News

Fitch to leave Chamber at the end of 2024

Waseca, MN – September 18, 2024 – After six years of dedicated service, Ann Fitch will step down as Executive Director of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce at the end of 2024. Her tenure has been marked by transformative leadership, community advocacy, and unwavering commitment to advancing...

Russell and Marie Tesch, both 82, have enjoyed bicycling as a lifelong hobby. The side by side bicycle helped when Marie experienced problems with balance; electric enhancements added this spring have allowed the couple to continue enjoying their frequent bicycle rides. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Tesch family rolling along

“We’ve always loved bike riding,” observes Russell Tesch. “It’s a great way to be outdoors, see nature, and get some exercise.” Both 82, he and Marie, who have been married for 63 years, share special memories of their decades-long tradition of visiting the Lanesboro area of southern Minnesota...

At the Waseca Area Foundation celebration in Waseca's Northeast Park on Sept. 19, diners enjoyed live music from Whiskey Whiskers while choosing among menu items offered by Tacos La Reyna, Kelm's BBQ and Polly's Pantry Treats.

Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Three-and-a-half decades celebrated

Despite the rainy weather, the Waseca Area Foundation held its 35-year anniversary at Waseca’s Northeast Park in Waseca the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 19. Representatives from the Janesville (JAF) and New Richland Area (NRAF) Foundations were there to help out as well. So was the live band...

From left: Mark Griffith, Sarah Sundve and teacher Holly Pederson during the NRHEG mock crash staged near the NRHEG secondary school on Friday, Sept. 20. Ian Riskedahl played the part of a crash victim, but stepped out of character for the sake of the picture. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

NRHEG Mock car crash goes off without a hitch

Students from the NRHEG secondary school took some time away from their classes the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 20 to view a “Mock Car Crash” arranged by staff from the New Richland ambulance and fire departments, the Ellendale ambulance crew, the Waseca County Sheriff’s office and Bonnerup...

Sandi Prange, owner of Past & Present in Waseca, in the process of changing the decor in her specialty shop from late summer to early fall. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

27 years at Past and Present

“Past and Present” is a cozy little shop on the west side of North State Street, just past its intersection with Eleventh Avenue. Upon entering, the visitor is met with the smell of home-baked goods or floral scents, along with the peaceful sound of water fountains at the entry. Sandi Prange...

All the participants in the Quacks and Cure-alls trivia contest enjoyed popcorn, beverages, and equal parts of confusion and humor as they answered questions about bizarre forms of medicine offered during the 1920s and '30s.

Pioneer photos by Deb Bently

‘Quacks and Cure-alls’ contest full of fun, humor

About 20 people gathered at the Waseca County Historical Society (WCHS) the evening of Sept. 19 to take part in the Society’s special event built around their current exhibit. On display in the museum are items ranging from elaborately formed stoppered bottles to needles and stethoscopes to a...

37th Annual Marching Classic set for Saturday

“Our focus is to provide an educational and fun day for high school marching band students and to make this a community event,” says Mary Williams, a member of the Waseca Marching Classic Committee. This year’s Classic is Saturday, Sept. 21. Mary and her husband Jack Williams have been active...

WHO WILL REIGN? — Candidates for this year’s Waseca Homecoming Court, front from left: Kendall Bowers, Lexi Kanewischer, Addison Pfeifer, Sophie Chanra, Lucia Mansfield and Mia Kanewischer. Back from left: Joseph Mixteco-Perez, Ben Hagen, Damarius Russell, Tauston Rupe, Braydon Hoof and Carson Ohnstad. Coronation will be Thursday September 26 at 7:30 p.m.

2024 WHS Royalty

Waseca Homecoming 2024 kicks off next week. Coronation is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 26 at Waseca high school, when royalty will be crowned based on a vote of the student body grades 9-12. The new king and queen will reign over homecoming activities including the parade scheduled to...

Elaina Berg, 7, was busy painting her rock for arts and crafts

at the Sacred Heart Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Hundreds attend annual Fall Festival

Well over 700 people attended the events and activities of the Sacred Heart Church annual Fall Festival the weekend of Sept. 13, 14 and 15. As usual, the street in front of the church was closed to traffic and covered over by a giant tent. Activities took place there and in other locations on the...

Deb and Wally Werling in the convertible they will be riding in during this week's parade. They are wearing hats given to them by the Rochester Lourdes High School marching band, a group for whom they have served as event hosts many times.

Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Werlings are Classic’s Grand Marshals

“Whatever they need, we try to help them out,” comments Wasecan Wally Werling who, with his wife Deb, has served as a “host” to visiting bands during the Marching Classic. The Werlings were named this year’s grand marshals for the Classic’s parade, scheduled to begin at noon this Saturday in...