Steele County Times

07/23/2025

Thrill seekers craving more adventure will have something extra to enjoy at next month’s Steele County Free Fair!

Read the story at https://steelecountytimes.com/fair-lands-big-coaster

07/23/2025

Attention Blooming Prairie Utilities Customers!

Recycle that old energy-wasting refrigerator and replace it with a new ENERGY STAR® certified model. You’ll save energy and you can save even more with a utility rebate!

We offer rebates of $25 for new ENERGY STAR® certified Refrigerators, plus an additional rebate to pay for recycling your old working refrigerator.

Visit us online at SaveEnergyInBloomingPrairie.com for rebate information and more ways to save energy and money.

07/21/2025

Eight parades, two weeks, one successful summer

Community News 17 July 2025 Eight parades, two weeks, one successful summer The OHS marching band performed in eight parades over two weeks this summer, typically wearing all black uniforms with jackets and hats. The members brought home multiple awards, recognizing the work of the color guard, wind...

07/20/2025

You don’t have to know much to know that playtime is an essential part of a child’s development in any number of areas, from physical to emotional to social to cognitive.

Community News 17 July 2025 Work begins on NRHEG inclusive playground A group of students, NRHEG staff members and installation workers had a sneak preview of the adaptive playground as work was underway last week. They are shown here at a station with oversized musical instruments including a xylop...

07/19/2025

Pathways Palooza packs SCFF Beer Garden

Community News 17 July 2025 Pathways Palooza packs SCFF Beer Garden Community Pathways Unique Finds Coordinator Matt McLaughlin smiles after purchasing a Pathways Pilsner. The limited-availability beer was brought out for the Pathways Palooza event with all proceeds from purchases going to Community...

07/17/2025

The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash that killed an Owatonna businesswoman has been acquitted of the most serious charge.

Read the story at https://steelecountytimes.com/jury-acquits-other-driver-ostlund-crash

07/17/2025

Here's this week's Dairy Trivia Quiz question:

How much milk is recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be consumed each day for adults?

A. ½ cup
B. 1 cup
C. 3 cups
D. None, milk is not needed

Type your answer in the comments section below to be entered into a drawing to win a prize!

07/17/2025

Hey Blooming Prairie Utilities Customers!

We offer rebates of $10-$100 for ENERGY STAR® certified Smart Thermostats designed to save you 10%-30% on your heating and cooling bills.

A “smart” thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat that allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling temperature settings from your “smart” devices - phone, tablet, or computer. Smart thermostats offer greater convenience, energy savings, and control than manual or programmable thermostats.

Not only do smart thermostats save you money and provide better comfort, they also help protect the environment by operating your AC, furnace, or heat pump only when needed.

Visit us online at SaveEnergyInBloomingPrairie.com for rebate information and more ways to save energy and money.

07/14/2025

The winner from our July 2 Dairy Trivia Quiz is Nicole Fuller! Come on over to our office at 109 West Rose to claim your prize!

07/14/2025

Local businesses share plant life with 4-Hers

Community News 9 July 2025 The more you grow… Staff photo by Kay Fate Local businesses share plant life with 4-Hers By Kay Fate, Staff Writer It was, literally, the calm before the storm. Surrounded by colorful flowers and vibrant greenery, members of 4-H clubs from Steele and Freeborn counties tr...

07/13/2025

Oak Hill Community Connections has officially kicked off the start of its construction to turn the building into a collaborative hub where folks facing instability can find services of all kinds.

Community News Underserved 9 July 2025 Oak Hill cuts ribbon on resource collaboration There was laughter and applause everywhere after Mike Keller, front left, and Julie Rethemeier cut the ribbon at Oak Hill Community Center in Owatonna. The facility, once home to the Owatonna Clinic, will be a shar...