News

CORNERSTONE MEMORIES - The time capsule sealed in the cornerstone of Trinity Lutheran Church of Wilton included a surprising number of items given its dimensions, about 5 inches on each side and 10 inches tall. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Cornerstone reveals long-sealed memories

In recognition that Trinity Lutheran Church of Wilton will have a final service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 and then close, church leaders recently removed the time capsule that had been sealed in the church’s cornerstone during a July, 1950, ceremony. Roger Bahr, 90, is a lifelong member...

WELCOMING EDUCATORS - Twelve new teachers now on staff at seven different education sites in Waseca were introduced to community members during an Aug. 27 lunch sponsored by the Waseca Rotary Club. School leaders also shared information about projects and activities planned for the 2026-27 school year. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

New teachers begin year by meeting community members

During a luncheon sponsored by the Waseca Rotary Club on Aug. 27, 12 teachers new to Waseca’s schools had a chance to meet some members of the community; members of the Waseca Lions and Exchange Club also attended. The new staff have positions all around the community, including Waseca Community...

Grateful for four years

Four years ago, the Waseca County Pioneer was founded on a simple idea: a hometown deserves a hometown newspaper. In a county of fewer than 20,000 people living on about 430 square miles of land, we know firsthand that everyone is connected in one way or another, even despite the distance...

FINDING COMFORT - There was a special Quilts of Valor award ceremony for veterans left: David Lienke and Charles Meyer on the right during the Waldorf Days celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22. Pioneer photo by Jean Groskreutz

Quilts of Valor

Local veterans Charles Meyer and David Lienke were honored in a Quilts of Valor ceremony just before the parade during the Waldorf Days celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22. The two were draped in individualized handmade quilts and acknowledged with a standing ovation under the gazebo at the Veterans...

Bob Schneider

Bob Schneider named “Iron Man” by Twin Cities Golf

Waseca native Bob Schneider, a 1977 graduate of Waseca High School, recently achieved an “Iron Man” title from Twin Cities Golf for a Golf Quest of playing 204 different public golf courses in only 121 days. The courses are located in Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota;...

Curt Keyes

Curt Keyes seeks seat as district 4 commissioner

“As a commissioner, I would want to concentrate on representing the people of district 4 first and Waseca county as a collective board,” states Curt Keyes, who has filed to be on the Waseca County ballot for the District 4 commissioner seat currently held by De Malterer, a board member since...

WORTH REMEMBERING - "Playing Cops and other stories I tell fairly well" was written by Gary Eustice. The book is a collection of essays and short stories, many of which are true life accounts about Don Eustice, his time as sheriff, and his approach to enforcing the law.

“Playing Cops” shares stories of another time

What Gary Eustice remembers most is not how his father was killed, but how he lived. “My dad worked really hard to build a sense of community across all backgrounds. “He wanted to see people get along and support each other.” Gary is the second of nine children born to Don and Esther...

City awards contract, honors high school athletes

During their meeting the evening of Aug. 18, members of the Waseca council awarded the bid for general contractor services for construction, modification, and installation of the new aeration blowers at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to Winona Mechanical for just under $260,000. Mayor Randy...

Council considers fines for repeat nuisance notices

During the Tuesday, Aug.18 Waseca city council meeting, council members considered a proposal by city manager Carl Sonnenberg regarding whether the city should impose fines when residents repeatedly fail to respond to “nuisance” requests. City code lists nuisances as behaviors or activities...

OAK & RYE - Katey and Kathy Witt of Oak & Rye Farm were selling their flowers and discussing produce with Randy Peterson at the Waseca Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Oak & Rye is "two farm girls doing their thing”

The rain stopped just in time for the Saturday, Aug. 29 Waseca Farmers Market. Despite a forecast calling for more precipitation, the clouds cleared up so those at the market saw the sun peek through around 9 a.m. With the threat of rain, there were a few less vendors at the fairgrounds....