News

RINGING OF THE BELL - RINGING OF THE BELL - Jeanne Sexton, seen here with her husband Tom while ringing the bell which indicates a round of cancer treatment has been completed, has been diagnosed with and treated for two different types of cancer since 2022.

Jeanne Sexton faces two cancers

It was definitely a case of one thing after another. Long-time Waseca resident and Community Education swim coach Jeanne Sexton, 62, was diagnosed with “multiple myeloma," a cancer of the white blood cells, in October of 2022. Since white blood cells are among the chief warriors of the...

Board hears from coaches, advisors

During their Nov. 6 work session held at the high school, members of the Waseca school board heard from business teacher Sandy Schumacher who spoke about the Youth Service Learning (YSL) program. Schumacher, who has been leading YSL for eleven years, says this year’s class has 19 students. During...

Waseca artist Brad Donner with one of his favorite paintings now on display at the Waseca Art Center.

Brad Donner, Wildlife artist

For the next few weeks, visitors stopping by the Waseca Art Center will likely feel as if they are stepping into the great outdoors. Sculptor in wood Robin Warburton and painter Brad Donner have brought their true-to-life portrayals of natural settings and animals to the Center’s main...

From left, Exchange President Mihail Rostislavovich, Sheriff Jay Dulas, and Exchange Member Robin Dulas.

Sheriff spoke to Waseca Exchange on First Responders Appreciation Day

The Waseca Exchange Club proudly hosted Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas as guest speaker in honor of First Responders Appreciation Day. Sheriff Dulas shared valuable insight into the vital work of the Sheriff’s Office, the scope of its responsibilities, and the growing challenges faced by law...

Janesville Library session focuses on reading for adults

During an adult-oriented instructional class at the Janesville Public Library the evening of Monday, Nov. 3, participants created “To Be Read” (TBR) jars, a project intended to encourage reading and to hopefully inspire as many people as possible into literature related topics. Before the...

Chelsea Schnepf of Midwest Pastures was working the Winter Farmers Market at Farmamerica on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Midwest Pastures plans to expand menu

The first installment of a Waseca Winter Farmers Market being held indoors at Farmamerica took place the morning of Saturday, Nov. 8, inside the main building. Parked outside, under the white sky with just a few snowflakes beginning to fall, was a vendor by the name of Lucia’s Cocina, ready to...

Ceremony inducts 16 to National Honor Society

Membership in the NRHEG chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) grew by 16 the afternoon of Nov. 5 during a ceremony held near the end of the school day at the NRHEG Secondary school building in New Richland. High school seniors inducted are Olivia Johnson, Gabrielle Schlaak and Owen...

CONNECTIONS - New Richland area veteran Dale Baker discovered rich connections to history when he began studying the genealogy of his family. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Military service links generations of Baker family

A veteran who served in Korea and the son of a veteran who fought in World War II, New Richland area resident Dale Baker, 71, discovered in 2007 that his family is even more richly connected to the military than he had always realized. As he was helping sort through his mother’s papers...

HONORING SERVICE - Pam Quiram (left) and Stephanie Albert (right) have arranged with Theresa and Dean Grubstad, owners of the Red Leaf Cafe in New Richland, that any members of the New Richland American Legion can enjoy either breakfast or lunch at no cost to themselves on the second Tuesday of each month. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Couple shows appreciation in an 'appetizing' way

“It’s really only a small way of showing our appreciation,” comments Stephanie Albert. “New Richland is such a wonderful town, and the veterans are a big part of what helps make it special. “Buying them a meal now and then is barely anything compared to the sacrifices they made for us...

BLOOMING - Rick and Sheila Morris, owners of Waseca Floral held their annual open house on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Waseca Floral prepares for the holidays

Waseca Floral, one of Waseca’s longest-operating businesses, held its fifty-fourth annual open house on Saturday, Nov. 1. Upon arriving, visitors were met by a Christmas tree, holiday music, free cookies, cider, and owner Rick Morris. Dressed in a red/green flannel shirt and brown pants, he...