News

County EDA seeks to publicize its benefits

“I want to see people benefit from these programs,” stated Waseca County Economic Development Authority (EDA) member Patti Schuch. “How can we make sure they know they’re available?” The programs Schuch is speaking about include low-interest loans, assistance learning about opportunities...

Board sets preliminary levy at 2%

September is School Board Recognition Month. Superintendent Eric Hudspith presented his proposed 2026-2027 performance goals to the board during the September 17 business meeting. The goals, which mirror the district’s strategic plan, are part of the superintendent evaluation completed by board...

Shown here about two-thirds of the way through construction, the 165-foot-diameter grain bin being built at Guardian Energy near Janesville already dwarfs the 1-million bushel capacity bin standing next to it. When complete, the new bin will be the world's largest, capable of holding 2.2 million bushels. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Grain bin in county will be world’s largest

A grain bin currently being built by J & D Construction of Montevideo, MN at the Guardian Energy ethanol plant near Janesville will have a capacity of 2.3 million bushels, making it the world’s largest–outsizing each of two 2.2 million bushel bins in Mason City, Iowa. J & D salesman...

Denny Hoehn, Sandy and Randy Prange, Wes Ruedy, Ed Hoehn, Bruce Tappe and Roger Ockwig were the cooks for the Heroes Appreciation Breakfast at the Waseca American Legion on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Pioneer photos by Ben Revermann

Waseca Legion helps feed New Richland First Responders

The Waseca Legion held a Hero’s Appreciation Breakfast on Sunday Sept. 20. This all-you-can-eat event was held to honor those who serve our community, including law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical providers, first responders and medical personnel. All heroes ate for free. Mike...

NRHEG fifth-graders took part in Farm and Home Safety Day at the Waseca County fairgrounds on Sept. 15. The day included a chance to see a medi-vac helicopter as well as a variety of safety presentations. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Farm Bureau Safety Day educates area youth

About 280 local fifth-graders took part in safety-related conversations and activities during the Farm Bureau Farm and Home Safety Camp the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 15, according to organizer Debbie Roemhildt. Students from the Janesville public school system, New Richland-Hartland-...

BEST OF SHOW - Morgan’s Meat Market earned Best of Show and Grand Champion Cooked Summer Sausage with their Morgan’s Old Fashioned Summer Sausage recipe. Pictured is Dean Morgan with his summer sausage on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Minnesota State Fair recognizes Morgan’s Meat Market

Old Fashion cooked summer sausage prepared by Morgan’s Meats of Waseca was named both “Grand Champion” and “Best of Show” at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. Dean Morgan, who, with his wife, Barb, owns Morgan’s Meat Market in Waseca, shares that the winning entry for the state fair was the...

DEDICATED SERVICE - Janesville area resident Dave Lienke has been a member of the Waseca County Sheriff’s Posse since 1976. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Dave Lienke describes 50 years with sheriff’s posse

Janesville area resident Dave Lienke joined the Waseca County Sheriff’s Posse in 1976 and has served continuously for the past 50 years. He says he was invited to join back then by Paul Stennes, who felt the posse needed additional members. Since expectations for membership included having a...

Theft of yard signs sabotages free speech

Waseca County DFL party chair Deb Hogenson wants people to consider the bigger picture. “Stealing yard signs is more than just a prank,” she states. “It’s interfering with free speech and with the democratic process.” County Republican party leader Robert Tackett observes, “Even when...

CARRIAGE RIDES - Lex Lewison, 22, and Jacob Sommers, 12, were manning the horse drawn carriage during the Fall Family Festival and Ice Cream Social. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Meriden Ice Cream Social draws energetic crowd

Between 150 and 175 people attended the Fall Family Festival and Ice Cream Social held over the lunch hour at St. Paul’s Church of Meriden on Sunday, Sept. 13. The day began with a 10 a.m. outdoor worship. An unusual offering for the day were horse-drawn wagon rides. Handlers Lex Lewison,...

Sacred Heart Festival to expand on tradition

This year’s Sacred Heart Fall Festival is set for the weekend of Sept. 18,19, and 20. This yearly event draws hundreds of visitors to a wide variety of activities and entertainment across its three-day run. As has been the case for decades, a giant white canopy tent will be set up over the street...