Larson Allen raises funds for United Way of Steele County OWATONNA — United Way Workplace Campaign Co-Chairs Katie McMasters and Cathy Piepho, led an enthusiastic campaign at Larsen Allen this year and their hard work paid off.

Naval base Kitsap receives presidential award for leadership in energy management OCEANA, Va. — Naval Base Kitsap was awarded the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management at a ceremony in Washington D.C. this morning. The award is the highest level of Federal Agency recognition given in the area of energy and water conservation management.

Owatonna People's Press and Shopper Coloring Contest: Joey Brein Anita Knapp, right, of the Owatonna People’s Press presents Joey Brein with $30 in Chamber Gift Certificates for placing first in the Owatonna People’s Press and Shopper Coloring Contest. Joey was the first place winner of the newspaper submissions.

Owatonna People's Press and Shopper Coloring Contest: Kaden Lopez Laurie Jensen, right, of the Owatonna People’s Press presents Kaden Lopez with $20 in Chamber Gift Certificates for placing second in the Owatonna People’s Press and Shopper Coloring Contest. Kaden was the second place winner of the newspaper submissions.

Owatonna People's Press and Shopper Coloring Contest: Mason Blum Clare Kennedy, left, of the Owatonna People’s Press presents Mason Blum with $10 in Chamber Gift Certificates for placing third in the Owatonna People’s Press and Shopper Coloring Contest. Mason was the third place winner of the newspaper submissions.

Owatonna People's Press and Shopper Coloring Contest: Kaitlyn Paulson Anita Knapp, left, of the Owatonna People’s Press presents Kaitlyn Paulson with $30 in Chamber Gift Certificates for placing first in the Owatonna People’s Press and Shopper Coloring Contest. Kaitlyn was the first place winner of the area shopper submissions.

Owatonna People's Press and Shopper Coloring Contest: Victoria Conklin Anita Knapp, right, of the Owatonna People’s Press presents Victoria Conklin with $10 in Chamber Gift Certificates for placing third in the Owatonna People’s Press and Shopper Coloring Contest. Victoria was the third place winner of the area shopper submissions.

Heise places second in coloring contest for area shopper

Christmas greens have arrived OWATONNA — Steele County Minnesota Citizens concerned for Life ( MCCL) announces that the Christmas greens have arrived that were ordered through the 24th annual Christmas Greens fundraiser. Greens may be picked up from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Steele County Community Building. Please remember to bring your postcard.

Transitional Housing to host breakfast and sleep out OWATONNA — Steele County Transitional Housing, a local nonprofit organization, will host the first annual Eliminate Homelessness Fundraising Breakfast at 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Owatonna Holiday Inn. Community members may call ahead to reserve seating at (507) 446-9315. The breakfast is an opportunity to learn more about Transitional Housing, and how local citizens can help address the issue of homelessness. There will be an appeal for support. The event coincides with November’s Homelessness Prevention Month.

Red Cross Gallon Pins: November 2009 A total of 570 pints of blood was collected during the three-day Red Cross Community Blood Drive held Nov. 11-13 at the National Guard Armory. With grateful appreciation to all donors and congratulations to the following donors who were awarded gallon pins:

Subway announces ‘Bring a Blanket for Bridging’ OWATONNA — Bloomington-based non-profit, Bridging, Inc. gives away nearly 12,000 beds each year, but are always short of blankets to go with them. On Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, local Subway restaurants in central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including Owatonna locations, are partnering with Bridging, Inc. to collect blankets that will be given away with beds to individuals and families in need.

Steele County Public Health to hold H1N1 vaccination clinic OWATONNA — Steele County Public Health has scheduled a H1N1 Vaccination Clinic for school aged children in Kindergarten through third grade who attend a school located in Steele County or who are Steele County residents. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Saturday, Nov. 21, at St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Ave. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The vaccination is voluntary. There is no charge for the vaccination.

SCHS announces 2009 Christmas in the Village OWATONNA — The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) announces its 2009 Christmas in the Village. This historic holiday spectacular will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Village of Yesteryear, 1448 Austin Road in Owatonna.

Senior Menu: Nov. 16 through Nov. 20

Owatonna residents Lose For Good; Donate 254 pounds OWATONNA — Two Owatonna groups joined the fight against two global epidemics – hunger and obesity – by participating in the Lose For Good campaign.

Honoring our Veterans Luke Kubicek and Kenny Johnson of St. Isidore School raise the flag as the VFW Hugo Matejcek Post No. 3723 Honor Guard stand at attention during a ceremony honoring our veterans Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the school.

First annual 5K Turkey Trot to benefit Infants Remembered In Silence (IRIS) FARIBAULT — Runners and walkers of all ages and skill are invited to participate in the 1st Annual IRIS 5K Turkey Trot (timed run, walk, kid’s fun run) on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Shattuck-St. Mary Sports Complex located at 1000 Shumway Ave.

Annual Scouting for Food Drive OWATONNA — The residents of Steele County are being asked to donate nonperishable food items to the Steele County Food Shelf.

Kiwanis to host ‘Italian Night’ OWATONNA — The Kiwanis Noon Club will host its annual “Italian Night” spaghetti and lasagna dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Owatonna Elks Club. Proceeds will be used to benefit local children, youth and other community special needs.

Treats for the Troops seeks donations OWATONNA — The Southeast Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross along with KRFO AM 1390/Kat Kountry 105 will be holding a collection of items that will be sent to our US Troops in a campaign called Treats for the Troops. From Nov. 16 through Nov. 20 you can drop off items for our troops to be delivered to them for the Holidays.

Look'n Cool Winner Emma Anderson, 6, of Owatonna was the winner of the Preferred Outlets of Medford ‘Look’n Cool for your School’ photo contest for children ages 6 through post secondary schools. Emma is a first grader at Wilson Elementary School. The school received a $300 gift from Preferred Outlets of Medford.

Carol Watson to speak at Wee Pals OWATONNA — Wee Pals Child Care Center is sponsoring a presentation by Carol Watson from Missing Children Minnesota titled “Run, Yell and Tell” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Little Theater of Owatonna.

‘Toys for Tots’ gains Web site OWATONNA — The ‘Toys for Tots and Teens of Steele County’ has recently added a Web site bringing the local organization to the Internet.

Sons of Norway to feature ‘Taste of Norway’ OWATONNA — The Nortonna Lodge 1-638 of the Sons of Norway will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at the Owatonna Elks Lodge, 126 E. Vine St.

ProToReAm continues weekly screenings OWATONNA — “The ProToReAm Initiative” continues its weekly series of screening relevant and informative documentaries. On Monday, Nov. 16, 23, and 30, we’ll be presenting a group of documentaries and short videos covering the H1N1 virus.

New residential energy program coming to Owatonna and Austin The Austin Utilities and Owatonna Public Utilities have teamed up with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer Austin and Owatonna homeowners Conserve and Save at Home workshops, which are part of a new full-service residential energy program.

Pro Picks Challenge: Dave Oberle Dave Oberle, right, receives a $25 Torey’s gift card from Anita Knapp of the People’s Press for winning week eight of the Owatonna People’s Press Hy-Vee Pro Picks Challenge. To play Pro Picks Challenge go to www.owatonna.com.

Senior Center hosts program for families FARIBAULT — The Faribault Senior Center will host a probram for families with elders entitled “Holiday Visits - Caring Conversations: Tips for Identifying Needs and Planning Ahead with Family Elders” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Faribault Area Senior Center.

Seniors Bowling Stats: Monday, Nov. 9 The Guys won the fall session of Hy-Vee Senior Bowling as Worth Gallentine rolled a big 242 final game for 579 and Duane Bock had a 206 middle game to beat second place Guys and Gals.

Fair Talk: SCFF Annual Meeting The 2009 annual meeting of the Steele County Agricultural Society was held on Thursday, Nov. 5, in Owatonna. Five directors were re-elected to serve on the fair board of directors for three years terms. Those directors include Paul Arnfelt, Dan Deml, Bill Hartle, Roger Noble and Marlyn Zacharias.

SCHEA to hold meeting OWATONNA — The Steele County Home Economics Association (SCHEA) will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at HealthNutz, 124 N. Cedar St. Shalayh Hested and Brit Erler will present “What is HealthNutz All About?” Meetings are the fourth Monday of the month. Alice Gute (451-2963) for more information.

Pharmacy in your kitchen presentation OWATONNA — Do you have a pharmacy in your kitchen? Mary Ann McNeilus, M.D. will present “Pharmacy in the Kitchen” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Owatonna Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2373 NE 7th Ave. Dr. McNeilus is a retired physician who lectures on natural remedies and preventive medicine. Dr. McNeilus will share with us how our kitchens can become our local pharmacies during this coming flu season.