News

Board introductions, plan updates given

Superintendent Eric Hudspith opened the Waseca school board’s July business meeting by introducing Carlo Driessen to the board. Driessen, a junior, will be joining returning senior Violet Rohwer as student representatives at school board meetings. Hudspith gave his monthly update on the...

EXCITING REMEMBRANCE - The New Richland-Hartland Class of 1971 met at the Willows on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for a whole day of activities during the New Richland Farm and City Days weekend. 14 classmates have passed away, and 19 classmates attended. With spouses, 30 total were in attendance.

Front row: Bill Robran, Carol (Westland) Peterson, Lynn (Proehl) Hall. Second row: Gordie Nelson, Blaine Lewer, Neil K. Berg, Vicki (Jesson) Windfeldt , Jerry Kroeger, Jerry Demmer, Jim Possin, Jane (Zellweger) Bluhm, and Chuck Rosacker. Back row: Jim Loken, Roz (Bach) Krook , Mike Matthies, Joan (Arneman) Anderson, Mitch Routh, and Dennis Winegar.

Class of 1971 holds 55th reunion

There was a reunion for the New Richland-Hartland (NR-H) Cardinal Class of 1971 at The Willows on Saturday, July 18. The consolidation of the former New Richland-Hartland (NR-H) and Ellendale-Geneva districts created NRHEG School District #2168 in 1992. Organized by co-chair’s Jane Bluhm...

BEST SHOT - Brenda Morris, Dianne Johns, Penny Hagen and Susan Corton that golfed at Riverview Golf Course on July 15 for the 4 Gal Best Shot Outing. Penny Hagen was largely responsible for coordinating the event. Pioneer photo by Melanie Piltingsrud

4 Gal Best Shot Outing draws 60 players

Is there a better way to spend a sweltering July day other than golfing at the local course? Why, sure: golfing with 59 of your girlfriends. That's just what Penny Hagen coordinated at Riverview Golf Course on Wednesday, July 15. The 80-acre course saw 15 teams of four ladies each, gathered...

Financing costs considered for construction

During their July 7 meeting, members of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation honoring all individuals from the county who take part in Special Olympics. Named specifically in the proclamation was Jake Lieser, a Waseca athlete who earned two gold medals and one silver...

Surrounded by family and friends, Vada Dahnert celebrated her ninetieth birthday at a luncheon held at Waseca's Faith United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Vada Dahnert celebrates 90 years

Local resident Vada Dahnert was the guest of honor at a 90th birthday celebration thrown for her at Waseca’s Faith United Methodist Church over the luncheon hour on Sunday, July 12. The many well-wishers were not only able to greet and congratulate her, but also to enjoy delicious food and cake...

Council approves downtown walkway project

During their July 7 meeting, members of the Waseca City Council approved spending about $180,000 to restore and renovate the “downtown walkway” area in the 100-block of North State Street. Restoration Services of Faribault will be refurbishing the walls along the north and south sides of the...

SPINNING FUN - Erica Forsythe was conducting a spinning wheel demonstration at Hodgson Hall during the Waseca County Fair on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Erica Forsyth covered in hair at the county fair

The afternoon of Saturday, July 11, Waseca Public Library staff member Erica Forsyth demonstrated the centuries-old art of “spinning,” the process of winding loose fibers together so that they become yarn. Her demonstration took place in the Waseca County Historical Society’s Hodgson Hall. ...

MSHSL physicals

As the 2026-27 school year approaches, the Waseca High School Activities Office would like to remind families that Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) athletic physicals are required for all students entering 7th and 10th grade who plan to participate in school-sponsored athletics....

SWING BIG - Jacey Jensen took a swing at the Waseca Hockey Association's free goalie challenge for a chance to win prizes at the Waseca County Fair, Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Goalie challenge draws potential players

Next to the Bingo tent at the Waseca County Fairgrounds was a tent set up for a hockey challenge and raffle. Grant and Jen Popp were volunteering on Saturday, July 11 with the hope they will raise funds for local area hockey teams and add players to their roster. Grant was sitting on a fold-up...

REAL LIFE EXPERIMENT: Teens Peyton Ross with “the planet’s funniest hypnotist” Freddie Justice. Pioneer photos by Deb Bently

Two teens test truth of hypnosis

Hypnotist Freddie Justice gave three performances on the free stage at the Waseca County Free Fair over the weekend of July 11 and 12. At least one of them drew a crowd of 70 or more–some of whom took seats before the show began, others of whom were drawn in to watch and ended up standing in a...