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STAFF- Most of the Pioneer staff is pictured above. From left, Jonah Stafford, Amelia Roessler, Deb Bently, Jim Lutgens, Eli Lutgens, Logan Piltingsrud, whose photos have been featured in the Star Eagle, held by Melanie Piltingsrud, Michael Roy, Chris Schlaak, and Reed Waller. Pioneer photo by Pam Goehrig

A paper to be proud of

“We plan to find at least one story for every edition that makes the whole year’s subscription worthwhile. We know we won’t have everything for everybody in every edition, but we will definitely have something for everyone.” –Eli Lutgens, publisher This issue of the Waseca County Pioneer is the...

SONGS FOR ALL - The variety show titled "The Final Cut" featured the State Street Singers, the Sextets and the Bluejay Blend. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Choir Director Megan Kreinbring brings ‘The Final Cut’ to the PAC

A matinee performance of this year’s Variety Show titled, “The Final Cut” was presented for elementary students on Thursday, May 7 in the Waseca Junior Senior High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). Under the leadership of choir director Megan Kreinbring, the show featured the State Street...

STOPPING THE CYCLE - Staff members from the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity were presenters at a recent Waseca Exchange Club meeting. Waseca club president Mikhail Rostislavovich presented Center executive director Beth Hortop with a certificate of gratitude. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Center for Family Unity combats child abuse

Beth Hortop, executive director of the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity, spoke to the Waseca Exchange Club in observance of April being named “child abuse prevention” month. Hortop attended the April 14 meeting to tell local members about the Owatonna-based agency which serves a large...

SUPPORTING INITIATIVES - The Waseca Area Foundation held its Grant Celebration at the Starfire Event Center on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

WAF awards over $140,000 to local groups

Well over 100 people attended a recent celebration during which more than $143,000 in grants awarded to local organizations by the Waseca Area Foundation (WAF) during its spring round of funding. Representatives from local groups or events gathered at the Starfire Event Center in Waseca on...

Mullen sentenced to 15 years

Waseca area resident Franklin Mullen, 45, was sentenced to 180 months in prison during an emotional hearing at the Waseca County Courthouse on May 5. About 30 family members and friends attended in support of victims attacked and threatened during a June incident when Mullen, under the influence...

RODEO RIDERS - Noah and Malachi attended the Waseca Community Education Bike Rodeo at the Waseca fairgrounds on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Community Ed Bike Rodeo focuses on learning, safety

About 25 children attended the Waseca Community Education Bike Rodeo at the Waseca County fairgrounds during the late afternoon of Thursday, May 7. With the supervision and guidance of local police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, children had the chance to learn safety...

ON DISPLAY - From left: Jeanne Sexton, Tara Bjerke, WAC Vice President Penny Vought, featured artist Ava Lambert, Larry Jacobson, mathematician and painter Steven Sperber, Molly Hendrickson, and Ann Staloch were at the Waseca Art Center's artist reception on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Works by painters Lambert, Sperber on display

The Waseca Art Center (WAC) opened new displays and held a reception on Saturday, May 9, featuring Steven Sperber and Ava Lambert. Sperber, originally from Brooklyn, New York, recently retired. Lambert is a self-taught artist born and based out of Minneapolis. After a short introduction and...

Second cannabis growing permit on path to approval

One conditional use permit for outdoor growth of cannabis in Waseca County was issued during the May 5 meeting of the Waseca County board of commissioners. A second one was approved by the county planning commission the evening of May 7; planning commission members offered their recommendation...

Caterpillar contributions allow hands-on learning

During their May 7 workshop, members of the Waseca school board heard from high school agriculture teacher Robin Tidd and community member Brenda Harguth speaking of an opportunity that arose for students. During a career fair last autumn, the previous ag teacher convinced Caterpillar to donate...

County Board looks at zoning, tourism matters

During their May 5 meeting, county board members voted down a proposed change to the county’s Universal Development Code (UDC) whose terms had been prompted by the legalization of marijuana and a new state law allowing “cannabis events” up to four days in duration. As discussion on the...