News

WINTER WONDERLAND - The 76th Waseca Sleigh and Cutter parade featured many horse-drawn units on the snowy streets of Waseca on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Waseca Sleigh and Cutter

For the seventy-sixth time, the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter parade brought horse-drawn units of many different kinds to the streets of Waseca on Saturday, Feb. 28. Sleigh and Cutter committee president Scott Roemhildt reports there were 32 units in this year’s parade. Based on preregistration...

Dave Dunn received the 2026 Don Eustice Memorial Award for Community Service on Jan. 26.

Dave Dunn believes good deeds are their own reward

Wasecan Dave Dunn, the recipient of the 2026 “Don Eustice Memorial Award for Community Service,” says he is flattered and touched by the recognition. The award was presented to him as a surprise during the Jan. 26 banquet of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. “I firmly believe...

SNOW FUN - From left: Steve Hale with his grandson, Breck Joseph Howard, won

the "Best Unrestored" snowmobile title with their 1972 Arctic Cat Panther "family heirloom" at the annual Sno-Secas Vintage Snowmobile show at Southside Marine on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

Vintage Snowmobile show sees blanket of white

The eighth annual Vintage Snowmobile Show took place at Southside Marine on Saturday, Feb. 28. The event is usually held on Clear Lake, but moved to Southside because warm weather had made the ice unsuitable. The venue was changed to the parking lot, where about 4 inches of snow collected on the...

Joan Meyr and Roger Frederick on the dance floor during the Sleigh and Cutter dinner and dance. Roger was 10 years old when he rode on one of the units in the very first Sleigh and Cutter parade 76 years ago.

Sleigh and Cutter Dinner and Dance

The Waseca VFW was near capacity the evening of Feb. 27 for the dinner and dance sponsored by the Sleigh and Cutter Association. Along with music from local band Los T, the evening featured the announcement of this year’s mystery individual, “Frosty,” who turned out to be county...

The Elementary Olympics have been a tradition at NRHEG since 1994. An opening ceremony included a "torch" and a parade of participants representing various countries. During the two weeks of the international olympic games, physical education classes incorporated activities meant to simulate competitive events. Fifth-graders visited a curling center and learned more about the sport.

NRHEG Elementary Olympics focus on sportsmanship

The NRHEG Elementary Olympics have been a tradition since physical education teacher Bruce Wolfgram began them in 1994. Current phy ed teachers Beth Schoenrock and Wendy Schultz say they are pleased with this year’s version of the event, and feel a certain pride to have completed the...

FOOD, WITH THANKS - The Waseca High School FFA offered a pancake and sausage breakfast the morning of Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The free meal was an expression of thanks to local farmers, businesses, and individuals who help support the FFA in Waseca County.

Waseca FFA thank you breakfast honors FFA week

About 80 guests attended a free pancake and sausage breakfast at the high school in celebration of National FFA Week the morning of Friday, Feb. 27. The event was sponsored by the Waseca Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter in celebration of National FFA Week. About 15 FFA members served as...

New Richland area resident Randy Lewer retired on Dec. 31, 2025, after more than 40 years with the U.S. Postal Service.

Former postmaster reviewing options now that he's retired

After more than 40 years with the U.S. Postal Service, lifelong New Richland area resident Randy Lewer retired on Dec. 31, 2025, finishing 20 years of service as the zip code’s postmaster. The son of farmers Orlin and Ruth, Lewer still operates the small farm northeast of New Richland that...

KOWZ UPDATES - L to R: City Manager Carl Sonnengerg, Cory Harguth of KOWZ Radio, and Waseca Chamber President Mikhail Rostislavovich.

Waseca leaders share community updates on KOWZ Radio

Community members tuning in to KOWZ Radio recently heard an in-depth conversation with Waseca Area Chamber President Mikhail Rostislavovich and Waseca City Manager Carl Sonnenberg as they provided updates on several key development projects shaping the future of Waseca. The discussion...

EXPRESSING ART - Grace Lutheran Church of Waseca held two Zentangle drawing classes, taught by Diane Harpster on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. To the right, an example of the half-moon design used in the class.

Grace Lutheran's Zentangle attracts 40

Two Zentangle classes the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Grace Lutheran Church of Waseca invited folks to use art as a path to calm reflection. Taught by certified Zentangle teacher Diane Harpster, classes drew nearly 40 artists who took advantage of the church’s decision to provide the...

LEGACY - Steve McLoone was one of Waseca’s best-known musicians. He became nationally known for his performance style and for writing and co-writing songs.

Famous Waseca Steve McLoone dies after lengthy, distinguished career

Steve McLoone, 72, one of Waseca’s best-known musicians, died Feb. 14 in the Twin Cities area. Raised in Waseca as the youngest of eight children in a family of musicians, McLoone was a member of the final graduating class of Sacred Heart High School in 1971. McLoone sang with a band for the...