Battle for the Axe is Back On
It wasn t so long ago that the University of Minnesota Coaches Caravan swung through Owatonna. While no one needed to chop down a tree at that moment, an Axe was one of the top photo ops during an event at Torey s Restaurant. It was spring 2019 and the Gophers had possession of Paul Bunyan s Axe after beating Wisconsin 37-15 at Camp Randall in 2018. The Badgers won back the traveling trophy later last fall 38-17 at TCF Bank Stadium.
Thanks to a move by the Big Ten Sunday, the Gophers and Badgers will get to duel for the Axe this year after all. The game was supposed to be played November 28, but the University of Minnesota had to bow out due to COVID cases in the football program. The game is rescheduled for Saturday, December 19 at 3 pm at Madison.
Downtown Owatonna Decked Out for the Holidays
Owatonna businesses are hopeful for your holiday dollar during the Christmas shopping season. Many are also seeking your vote in the Downtown Owatonna Holiday Window Contest, presented by the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (OACCT) and the Owatonna Business Partnership.
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A number of businesses had their display ready for the recent OACCT holiday cruise through downtown. Karen Pehrson, the Director of Conventions and Tourism, says the contest is a continuation of switching from a holiday parade to the holiday cruise. She says having decorations and holiday cheer on display draws more people to an area. This will hopefully add up to a successful financial experience for local businesses.