News

SWEET FUN - Owner/operator of Strawberries-N-Creme Kelly Miller (center) with servers Sadie Schimming, left, and Chelsia Eneboe during the Waseca County Fair. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Strawberries-N-Creme, Loon Lake Tea feed the fair

It seems sticking to values of down-to-earth simplicity can lead to a lot of complications. At least, that might be one point fair vendors Kelly Miller and John Gotz, owners of the Strawberries-N-Creme and Loon Lake Iced Tea businesses at the Waseca County Fair might share. Strawberries -N-...

Coffee with Sexton teaches website navigation

There was another installment of Coffee with Tom Sexton at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce offices on Friday, July 17. During a session of Coffee with Tom Sexton on Friday, July 17, Representative Sexton took it upon himself to guide those in attendance how to properly navigate the Minnesota...

PIES POSSESSION - St. Peter Lutheran Church of Otisco held their Ice Cream Social over dinner on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Pictured counterclockwise: Cameron, Sadie, Kassandra, Ada, Alyssa, Pat, and Glen Bathke. Pioneer photos by Ben Revermann

Ice Cream social has a peaceful setting

The St. Peter Lutheran Church of Otisco held their annual Ice Cream Social over the dinner hour on Sunday, July 19. The good Lord provided plenty of sunshine and a light wind for a peaceful summer dinner. Harlan Gekeler was taking free-will donations, serving began at 4 p.m. but he said, “I...

Board introductions, plan updates given

Superintendent Eric Hudspith opened the Waseca school board’s July business meeting by introducing Carlo Driessen to the board. Driessen, a junior, will be joining returning senior Violet Rohwer as student representatives at school board meetings. Hudspith gave his monthly update on the...

EXCITING REMEMBRANCE - The New Richland-Hartland Class of 1971 met at the Willows on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for a whole day of activities during the New Richland Farm and City Days weekend. 14 classmates have passed away, and 19 classmates attended. With spouses, 30 total were in attendance.

Front row: Bill Robran, Carol (Westland) Peterson, Lynn (Proehl) Hall. Second row: Gordie Nelson, Blaine Lewer, Neil K. Berg, Vicki (Jesson) Windfeldt , Jerry Kroeger, Jerry Demmer, Jim Possin, Jane (Zellweger) Bluhm, and Chuck Rosacker. Back row: Jim Loken, Roz (Bach) Krook , Mike Matthies, Joan (Arneman) Anderson, Mitch Routh, and Dennis Winegar.

Class of 1971 holds 55th reunion

There was a reunion for the New Richland-Hartland (NR-H) Cardinal Class of 1971 at The Willows on Saturday, July 18. The consolidation of the former New Richland-Hartland (NR-H) and Ellendale-Geneva districts created NRHEG School District #2168 in 1992. Organized by co-chair’s Jane Bluhm...

BEST SHOT - Brenda Morris, Dianne Johns, Penny Hagen and Susan Corton that golfed at Riverview Golf Course on July 15 for the 4 Gal Best Shot Outing. Penny Hagen was largely responsible for coordinating the event. Pioneer photo by Melanie Piltingsrud

4 Gal Best Shot Outing draws 60 players

Is there a better way to spend a sweltering July day other than golfing at the local course? Why, sure: golfing with 59 of your girlfriends. That's just what Penny Hagen coordinated at Riverview Golf Course on Wednesday, July 15. The 80-acre course saw 15 teams of four ladies each, gathered...

Financing costs considered for construction

During their July 7 meeting, members of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation honoring all individuals from the county who take part in Special Olympics. Named specifically in the proclamation was Jake Lieser, a Waseca athlete who earned two gold medals and one silver...

Surrounded by family and friends, Vada Dahnert celebrated her ninetieth birthday at a luncheon held at Waseca's Faith United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Vada Dahnert celebrates 90 years

Local resident Vada Dahnert was the guest of honor at a 90th birthday celebration thrown for her at Waseca’s Faith United Methodist Church over the luncheon hour on Sunday, July 12. The many well-wishers were not only able to greet and congratulate her, but also to enjoy delicious food and cake...

Council approves downtown walkway project

During their July 7 meeting, members of the Waseca City Council approved spending about $180,000 to restore and renovate the “downtown walkway” area in the 100-block of North State Street. Restoration Services of Faribault will be refurbishing the walls along the north and south sides of the...

SPINNING FUN - Erica Forsythe was conducting a spinning wheel demonstration at Hodgson Hall during the Waseca County Fair on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Erica Forsyth covered in hair at the county fair

The afternoon of Saturday, July 11, Waseca Public Library staff member Erica Forsyth demonstrated the centuries-old art of “spinning,” the process of winding loose fibers together so that they become yarn. Her demonstration took place in the Waseca County Historical Society’s Hodgson Hall. ...