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Former employee: City is toxic

Publisher — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:44:59 +0000

Former employee: City is toxic Publisher Fri, 08/14/2026 - 16:44

Rick Bussler, Publisher

“It was just a nightmare. I was scolded for not completing tasks on time.”
-Former Employee

For years she worked until 7 or 8 at night to get her job done for the City of Owatonna.

“I busted my butt,” said Amanda, whose name has been changed to protect her identity. “My last year there, I was trying to do two and a half jobs at their request.”

She often found multiple city employees popping into her office to tell her how they appreciated what she was doing. Even a couple city council members shared the same sentiments.

“I told them about multiple things and was told to not get discouraged and leave,” Amanda said.

Amanda says her department was in complete chaos. And she found herself right in the middle of what she calls a toxic workplace.

After she realized one person can only do so much and was reprimanded for what she wasn’t getting done, she set a timer for 5:55 so that “I could wrap up, shut down and go home at 6.”

Noting her department was short-staffed for so long, she said, “It was just a nightmare. I was scolded for not completing tasks on time.”

Perhaps what didn’t help was that Amanda wasn’t afraid to challenge City Administrator Jenna Tuma and ask questions. “I was a thorn in her side,” Amanda admitted. “I shared budget concerns with her like how we don't need to pay an outside consultant for a staffing study. She would get irritated with me.”

Amanda’s inability to get everything done to the liking of Tuma led administration to placing her on a personal improvement plan, which was placed in her personnel file.

“They wanted to make damn sure something was in place to get rid of me,” Amanda said, noting they made a solid written record of her perceived lack of performance so it could be grounds for a later termination. “I was set up to fail.”

Amanda’s prediction came true in August 2025, shortly after Tuma took over the top role for retiring Kris Busse. “I was the first person to be done,” she said referring to Tuma’s reign as city administrator.

Amanda said she was told of her shortcomings and provided with a notice of intent to discharge. “They strongly urged me to resign. If I didn’t resign, they would have to decide what to do,” she said.

With a substantial amount of PTO time sitting on the books, Amanda decided to resign. If she didn’t and would be terminated, she would have lost all the PTO. “There was no way in hell I was going to leave the PTO I accumulated on the table, and that’s exactly what they were banking on,” she said.

She maintains the same strategy has been used by Tuma on many other employees after she left.

When asked about the 30 or so employees who have left the city since she did, Amanda said: “I understand there will be some turnover, but it seems she is trying to get rid of anyone who has a vested interest in what’s best for the City of Owatonna. I feel she is getting rid of all the people who care about Owatonna and putting people in place who she can control.”

She is concerned about what’s going on at City Hall. “I don’t know if the council is aware of the bleeding that has taken place over the past year,” Amanda said. “It troubles me that they may not know when there are so many people in management positions.”

Amanda keeps in contact with a number of employees still with the city and what she hears is not good.

“It’s still Jennaville,” Amanda said. “Everyone hopes they can stay in their corner and not garner any attention from Jenna. They want to be left alone to do their jobs. People are walking on pins and needles. They are afraid to ask any questions because they are afraid they will be next. If you question something she is trying to do or point out another option may be better, you are accused of not being a team player or just being resistant to change.”

Amanda pointed out how the city has been focused on improving the culture by building communication and trust over the past few years. However, she said Tuma’s actions have dismantled the communication and trust that had been built. She does not treat all employees fairly and shows favoritism to some, Amanda added.

“Communication and trust has done nothing but erode since Jenna became in control,” Amanda said. “They talk about open communication and trusting people. It’s exactly the opposite of what happens there now.”

Amanda said what’s needed is a leader who asks questions and talks to the directors to get “an honest opinion and sincerely considers options before you force changes.”

The former employee wants citizens to know that the current administration does not value long-time city workers. “Employees are being replaced with consultants, and we the taxpayers are paying through the nose for them,” she said. She added other cities do not hire outside consultants to the extent that Tuma has with Owatonna.

“Hiring good employees is going to yield better operations than an outside consultant,” Amanda said.

Amanda said most city employees truly care about the community and not wasting taxpayer dollars. “That’s not what Jenna says she does too, but it’s not how she operates,” she said. “She has her own agenda and will do whatever she needs to push through what she wants. Outside consultants just do what they are told and don’t have background knowledge to question it.”

Asked about Tuma’s agenda, Amanda said it’s clear. “She wants big, flashy things for Owatonna. She wants to be made known as the person who did all these awesome things for Owatonna, like the new police and fire centers,” she said, adding Tuma is not going about it in the best way.

Amanda shrugged off the notion that she is disgruntled.

“I had no intention of leaving the city,” she said. “If we had been fully staffed, and I could just do my job, I had a lot to contribute. Until my last day, I was doing everything I could to be positive and beneficial for the city.”

Most importantly, Amanda said she focused on being legitimate and ethical.

“That’s just not how things are done now.”

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Tuma denies nepotism claims involving wife

Publisher — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:20:22 +0000

Tuma denies nepotism claims involving wife

Ethics expert: It’s a conflict of interest

Publisher Thu, 08/13/2026 - 17:20

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Sharon Brown has been employed with the City of Owatonna since November. She is the wife of Jenna Tuma, city administrator, shown below.

“I would think anyone would consider that a conflict of interest.”
-David Schultz, Ethics Expert

On Dec. 3, Rachel Boss sent an email to “Team O-Town,” comprised of employees of the City of Owatonna.

The director of human resources was announcing that Sharon Brown had joined the city’s human resources team “part-time, temporarily … to assist with clerical functions.”

The email was confirmation of an offer of employment Brown received Nov. 25 for the position of human resources intern as a “part-time, hourly, non-exempt position with an hourly pay of $20.”

Both documents were obtained by the Steele County Times through a public data request.

It was a hire that raised more than a few eyebrows: Brown is the wife of Owatonna City Administrator Jenna Tuma.

While other employees – both current and former – have voiced concerns about the apparent nepotism, city leadership said there are safeguards in place.

“The City’s personnel policy guides fair hiring and supervision practices for all employees, from seasonal to full-time,” Tuma said in response to questions about the issue. “Following state law, I cannot comment on any employee in particular, but the City takes its personnel policies seriously and expects them to be applied consistently and fairly in every situation.”

Brown isn’t new to the city’s payroll; she also worked as a Water Safety Instructor at West Hill pool.

Before her retirement, she was an IT project manager and park management analyst in the Twin Cities area, and has also worked as an environmental service manager for Mayo Clinic Health System.

Brown has a bachelor’s degree in marketing management and a master’s degree in urban planning.

Her LinkedIn page also describes her as a health and wellness coach and a mental health first aid instructor.

What isn’t listed anywhere is a job or degree in human resources, which was another point of contention for a number of Brown’s coworkers.

“How is that not nepotism,” a former city employee asked. “It’s just another set of eyes for Jenna.”

Another employee echoed that sentiment, alleging Brown’s hire was “to report to Jenna on other employees’ activities and to attend City employee events so she can support Jenna in her role, while adding another paycheck to their household budget.”

It defies business sense, the second employee said.

It also defied common sense, said David Schultz, a professor of political science at Hamline University.

In addition to teaching political science, Schultz has taught classes in public policy and administration, as well as ethics, and authored or edited more than 200 articles on topics including civil service reform, election law, eminent domain, constitutional law, public policy, legal and political theory, and the media and politics.

“I would think anyone would consider that a conflict of interest,” he said.

The city’s nepotism policy specifies that “a close relative of a city employee may seek and obtain city employment as long as the city employee to whom the applicant is related does not participate in or otherwise influence the hiring of such close relatives.”

It goes on to say that “an employee shall not indirectly or directly supervise another employee who is a close relative.”

Tuma could not answer about the specifics, due to data privacy laws.

“Minnesota law protects the privacy of individual personnel matters, and we take that seriously, so we won't discuss specific cases publicly,” she said.

An amendment made to the local policy in 2018 says, “exceptions to this policy may be approved by the city administrator based on the specific circumstances and subject to any conditions established by the city administrator,” and “in granting this exception, the city administrator shall ensure that family members are not given preference in the hiring or terms of employment based on the familial status.”

Assuming she did not participate in the hiring of Brown and does not participate in the day-to-day operations of HR, as city administrator, Tuma is still the de facto supervisor of all city employees.

Boss, the director of the city’s HR department, reports directly to Emily Thamert, the assistant city administrator.

Thamert reports to Tuma, who did not respond to a specific question about the appearance of a violation of the nepotism policy.

Kevin Raney, president of the Owatonna City Council, said the city’s “personnel policy guides fair hiring and supervision of all employees, and I have full faith that City staff have and continue to follow this policy.”

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Revol Greens may close Medford facility

Publisher — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:33:44 +0000

Revol Greens may close Medford facility Publisher Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:33

Karen M. Jorgensen, Staff Writer

Revol Greens raises lettuces in a 10-acre greenhouse between Owatonna and Medford. Staff photo by Karen M. Jorgensen

Revol Greens, which grows lettuce and a variety of other greens, has announced it may close its greenhouse in Medford and lay off nearly 100 employees if it cannot find a buyer for the company or an infusion of capital.

A WARN Act notice was sent on Aug. 5 to employees at the Medford and Texas facilities and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The WARN notice reflects the possibility of a facility closure if the company is unable to secure financing, a transaction, or another path forward.

Revol officials said the notice was issued as a precautionary measure while the company continues to pursue financing opportunities and evaluate strategic alternatives as it supports continued operations and the long-term future of the business.

"While current market conditions have created significant challenges, we remain committed to finding a path forward for Revol Greens and its greenhouse operations,” John Carkoski said in an email to the Steele County Times on Friday. “The WARN notice is a prudent step that provides flexibility as we continue to evaluate all available strategic alternatives, including financing, partnerships, site-level opportunities, and other transaction structures that could support the future of the business and preserve continuity for our customers and employees."

Contacted Friday afternoon, Medford Mayor Danny Thomas said he was unaware of the potential closing but that the company does provide employment to a number of Medford residents.

The action follows a significant market disruption across the lettuce category as a result of the recent Cyclospora outbreak. Carkoski said that the company’s greenhouse-grown lettuces have continued to meet rigorous food safety and quality standards and were not implicated in the outbreak, but the resulting uncertainty in consumer demand created challenges throughout the sector and has impacted on-going financing discussions for many companies serving the category.

He said Revol has not ceased operations and intends to continue normal greenhouse operations throughout the 60-day WARN period while discussions with potential investors, lenders, strategic partners and other interested parties continue.

Revol Greens opened its first greenhouse in Minnesota in 2017. It currently also has a greenhouse in Temple, Texas.

According to company information, the greenhouse offers 10 acres of indoor production which is the equivalent of 300 acres of outdoor farmed lettuce.

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Anhorn’s: New and improved for next generation

Publisher — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:16:37 +0000

Anhorn’s: New and improved for next generation Publisher Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:16

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

John Anhorn, center, cuts the ribbon on his new $900,000 fuel remodeling project at Anhorn’s Gas & Tire in Medford. Joining him were, from left, Rep. Tom Sexton (partially cut off); Dallas Fischer, of Fueling Minnesota; Sen. John Jasinski; Anhorn; his wife Cindy Anhorn; Medford Mayor Danny Thomas; Mick Ditlevson of the USDA; and City Administrator Elizabeth Jackson. Staff photo by Kay Fate

Tom and Olga Anhorn probably wouldn’t recognize their little 14-foot-wide store – though the front door has “literally always been in the same place since back in 1949.”

That’s a point of pride for their grandson, John Anhorn, who held a ribbon-cutting Aug. 7 for a $900,000 fueling remodel project at Anhorn’s Gas & Tire in Medford.

“This community has supported the Anhorn family, and we appreciate this so much. This allows not just this third-generation guy, but possibly a fourth generation,” he said, pointing to his daughter Julia and son Thomas, a rising sophomore and seventh-grader, respectively.

The project was made possible through two grants: The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a Minnesota Department of Agriculture AGRI Biofuels Infrastructure grant.

“What Anhorn’s does is just phenomenal,” said Minnesota Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault). “They are the backbone of this community and have been for many years.”

He supported funding the AGRI program, he said, “to help stations like this to compete with the Casey’s and Kwik Trips… to help a small business with costs that are just so exorbitant. This program allows a 50-plus year business in Medford, Minnesota, population 1,500, to survive, and it’s great to see it happen.”

Rep. Tom Sexton, R-Waseca, wrote one of many letters of support for Anhorn’s project – but had a hard time whittling it down to just one page.

“I’m like, he and his family do so much in the community, that’s essentially to this community,” he said. Even after his staff “played with the font” size, it was still more than a page long.

“It was such an honor to write a letter for somebody who supports the community so well, but we can see it paid off,” Sexton said. “Everything you do keeps you here, and that’s exactly what we want. We want our businesses to stay here, in Greater Minnesota, and thrive, and you’ll be able to do that, John.”

Anhorn learned of the grant opportunities through Fueling Minnesota, “and I kind of hesitated a little bit, because I didn’t know if it was the right fit for me.”

It was, so Anhorn hired a grant writer, planned the size and scope of the pump and tank replacement with B&H Petroleum, of Mankato, and started putting the pieces together.

That included the funding, through First State Banke of Red Wing-Medford Branch; as well as Cole’s Electric, of Owatonna; Dietz Construction, of Owatonna, which did a massive concrete pour; and several letters of recommendation, including Sexton’s.

“It’s important for this small town,” said Beth Jackson, Medford city administrator. She wrote letters of support on behalf of herself and Mayor Danny Thomas last year, “and beefed them up to resubmit them this year.”

Mick Ditlevson, of Blooming Prairie, works for the USDA – whose projections are that “more than 130,000 gallons per year will be sold as a result” of the Anhorn project.

“I’m excited to be here, to be able to have a great partner to the ag community in the surrounding area,” he said. “The more vehicles we have to be able to sell biofuels – it’s an incredible component of renewable energy, and I think one that makes the most sense in an area like this.”

The project, Anhorn said, “made me go from a liability to an asset. My old stuff was put in before we had all the containment systems that we do now,” protecting the surrounding soil and water from any potential risks.

“If anything leaks, it goes into a plastic containment … and each one has an alarm,” he explained.

The pump placement is new, too, tested repeatedly by Anhorn.

“I would drive in, then I’d back out, then I’d drive back in again, to make sure there was room” around and between the pumps for multiple vehicles, he said.

“I told everybody, when we’re doing this, if you question something, let’s have the conversation,” Anhorn said, “because I never want to turn dirt on this property again.

“I want to do it all right.”

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Return of BP’s NNO exceeds expectations

Publisher — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:09:33 +0000

Return of BP’s NNO exceeds expectations Publisher Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:09

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Blooming Prairie police officer Dan Peach listens as Ryder Anderson, 12, poses a question during BP’s Night Out on Aug. 5: “What’s the craziest excuse someone’s given you to get out of getting a ticket?” Peach said the one he hears most often is an urgent need to get to a bathroom. Staff photo by Kay Fate

There’s no better way to get to know someone than to throw a party for 300 people with them.

“I reached out to Chief Greg – and I’d never spoken to him before,” said Cindy Golbuff, a member of the Blooming Prairie Women of Today.

She was talking about Greg Skillestad, chief of the BP Police Department, and she was following up on a suggestion from Karen Peterson, executive director of the BP Area Chamber of Commerce.

The city hadn’t held an event for National Night Out since COVID kept everyone at home.

But as chapter manager of the Youth of Today program, Golbuff was looking for ideas “to celebrate and embrace youth, because youth are so much a part of our community.”

She pitched the idea of a community gathering to Skillestad, “and we talked for 25 minutes, and we’re all excited, bouncing ideas off each other.”

Golbuff needed to get the blessing of her chapter, “because the Blooming Prairie Women of Today are going to be a big part of this.”

And that’s how Blooming Prairie’s version of National Night Out returned after a six-year hiatus.

Skillestad said the collaboration, with the Women of Today taking the lead, was “fantastic.”

Even the rainout of the original date was a positive: After a week of hot, steamy weather, Aug. 5 turned out to be nearly perfect, with low humidity, plenty of sun and a light breeze.

The shift from a Friday night to a Wednesday allowed the organizers to invite not only businesses, civic organizations and nonprofits, but the vendors from Blossom Thyme Farmers Market, which typically sets up at Firemen’s Park.

“We didn’t want to rain on their parade,” Golbuff said, “but we said we would love to have them join us – and it just absolutely adds to this.”

They planned for 300 people – Golbuff estimated even more than that descended on Central Park.

“We wanted to make this not a carnival, but a community, bringing awareness to the different things,” she said. “Tonight is for everyone.”

The night concluded with a movie at sunset.

Several sponsors also came forward, with KIK Marketing, B to Z Hardware, Cargill, Tandem, BPACC, Blossoms United, Hormel, Hy-Vee and more donating time, goods and money.

Still, she said, “National Night Out is about so much more than an evening of fun. It's about neighbors meeting neighbors, families making memories, children getting to know the officers and first responders who serve them.”

Seeing so many people, “and watching our community come together reminded us just how fortunate we are to live in a town that cares for one another,” she said.

“We already are thinking big for next year.”

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Election chief calls it quits ahead of general election

Publisher — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:07:33 +0000

Election chief calls it quits ahead of general election

Recorder to supervise department

Publisher Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:07

Alex Malm, Staff Writer

Jennifer Mueller

Steele County election chief Jennifer Mueller is leaving her position just days after the Aug. 11 State Primary and just months before the Nov.3 election.

According to the agenda packet for the Aug.11 Commissioners meeting, she is resigning from her position as Property Tax & Elections director effective Friday.

In 2022, the county moved from elected treasurer and auditor positions and instead made them department-director-level positions.

Mueller began in her role in November 2023, serving as the chief election official for the county during the 2024 Presidential election.

Mueller formerly worked in banking, which then County Administrator Scott Golberg said “is a function of the job market.” Finding someone with experience as an auditor would have likely meant “poaching” employees from other counties.

“We had to go with the best available,” he said at the time. “County positions are not in the private sector.”

In an email Monday, County Administrator Renae Fry said, “The election process has been professionally managed by staff other than our Property Tax and Elections Director for several years.

“That being said, our plan is to continue with our trained elections team and our Recorder, Rick Kvien, is getting up to speed in order to supervise the team and provide assistance as may be needed,” she said.

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A SCOOP OF TRADITION

Publisher — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:05:11 +0000

A SCOOP OF TRADITION

City girl aims for top dairy title

Publisher Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:05

Rick Bussler, Publisher

As one of eight dairy princesses in Steele County, Jena Hanson has been busy promoting the dairy industry in Steele County this summer. She now turns her attention to competing in the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition at the Minnesota State Fair during the week of Aug. 24. Staff photo by Rick Bussler

“I want to be a voice for the small dairy operations because they hold a special spot in my heart.”
-Jena Hanson, Princess Kay Finalist

Jena Hanson may have grown up in the city, but that’s not stopping her from competing for the state dairy industry’s biggest title.

The Steele County dairy princess is one of 10 finalists for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Princess Kay will be crowned on the eve of the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 26.

Hanson, who grew up in Owatonna, has been involved in agriculture, and specifically the dairy industry, for the past several years. During her sophomore year in high school, she became active on the farm. She worked at two dairy operations in the county: Schmity Holsteins near Owatonna and Clover Glen near Claremont.

Currently, she works as an intern for Kashome Holsteins near Medford which has a dairy herd of about 160 Holsteins.

“I help with the milking chores,” she said. “I help with both morning and night milking.”

It’s through the experiences with those dairy operations that she developed a real passion for the dairy industry and now is going to college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she is majoring in dairy science management.

“I’ve always loved animals,” Hanson said. “But I wasn’t sure what it was until I stepped foot in the milking parlor. The cows definitely hooked me.”

While Hanson isn’t exactly sure what she wants to do after college, she is convinced it will have something to do with dairy. “I have a strong passion for dairy nutrition,” she said.

For now, Hanson has her eyes set on becoming Princess Kay, a year-long commitment to promoting the dairy industry throughout the state. She has been practicing with family and friends in recent weeks to prepare herself for judging competition which takes place on Aug. 24. The ceremony where Princess Kay is crowned will be two days later.

“I think I might be driving them crazy,” Hanson said of the practice sessions. “I’ve been working on my facial expressions. This is a whole different experience I have never been part of before.”

In her judging, Hanson plans to focus on the idea that she can be a voice to advocate for dairy products. “I want to be a voice for the small dairy operations because they hold a special spot in my heart,” she said.

Princess Kay judging will be similar to the competition that took place in May when she was picked as one of the 10 finalists. The judging will include a speech, mock media for TV and interview.

In her speech, Hanson stressed farm to table in schools. “I wanted to get across the importance of fresh food. Dairy is vital to have in our diets as it’s a source of calcium,” she said.

“The whole process was nerve wracking, but I’m grateful to have the opportunity,” Hanson said about competing for Princess Kay.

Also, as she has been preparing over the past month, Hanson is making a point to visit each of the 12 remaining dairy operations in Steele County. As of last week, she had already been to four of them. “I want to represent Steele County to the best of my ability. I care about them and I want to be a voice to advocate for them,” she said.

Hanson said dairy is an important part of nutrition. “It’s super beneficial to your diet,” she said. “If we are filling our bodies with good food, we are setting ourselves up for success in the long run.”

Her favorite dairy product is large curd cottage cheese. She placed extra emphasis on the large curd by saying, “I don’t like the small curd.” She found cottage cheese to be a great snack to fuel her energy for tennis, which she was involved in at Owatonna High School.

Asked about what key message she will illustrate in her upcoming judging for Princess Kay, Hanson said: “Dairy farmers care about their cows. It’s their lifeline and passion. Showing support for them is huge.”

Hanson also wants to stress the importance of pursuing your dreams. “This is a career I didn’t expect, but through my perseverance and grit, I knew I would achieve it,” she said, adding if you are determined, anything can be achieved.

No matter if Hanson becomes Princess Kay, she will have her likeness carved out of a 90-pound block of butter during the State Fair.

Other Princess Kay finalists are Kalley Christen of McLeod County; Elizabeth Coudron of Redwood County; Stephanie Dystra of Nobles County; Claudia Frenchick of Meeker County; Morgan Morrow of Benton County; Isabella Schiffler, Jaiden Smith and Daisy Zimmerman of Stearns County and Gracie Sellner of Brown County.

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No sympathy: Tuma accused of favoritism

Publisher — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:21:32 +0000

No sympathy: Tuma accused of favoritism

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: O-TOWN INTERNAL CRISIS

Publisher Wed, 08/12/2026 - 16:21

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Jenna Tuma

“It was incredibly unprofessional.”
-Former City Employee

From accusations of hand-picking inexperienced staff to being denied training, the claims of current and former employees of the City of Owatonna about City Administrator Jenna Tuma are as varied as they are troubling.

The Times, through a public data request, obtained a list of city employees who left their job between Aug. 1, 2025, and June 11, 2026. Tuma officially started in her role Aug. 8, 2025, after serving as the first-ever assistant city administrator for about a year.

The employees who spoke to the Times claimed they weren’t the only people who were unhappy with changes that accompanied the new leadership.

One woman said that based on her conversations with coworkers, “I don’t know anybody that feels like they have job security. At minimum, 75% of the employees had expressed that at some point,” she estimated.

That included all departments and all levels of employees, she said, and was a “daily” topic of conversation.

The Times has not done any kind of poll or survey of city employees.

It’s not so much the numbers, though, as it is the stories behind them.

Good start

One former employee said that under Tuma’s leadership initially, “it felt like a great example of what local government should be.”

As time went on, however, “we started to realize that Jenna’s got her inner circle,” which included lunches, book clubs and more.

“If you’re in the inner circle, you’re golden. But if you do something to get on the wrong side of the circle, then you’re done – and there’s no in-between,” the employee said.

Soon, “Jenna’s favoritism” became evident in how the remote work policy is applied, how birthdays are celebrated at City Hall and in many other ways, according to at least two other employees.

A current employee claimed Tuma selects her favorite employees to accompany her on official city business that pertains to other employees’ area of work rather than their own.

“The mentality is, you either need to get into Jenna’s clique, or keep your head down and don’t get noticed,” a former employee said.

The city had invested significantly in culture improvements over the past few years, another former employee said.

“Jenna’s bullying leadership style has reversed the results that had been achieved through those efforts.”

Changing course

The lack of training was a common concern across multiple departments, according to interviews with current and former employees.

“We struggled, because there was no training,” a former employee said.

They were told no training was budgeted, even for training deemed necessary.

“The state actually provides some courses that you need – and we couldn’t even go to those,” she said. “We were told it figure it out on our own.”

It was another way to “set people up to fail,” the employee said.

“Jenna and Emily (Thamert, assistant city administrator) have it down to an art,” another employee said, citing “a list of everybody that had rubbed them the wrong way during their employment.”

Challenges to Tuma landed them on the “list,” and that was the norm, the employee claimed.

Some of the challenges came from people Tuma herself had hired.

Several current and former employees spoke of a director who was hired without being provided adequate turnover, including passwords and critical files, documented operating procedures and more.

“No outside resources were provided to help this vital position navigate the transition,” one of them said.

There is no list, Tuma said.

Instead, she described the action as “a period of real change, and change can be uncomfortable for people who preferred how things were before. But discomfort with new expectations is not the same as retaliation, and raising legitimate questions is not the same as ‘pushing back’ in a way that results in an employee’s inability and willingness to effectively perform their job.

“We're confident in the team we're building,” Tuma said, “and confident that it's being built the right way.”

Departures begin

The term “set up to fail” came up again and again among the employees who spoke to the Times.

Yet another former employee said he wasn’t terminated, but “I was pushed to resign.”

“What he said is where we were all at. We weren’t terminated; we were told to leave,” one woman said.

Helping with the paperwork was the law firm of Flaherty and Hood, of Winona, described on its website as “Minnesota’s leader in law and legislative advocacy.”

Tuma and Thamert would have the firm create performance improvement plans for employees on the “list,” knowing that the goals were unattainable, multiple employees said.

One former employee claimed to have heard attorney Brandon Fitzsimmons ask, “do we want this person in this role, or do we want to push them out?”

Fitzsimmons did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

The city’s answer to his question, though, would dictate what the PIP would require from the employee.

Flaherty and Hood would then draft a document “outlining the failures,” and the document was presented to the employee.

The employee would be allowed to leave on their own “in good standing” and receive their vacation payout if they sign the document immediately, the former employee said.

“We all signed it,” she said, “so it looks like we all just quit. You don’t have a choice.”

Not so, said Tuma.

“When an employee still isn’t meeting expectations and termination is likely,” she said, “that employee still has the choice to resign rather than be terminated… The choice to resign always belongs to the employee.”

‘Incredibly unprofessional’

Former City Administrator Kris Busse had a nickname for Tuma, stemming from her days as the director of the parks and rec department: Big Bucks Tuma.

Several current and former employees confirmed the moniker, apparently used as a good-natured jab.

“We’d be sitting in a meeting and Busse was like, ‘oh, here comes Big Bucks Tuma’ in front of all of us,” one woman said.

When asked who else might know about the nickname, the reply was “nearly everyone in city hall.”

The name-calling went both ways, employees told the Times.

“Jenna had terrible (nick)names for everybody,” a former employee said, “and she made fun of everybody – including (city) council members.”

“She definitely has a captive audience with the council,” another employee said. “She’d often say, ‘they’ll do what I tell them to do.’”

But it was another alleged incident that multiple employees said was a turning point for them.

It involved a sympathy card – reportedly signed by Tuma, Thamert, HR Director Rachel Boss and Tricia Notch, administrative coordinator – mocking the termination of a city employee planned for that morning.

“They thought it was so funny,” one employee said. “They were all in on it to the point where they bought a sympathy card because they thought that would be hilarious.”

Tuma and Thamert presented the card to the department the employee would be leaving, “and they were both smiling and laughing,” another woman said. “It was incredibly unprofessional.”

“All of them knew, and it made me sick,” a third employee said. “It was disgusting.”

Reactions to accusations

When asked specifically about the alleged name-calling and the sympathy card, Tuma referenced data privacy laws, but said “the conduct you've described is not something I recognize and not consistent with the standards we expect or the culture we're building in Owatonna.

“More broadly,” she said, “the City holds itself and its employees to a high professional standard and takes any concerns seriously. If any City employee has concerns about workplace conduct, we encourage them to raise those concerns through the appropriate channels so they can be reviewed.”

Council President Raney reiterated that he is “not involved in personnel issues. Even if I was familiar with what you are describing, for privacy reasons I could not comment on issues like this.”

Brent Svenby, councilor for the Fifth Ward, had a stronger response when told of the alleged incident with the sympathy card.

“If that did happen, I’d be pretty upset about that,” he said. “That’s not right.”

Raney intimated that the turnover and subsequent allegations are part of city growth.

“Change like this isn't always easy, but the Council believes it's essential to building a stronger City for both employees and residents,” he said in a statement. “We know that turnover in staffing can draw some attention. That's expected, and it isn't unusual.

“What I don't accept is the suggestion that departments or specific individuals are being unfairly singled out,” Raney said. “I don't believe that's an accurate picture in Owatonna.

“As a council, our goal for the City is to continue to strengthen accountability and improve the City’s performance,” he said, “and we expected that direction would bring change.”

Svenby said he would listen to the claims, if asked.

“I wish people would reach out to me if they have stories to tell me,” he said.

None of the employees who spoke to the Times contacted members of the city council about their specific concerns.

O-Town Crisis Investigation At Glance

This is the second in a series of stories planned by the Steele County Times about employee turnover and changes at the City of Owatonna. The Times was approached by several people, including current and former employees, about leadership concerns, which sparked this investigation. We are providing anonymity to the employees who wanted to share their stories but say they fear retaliation – even former employees. The Times knows the identities and has verified their employment and roles with the city.

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Steele United to offer community worship

Publisher — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:46:10 +0000

Steele United to offer community worship Publisher Fri, 08/07/2026 - 15:46

Rick Bussler, Publisher

Several area churches are coming together to stand united in what is being called the first of its kind, “Steele United Worship for Jesus.”

The service will take place Sunday at Central Park in Owatonna. There will be children’s activities and food vendors from 4-6 p.m. followed by worship and prayer from 6-8 p.m. A resource tent with Bibles and other beginner religious materials will be available. Spanish-speaking assistance will be offered.

Worship will be mostly contemporary Christian music with prayers intertwined between songs, according to Naomi Jirele, one of the organizers and lay pastors at Owatonna Christian Church. The service will be based on Psalm 34, she said.

Jirele stressed that no churches will be promoted during the worship. “We are very careful not to promote church. We’re promoting Jesus,” she said.

The three main churches involved in the formation of this unique worship experience are OCC, Sound Church and Cornerstone, all in Owatonna. Other area churches are also joining in to support the event.

Kaisha Troe of OCC is leading the praise team band made up of musicians from various churches. The band will feature bass drums, keyboard and acoustic guitars. “It will be all upbeat,” Jirele said.

“We have battled in the past that people have been hurt in church,” said Jirele. “We want people to know that we are here to serve you, love you and support your growth in Christ.”

Acknowledging that many people struggle with knowing exactly who or what to trust in these troubling times, Jirele finds the answer simple. “Let’s just lift up Jesus’ name. He is the only way with no strings attached,” she said, adding that Jesus is the only one who can provide peace.

Jirele said the idea for this worship event came out of one of her small prayer groups over the past four years. “We’ve been praying about this and want to show the love of Christ together,” she said. “God has set aside time for us to show how the community can be a safe place.”

She said there have been some other prayer services in parks around Owatonna over the years but nothing to this magnitude.

“We believe God wants us to worship and pray in a public square,” said Jirele. “It will be a great atmosphere.”

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SQUEEZING TO HELP OTHERS

Publisher — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:02:55 +0000

SQUEEZING TO HELP OTHERS

Lemonade stand helps young entrepreneurs raise funds for area groups

Publisher Thu, 08/06/2026 - 22:02

Karen M. Jorgensen, Staff Writer

Back left are Melissa Abare and Lori Wencl. Campers for the week around the table included Jacey Herron, Paisley Harkema, Griffin Harkema, Evie Vincelli, Truett Lammers, Ollie Brittain, Ollie Bien, Finn Bien, Reagen Everhard and Norah Everhard. Submitted photo

A group of young Owatonna entrepreneurs put the skills they learned in a weeklong summer camp to good use earlier this summer as they planned, organized and held a lemonade stand sale that raised over nearly $800 for community organizations.

The camp was one of a series of weeklong events planned for the summer by Melissa Abare, who has a daycare for preschool ages during the school year. As her charges aged out of the day care and moved into elementary and even middle school, she kept in touch with many of them and decided to come up with things they could do during summer vacation.

One of those activities was the Young Entrepreneurs Sale. The kids spent the beginning of the week learning about business basics and decided that they wanted to have a lemonade stand. When Friday, the last day of the camp came, “they manned their stations, greeted customers, answered questions, poured a zillion glasses of lemonade, visited with family/friends/neighbors/community members, accepted donations and shared our mission and sold their hearts out,” according to Abare.

As the week of planning went on it expanded beyond simply a lemonade stand with people donating other items to sell primarily kids toys and puzzles.

When the six-hour sale was over, from lemonade sold and the donations, the kids had raised $770.05.

The money, Abare said, was split between Community Pathways and Laundry Love in Owatonna and the Furball Cat Sanctuary in Faribault. Laundry Love, she said, is a group that helps low-income families with quarters for doing their laundry at laundromats.

Abara said she “was blown away” by the success of the event. The kids involved, she said, ranged in age from first to eighth grade and they all worked well together.

Abare said she first started day care in 2010 and then took a five-year break after Covid and recently got re-licensed.

She has hosted several other camps during the summer, she said, including field trips, a Junior Explorers Week at different local parks, crafts and creative writing.

Those who participated in the entrepreneur’s week immediately began talking about what they could do next summer.

The majority of the kids participating, she said, were those who had been in her preschool while one was a neighbor’s child.

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