owatonna.org. 11@7 Music will fill Central Park in Owatonna every Thursday night as the community’s most popular concert series returns for another summer. For years, Central Park has played host to the 11@7 concert series, in which musical talent spanning varying genres offer free concerts in the park every Thursday night over the summer months. Several downtown businesses remain open later to accommodate the fun crowd that congregates in the park for the concerts. Come enjoy the wide variety of musical groups that perform every Thursday from May 30 to August 8 in Central Park. In case of rain, concerts will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church. Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival On Saturday, June 15, head on down to the intersection of Grove and Main Streets in Owatonna at 11 a.m. to witness the fantastical Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival. The parade consists exclusively of marching bands which display their pageantry, choreography, regimentation, and musicianship. The summer parade circuit takes place during the month of June, which is unique to Minnesota. Music enriches and enhances all of our lives. Marching Band helps students build character, learn self-discipline, and learn how to formulate and achieve goals.

“I’ve been trying to get him here for a long time,” Woodrich said about Tillmann. “I’ve liked his music for a long time, but we’ve never figured out the right place to bring him. This is the year – the time is just right for everything.” Tillmann couldn’t agree more, adding that Downtown Thursday seems like the perfect event to rejuvenate Owatonna’s center. “It’s a really cool idea to get people out and together, enjoying the outside while it’s nice out,” he stated. “It’s also nice to see a community event that’s not based around bars. Concerts in a downtown setting have just always gone hand-in-hand, there’s something about the accessibility of the central location that makes it all make sense.”

spring/summer 2019

d n a s t Ar e r u t l u C

Little Theatre of Owatonna

560A Dunnel Drive, Owatonna | 507-457-0764 | Littletheatreofowatonna.org

Owatonna offers numerous opportunities to see live theatrical productions performed on stage throughout the year. Founded in 1966 to bring “culture, art and entertainment to Owatonna and the surrounding communities with active participation by all interested,” Little Theatre of Owatonna now mounts four to five productions a year, with the repertoire ranging from comedy to drama to musical theater. See calendar for production dates.

Owatonna Arts Center

435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna | 507-451-0533 | Oacarts.org

Located on the historic campus of Minnesota’s only state orphanage, the Owatonna Arts Center is a place to discover surprising insights on the world around you and new talents within you. The center’s vitality is experienced in the art classes that are offered for children and adults, exhibitions by regional professional artists and musical performances. The Owatonna Arts Center, founded as a 501©3 corporation in 1974, makes its home in the main building of the West Hills Complex and has as its mission “to make the arts accessible to the community and to promote creativity.” See calendar for activities and events.

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Orphanage Museum

540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna | 507-774-7369 | Orphanagemuseum.com

In 1885, the Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. After some political wrangling, Owatonna was chosen as the site for this new state orphanage which operated from 1886-1945. During this time period, 10,635 dependent and neglected children passed through this institution. Today the campus is known as the West Hills Complex. The Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum is located on the first floor of the City Administration Building. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum contains photos, artifacts and stories of the children who lived this history.

Louis H. Sullivan National Farmer’s Bank 101 North Cedar Avenue, Owatonna

The year was 1906. The National Farmers’ Bank — the largest bank in the city — had outgrown its offices on the first floor of a 40-year-old building in downtown Owatonna. Carl Bennett, then-vice president of the bank, commissioned famed architect Louis H. Sullivan to design a “true and lasting work of art” to be the home of the bank. Construction on the new bank in Owatonna — the first of Sullivan’s “jewel boxes” — began in April 1907 and was completed in 1908. The red brick structure with green terra cotta bands features two large arches displaying stained glass windows designed by Louis J. Millet. Inside are several murals by Oskar Gross and a “poem of colors,” featuring more than 200 shades, primarily blues and greens, intricate terra cotta and gold-leaf detailing. On Jan. 7, 1976, the building was recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its architectural significance. The United States Postal Service commemorated the building in 1981, putting the image of the bank on a postage stamp.

Steele County History Center and Village of Yesteryear

1700 Austin Road, Owatonna | 507-451-1420 | Steelehistorymuseum.org

The Village of Yesteryear, operated by the Steele County Historical Society, is a setting where visitors can experience what life was like in Owatonna and Steele County at the turn of the 20th Century. There are two log cabins, railroad station with a 1850’s caboose from Steele County, gas station, general store/post office, fire station, farm machinery building, blacksmith shop, country school, Dunnell mansion built in 1868 and the St. Wenceslaus of Moravia Church built in 1891. The buildings are furnished according to the time they were built and are connected by a boardwalk. The Steele County Historical Society offices are located in the History Center Building at 1700 Austin Road. The fully-accessible and modern Center features exhibits and offers historically-related programs throughout the year. See calendar for activities and events.

spring/summer 2019

Summer 2019 Events

MAY

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Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival

Steele County Fairgrounds Presented by the Owatonna Knights of Columbus to benefit Special Olympics of Minnesota

Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival brings amazing food, cooked right outside by award-winning professionals. From marvelous meat to a variety of free entertainment, Smokin’ in Steele will have you in a satisfying haze of grill smoke and savory smells. This is a sanctioned event by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, a superior competitive cooking organization that involves some of the top BBQ cookers in the country. For an incredibly full schedule of events and to register for the 5K, Kids Q Kick-Off, Backyard BBQ, Car Show and Bike Cruise, visit Smokin’ in Steele BBQ & Blues Festival online at www.smokininsteele.com or on Facebook.

JUNE

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The North Market

Grace Baptist Church, Owatonna

Owatonna’s newest Farmers Market is the North Market. Offering locally grown produce, food, and farm products, this market is held every Tuesday at 265 26th St. NE in the Grace Baptist Church parking lot. Downtown Thursday

Central Park, Owatonna

“Let’s meet downtown” for the ultimate summer evening! Eat great food from food trucks and visit booths filled with fine, handcrafted items. Enjoy live music in the park and much more. Downtown Thursday will take place at Central park and the 100 and 200 blocks of North Cedar Avenue on June 6, July 11 and August 1. Downtown Thursday kicks off on June 6 with a free concert from local grad and Minnesota music legend HarMar Superstar!

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Straight River Days

City of Medford

The population may be small, but the pride of the Medford community is great. Every year since 1971, residents, sponsors and volunteers have come together to produce the most anticipated event of the year, Straight River Days. The first experience included a parade, carnival, canoe derby, street dance and the Miss Medford Beauty Pageant. Since then, it has expanded into much more and there is no sign of it slowing down. For more information, visit www.straightriverdays.com or on Facebook. Kids Safety Camp

City of Owatonna

The 25th Annual Steele County Safety Camp is a two-day event open to all 3rd grade students in the area. At camp, the students are split into teams, attend safety classes, and compete in various team events. For more information, call Ted Mittelstadt at 451-7946. HARRY WENGER MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL

Downtown Owatonna

This annual festival honors the work of Harry Wenger, the founder of Wenger Corp. here in Owatonna. Competitive high school marching bands from across the state march downtown on streets lined with thousands of spectators who came from near and far to enjoy a spectrum of talented musicians’ performances featuring new music, new themes and new props.

George Carden Circus

Four Seasons, Owatonna

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For over 50 years, the Carden family has been bringing an astonishing and awe-inspiring show to people across the country. From amazing feats of athleticism with aerial acrobats, to magnificent elephants, awesome tigers, and so much more for the entire family. Don’t forget to come early for all the pre-show activities that will entertain the entire family, from elephant rides to fun inflatables and face painting.

JULY

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History Uncorked

Steele County History Center

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Small town, big celebration. Actually, “big” would be an understatement for Blooming Prairie’s Fourth of July weekend. The biggest event of the year for this community is also the largest Fourth of July celebration in southern Minnesota. Every year, more than 35,000 people gather in this tiny Steele County town to celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way.

A quarterly series where audiences learn about Steele County history while imbibing in a glass of wine or beer. Ellendale Days

City of Ellendale

An old-fashioned country town celebration, Ellendale continues to display their modest charm through three days of entertainment, memories and small town warmth. This event is known for bouncing pig tales and friendly smiles—don’t miss out!

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Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration

City of Blooming Prairie

Once on this island

Little Theatre of Owatonna

Catch the production Once on This Island by Little Theatre of Owatonna. Join us on a Calypso-filled journey of one small girl who finds love in the most unlikely of places. Her new-found love must be proved not only through the tests laid out by the pompous gods who preside over the island, but also by the trials and tribulations she must face as a lowly peasant. This Tony Award-winning musical is a highly original and theatrical mashup of the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, and the well-loved tale of The Little Mermaid. It’s an exciting and energetic adventure for the whole family to enjoy. We hope you’ll join our little village and find out why we tell the story. Once on This Island is presented with special arrangements through Music Theatre International (MTI) and is sponsored by Federated Insurance.

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11th Annual “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Golf Classic Owatonna Country Club

The proceeds from this 18-hole tournament will benefit programming for seniors living in Steele County. For more information, contact Healthy Seniors at 774-7648 or email healthseniors@healthyseniorsmn.org. Bright Star Summer Camp

Little Theatre of Owatonna

Little Theatre of Owatonna and Owatonna Community Education are hosting a day camp where students develop, write, and ‘star’ in their own sketch comedy show over the week – just like the pros! Acting, directed, writing, and a ton of fun games and activities combine to make a week your Bright Star will never forget! Students will learn valuable drama instruction, while focusing on the Four C’s: Collaboration, Creativity, Communication, and Critical Thinking.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 29 with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on June 23 and June 30.

spring/summer 2019

20 23 25 27

Summer 2019 Events

EXTRAVAGANZA

Village of Yesteryear

A family fun day featuring re-enactments, old time hand crafts, musical entertainment, an antique tractor show, wool spinning, printing, basket weaving, wood working demonstrations, clothes washing demonstrations, leatherworking and more!

AUGUST

3 4

Iowa-minnesota pirate festival

Morehouse Park

“The Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival will be coming ashore in 2017. The marketplace of this lovely seaside village will be full of fine merchants from across the lands. Why, yes, there will be multiple stages of live entertainment and a village of costumed characters…” (iowaminnesotapiratefest.com)

Gus’s Station Car Show & Breakfast

Village of Yesteryear

Behind the History Center, dozens of classic cars of all ages will be on display for car enthusiasts and new-comers to enjoy for free. Proceeds from the events will go toward the continued restoration of Gus’ Station, including the addition of a recognized service bay to be located beside it. Secret Garden Tour

Hosted by the Owatonna Arts Center

Stroll through the unique and beautiful gardens on the 2017 Secret Garden Tour. CRAZY DAys

Downtown Owatonna

This weekend event for families in and outside of Steele County will span across three days. Businesses and entertainers go all in by bringing sidewalk sales, live music, dance and gymnastic performances as well as activities ranging from train rides to a parade.

explore steele county

13 18

Steele County Free Fair

Steele County Fairgrounds

For one week each year, the fairgrounds in Owatonna transforms into an immense shopping center. Vendors from 25 states and Canada bring it all—from crystal to quilts, art to furniture and potato peelers to RV’s. Over 100 food stands will tease the taste buds of fairgoers and have them eating everything from cotton candy to prime rib. Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy events from pig races to puppet shows. Thrill-seekers will adventure over to the more than 40 midway rides provided by Gold Star Amusements or one of the many attractions in Adventure Alley. Pick up a copy of the Owatonna People’s Press during the week of the fair for the daily calendar as well as stats on how the various groups and competitions are performing!

september

6 7

PAINT THE TOWN PINK

City of Blooming Prairie

Once merely a vision, the annual Paint the Town Pink and Cancer Auction held in Blooming Prairie is now a community event that brings help, hope and awareness. A field of 250 pink flags will be displayed that can be seen by residents, visitors and those just passing through, a tradition that kicks off painting the town pink. The display honors and remembers those who have battled cancer. From haircuts, back massages and face painting to games, Bingo and live entertainment, this event is a local favorite.

All Summer

Farmers market in central park

City of Owatonna

Stop by Central Park every Saturday during the summer to pick up fresh vegetables, flowers, and fun hand-crafted items from more than 80 vendors. The market is open from 7 a.m. to noon. 11@7 Concert series Central Park

Head on down to the Central Park Bandshell at 7 p.m. every Thursday to take in some free live music! Summer ICE

4 Seasons

Take advantage of open skate and hockey practices, available until July 21. For more details, visit https://ci.owatonna.mn.us/283/Parks-Recreation .

OCTOber

trick or treat trail

Manthey Park

Ghosts and Goblins of all ages grab your trick or treat bags and head out to Manthey Park for our 6th Annual Trick or Treat Trail! Visit local businesses along the trail for treats, games, a photo shoot and lots of crafts.

spring/summer 2019

t s e B e h T of Southern MN

Best Artist Adam Grim

Best Chiropractor Best Massage/Acupuncture Chiropractic Care of Owatonna Sisters Salon and Day Spa

Best Radio Station KOWZ/KRUE

Best Fitness Center Owatonna Fitness

Best Place to Service a Car Ron’s Repair

Best Radio Personality Brad Kubat at KOWZ/KRUE

Best Hair Salon/Barbershop Pure Elements Salon

Best Print Shop/Graphics Tri M Graphics

Best Music Festival Smokin’ in Steele

Best Home Builder/Remodeler Zach Spinler Construction

Best Tanning Salon Haute Skin Spa & Tanning

Best Photographer Images 4 Lyfe Photography

Best Jewelry Store Kottke Jewelers & Gifts

Best Yoga Studio Sollid Yoga

Best Actor William McIntyre of Little Theatre of Owatonna Best Theater Little Theatre of Owatonna Best Theater Troupe Little Theatre of Owatonna Best Mexican Food El Tequila Mexican Restaurant Best Ice Cream Blast Soft Serve

Best Bowling Alley Spare Time Entertainment

2018 BEST OF WINNER! SOUTHERN Minn

*As voted on in the 2018 Southern Minn Scene Poll

explore steele county

Savor Steele County

Lava Burgers and Wings

Eat locally. Why? Because doing so supports the community and in the end, supports you. All of these local businesses have truly made an investment in our community and are what make Steele County home. Treat your palate right and experience all the unique flavors of Steele County.

Owatonna

A TASTE OF THE BIG APPLE A Taste of the Big Apple specializes in traditional New York-style pizza. “Fuggedabout” your cares when you bite into one of their mouth-watering subs, calzones or daily specials. Wet your whistle with an ice-cold soda. This is the emblematic small-town pizza joint that everyone loves. CENTRAL PARK COFFEE Central Park Coffee Co. is the ideal local café. Whether you’re looking for a warm lunch spot or a comfy study refuge, you can enjoy free wireless Internet while sipping on a hot cup of Jamaican Me Crazy. The menu includes a high-quality selection of brewed coffees, teas, smoothies, and a daily breakfast and lunch menu that includes gluten-free options. COSTAS CANDIES & RESTAURANT For those who like to keep it simple, Costa’s is the small-town café you have been longing for. This restaurant with a Greek flair has been serv

ing Owatonna’s favorite breakfasts and lunches in the same location for 100 years. And don’t forget to treat yourself with a made-on-thespot caramel or hand-dipped truffle, because a trip to Costas wouldn’t be complete without dessert!

CURLY GIRLZ CANDIES Voted Best Candy Store by SouthernMinn Scene Magazine and recently relocated to downtown Owatonna, Curly Girlz offers a full selection of handmade truffles, Minnesota-made products and old-fashioned favorites from rock candy to candy buttons. And make Curly Girlz your spot for sugar-free and ketofriendly candies – how about a custom-made goodie basket?

DON JUAN CANTINA & GRILL Bringing the flavors of Mexico straight to your table, Don Juan Cantina & Grill prides themselves in sharing their heritage and food. And don’t forget the margarita! EL TEQUILA For over 18 years, El Tequila has proudly served delicious Mexican food and what is considered by many the best salsa in Minnesota. The market-style atmosphere and colorful décor will leave you satisfied before your food has even arrived. GRACE’S TEX MEX Winner of WCCO-TV’s “Best Nachos in Minnesota” with their signature Cindy Nachos (named for Grace’s daughter), Grace’s Tex-Mex is a snug outpost serving favorites such as nachos, burritos and chimichangas. If you have ever wedged yourself through an extraordinarily long line at the Steele County Free Fair, chances are, folks were waiting for Grace’s!

spring/summer 2019

KERNEL RESTAURANT The Kernel is a full-service family restaurant specializing in comfort foods just like Mom used to make! Favorites include all-day breakfast, homemade pies and homemade soups. From their Friday Fish Fry to amazing Saturday and Sunday morning service, this Owatonna institution is on the weekend checklist of Owatonna visitors and residents alike!

PLAZA MORENA CAMPESTRE GRILL From signature Margaritas to flaming entrées, Plaza Morena Campestre Grill has rightfully claimed its spot as one of the area’s favorite Mexican restaurants for more than 20 years. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will be glad to suggest your “new” favorite meal, and will ensure it will be expertly prepared. A tried-andtrue favorite! PUPUSERIA LA PAZ Warm tamales and fresh pupusas have surprised many taste buds, putting this place on the map for travelers and locals alike. With beans, cheese and lettuce overflowing – and served by a warm and welcoming El Salvadorian staff – how could you not love this hidden gem?

THE S’CREAM The S’Cream offers a wide variety of frozen treats that are sure to cool you off in the hot summer heat.

MIZUKI FUSION Mizuki Fusion specializes in some of Southern Minnesota’s finest Japanese and Thai food with a menu featuring sushi, rolls, teriyaki, tempura and hibachi. With a relaxing atmosphere and dedicated chefs, the offerings at Mizuki look just as wonderful as they taste. NICK’S PIZZA PALACE A Greek family-owned business – and local favorite – for over 30 years, Nick’s Pizza Palace offers a huge variety of specialty pizzas, as well as gyros, sub-style sandwiches, spaghetti, salads and broasted chicken. Stand outside the shop’s front window on a nice evening and watch as your pizza crust is hand-tossed in the air a few times before it goes into the oven on its way to crispy perfection. Oh, and don’t forget the beer! OLD TOWN BAGELS Blueberry. Veggie. Poppy Seed. Onion. Kitchen Sink. Honey Wheat. Old Town Bagels bakes over a dozen varieties of scratch-made bagels every day. Whether you choose yours toasted with cheese and a side of warm marinara – or “schmeared” with your favorite store-made cream cheese spread, it’s no wonder they were named “Best Bagel Shop in Minnesota” by WCCO-TV! It’s the real deal! OLIVIA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT Famous for their weekend breakfast buffet, it’s easy to understand why Olivia’s has long been a community favorite. Whether you order from the ample menu or make a trip through the buffet, the service is always fast and friendly – and the coffee is always hot. On the hub of Highways 14 and 35, Olivia’s is a great spot for a quick bite.

explore steele county

THE KITCHEN The first thing you smell when you walk in the front door is coffee. Fresh coffee. You seat yourself on a stool at the counter and order a plate of hand-dipped onion rings – made to order. Today’s special is the hot-beef commercial with real mashed potatoes and homemade gravy. This is the place you look for in every town you visit – hot, hearty, made from scratch, made with love.

WINGS TAVERN & GRILLE Located across from the Steele County Fairgrounds, Wings offers a wide variety of burgers, appetizers and drinks. A long-time favorite gathering place for softball teams and sports fanatics, Wings has become known as THE spot to be for Saturday Night Karaoke. SPARE TIME ENTERTAINMENT Whether you’re bowling, playing volleyball, having lunch or toying around in the arcade, Spare Time offers a menu that is the perfect accompaniment to every activity. A professional chef has created a comprehensive menu that highlights the “special touches” – from sizable salads to extraordinary appetizers to toasted hamburger buns. Ask about daily specials – or check out the pizza! TOREY’S RESTAURANT & BAR For more than 15 years, Torey’s has been Owatonna’s “go-to” spot for fabulous meals, expertly-mixed after-work libations, an extensive wine list and a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to spend time with friends and family – and don’t forget to save room for a gourmet dessert! THE BLAST Take a break on your next bike ride or stroll along the Owatonna trail system for the ultimate ice cream treat at The Blast, located on W. Rose Street, on the banks of the scenic Straight River.

WAGNER’S LUNCH Legendary birthplace of Owatonna’s famous “slider,” Wags has been serving burgers and classic crinkle fries for decades! Grab a stool at the counter and watch the magic happen on what has to be the world’s smallest flat-top grill. Make it a family event – bring the kids, shoot a game or two of pool, feed everyone and you’ll still have cash in your wallet!

El Loro

Blooming Prairie and Ellendale

ELLENDALE CAFÉ Leave your cares behind and step into your new “Happy Place.” There really isn’t anything better than sitting on a diner stool, visiting with a stranger who is soon a new friend, and eating the best homemade rolls in this neck of the woods. That is what small-town cafés are all about.

Medford

BLOOMING PRAIRIE SERVICEMEN’S CLUB Available for wedding receptions, business meetings, family reunions and other gatherings, the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club is a favorite gathering spot in this quaint little burg. The Club offers weekly food specials from Burger Night to Taco Tuesday – and their newly-expanded menu is reason enough to stop by and see what’s cooking! THE PIZZA CELLAR/BLOOMING PRAIRIE CUE COMPANY As creators and purveyors of the self-proclaimed “best pizza around,” the gang at “The Cue” invite you stop by and put that declaration to the test. Quench your thirst with root beer from the tap. Or try an appetizer or some broasted chicken from their full menu of feel-good foods. Full bar pours your favorites, and there’s a private banquet room for special events.

ELLENDALE MUNI & GRILL The Ellendale Municipal Liquor Store offers onand off-sale liquor as well as a full grill menu. Featuring their famous choo-choo fries, the muni is also known for their outstanding burgers and great conversation.

WHISTLE STOP DINER If you’re looking for good food, friendly staff, and a pleasant atmosphere: look no further! Located inside Medford Senior Care, the Whistle Stop Diner is a cozy spot to get a fresh, homecooked meal.

spring/summer 2019

Dining Directory

BAGEL SHOP Old Town Bagels 211 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-3193

Russell Stover Candies 4500 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-9127

SWEET TOOTH Cabela’s Fudge & Nut Shop 3900 Cabela Drive, Owatonna 507-444-5129

The Bakery 345 Main Street W, Blooming Prairie 507-583-4433

Costas Candies & Restaurant 112 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-9050

The Blast Soft Serve 206 W Rose Street, Owatonna 507-455-2898

Culver’s 1140 Frontage Road W, Owatonna 507-455-2000

The S’Cream 301 S Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-214-3224

Curly Girlz Candy 121 W Main Street, Suite A, Owatonna 507-451-3396 Dairy Queen 670 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-451-8398 Dairy Queen 317 Highway Avenue S, Blooming Prairie 507-583-2296 28

explore steele county

COFFEE HOUSE (* adult beverages available) Caribou Coffee 2350 43rd Street NW #105, Owatonna 507-451-9589 Central Park Coffee 113 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-4242 *Chill-Aqui 124 NW 26th Street, Owatonna 507-413-0248

Mizuki Fusion

Starbucks 641 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-413-0248

*Broken Tee Bar & Grill 1369 Cherry Street, Owatonna 507-444-2467

Starbucks – Target 301 Park Drive, Owatonna 507-455-3624

Costas Candies & Restaurant 112 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-9050

STEELE COUNTY SIGNATURES (* adult beverages available) *American Legion Post #77 137 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-451-6080

*Eagles Aerie #1791 141 E Rose Street, Owatonna 507-451-3846

*Applebee’s 690 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-451-0006

Ellendale Café 203 5th Avenue W, Ellendale 507-688-3621

*Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 1100 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-455-2700

*El Loro 4255 Frontage Road W, Owatonna 507-214-1888

*Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club 210 4th Street NE, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7884

*Famous Dave’s Barbecue 4355 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-4008

*Elks Lodge #1395 126 E Vine Street, Owatonna 507-451-1395

*George’s of Geneva 116 N Central Avenue, Geneva 507-256-4501

Sun Rise Grill 205 N Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-413-8008

*Wings Tavern and Grill 1805 S Elm Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-9335

Jimmy John’s 670 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-413-0999

*Knights of Columbus 820 S Elm Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-6103

The Kernel Restaurant 1101 Hoffman Drive NW, Owatonna 507-451-2585

FAST FOOD Arby’s 136 Allan Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-0416

KFC 135 Allan Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-7056

The Kitchen 329 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-9991

Burger King 735 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-455-9700

*Timber Lodge Steakhouse 4455 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-444-0303

Culver’s 1140 Frontage Road W, Owatonna 507-455-2000

*Torey’s Restaurant & Bar 208 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-455-9260

Dairy Queen 670 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-451-8398

*VFW Post #3723 135 Oakdale Street, Owatonna 507-451-1001

Dairy Queen 317 Highway Avenue S, Blooming Prairie 507-583-2296

*Lava Burgers & Wings 369 SE 18th Street, Owatonna 507-413-8444 Olivia’s Family Restaurant 1160 Frontage Road W, Owatonna 507-444-4000 *Owatonna Country Club 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna 507-451-6120 Perkins Restaurant and Bakery 1200 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-6831 Pupuseria La Paz 153 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-214-1236 *Spare Time Entertainment 333 18th Street SE, Owatonna 507-451-2524

Wagner’s Lunch 222 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0931

Hardee’s 1120 Hoffman Drive NW, Owatonna 507-451-1766

McDonald’s 1105 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-3075 McDonald’s 6874 W Frontage Road, Medford 507-451-1055 Panda Express 1115 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-3267 Subway 2350 NW 43rd Street, Owatonna 507-446-0502 Subway 653 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-451-6842 Subway 312 N Oak Street, Owatonna 507-451-6062

Timber Lodge Steak House

spring/summer 2019

Old Town Bagels Subway 1130 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-455-0049

East Wind Buffet 1015 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-9666

*Grace’s Tex-Mex 1170 NW 12th Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-1908

Subway 413 Highway Avenue S, Blooming Prairie 507-583-5030

Hy-Vee Chinese 1620 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0138

*Plaza Morena Campestre Grill 160 NE 26th Street, Owatonna 507-413-0819

Taco Bell 681 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-444-0242

*Mizuki Fusion 119 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-214-3131

Taco John’s 1839 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-2023

MEXICAN (*adult beverages available) *Don Juan Cantina and Grill 1045 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-413-0787

Wendy’s 2290 NW 46th Street, Owatonna 507-451-7403 ASIAN (* adult beverages available) Asian Kitchen 641 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-446-8800

explore steele county

*El Patron Mexican Grill and Cantina 369 SE 18th Street, Owatonna 507-413-6235 *El Tequila 1830 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-9490

Red and Green Burrito 641 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-413-6488 PIZZERIA (* adult beverages available) A Taste of the Big Apple 104 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-455-3633 Casey’s 590 State Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-4168 Casey’s 475 SE 18th Street, Owatonna 507-446-8391

Casey’s 328 Highway Avenue S, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7827 Casey’s 101 Riverview Court, Medford 507-451-1487 Casey’s 3959 MN-30, Ellendale 507-684-2003 Domino’s Pizza 221 Mineral Springs Road, Owatonna 507-451-3030 Godfather’s Pizza 1832 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-455-1470 Hy-Vee Pizza Shoppe 1620 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0138

Little Caesar’s 1232 S Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-5545

*Ellendale Municipal Liquor Store 217 5th Avenue W, Ellendale 507-684-9422

*Nick’s Pizza Palace 326 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-455-1530

Firehouse Liquor 120 NW 26th Street, Owatonna 507-214-2337

Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n Bake 641 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-455-3700

Hi-Way Liquor 1180 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-451-0776

*Pizza Cellar/ Cue Company 302 E Main Street, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7675

MEAT SHOPS Cash Wise 495 W North Street, Owatonna 507-451-7220 Dean’s Smoke Shack 104 E Main Street, Geneva 507-256-0025 Fareway 831 S Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-4550

LOCAL WATERING HOLES (Look for the * in the Dining Directory also!) Bridge Street Tavern 137 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-413-6802 Dog Pound 212 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0865 Finch’s Pub 9149 SW 37th Avenue, Hope 507-363-0845

Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits 1620 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0138

Grampa’s Old Home Meats 109 S Main Street, Medford 507-455-2222

Pizza Hut (Carry-out/Delivery) 105 S Oak, Owatonna 507-451-3336

J-B Liquor 202 S Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-5491

Hy-Vee 1620 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0138

Just One More 149 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-214-2717

Pizza Ranch 142 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-446-9990

J&H Liquor 340 E Main Street, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7557

Steve’s Meat Market 210 W 5th Avenue, Ellendale 507-684-2331

Reggie’s Brewhouse 220 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-413-6802

LIQUOR STORES Cash Wise Liquor 495 W North Street, Owatonna 507-451-7220

*Medford Municipal Liquor Store 203 N Main Street, Medford 507-451-5821

Spurgy’s Bar and Grill 9131 SW 37th Avenue, Hope 507-451-2622

We Offer a Wide Variety of Dishes and Catering Services Located in the former Sportsmen’s Grill building next to Cabela’s

See Our Coupon in the Back!

4255 W. Frontage Road Owatonna, MN 507.214.1888

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

spring/summer 2019

Plemel Insurance Agency

920 Hoffman Drive, Owatonna 471 Highway Ave. S, Blooming Prairie 507-451-4619 507-583-7747 www.plemelagency.com

Stay Happy.

See Kappy!

COLLISION CENTER 507-451-8989

ALL ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, PARTS & SERVICE! M-F 9-5:30 Thurs ‘til 7 • Sat 9-1

507-451-6922

Est 1989

We work with all insurance companies and all makes and models!

3205 S. County Rd. 45 • 507-451-8989

www.kappysauto.com • kappysauto@gmail.com

2299 Austin Road & Hwy 14 East • Owatonna, MN 55060

Doing Business Since 1967

www.settesportscenter.com

Village of Yesteryear

Award Winning Meats 831 Oak Ave. S. Owatonna MN • Store 507-451-1550 • Market 507-451-0071

Tours available May 1 - September 30 Tuesday -Sunday at 1:30pm

Steele County History Center

1700 Austin Rd steelehistorymuseum.org steelehistorymuseum.or Tues, ues, W Wed & Fri: 10AM – 4PM Thurs: 10AM – 8PM • Sat: 10AM – 3PM Closed Sunday & Monday 32

explore steele county

Blooming Prairie

spring/summer 2019

EXIT 48

TO MINNEAPOLIS/ ST PAUL 60 Minutes to MOA

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EAGLE OWATONNA ACADEMY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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PARK

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Little Theatre of Owatonna National Farmers’ Bank Northwoods Cinema 10 Oak View Pumpkin Patch Orphanage Museum Owatonna Arts Center RAD Zoo Rice Lake State Park River Springs Water Park Serengeti Indoor Water Park Spare Time Entertainment Steele County History Center Village of Yesteryear Water’s Edge Mini Golf

LAKE CHASE PARK

DOG PARK

•

B-4 C-5 A-5 C-7 B-4 B-4 A-2 E-5 C-2 A-2 C-6 C-6 C-6 C-3

93 C-6 Redeemer Lutheran Church 94 C-6 St. John Lutheran Church 95 C-5 Trinity Lutheran Church

E Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Shopping

NE 26TH STREET

E OAK L N W HIT

GRAY FOX DR

CREEKSIDE LN NE

CREEKVIEW LN NE

CRESTVIEW LN

MINERAL SPRINGS PARK

 1.5 Miles East DANE ROAD

DISC GOLF COURSE

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96 A-2 Christian Family Church 113 C-3 Countryside Christian Church & 24 Hour 97 B-4 Destiny Christian Church Visitor Center 98 C-7 Elevation North Bus Depot 53 99 C-4 New Beginnings Church Grocers 100 C-5 New Life Community Church Railroad 79 A-4 Aldi Food Store 101 A-2 Simple Church at Country Goods Biking/Walking Trail 80 B-4 Cash Wise 102 D-5 Victory Christian Church 81 C-6 Fareway Foods OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP Check out our Historic 103 D-6 Associated Church 82 B-6 HyVee Downtown map for 104 C-6 Christ Community Covenant Church more places to dine 83 A-4 Walmart 105 D-6 Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church and shop. 84 C-4 Zam Zam Halal Market See pages4826-33 106 D-5 First United Pentecostal Church Places to Worship of this guide for a 107 A-3 Iglesia Linaje Escogido BAPTIST complete directory. 108 C-3 Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall 85 D-3 Bethel Church 86 C-3 Grace Baptist Church of Owatonna 109 C-4 Masjid Al-Rahmah CATHOLIC 110 C-3 Northridge Church 87 C-5 Sacred Heart Church 111 B-5 Owatonna Church of Christ 88 C-5 St. Joseph Church 112 D-5 Owatonna United Methodist Church LUTHERAN 113 C-3 Seventh Day Adventist Church 89 E-7 Aurora Lutheran Church 90 A-5 Emmanuel Lutheran Church 91 C-3 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church This map is updated annually by the Owatonna 92 C-3 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

76 B-5 Starbucks 77 A-5 Starbucks (Target) DESSERTS 31 A-2 Cabela’s Fudge & Nut Shop 55 B-5 Dairy Queen 78 A-2 Russell Stover Chocolates

CAFÉS 74 A-2 75 B-3

WER L FLO

83 64

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 D-4 Brooktree Golf Course 26 E-3 Havana Hills Golf Course 27 A-6 Owatonna Country Club

48 C-6 El Tequila 49 B-4 Grace’s Tex Mex 50 C-3 Plaza Morena 51 B-5 Red & Green Burrito FAST FOOD Where to Eat 52 A-5 Arby’s LOCAL FLAVORS 53 A-5 Burger King 28 A-2 43rd Street Pub & Grill 54 A-4 Culver’s 29 B-5 Applebee’s Grill & Bar 55 B-5 Dairy Queen 30 A-4 56 B-4 Hardee’s 31 A-2 Cabela’s Deli & Grill 57 B-5 KFC 32 A-2 Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que 58 B-5 Jimmy John’s 33 D-4 Master's Bar & Grille 59 A-4 McDonald’s 34 A-4 Olivia’s Family Restaurant 60 A-1 McDonald’s (Medford) 35 A-4 Perkins Restaurant 61 A-4 Panda Express 36 C-6 Spare Time Restaurant & Bar 62 A-2 Subway (43rd St.) 37 A-2 Sportsman’s Grille 63 B-5 Subway (Bridge St.) 38 B-4 The Kernel Restaurant 64 A-4 Subway (Walmart) 39 A-2 Timber Lodge Steakhouse 65 B-5 Taco Bell 40 B-5 Torey’s Restaurant & Bar 66 C-6 Taco John’s 41 A-1 Urban Finds & Bistro 67 A-1 Wendy’s 42 B-7 VFW PIZZERIAS 43 C-6 Wing’s Tavern & Grille 68 B-4 Casey’s (State Ave) 44 C-6 Lava Burgers & Wings 69 C-6 Casey’s (18th St.) ASIAN 70 C-4 Domino’s Pizza 45 A-4 Asian Kitchen 71 C-6 Godfather’s Pizza 46 A-4 72 B-6 Little Caesars MEXICAN 73 B-5 Papa Murphy’s 47 C-6 Don Juan Cantina & Grill

Golf Courses

MINERAL SPRINGS PKWY NE

FRO

RETAIL AREA

NOBLE RV & DUMP STATION

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COUNTRY GOODS

GRAND VIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS

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Baymont Inn & Suites Best Budget Inn Comfort Inn Country Inn & Suites Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Microtel Inn & Suites Northrop-Oftedahl House B&B Oakdale Motel Super 8 Hotel Valu Stay Inn

Things to Do

B-5 A-4 A-2 A-5 A-2 A-5 C-5 C-6 A-4 B-4

OAKVIEW DR

E FRONTAG

17 96

OWATONNA HOSPITAL & MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM

NW 26TH STREET

45 47

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MEDFORD, MN

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Lodging

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UNCLE TOM’S ANTIQUES West on Old US 14

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OWATONNA DEGNER AIRPORT

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explore steele county

FRONTAG NE

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STEELE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

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48 42

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B-3 C-3 C-3 A-1 25 C-3 26 A-4 27 C-3 28 B-3 29 C-3

31 B-4 32 D-4

explore steele county

W MILL ST Kristi’s Clothing Little Professor Book Center Manke’s Equipment & Appliance Midnight Sun Spas, LLC Owatonna Shoe Party Plus & Crafts Sterling Drug Straight River Rug Hooking & Fiber Arts Straight River Sports & Fitness The Hat Chic The Iscevari Marketplace Tone Music

Places to Worship

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Bridges of Hope First Baptist Church

COUNTY COURT HOUSE

BROADWAY ST

E MAIN ST

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3 Day Mattress Alexander Lumber Arrow Ace Hardware Buly’s Fashion Cedar Floral Design Studio Central Park Framing & Finds Completely Kids Downtown Tobacco El Progresso Market Family Dollar Family Video Fuel N’ Food J-B Liquor, Inc. Klecker's Kreations Kottke Jewelers

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49 FIREMEN’S STEELE

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OWATONNA PUBLIC UTILITIES

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POST OFFICE

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Shopping

19 54 BRIDGE ST 40 35 31 45

BROADWAY ST

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PUBLIC LIBRARY

N ELM AVE

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NATIONAL FARMERS’ BANK

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E VINE ST

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Where to Eat Local Flavors 34 B-3 American Legion 35 B-4 Bridge Street Tavern 36 C-3 Costas’ Candies & Restaurant 37 D-1 Eagles Club 38 C-3 Elks Lodge 39 C-2 Old Town Bagels 40 B-4 Pupuseria La Paz 41 B-2 Sun Rise Grill 42 B-1 The Black Sheep Burgers & Brews 43 C-1 The Kitchen 44 C-2 Wagner’s Lunch Asian 45 C-4 Mizuki Fusion

Biking/Walking Trail

Cafés 46 C-3 Fast Food 47 B-2 Subway Dessert 48 B-1 Blast Softserve 36 C-3 Costas’ Candies & Restaurant 49 C-4 Curly Girlz Candy 50 B-5 The S’Cream Pizzerias 52 C-3 A Taste of the Big Apple 53 C-1 Nick’s Pizza Palace 54 B-4 Pizza Hut 55 B-3 Pizza Ranch

Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

& 24 Hour Visitor Center This map is updated annually by the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Shop Steele County

Selective Looks Shop local. Enjoy the shopping experience at a variety of specialty stores in Owatonna, Ellendale, Blooming Prairie and Medford featuring unique merchandise, antiques, jewelry and so much more.

Owatonna

ALEXANDER LUMBER 419 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-7710 Since 1883, Alexander Lumber has been providing area professional services needed to complete any construction or home project with building materials and decorating centers to millwork, installation and delivery services. As the area’s longest-standing lumber yard, the company remains an honest and dependable business to the community. ARROW ACE HARDWARE 122 W Vine Street, Owatonna 507-451-4966 Ace Hardware is devoted to being the supportive place for hardware, plumbing, tools, grills, garden and more by offering customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products. This local hardware store has withstood the competition of big chains all while keeping their hometown character.

CEDAR FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO 314 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-7673 A locally-owned floral shop in Owatonna, Cedar Floral Design Studio offers everything from birthday and anniversary arrangements to corsages and “just because” gifts. The shop also carries greeting cards, dried and silk arrangements, and a wide range of sympathy pieces, memorial stones and music boxes.

CENTRAL PARK FRAMING & FINDS 110 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-451-3460 This one-stop shop offers seasonal and yearround décor, custom framing, specialty goods, small furniture and many unique items that make perfect gifts. Stop in and be surprised by what you can find.

spring/summer 2019

KLECKER’S KREATIONS 302 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-475-4556 Jodi Klecker has taken her years of experience in designing beautiful floral arrangements to downtown Owatonna with her own storefront. Klecker’s Kreations is not only a floral shop, but also offers tuxedo rentals, home décor and handmade rustic items you’ll love.

KRISTI’S CLOTHING 301 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-0400 For unique women’s clothing and accessories, stop into Kristi’s Clothing. They specialize in personal service and are committed to helping women find what’s right for their individual style. Kristi carries a mix of quality items that are often chosen during her travels to the Market in Minneapolis, Las Vegas and even New York. Whether it’s a purse, scarf or piece of handcrafted jewelry, Kristi has accessories for any occasion -- even if it’s just a “little pick-me-up!” KOTTKE JEWELERS 115 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-6644 A century old this year, Kottke Jewelers is the oldest store still run by the same family and in the same location in downtown Owatonna. Shoppers will find a beautiful selection of jewelry, gifts and watches to help you celebrate life’s precious moments. Stop in soon to see what’s new. LITTLE PROFESSOR BOOK CENTER 110 W Park Square, Owatonna 507-455-0969 From Melissa and Doug crafts and “Where’s Waldo” books to adult dramas and a variety of mystery series, the Little Professor Book Center appeals to the entire family. Give John Meixner a hint of what you like, and he will provide intelligent and promising service. 38

explore steele county

MANKE’S EQUIPMENT & APPLIANCE 225 W Rose Street, Owatonna 507-451-2327 This third- and fourth-generation family business has been around for more than 70 years and is one of the largest Toro dealers in Minnesota. Stop down to see 4th-generation owner Nicole and her dad Harley and ask about their high-quality trailers, mowers and home appliances.

OWATONNA SHOE 121 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-4640 Forget the blisters, kinks and sore feet! Head to Owatonna Shoe and make your feet happy again. With over 70 years of outstanding customer service, you will be presented with a fantastic selection of women’s, men’s and children’s shoes as well as Red Wing work boots and others. In this store, the term “knowledgeable staff” would be an understatement! PARTY PLUS CRAFTS 116 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-455-9677 A woman known as the “Scrubby Lady” reopened this downtown store and brought with her a wide array of consignment items, crafts, scrapbooking materials and other treasures from the residents of Steele County and surrounding areas. You’ll find what you need to complete your next project or decorate for your next event or celebration. STRAIGHT RIVER SPORTS 222 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-451-1666 Your “one stop shop” for bikes, bike repair, apparel and sporting equipment. The business revolves around outstanding customer service which means no high-pressure sales and a staff who are well-informed the latest cycling and fitness products. STRAIGHT RIVER RUG HOOKING & FIBER ARTS 104 W Park Square, Owatonna 507-413-0130 Straight River Rug Hooking and Fiber Arts offers supplies, patterns and booklets for rug hooking, knitting, crocheting, wool applique, embroidery, punch needling and needle felting. The shop is

adorned with beautiful handmade rugs and if you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or craft, join those who have signed up for classes and rug hook right in the studio.

THE HAT CHIC 110 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-213-1227 The Hat Chic is Steele County’s biggest cheerleader with eye-catching apparel to help you cheer for your favorite team – from Huskies to Tigers, Blossoms to Panthers! Show your school spirit in a specially-embellished shirt, jacket, hat or bag customized just for you.

TONE MUSIC 114 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-5196 The product selection at Tone is sure to hit the right note, offering everything from band instruments and DVDs to acoustic guitars and vinyl. And if you need help hitting the right note, lessons with one of Tone’s four instructors will set you in the right direction! Tone Music offers an intimate atmosphere where “try before you buy” is not only welcomed, it is encouraged. URBAN LOFT 303 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-382-5486 It has always been Nicole Winter’s dream to make things better – especially when she can create favorite spaces through her clever placement of hand-picked home décor items. Step in to Urban Loft (formerly located in the Medford Outlet Center as Urban Finds) and you’ll immediately feel right at home! Let Nicole help you select items to make your home beautiful. Urban Loft also provides antiques, clothing, accessories, repurposed/upcycled items and Minnesota-themed gifts.

Blooming Prairie

B TO Z HARDWARE 323 East Main Street, Blooming Prairie 507-583-4469 B to Z Hardware has electrical and plumbing supplies for maintenance and repairs, a complete line of paints, lawn and garden tools, fertilizers and seeds as well as an automotive and tools sections. Renting equipment for all types of projects, B to Z Hardware will help get the job done.

Ellendale

COUNTRY CHARM CERAMICS 205 5TH Avenue West, Ellendale 507-688-7018 For ready to paint ceramics and supplies, shop Country Charm Ceramics in downtown Ellendale. Shoppers can select their piece, choose their colors and get creative. A kiln is available if needed. Have the shop host your next birthday, bridal shower or school group with all tools provided and clean up included.

Prairie Home 330 East Main Street, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7637 A quaint florist and gift shop in downtown Blooming Prairie, Prairie Home specializes in a combination of traditional, cottage and countrypolitan furnishings that will give your home a matchless finesse.

Medford

MEDFORD OUTLET 6750 West Frontage Road, Medford 507-455-4111 Whether you’re getting ready for the beach, looking for that perfect summer outfit or just need a wardrobe update, travel no further than the 19 stores at Medford Outlet Center. From trendy styles to antiques, you will find local, outlet, factory and clearance stores with deals to fit any budget. CABELA’S 3900 Cabela Drive, Owatonna 507-451-4545 Getting ready for your next hiking or fishing adventure? Swing into Cabela’s for any outdoor equipment need. No kidding —any tool, article of clothing or steak rub, you will find it at Cabela’s.

GLITZY FASHIONS 113 N Main Street, Medford 507-330-0694 Shop for gently used brand name clothing, prom dresses and accessories at Glitzy Fashions in downtown Medford.

Completely Kids and Maternity

spring/summer 2019

Uncle Tom’s Antique Mall

Shopping Directory ANTIQUES & GIFTS A Touch Of Charm 330 E Main Street, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7637

DEPARTMENT STORES Kohl’s 1450 NW 21st Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-0153

Central Park Framing & Finds 110 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-451-3460 Country Charm Ceramics 205 5th Avenue W, Ellendale 507-688-7018 Country Goods 4515 NW 22nd Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-5661 Urban Loft 303 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-382-5486 Uncle Tom’s Antique Mall 2746 Hoffman Drive NW, Owatonna 507-451-2254

explore steele county

Target 301 Park Drive, Owatonna 507-451-1882 Wal-Mart Superstore 1130 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-455-0049 FASHION Buly’s Fashion 127 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-413-6600 Completely Kids And Maternity 312 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-4100 Dream Day Bridal 315 N Cedar Ave, Owatonna 507- 413-6160 Glitzy Fashions 113 N Main Street, Medford 507-330-0694

The Hat Chic 110 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-213-1227

Klecker’s Kreations 302 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-475-4556

Kristi’s Clothing 301 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-444-0400

Stargazer Designs Owatonna 507-475-1639

Owatonna Shoe 121 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-4640

FURNITURE, APPLIANCES & FLOORING 3-Day Mattress 143 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-351-3710

Urban Loft 303 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-382-5486 FLORISTS/DESIGN STUDIOS Cashwise Floral 495 W North Street, Owatonna 507-451-8116 Cedar Floral Design Studio 314 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-7673 Floral Designs By Jodi 1741 Prairie Lane Ne, Owatonna 507-455-1437 Hy-Vee Floral 1620 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0138

Ashley Homestore 6500 Frontage Road W, Medford 507-446-4400 Furniture Mart 6500 W Frontage Road, Medford 507-455-3000 Flooring Frenzy 223 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-446-0069 Karl’s Tv, Audio, Appliance and Furniture W Frontage Road, Medford 507-446-9255

Manke’s Outdoor Equipment And Appliance 225 W Rose, Owatonna 507-451-2327 Nelson Decorating Center 121 Oakdale Street, Owatonna 507-451-3710 Owatonna Flooring & Mirror 146 W Broadway Street, Owatonna 507-451-1169 Slumberland 2375 Nw 46Th Street, Owatonna 507-444-9200 Sorenson’s Of Geneva 101 N Central Avenue, Geneva 507-256-7258 Tony’s Flooring 206 Mineral Springs Road 507-451-2286 HOME IMPROVEMENT Alexander Lumber Company 419 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-7710 Arrow Ace Hardware 122 W Vine Street, Owatonna 507-451-4966 Lowe’s 1280 NW 21st Avenue, Owatonna 507-446-4900 Sherwin-Williams 125 Oakdale Street, Owatonna 507-451-1304 JEWELERS Douglas Diamonds 1100 Frontage Road W, Suite #145, Owatonna 507-413-6305 Kottke Jewelers 115 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-6644

Paffrath Jewelers 685 W Bridge Street, Suite #8 507-451-0301 MEDFORD OUTLET CENTER Bath & Body Works 507-455-4058 Carter’s/Oshkosh B’gosh 507-451-9315 Christopher & Banks/Cj Banks 507-451-1284 Dress Barn/Dress Barn Woman 507-444-9463 Eddie Bauer Outlet 507-446-5866 Famous Footwear Outlet 507-599-5007 J.Jules Fashion 507-451-1987 Justice 507-446-8069 Kitchen Collection 507-455-4117 Lane Bryant 507-774-3067 L’eggs/Hanes/Bali/Playtex 507-455-2971 Maurices 507-451-0316 Naturalizer 507-599-5003 Nike Clearance Store 507-451-9133 Old Navy Outlet 507-451-3802 Pendleton 507-444-3955 Planet X 507-214-1749

Van Heusen/Izod 507-455-1440 NURSERIES Jack’s Nursery And Landscaping Owatonna 507-455-1434

Party Plus Crafts 116 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-455-9677 Salvation Army Thrift Store 1810 S Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-455-2023

Nagel Sod Farm And Nursery 6200 W Frontage Road, Medford 507-451-9605

Straight River Rug Hooking 104 W Park Square, Owatonna 507-413-0130

Oak View Nursery 7921 County Road 45 South, Owatonna 507-451-0454

Thee Dragon’s Lair Tattoos 1154 S Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-8441

Souba Greenhouse And Nursery Old U.S. Highway 14, Owatonna 507-451-1444 Turtle Creek Nursery And Landscaping 2449 E Rose Street, Owatonna 507-214-8733 SPECIALTY SHOPS Haberman’s Picture Framing 208 Mineral Springs Road, Owatonna 507-451-6565 Insty Prints 306 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-6004 Kat’s Tats 302 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-214-2100 Let’s Ride Boots And Apparel 4755 W Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-455-1487

The Music Space Of Owatonna 216 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-390-4079 Tone Music 114 N Cedar Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-5196 Tri M Graphics 625 E Main Street, Owatonna 507-451-3920 SPORTING/OUTDOOR GOODS Cabela’s 3900 Cabela Drive Nw, Owatonna 507-451-4545 Court Sports & More 1414 S Oak Avenue, Owatonna 507-451-0567 Mills Fleet Farm 2121 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-455-1088

Lion’s Den Adult Boutique 1164 Frontage Road W, Owatonna 507-214-3900

Sportstitch 341 E Main Street, Blooming Prairie 507-583-7001

Lucky Dice 117 N Cedar, Owatonna 507-412-9476

Straight River Sports And Fitness 222 W Bridge Street, Owatonna 507-451-1666

Midnight Sun Spas 2350 43Rd Street Nw, Suite #103, Owatonna 507-214-7727

spring/summer 2019

Libraries

For more than 100 years, the citizens of Steele County have been served by the Owatonna Public Library, located at 105 N. Elm Ave., with a branch of the library located in the City Center building, 138 Highway Avenue S in Blooming Prairie. The library offers a wide range of services to adults and children, including wireless Internet. •Children’s Services has materials and programs for children ages 13 and under. Kids can find their favorite stories, authors and books at the library or e-books through the library website. There are also DVDs, books on audio cassette and CD, and toys and puzzles available for checkout. Computers are available where they can type a paper or play with the best computer programs available. • The local history collection in Adult Services includes a variety of resources for learning about local history or tracing genealogy. Resources include local newspapers from 1868 to the present on microfilm, city and county directories, family histories and biographies, Steele County cemeteries index, city and county reports and proposals, Ancestry.com, passenger lists and immigration resources and the Steele County Historical Society digital photo archive. • In addition to the books, including large print, the library carries magazines, compact discs, DVDs, Blu-Ray and books on CD. The library’s website — www.owatonna.info — lists numerous databases available to library cardholders. Library-goers can also download ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music and independent films with an Owatonna Public Library card. • Special programs and events are held throughout the year, such as story hours for children, book discussions for adults, author programs, a poetry writers group and a twice-monthly movie showing. Hours

explore steele county

The Owatonna Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday. The Blooming Prairie Library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.

County Statistics

Number of Cities: 4 • Blooming Prairie • Ellendale • Medford • Owatonna Number of Townships: 13 Square Miles: 432 (24 miles long by 18 miles wide)

Population

Steele County, 2016 Estimate: 36,805 Population per square mile: 85.2

Population (U.S. Census Bureau)

Under 5 years of age Under 18 years of age 18-65 years of age Over 65 years of age

FamilY

Income

(U.S. Census Bureau) Households: 14,339 Persons per household: 2.5 Language other than English spoken at home: 8.2%

Housing

(U.S. Census Bureau)

Housing units, 2015: 15,395 Owner-occupied housing unit rate: 76.3% Median value of owner-occupied housing unit: $150,500 Median gross rent: $731

Labor force and employment

(As of March 2017, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development) Owatonna • Labor force: 14,474 • Employed: 13,923 • Unemployed: 551 • Jobless rate: 3.8% Steele County • Labor force: • Employed: • Unemployed: • Jobless rate:

Median household income, in 2015 dollars: $57,858 Per capita income in past 12 months, in 2015 dollars: $27,596

Businesses in Steele County

(U.S. Census Bureau)

Total employer establishments, 2014: 1,019 Total nonemployer establishments, 2013: 2,359 All firms, 2012: 3,076 Men-owned firms, 2012: 1,460 Women-owned firms, 2012: 880 Minority-owned firms, 2012: 111 Nonminority-owned firms, 2012: 2,770 Veteran-owned firms, 2012: 353 Nonveteran-owned firms, 2012: 2,422

Economy

(U.S. Census Bureau) 20,836 19,994 842 4.0%

Education

Female - 50.7% Male - 49.3%

(U.S. Census Bureau)

(U.S. Census Bureau) High school graduate or higher: 91.7% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.8%

Total manufacturers shipments, 2012 ($1,000): 1,539,842 Total accommodation/food service sales, 2012 ($1,000): 61,538 Total merchant wholesaler sales, 2012 ($1,000): 531,360 Total retail sales, 2012 ($1,000): 568,130 Total retail sales per capita, 2012: $15,641

spring/summer 2019

Education

The founders and settlers of Steele County brought with them certain cultural traditions that were as real and perhaps as important as the houses and stores they constructed. One of their first priorities was education. From the first public school classes conducted in a crude pole and branchcovered structure in the summer of 1855 to the wide variety of public and private educational facilities and resources available today, Steele County has a long history of offering the finest education to all ages. Steele County takes prides in its schools, the achievements of its students and the many opportunities its students have that help them be prepared for a successful career and to become a positive and contributing members of society. CHOICE Academy Opening in the fall of 2015 was the Technical Academies of Minnesota â€” public, tuition-free charter school for students in grades 7-12. The academy will employ licensed teachers and bring hands-on, project-based experiential learning to students. The project-based public charter school will focus on career and technical schools. Students will create projects based on their own interests. Students will make choices about how they complete state graduation requirements as a part of their projects. Some work will be done partially online while other experiences will be in the community, at a local business or on a college campus. The Owatonna site is the second of four sites for Technical Academies of Minnesota. The first site opened in 2014 in Wilmar. For more information, see the website at www.technicalacademies.org. Pillsbury College Prep Pillsbury College is a nationally accredited private school offering small classroom sizes with online individual instruction and pacing. Open to both domestic and international students from grades 7-12, the yearround boarding school offers an entrepreneurial academic environment in which students can thrive both educationally and personally. The school has a strategic partnership with Minnesota State University-Mankato and Riverland Community College, allowing high school students to take dual enrollment and attend Riverland Community College for college credit. For more information, see the schoolâ€™s website at www.pillsburyprep.com.

explore steele county

OWATONNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Independent School District 761 General Information 444-8600 Superintendent’s Office 444-8601 Owatonna High School 333 E School Street 444-8800 Owatonna Middle School 500 NE 15th Street 444-8700 Owatonna Area Learning Center 338 E Main Street 444-8000 OWATONNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Lincoln School 747 Havana Road 444-8100 McKinley School 1050 NE 22nd Street 444-8200

Washington School 423 NE 14th Street 444-8300 Wilson School 325 Meadow Lane 444-8400 COMMUNITY EDUCATION Owatonna Community Education 122 East McKinley Street 444-7900 BLOOMING PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Independent School District 756 202 4th Ave NW Blooming Prairie 583-4426 Blooming Prairie Elementary School 123 2nd St. NW Blooming Prairie 583-6615

Blooming Prairie High School 202 4th Ave NW Blooming Prairie 583-4426 MEDFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Medford Public Schools 750 2nd Ave. SE Medford 451-6474 NEW RICHLANDHARTLAND-ELLENDALEGENEVA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Independent School District 2168 306 Ash Avenue S New Richland 465-3205 NRHEG Elementary School 600 School Street Ellendale 416-2101 NRHEG Secondary School 306 Ash Avenue S New Richland 417-2601

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Choice Technical Academy 315 S Grove Avenue (507) 400-4009 Eagle Academy (Elementary) 2429 N Cedar Avenue 455-3205 Owatonna Christian School 265 26 Street NE 451-3495 St. Mary’s Elementary School 730 S. Cedar Ave. 446-2300 COLLEGES Riverland Community College – Owatonna Campus Owatonna College and University Center 964 Alexander Drive 455-5880

Early Care and Transportation options available Visit tlcowatonna.org/tns for class times & schedules

Steele County Child Care Association If you are looking for licensed child care and would like a free referral; or if you are a licensed provider looking for training or support, please go to our website for more information.

www.steelecountycca.com

T R IN ITY N U RSE RY S CH O OL love and learning go hand in hand

Call 507-451-8247 for ongoing registration spring/summer 2019

Steele County’s ONLY Local Hauler Since 1994 We Earn Our Customers’ Loyalty The Old-Fashioned Way, With Honest Hard Work, Fair Prices & Friendly Customer Service.

FREE MONTHS!* “YOUR LOCAL CHOICE” Family Owned & Operated Commercial & Residential Trash Services Including Dumpsters & Roll Off Boxes 2 yd-30 yd Serving Owatonna, Waseca, Medford and the Surrounding Areas

1630 State Ave NW, Owatonna

*Ask for details.

Serving our community for 24 years

E-Mail: info@stewartsanitation.com

507-451-0976 OR TOLL FREE 1-888-451-0976

™

Koda Living Community

2255 30th Street NW, Owatonna • 507-444-4200 • Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care • Short-Term Post-Acute Care • Extend Stay Units

Find the perfect for your home

Specializing in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services • In-Patient • Out-Patient • In-Home

www.kodalivingcommunity.org 46

explore steele county

140 26th Street NW, Owatonna • P: 507-444-0067 • F: 507-444-9707 email: fpc@fireplaceconnection.biz

OWATONNA ARTS CENTER Home of Creativity and Artistry

• Monthly Gallery Shows • Music Programs • Classes For All Ages and Skills • Special Events

Our historic building is also available to rent for meetings and special events!

Open 1-5 pm. Tuesday-Sunday

435 Garden View Lane (507) 451-0533

www.oacarts.org

Making Your Wedding

For more than 60 years, the Owatonna Foundation has awarded grants totaling over $11.9 million for projects that touch every aspect of our lives

Community • Arts • Recreation • Education preserving the past

■

building the present

■

funding the future

Mail donations to: Owatonna Foundation P.O. Box 642 • Owatonna, MN 55060

For more information call: Laura Resler at 507-455-2995

email: info@owatonnafoundation.org • website: www.owatonnafoundation.org

An Affair To Remember Facilities Available To the Public For: Banquets • Weddings • Family Reunions Parties & Gatherings of All Sizes!

VFW

135 Oakdale St. • Owatonna

507-451-1001

On Site Catering

Large or small we cater to all!

Call Liz for rates

507-451-1395

Let us be the place for your next gathering! We can accommodate parties of 4-200! Enjoy our cozy Vine Room for your next happy hour, or host your Safety Meeting or Birthday Party in our Banquet room!

Explore the Elks for lunch or dinner! (11:30 am – 1 pm) or dinner (5:30 – 8 pm) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays!

Lunch served table-side or TO-GO Owatonna Lodge #1395

126 E. Vine

Dinner reservations appreciated please!

Owatonna • 507.451.1395

The Salvation Army Thrift Store and Service Extension Unit of Steele County

A Friendly Place to...

SHOP Our wide variety of quality merchandise DONATE Your gently used clothing, furniture and household items SEEK Emergency Assistance VOLUNTEER Your Time and Special Talents

Your donations and purchases fund critical services. It’s shopping you can feel good about. Monday-Friday 9:30-5:00 • Saturday 9:30-3:00 1810 S. Cedar Ave, Owatonna • (507) 455-2023

spring/summer 2019

Horizons of Health Care

As Steele County has grown, so has the need for quality health care for its residents and those in surrounding communities. Fortunately, the cooperation between the Owatonna Hospital, part of Allina Health, and Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna has ensured quality health care in the community. Owatonna Hospital The Owatonna Hospital’s new facility opened its doors in 2009, bringing a new patient care experience to Steele County. Owatonna Hospital has served the local community since 1901, when it was founded to serve a city of 5,000. Today, the hospital has grown to meet the needs of more than 26,000 Owatonna residents as well as the Steele County area. The current facility features 43 beds and employs more than 300. Owatonna Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient orthopedic, general, urology, plastic, ENT and ophthalmologic surgical services; inpatient mental health; birthing center; emergency medicine; and rehabilitation services through Courage Kenny® Rehabilitation Institute. The Joint Commission accredits Owatonna Hospital. The two-story hospital, connected to Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna is located at 2250 NW 26th St. Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna In 1948, two medical pioneers — Dr. Albert J. Olson and Dr. Franklin C. Anderson — started the Owatonna Clinic on the principle that the physician serves the community both in the preservation and the restoration of good health. For the past 60-plus years, the clinic has grown from its original office on Main Street to its current location on the 26th Street. In 1997, the clinic joined Mayo Clinic Health System. In 2011, the Owatonna Clinic changed its name to Mayo Clinic Health System. The name change is part of a broader effort to bring even more of Mayo Clinic to patients locally. Mayo Clinic Health System has become a comprehensive medical clinic offering outpatient and specialty services. The staff includes a variety of specialty fields, including family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrician/gynecology, dermatology and many others. 48

explore steele county

The clinic also offers comprehensive laboratory, diagnostic, pain management and infusion therapy services. Mayo Clinic Health System also offers a full-service optical shop. In addition to the clinic staff physicians, Mayo Clinic Outreach physician consultants come from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to provide patients with care in cardiology, oncology, rheumatology and neurology. Mayo also operates a facility at 405 E. Main in Blooming Prairie, which is open from8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, with pharmacy hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the clinic at 507-583-7225. Aside from the Owatonna Hospital and Mayo Clinic Health System, there are many other health care providers in Steele County, which cater to specific needs. Care Facilities Brookdale Senior Living • Ecumen The Brooks on St. Paul Ecumen Countryside Catered Senior Living Heather Haus • Koda Living Community Medford Senior Care • Park Place — A Koda Living Community Prairie Manor Care Center • Realife Cooperative Traditions I & II • Valleyview of Owatonna, LLC Whispering Oak Addiction Treatment/Recovery Beauterre Recovery Institute Hospice Homestead Hospice House Fitness Centers Anytime Fitness • Owatonna Fit Lab • Just About You! Studio Crossfit Holdfast • Dynamic Fitness • Snap Fitness • Curves Owatonna Tennis and Fitness Center at West Hills

Convenient Access to the Owatonna Business Community Modern Terminal Facilities Conference Room Passenger Lobby • Pilot Lounge All Weather Instrument Approach Procedures • Wi-Fi Courtesy Ground Transportation

Your Gateway to Southern MN 3400 West Frontage Road • Owatonna 507-444-2448 • www.owatonnaairport.com

ONE-STOP BOOK SHOP BOOKS • MAGAZINES • COMICS• CARDS • GAMES

Looking for something special? Give us a call! LITTLE PROFESSOR

BOOK CENTER 110 West Park Square, Owatonna, MN 507-455-0969

Celebrating 45 Years!

3695 Hoffman Drive NW • Owatonna

507-451-2873 • loken@qwestoffice.net Licensed, Bonded & Insured

CARPET • WOOD • TILE LAMINATE • VINYL BLINDS • SHADES

206 Mineral Springs Road Owatonna, MN 55060 507-451-2285 tonysflooringmn.com

VOTED SOUTHERN MINN’S BEST MARGARITA! Sun - Thurs: 11AM - 10PM Fri - Sat: 11AM - 11PM 160 26th St NE • Owatonna (507) 413-0819

www.plazamorena.com

spring/summer 2019

Communities of Faith

Throughout the years, various communities of faith have found a home in Steele County. Despite the formation of various denominational groups, the early settlers were remarkably tolerant of other religious beliefs and cooperative with one another. That sense of tolerance and cooperation remains a hallmark of Steele County today as both established churches and new faith communities continue to flourish. ASSEMBLIES OF GOD • Northridge Church, 1650 Seventh Ave. NE, Owatonna, 451-5467 • Vibrant Life Assembly of God, 702 Third St., Ellendale, 684-3421 BAPTIST • Bethel, 1611 Hemlock Ave., Owatonna, 451-8548 • First Baptist Church, 104 NE First Ave., Blooming Prairie, 583-2673 • First Baptist Church, 123 E Main, Owatonna, 451-2803 • Grace Baptist Church, 265 26th St. NE, Owatonna, 451-3494 CATHOLIC • Church Of Christ The King, 205 NW Second Ave., Medford, 451-6353 • Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl: 9946 24th Ave. SE , Owatonna, 451-1588 • Sacred Heart Church, 810 Cedar Ave., Owatonna, 451-1588 • St. Columbanus Catholic Church, 114 E Main St., Blooming Prairie, 583-2784 • St. Aidan Catholic Church, 2000 Oakland Ave., Ellendale, 456-8217 • St. Joseph Church, 512 Elm Ave., Owatonna 451-4845 • St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Rural Geneva, 465-8217 COMMUNITY • Christian Family Church, 2300 Heritage Place NW, Owatonna, 455-3205 • DayBreak Community Church, 2515 Harvest Lane, Owatonna, 451-3771 • Iglesia Linaje Escogido, 115 E Vine St., Owatonna, 213-0785 • NewLife Community, Owatonna High School, Door No. 16 School St., Owatonna, 413-5232 EPISCOPAL • St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 202 Cedar Ave. S, Owatonna, 451-5319 EVANGELICAL • Christ Community Covenant Church, 540 18th St. SE, Owatonna, 451-1032 • Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, 1500 18th St. SE, Owatonna, 446-5850 LUTHERAN • Aurora Lutheran Church (ELCA), 6329 SE 38th St., Owatonna, 451-2819 • Community Lutheran Church (ELCA), 106 SE Third St., Geneva, 256-4288 • Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS), 750 Jeffrey St. S.W., Owatonna, 455-2729 • First Lutheran Church, 434 First St. S.W., Blooming Prairie, 583-6621 • First Lutheran Church, 503 Radel Court, Ellendale, 684-2451 • First Lutheran Church (LCMC), Hope, 451-3854 • Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (LCMS), 2500 Seventh Ave. NE, Owatonna, 451-4125 • Moland Lutheran Church (ELCA), 7618 84th Ave., Kenyon, 789-6661 • Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1909 St. Paul Road, Owatonna, 451-4853 • Peace Lutheran Church (Mo. Synod), Second at Oak, Claremont, 528-2345 • Pontoppidan Lutheran (ELCA), Lemond, 456-8366 • Redeemer Lutheran Church (Mo. Synod), 1054 Truman Road, Owatonna, 451-2720 • St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1301 Lincoln Ave., Owatonna, 451-7293 • St. John Lutheran Church (LCMS), 4532 84th Ave., Claremont, 528-2404

explore steele county

• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Meriden (ELCA), 2781 SW 92nd Ave, Waseca, 451-2165 • Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 5881 SE 118th St., Blooming Prairie, 451-0940 • Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 609 S Lincoln Avenue Owatonna, 451-4520 • Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS), 108 SW Third St. Medford, 451-0447 • Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA), 7126 SW 98th St., Ellendale, 465-8400 MENNONITE • Mennonite, 13638 750th St., Blooming Prairie, 583-7532 MORMON • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 902 SW 17th St. in Faribault, 334-0232 MUSLIM • Owatonna Somali American Society Center, St. Paul Road and 12th Street NE, Owatonna, 214-1510 PENTECOSTAL • First United Pentecostal Church, 230 Locust Ave., Owatonna, 446-0472 PRESBYTERIAN • Associated Church, 800 Havana Road, Owatonna, 451-1546 • First Presbyterian Church, Claremont, 528-2320 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST • Seventh Day Adventist, 2373 N.E. Seventh Ave., Owatonna, 451-5761 UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST • Medford Congregational United Church of Christ, 211 S. Main, Medford, 451-4596 • Associated Church, 800 Havana Road, Owatonna, 451-7546 UNITED METHODIST • Owatonna United Methodist Church, 815 E. University St., Owatonna, 451-4734 • Blooming Grove United Methodist Church, 43089 180th St., Owatonna, 835-8726 • United Methodist Church, County Road 14 Ellendale, 684-2731 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP • Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (of Northfield), corner of West Second and Linden in Northfield, 403-3418 NON-DENOMINATIONAL • Countryside Church, 1380 Rice Lake St., Owatonna, 451-5547 • Destiny Christian Church, 422 North St., Owatonna, 254-8514 • Elevation North, 2002 Austin Road, Owatonna, 363-3099 • Gospel of Life Family Church, 2010 Jefferson Road, Northfield, 259-2644 • New Beginnings Church, 332 NE 14th St., Owatonna, 213-9194 • Owatonna Church of Christ, 500 Dunnell Drive, Owatonna, 455-0046 • Simple Church, Meeting in Country Goods, 4515 NW 22nd St., Owatonna, 451-5661 • Victory Christian Church, 1380 Rice Lake St., Owatonna, 451-8111

Area

Churches St. John Lutheran Church

Dave Klawiter, Pastor

Jacie Richmond, Pastor

Sunday Worship 8:00 AM Traditional Service 9:15 AM Adult Forum & Sunday School 10:30 AM Blended Service (Memorial Day - Labor Day 9:30 AM) Vespers Service Thursday 5:00 PM Saturday Worship Contemporary 5:00 PM No Sunday School or Adult Forum During the Summer Worship will be broadcast over AM 1390 KRFO at 10:30 every Sunday morning

Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS)

Visitors Welcome! Air Conditioned! Handicapped Accessible

750 SW Jeffrey St. • Owatonna • 455-2729

1301 Lincoln Avenue South, Owatonna Phone: 507-451-7293

Thomas Smith, Pastor

Sunday Worship - 9 a.m. Christian Education Hour - 10:20 a.m. Summer Worship - Sunday 9:00 a.m. • Monday 7:00 p.m. emmanuel-wels-owatonna.com

Handicapped Accessible

www.stjohnowatonna.org

spring/summer 2019

Advertiser Index

Baymont By Wyndham 57 Cashwise 63 City Auto Glass 55 City of Owatonna 54 Corporate Graphics 46 Country Goods 57 Deml Heating & Air Conditioning 44 Discover Waseca Tourism 53 El Loro Mexican Restaurant 31 Elks Lodge #1395 47 Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 51 Endres Window Cleaning 4 Fareway 32 Federated Insurance Back Cover 52

explore steele county

Fireplace Connection 46 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 51 Grandparents for Education 47 Holiday Inn & Suites 58 Hubbell House 4 Kappy’s Collision Center 32 Kid’s Korner Educare 49 Koda Living Community 46 Little Professor Book Center 49 Loken Excavation and Drainage 49 Main Street Dental Clinics 55 Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum 56 National Fleet Graphics 42

Old Town Bagels 32 Owatonna Arts Center 47 Owatonna Community Education 55 Owatonna Degner Regional Airport 49 Owatonna Foundation 47 Owatonna Heating and Cooling 55 Owatonna Motor Company 3 Owatonna Peopleâ€™s Press 6 Owatonna Public Utilities 2 Owatonna Veterinary Hospital 4 Park Place 4 Park Plaza 58 Patton Hoversten & Berg 56 Plaza Morena 49 Plemel Insurance-State Farm 32 Realife Cooperative 56 Riverland Community College 63 Sette Sports Center, Inc 32 Southern Minn Scene 54 St. John Lutheran Church 51 Steele County Child Care Association 45 Steele County Historical Society 32 Stewart Sanitiation 46 The Salvation Army 47 Tonyâ€™s Flooring 49 Trinity Lutheran Church 51 Trinity Nursery School 45 VFW 47

spring/summer 2019

Welcome To...

OWATONNA OWA OW ATONNA Minnesota O

ver 30 parks, hiking trails, golf, tennis, public beach, River Springs Water Park, cross country and snowmobile trails, plus...nearly 700 lodging rooms, a variety of restaurants, unique shopping area, annual festivals, sports events and activities for everyone. Whether you are coming for a visit, thinking of moving here or already live in Owatonnaâ€“we hope your stay is a pleasant one. Owatonna is known for its quality of life, and the people who call it home.

For Any Questions About The City Of Owatonna And Its Services Call 507-444-4300

www.ci.owatonna.mn.us

Looking for somewhere to take your sweetheart? Read

and check out the event calendar, featuring regional events!

explore steele county

Your Employee Owned Company

Celebrating Life & Learning! ECFE Parent/Child Classes • School Readiness Preschool • School Age Care • Adult & Family Enrichment • Adult Basic Education • Amazing Newborns • Early Childhood Screening • Youth Development

211 West Main Street Owatonna Roosevelt Community School Celebrating Life & Learning

122 McKinley Street • Owatonna • (507) 444-7900

455-0200

Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Your Hometown Heating & Cooling Experts for over 35 years 408 N. Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN

507-451-2051

owatonna-heating.net

RESIDENTIAL . COMMERCIAL . INDUSTRIAL

spring/summer 2019

Vibrant Living Patton Hoversten & Berg

For individuals 55 or better at a reasonable price.

A Professional Association / Attorneys At Law

www.phblawoffice.com • Personal Injury • Family Law • Bankruptcy

• Wills & Trusts • Elder Law • Criminal Law

Owatonna: 150 W. Park Square / 507-451-9000 Waseca: 215 E. Elm Avenue / 507-835-5240 Janesville: 216 N. Main Street / 507-234-5106 Faribault: 302 1st Avenue NW / 507-332-7425

Downsize and simplify your life

Se Habla Espanol

Experience One-of-a-Kind

Minnesota History! MINNESOTA STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL ORPHANAGE MUSEUM

& Historic Boys’ Cottage 11 540 West Hill Circle, Owatonna | phone: 507-774-7369 www.orphanagemuseum.com 56

explore steele county

• Full kitchens • 1-2 Bedrooms • Garages available • Cable television & WiFi Internet • Guest room available for guests • Daily van service • No yard maintenance • Laundry on-site

Call Jon Arnett at 507-455-3735 for a tour 235 22nd St. SE, Owatonna www.realifeowatonna.com

BY WYNDHAM

245 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060

We think friendly, down-to-earth service is the heart of a happier hotel. Kind people, a warm welcome, free Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Come on in — so glad you’re here. free wifi • free breakfast • earn wyndham rewards

baymont inn & suites | to book now visit baymontowatonna.com or call 507-455-1142

spring/summer 2019

Owatonna’s Newest Housing Option 310 Allan Ave Now Open

One, Tw TwO and Three BedrOOm UniTs availaBle Contact Us at 507-214-4663

• 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Units Av Available • Secure Building • Off-street Parking • Elevator • On-site Property Manager & Maintenance

• Smoke-free Property • Self-contained Heating and A/C • Pets Allowed (With Manager Approval) • Conveniently Located • Personal Washer & Dryer

• Energy-efficient Appliances • Deck or Patio in each Unit • Garages Available

310 and 320 Allan Ave, Owatonna MN 55060 parkplaza@lasson.net

Planning a Banquet or Event?

Using our convention planner, you can organize and coordinate what you need to reserve your hotel, conference room and conference space.

You make the plans, we’ll take care of the details.

2365 43rd Street, Owatonna 507-446-8900 | www.holidayinn.com 58

explore steele county

Call for more information or to book today!

Coupons

5off

Purchase of $ 25 or More

Offer expires 10/31/2019.

4255 W. Frontage Road Owatonna, MN 507.214.1888

lO lO Off Off Any AnyFood FoodPurchase Purchase Expires 9/30/19. Expires Expires9/30/18. 9/30/18. Not valid with Not Notvalid validwith other offers. other otheroffers. offers.

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Coupon must be presented with incoming order. Excludes all leathers, wedding gowns and alterations. FREE pick up & delivery. 107 N. Cedar • Downtown Owatonna • 451-3430 Not valid Open M-F 6:30AM-5:30; SAT. 8:00AM-1:00PM w/ any 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED other offer. Expires 10/30/19

Buy one entree, get the second

Half Price! Maximum savings $9. Limit one per customer. Expires 10/31/19.

The Kitchen

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Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Does not include specials Expires 10/31/19

Mizuki Fusion

Japanese & Thai Restaurant

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www.mizukifusion.com spring/summer 2019

Coupons The Kitchen

We Offer a Wide Variety of Dishes and Catering Service!

Located in the former Sportsmen’s Grill building next to Cabela’s 329 Cedar A Ave. N • Owatonna 507-451-9991 M-Th 6am-2pm F 6am-7pm | Sat 6am-2pm

4255 W. Frontage Road ǀ Owatonna, MN

507.214.1888

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Olivia’s Family RestauRant

1160 Frontage Road, Owatonna 507-444-4000 6am-9pm • 7 Days a Week

Mizuki Fusion

Japanese & Thai Restaurant Bento Box . Sashimi . Teriyaki Hibachi . Tempura . Soup and Salad . Sushi . Maki . Desserts 119 W Bridge St, Owatonna | 507-214-3131

www.mizukifusion.com 60

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1011 Hoffman Drive, Owatonna 507-451-2585 • kernelrestaurant.com

ELWOOD STAR

CLEANERS Visit us tODay fOr Quality Dry CleaNiNg aND lauNDry serViCe.

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107 N. Cedar • Downtown Owatonna • 451-3430 Open M-F 6:30AM-5:30; SAT. 8:00AM-1:00PM 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Coupons

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Expires 10/31/19. Limit 1 per table. Not valid with any other offers or coupons. Excludes alcohol.

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a $ 30 purchase Limit 1. Expires 10.31.19

4355 Frontage Rd. W Owatonna, MN 55060 507-455-2900

Not including tax or gratuity. Not valid with any other coupons or discounts. Not valid on holidays. Coupon offer good for one per table and/or party. Other restrictions may apply. Offer Expires 9/30/19

4455 West Frontage ge Rd. • OWATONNA • 507-444-0303

507-214-TREE 2449 E. Rose Street, Owatonna www.tcnursery.com

Bissell • Panasonic Carpet Pro

Expires 9/30/19

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Expires Oct. 31st, 2019

Eureka • Riccar • Filter Queen

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• Simplicity • Electrolux • Kirby • Dyson • Rainbow •

spring/summer 2019

Coupons 160 26th St NE Owatonna

(507) 413-0819 www.plazamorena.com

Prime Rib Aged Steaks Great Happy Hour Specials Daily Specials Dail Kids’ Menu 4455 West Frontage Rd. • OWATONNA • 507-444-0303

Serving award-winning ribs, chopped pork, beef brisket and other made-from-scratch items. Dine in, To Go, and Catering available everyday.

4355 Frontage Rd. W | Owatonna, MN 55060 507-455-2900 | www.famousdaves.com

www.timberlodgeowatonna.com

Owatonna507.444.9309 Vacuum Center 312 N Cedar Ave Owatonna, MN Located in with Completely Kids

Austin Vacuum Center 801 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 507.437.7500

Eureka • Riccar • Filter Queen

Bissell • Panasonic Carpet Pro

• Simplicity • Electrolux • Kirby • Dyson • Rainbow •

• Simplicity • Electrolux • Kirby • Dyson • Rainbow • 62

explore steele county

Your Full Service Garden Center and Landscape Company $5 off $25 Purchase 507-214-TREE E Rose Street, Owatonna 2449 E. www.tcnursery.com Expires 9/30/19

Bachelorâ€™s Degrees Now offering fifteen bachelorâ€™s degree programs including Transfer Pathway partnership focuses like Business, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Musical Theatre, and Psychology.

Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Online | riverland.edu

spring/summer 2019