Steele County Times

09/20/2025

At first blush, the 2026 preliminary tax levy for the city of Blooming Prairie seems gulp-worthy, but officials expressed confidence in reducing it by half.

Community News 18 September 2025 BP city seeks 14.7% levy hike By Kay Fate, Staff Writer At first blush, the 2026 preliminary tax levy for the city of Blooming Prairie seems gulp-worthy, but officials expressed confidence in reducing it by half. The biggest hike in the preliminary general fund budge...

09/19/2025

Eleven local veterans received Quilts of Valor at an awards ceremony held Thursday at Torey’s in Owatonna.

Community News 18 September 2025 11 vets receive ‘Quilts of Valor’ April Paxton presents Bruce Meier his certificate as a Quilt of Valor recipient during a ceremony held Thursday at Torey’s in Owatonna. Staff photo by Karen Jorgensen By Karen M. Jorgensen, Staff Writer Eleven local veterans re...

09/18/2025

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

Up to how much protein can real dairy milk have as opposed to non-dairy alternatives?

A. Two times
B. Eight times
C. 20 times
D. 100 times

Throw your answers in the comments section below to be entered into a drawing to win a prize!

09/18/2025

Creator repurposes wool sweaters for warmth at Rustic Mamas’

Community News 18 September 2025 Uniqueness of fall Kelsey Johnson, right, bags up a pair of mittens for a shopper during Saturday’s Rustic Mamas’ Market at Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna. Johnson lives in Blue Earth, but works in Owatonna. She sells mittens, hats, socks and more from repurpose...

09/17/2025

Hey Blooming Prairie Utilities Customers!

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

Refrigerators that are 15 years or older use twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator. Replacing that old energy-wasting refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator could save you more than $300 in energy costs over the next five years. Get guidance for choosing the right refrigerator for your home here: www.energystar.gov/flipyourfridge.

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

09/15/2025

Murder trial gets pushed out yet again

Community News 11 September 2025 Murder trial gets pushed out yet again Jason Horner By Kay Fate, Staff Writer The trial of an Owatonna man accused of killing his former girlfriend has been pushed out another six weeks. Jason Lee Horner, 40, faces one count each of second-degree intentional murder,....

09/13/2025

Tonna Refrigeration was founded in Owatonna in 1976, a nod to the city in the name of the company.

Community News 11 September 2025 Tonna Mechanical returns to its roots Mike Joritz, left, talks about Tonna Mechanical’s expertise with Zach Olson, of Owatonna. The HVAC and plumbing company was founded in Owatonna nearly 50 years ago, but has spent the last several decades in Rochester before ret...

09/13/2025

Benefit for Hunter Frank to help local groups

Community News 11 September 2025 Benefit for Hunter Frank to help local groups Hunter Frank died in El Salvador while serving in the U.S. Navy in 2020. He grew up in Steele County. By Rick Bussler, Publisher Contributors to the Hunter Frank Memorial benefit spoke, and organizers listened. Last year,...

09/12/2025

Here's this week's Dairy Trivia question:

Which dairy product is naturally low with lactose dairy?

A. Condensed milk
B. Hard cheeses like Swiss
C. Ice Cream
D. Cottage Cheese

Be sure to put your answer in the comments section below to be entered into a drawing for a prize!

09/12/2025

Last week's Dairy Trivia winner is Michele Rysavy! Be sure to stop into our office at 109 West Rose to grab your prize!