News

Man found dead in county park

A 911 call reported Monday, July 10, that visitors to Courthouse Park in rural Waseca County had discovered the body of an apparently deceased male. Waseca County safety personnel responded at 4:52 p.m. Their investigation concluded that the 49-year-old male had died of a self-inflicted gunshot...

Waseca’s State Farm team members Debbie Rodriguez, Barb Draheim and Katie Gonzales with a cardboard cutout of the company’s iconic figure, Jake.

New State Farm agent

Katie (Schroeder) Gonzales can’t help thinking she is the benefactor of divine intervention. A 2012 Waseca High School graduate, she is finishing her training as a State Farm Insurance agent and will be leading the Waseca agency as of August 1. Gonzales had worked at two State Farm offices over...

Church ladies Pat Lewer and Connie Ruedy pause their duties to smile for the camera.

Otisco Ice Cream Social fulfills dual purpose

Neighbors and friends gathered to eat barbecue, beans, and delicious pie at the annual Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 9, at Otisco’s St. Peter Lutheran Church. The social lasted until the food was gone; the church’s ladies’ group visited with those in attendance while carrying out the work...

DESTINATION - Autum Acres farm co-owner Cheryl Bleess feels honored after a recent recognition from Mankato citizens.

Autumn Acres is recognized

Janesville’s Autumn Acres Farm has been widely recognized as a top local destination; it was ranked third in the “family fun” category of the Mankato Free Press “Best of Mankato 2023” reader poll. The top two finishers were the YMCA and the Wow!Zone, which are both located in Mankato. “It’s...

School district finances addressed

“Tonight’s discussion is intended to allow our board members to share where we are with our elementary facilities and our bond discussion.” Superintendent Eric Hudspith opened the July 6 work session by passing out several documents with recently updated information for board members to examine,...

Council invited to 'Explore Waseca'

The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) discussed the “Explore Waseca” project at the regular city council meeting Wednesday, July 5. Tina Wilson, Economic Development Manager and HPC board member, along with high school teacher John Hanson asked for the city council members’ support in ...

Rylie Cromwell and Nova, a black lab.

4-H dog shows

Participants (canine and human) of the Waseca County 4-H Dog Project had a chance to show off their hard work this weekend at the fairgrounds in the categories of dog obedience, showmanship, rally, and agility. The project classes meet once a week for one to two hours beginning in April,...

NR city council receives updates

Among the business transacted at the June 26 New Richland City Council meeting was the approval of closing North Cedar between Third and Fourth Streets on July 22 from 5-10 p.m. Also approved was a single capital charge for a property at 219 2nd St. NW due to the property no longer functioning as...

Bruce Robeck, John Ogler, Deb Otto, Kay Gottschalk, and Gary Gottschalk posed for a picture outside the food shelf, during service hours Thursday.

Food shelf in high demand

As the summer continues, the need for food and other necessities has increased in Janesville. The Janesville Community Food Shelf (JCFS), located in the back of Trinity Lutheran Church, responds to food insecurity in the community by opening its doors to those in need. The U.S. Department of...

PICNICKING - From left, Lonny Zell, Brittany and Amy Arndt, Betty Zell, Darlene Halstead, Darla Zell, Audrey and Marlin Rudolph enjoy each others’ company during the annual Whispering Creek event.

Whispering Creek has picnic

About 150 guests joined the residents of Whispering Creek in Janesville for the senior care facility’s annual outdoor family picnic event from 11 to 1 on Sunday, July 9. Those attending were treated to typical fare which included hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and the like. Large outdoor...