News

ARTISTS - Young painters Joya Paczkowski and Alexis Olson prepare to learn new techniques during the Watercolor Pansy class at the Waseca Art Center on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

Watercolor pansy class

Local artist Cherie Jacobson has recently taught two different classes at the Waseca Art Center (WAC) including one which gave class members tips on how to paint a pansy flower in watercolor, held the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 4. Jacobson had a gallery display at the WAC this past October...

Janesville Business Challenge enters phase two with five entries

The Janesville Business Challenge for 2026 is well underway with five different applicants competing for a prize worth over $20,000 for any business opened before December 31 to encourage new businesses and growth. The deadline for phase one of this contest was Feb. 2. Applicants were...

TINY BUILDERS - Wilfred Jones, accompanied by his parents Jesika and Dustin were among the many children enjoying the Lego Story Hour at the Waseca Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Kids build on 'cool car' storyline at a Feb. 7 library event

During a Lego Story Time hour at the Waseca Public Library the morning of Saturday, Feb. 7, the room was split between 8 excited children who ranged in ages from four to six and the eight accompanying adults who brought them. The format of the event begins with the adults and children...

Lindsay and Michael Johnson shortly after Michael received an award as the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce “Boss of the Year.” Michael has been the Waseca County Administrator since February of 2020.

Boss of the year

Waseca County administrator Michael Johnson says he regards his recently acquired title as the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce “Boss of the Year” as “an award of shared achievements.” That’s pretty much exactly what county commissioner De Malterer predicted he would say. “There is a whole...

LEADERSHIP HONORED - Local individuals were recognized for outstanding contributions to the Waseca area community during a banquet sponsored by the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce the evening of Jan. 26.

Waseca organizations honor service

More information about each of the honorees mentioned here will be provided in individual articles to be published in future editions of the Waseca County Pioneer. Watch for more information about each of these extraordinary individuals over the next few weeks. During an awards program and...

Aeration replacements approved, interchange discussed

During their meeting the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 20, Waseca city council members approved a bid of nearly $650,000 from APG Neuros to replace the current aeration blowers. The equipment currently in place has been in use since 2009 at the city wastewater treatment plant, and are no longer...

WHAT A RIDE - Terry Huber, Vice President of the Waseca Sno-Secas posed in front of one of his classic rebuilt snowmobiles at the 60 Years of Herter's Snowmobile and Ride on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

Waseca Sno-Secas put on a 'cool' show

A snowmobile show celebrating 60 years of the former local business Herter’s, took place at Southside Marine and More the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 30. There were classic and antique snowmobiles; everyone was kept warm with a wood fire and a diesel warmer outside. Even more machines and other...

FAITHFUL HELPERS - Pictured from left: Mandi Root, Linda Cone, Sheila Root, Jeanette Williams, Linda Seifert, Lola Owen, Wyatt Arndt and Marsha Vollbrecht were helping out at the VFW breakfast on behalf of the St. Paul's Lutheran mission trip.

VFW helps mission get to Puerto Rico

An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Sweet-Sommers VFW on Sunday, Jan. 25, was held to support a mission trip being sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. About 65 people had come through the line by 11:30 a.m. Right inside the door to the VFW, the Commander of the place, Darnell...

County moves forward on local sales tax

During a Jan. 26 meeting, county board members began the process of seeking authority to impose a sales tax of .375 percent, or nearly 4 cents on every $100 spent on taxable goods within its borders. Before being imposed probably sometime in 2027, the tax must first be approved by the state...

BORDER BATTLE - The Mill Event Center featured a youth wrestling tournament invovling the Waseca Bluejays, Waterville Grizzlies and a lot of success.

WEM/JWP Grizzlies Youth Wrestling

The Mill Event Center in Waseca was buzzing with energy as the Waseca Bluejays and Waterville Grizzlies squared off in a one-of-a-kind youth wrestling showdown that felt more like a Friday night main event than a typical tournament. Hosted by the Waseca Wrestling Club, the Highway 14 Border...