News

RED, WHITE AND FUN - The 2026 Lakefest Boat Parade at Clear Lake Park took place on Saturday, July 4. Right, the Discover Waseca Tourism boat was a patriotic fest. Pioneer photos by Ben Revermann

Boat Parade brings patriotism, creativity

The 2026 Lakefest Boat Parade took place in front of Clear Lake Park on our nation’s 250th birthday, this past July 4, 2026. The beach was full of cheering Fourth of July celebrants who came to watch the show and take a dip in the lake. Prizes were given in numerous categories: Taking first in...

Jessie Niño, who graduated from Waseca High School in 2009, now makes his living by producing a YouTube Channel named "Jessie's Drone Adventures." He is shown here with a plaque YouTube provides to creators who reach 100,000 viewers, and with his drone and its remote control. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Beloved hobby leads to enviable employment

“I never pictured myself doing this,” admits Jessie Niño. “But I’m glad it worked out this way.” Even since before graduating from Waseca High School in 2009, Niño had begun a YouTube channel. “It was always just a way to have some fun,” he recalls. He would carry around a handheld camera,...

Jake Lieser was on the winner’s podium three times during the national Special Olympics competition in the Twin Cities in June. He is pictured here at a surprise reception held in his honor on June 30 by the Waseca Exchange Club, of which he is a member. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

National competition is special in every way for Wasecan Lieser

There were many things Jake Lieser knew he would be experiencing as he took part in the national-level Special Olympics competition held from June 20 to 26 in the Twin Cities. He knew he would see old friends and make new ones. He knew the atmosphere would be one of friendly acceptance and...

RACING TO THE END - The 40th annual Bob Childs Elysian Turtle Races were held on July 4, with many contestants armed with five-gallon pails with painted turtles. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Elysian turtle races feature finest turtles

There was excitement in the air at the 40th annual Bob Childs Elysian Turtle Races along main street on the 250th anniversary of America, Saturday, July 4, 2026. There were so many contestants carrying 5-gallon pails holding clawing, scratching, green painted turtles that the crowd was spilling...

HELPING THE HELPLESS - Aspyn Acres has rescued domestic animals and rehabilitated wild animals.

Apsyn Acres authorized to take in fawns

Aspyn Acres, located north of Waseca, has a “split” personality. The 15-acre facility owned and operated by lifelong area resident Chasity Haslip, has pens, buildings and open areas where rescued domestic animals including goats, sheep, and all manner of fowl can live out their days in...

HOOTING GOOD TIME - Aspyn Acres Wildlife Rescue & Farm Sanctuary will receive ten percent of Andrew’s Pro Clean net sales in July.

Owatonna business donating ten percent to Aspyn Acres

Andrew's Pro Clean, a locally owned carpet, tile, upholstery, leather, commercial floor, and area rug cleaning company based in Owatonna, is helping a Waseca county sanctuary this July after a family visit left an impression. Throughout the month of July, Andrew's Pro Clean will donate ten...

INTEGRATED ACCESS - Waseca County commissioners (from left) Brad Milbrath, Brian Harguth, Brad Krause, De Malterer, and Doug Christopherson greeted visitors and answered questions about the planned new county justice center during two open house sessions on Tuesday, June 30. Also greeting visitors was Minnesota House District 19B Representative Tom Sexton, who has helped support the project in numerous ways. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Open house offers an open book on new justice center

Traffic was light for the two open house sessions at the Waseca County Courthouse Annex on June 30 when county commissioners, the county sheriff, facilities director Brian Tomford and county administrator Michael Johnson stood ready to supply information and answer questions about the $28 million...

BAKED GOODS - To celebrate America's 250th birthday, Mackenzie Johnson of Owatonna, her four daughters and mother, and her sourdough stand, "Baked on 15th" attended the Waseca Farmers Market on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Baked on 15th makes its debut at Waseca Farmers' Market

Mackenzie Johnson, the proprietor of “Baked on 15th” set up a booth at the Waseca Farmers’ Market for the first time the morning of July 4. Johnson, 28, sells sourdough and baked treats from a stand located along 15th Street NE in Owatonna. “We stock it three Fridays a month at 2 p.m.,” she...

UNFURLING HONOR - It took 32 people to support the 48-star flag owned by the Waseca County Historical Society when it was opened to its full size the morning of Monday, June 29. The flag was measured to be 36 feet long and 19 feet high. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Opening giant flag requires 32 pairs of hands

About 20 Waseca area veterans gathered on the county fairgrounds June 29 for an unusual type of honor guard. The group had volunteered to unroll, measure, and assess the gigantic 48-star flag discovered by the Waseca County Historical Society (WCHS). Society leaders wanted to know if there...

HUFF AND PUFF - The Waseca Community Education Children's Summer Theater's production of "Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother" happened at the Waseca High School's Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday, June 26 & 27, 2026. Pioneer photo by Juniper Revermann

Despite confusion, Cinderella play provides happy ending

The Waseca Community Education Children’s Summer Theater, in conjunction with the Waseca Drama Department presented Waseca’s Little Rascals in “Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy Godmother” on Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27. This play was directed by teacher/advisor Karen Pfarr Anderson...