News

Local students receive academic recognitions

Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, has announced its 2025 fall semester honors lists. The President’s List includes 333 students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 to 4.0 while enrolled for at least 12 credits. Central Lakes College is a comprehensive community and technical...

FUN AND GAMES - The children of Mrs. FitzSimmons' kindergarten class at Sacred Heart School took time out from their memory game for a photo on Friday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Sacred Heart gets set for Catholic Schools Week

Sacred Heart School has an important week coming up starting Sunday, Jan. 25 in celebration of Catholic Schools Week. With different themes for every day of the week, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The mission of Sacred Heart School is: “To promote life-long learning and Christ...

CERTIFIED RESPONDERS - Local students received their Emergency Medical Responders Certificate of Attendance on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at the Janesville Fire Hall. Pictured from left: Janesville Fire Chief Mike Santo, Brayden and Zachery Blasing, Gavin Loken, Raylen Blasing, Dylan Hood, Lily Quast, Dustyn Hill, Jason Wheelock, Tyler Schmahl.

JWP students take first steps toward public service

There was a large gathering at the Janesville Fire Hall in the early morning of Wednesday, Jan. 14, attended by Janesville Fire Chief Mike Santo; Executive Director of the South-Central EMS Regional Program Mark Griffith; Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas; and Mankato Fire Training Captain Jay...

Mikhail Rostislavovich

New resident gives a lifetime of service

The Waseca Exchange Club has chosen Mikhail Rostislavovich the recipient of the prestigious Book of Golden Deeds, an honor reserved for individuals whose selfless service and lasting contributions help build a stronger, more connected community. The Book of Golden Deeds recognizes those who...

MEET THE BOARD - The NRHEG School board held its annual organizational session the evening of Jan. 5. For 2026, the board chair is Rick Schultz (front center); vice chair is Loren Schoenrock (front right); clerk is Terri Engel (front left); treasurer is Pat Theuer (standing at left). Remaining board members are (standing, from center) Kelly Delacruz, Amy Ihrke and (not pictured) Aaron Phillips.

NRHEG plans for year; considers budget

During their Jan. 5 organizational meeting, members of the NRHEG school board reinstated the same slate of officers as during 2025: chair, Rick Schultz; vice chair, Loren Schoenrock; clerk, Terri Engel; treasurer, Pat Theuer. Board members will also receive the same compensation as in 2025...

OVERWHELMING ART - Artist Steve DeLaitsch at work on the mural underway north of Ace Hardware along Waseca's Second Street Northwest.

Grain bin mural demands talent, effort and skill

In his time, Waseca artist Steven DeLaitsch has painted more than 15 murals. So when his brother-in-law Mike Denn asked Steve whether he could paint a mural that would extend across two large steel bins, he said his answer was a confident "of course." The two of them had a 3-year dialogue before...

After the Jan. 6 organizational session, De Malterer, front left, is the chair of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners; vice chair is Brad Krause, center. Remaining board members are Brad Milbrath (far right), Doug Christopherson, in gray, and Brian

Harguth (far left).

County board gets set for coming year

During their Jan. 6 meeting, Waseca County commissioners elected De Malterer as this year’s board chair, with Brad Krause as vice chair. At the recommendation of property and election services director Tammy Spooner, the Waseca County Pioneer was named as the official county publication for...

DECORATED - Ed Frederick earned many awards throughout his years of leadership and service.

Cultivating a legacy

Dr. Edward “Ed” Frederick, a lifelong advocate for agriculture, education, and community service, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 95. He was preparing for his day when he died, a fitting final moment for a man who never stopped showing up, learning, and serving. Ed grew up...

Council honors runner-up Blue Jays

It was standing room only at the regular Waseca city council meeting the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 6. Every seat was taken by members of the Waseca high school Blue Jay football team, there to hear Mayor Randy Zimmerman share a proclamation honoring their accomplishments during the 2025 State...

CHALLENGE OF THE BELLS - The winner of the "Battle of the Badges" bell-ringing challenge held Dec. 6 was the Waseca County Salvation Army, which benefited from six hours of fundraising outside the Waseca Walmart by teams representing the Waseca police department, the county sheriff's office and posse, and the Waseca fire department. The sheriff's office was the most successful group, bringing in more than $2,300. Pictured here, from left, are Chief Deputy Doug Gerdts, sheriff's posse member Shalee White, county Salvation Army chair John Petersburg, Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas, and posse member Jadyn White.

Contest raises $4,000 for Salvation Army

More than $4,000 was raised for the Waseca County chapter of the Salvation Army during a bell-ringing competition among the Waseca police department, Waseca County sheriff’s office, and the Waseca fire department held in front of the Waseca Walmart store on Saturday, Dec. 6. The three...