News

Tyler and Stephanie Huber were named Waseca's Farm Family of the year for 2026 during the annual Farm and City Luncheon.

Tyler and Stephanie Huber named Waseca's Farm Family of the year

Tyler Huber says he and his wife Stephanie feel honored by their recognition as the Waseca County Farm Family of the Year, particularly because they know they were selected from among “a community of strong farm families” who he believes are nearly all working hard and focusing effort on...

Sean Holmes, who farms in Freedom and Wilton Townships, is Waseca County's "Outstanding Young Farmer" for 2026. He is pictured here with his wife Tammi and their children Terrence (TJ) and Brianna.

Waseca's Outstanding Young Farmers

Sean and Tammi Holmes are the fourth generation of the Holmes family to own and work property in Freedom and Wilton Townships. They are glad to be teaching their children, T.J. and Brianna, to enjoy the “freedom at a price” which comes with living in the country. “We have a large yard,...

MASTERING THE MARSH - Numerous fire vehicles became stuck in the mud throughout the firefighting efforts, so the MN DNR’s MarshMaster arrived to reach the areas other equipment could not.

Fire chars 200 acres of area wildlife preserve

Twelve firefighting departments and about 100 firefighters assisted in controlling a blaze that charred about 200 acres of open grassland and marsh located east of Rice Lake in the Findlay Wildlife Management Area the evening of Thursday, April 16. The fire was first reported to the Waseca Fire...

BULLSEYE - Payton Smith, 10, raises her state tournament plaque above her head after taking first place in the cub female bowhunter freestyle class at the Minnesota State Archery Association indoor competition on April 11 and 12. Sixteen members of the Waseca Archery Club junior team took part, earning numerous first, second and third place wins.

Young local archers score well at state competition

Members of the Waseca Archery Club junior team scored exceptionally well at the Minnesota State Archery Association (MSAA) indoor tournament the weekend of April 11 and 12 in Hutchinson with 10 members taking first, second or third place in their divisions. According to the MSAA, the tournament...

FLAMINGO DREAMS - Anne Travis, owner of The Dreaming Flamingo, was just one of the numerous vendors who attended the BTO Event Center's 'Sip and Shop' happening in Janesville on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Janesville Sip-n-Shop Springtime Market has chilly start

The Janesville Springtime Market Sip-n-Shop took place during a sunny but chilly Saturday, April 18. Shoppers could see the work of crafters, vendors and bakers in one place, and sample some wine while they were at it. The event took place at the BTO Event Center at 130 North Main Street in...

Secret Service member speaks at Rotary Club, school

“It is–and it isn’t–what you see in the movies,” comments 2009 Waseca High School graduate Caleb Davies, whose post-secondary education in criminal justice led to his current career with the Secret Service. Davies provided presentations both at some Waseca High School classes and for the...

PANCAKES HERE - On behalf of the Waldorf Peppy Peppers, Jace, Nash, Kaisley,

Kenny, Marvin, Kendrick, and Kaeson were struggling against the wind to display a sign to attract passing motorists. They were advertising the group's pancake breakfast at the Waldorf Community Center on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Pioneer photos by Ben Revermann

Peppers offer 4-H pancake breakfast

More than 220 guests attended the Waldorf Peppy Peppers 4-H Club pancake breakfast at the community center on Sunday, April 12, with free will donations accepted. Proceeds go directly to the club and help kids go to camp and other club outings. Out in front of the community center were children...

CLASSIC TEXTILE - Waseca County Historical Society staff members pose with one of the four featured items from the current display, "This Old Thing." Pictured here with a 190-year-old wedding dress are (from left) Elizabeth Anselmo, Anna Simmons, Amy Danielson and Pauline Fenelon. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Historical Society display leads in diverse directions

“Think about it.” Perhaps the overwhelming message of the current display, “This Old Thing,” at the Waseca County Historical Society (WCHS) is that, rather than being entirely in the past, “history” has profound effects on our everyday actions and choices. Along with being a chronicle of...

Board hears new projects

During their regular business meeting on April 16, members of the Waseca school board heard from Junior-Senior High Principal Justin Johnston. Johnston spoke of the outstanding things students have achieved this year, highlighting senior Layla Keith who earned a full ride scholarship to St....

FOR THE COMMUNITY - The Grace Lutheran Women of the ELCA held a salad luncheon to a full house on Friday, April 17, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Grace Lutheran salad luncheon has community in mind

The Grace Lutheran Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) held a salad luncheon at their church along East Elm Avenue in Waseca on Friday, April 17. The dining room was nearly full to bursting with 75 guests within the first half hour. Linda Born, who was taking tickets...