News

District vision cards discussed

The phrase “vision card” was introduced to the Waseca school district last fall by superintendent Eric Hudspith for use during the 2021-2022 school year. The district adopts a five-year strategic plan that is developed by the school board and lays out goals based on student needs. The current...

Banned book duo Ryan Estrada and Kim Hyun Sook. Photo by Haps Magazine

Waseca library hosts author-illustrator duo

At a virtual event Tuesday evening, the Waseca-LeSueur library system hosted married illustrator/author duo Ryan Estrada and Kim Hyun Sook who are located in Busan, South Korea but, thanks to modern technology, were able to discuss their graphic novel The Banned Book Club and the true story that...

Middle School Rules

Author Sean Jensen traveled around Waseca County’s public libraries on Thursday, July 21, to share his books with kids and families. His series, The Middle School Rules, features colorfully illustrated non-fiction narratives following professional athletes through the highs and lows of their...

Representatives of Waseca’s Catholic Daughters, from left, Sue Harguth, Linda Groh, and Lori Mikkelson stand with Mike Carlson, showing off newly fluffed pillows.

Fluffing for a good cause

By AMELIA ROESSLER Editorial Assistant A lot of pillows were cleaned last Saturday, August 6, at Sacred Heart as part of the Catholic Daughters fundraiser that went from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Professional Mike Carlson stationed his trailer near the church and offered his unusual service. Carlson’s...

Furry hope

With three decades of experience as a speech language pathologist, Laura Allen is the owner of Let’s SPEAK, LLC, an independent, animal-assisted practice based out of an office on her Janesville farm property. Allen has had this residence since 1994, when she married her late husband Bill Borneke...

SAXOPHONES - The Marching Jays’ saxophone section dressed all in blue as their color for the day. From left: Cyrus Guse, Tarun Ewest, Paige Dufault, Katie Olson, Ellery Waldron, Alyssa Kilmer, Madelyn Larabee, and Logan Reger. In front are Josie Perrizo and Kya Hoof.

Another week finished

The Marching Jays have just wrapped up week two of band camp. After ten days of working 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., they’ve learned a lot. Spat camp is a tradition going back to when the band first started more than 50 years ago. During the annual training event, band members spend the day on the field...

2021 audit report approved

Tom Olinger, accountant with Abdo Eick and Meyers, visited the Janesville council on Monday, August 8 to go over the city’s audit for 2021. Council member John Sprengeler was absent from the meeting. Olinger outlined how the city’s expenditures and funds looked compared to previous years. As a...

Gator Lake, THC dominate discussion

Two topics of conversation dominated the August 3 regular meeting of the Waseca City Council: the project underway in the Gator Lake area and a new state law regarding the use of THC in foods and beverages. Gator Lake/Public Comment Through 40 minutes of public comment and Gator Lake...

Arriving and departing - Andy Waugh, left, will be taking the reins at Ace Hardware in September. Cam Swanson, right, is leaving the manager position at the end of August.

Bidding farewell

The Waseca Ace Hardware store celebrated two “appreciations” in one on Friday, August 5: Departing manager Cam Swanson was honored for his four years of service, and store customers were thanked for their patronage and loyalty. Food catered by Morgan’s Meat Market was served from 10 to 2 p.m.. “...

Thousands of people have attended “revivals” hosted by the Nations Glory Barn in rural Waldorf.

Feeling a revival

For the last several years, JR’s Barn of rural Waldorf has made a name for itself as a prime location for weddings, parties, and other social gatherings. This summer the venue is also opening to the public in another way: ministry. Owner Renae Groskreutz wants the public to know that, in...