News

WORTH REMEMBERING - "Playing Cops and other stories I tell fairly well" was written by Gary Eustice. The book is a collection of essays and short stories, many of which are true life accounts about Don Eustice, his time as sheriff, and his approach to enforcing the law.

“Playing Cops” shares stories of another time

What Gary Eustice remembers most is not how his father was killed, but how he lived. “My dad worked really hard to build a sense of community across all backgrounds. “He wanted to see people get along and support each other.” Gary is the second of nine children born to Don and Esther...

City awards contract, honors high school athletes

During their meeting the evening of Aug. 18, members of the Waseca council awarded the bid for general contractor services for construction, modification, and installation of the new aeration blowers at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to Winona Mechanical for just under $260,000. Mayor Randy...

Council considers fines for repeat nuisance notices

During the Tuesday, Aug.18 Waseca city council meeting, council members considered a proposal by city manager Carl Sonnenberg regarding whether the city should impose fines when residents repeatedly fail to respond to “nuisance” requests. City code lists nuisances as behaviors or activities...

OAK & RYE - Katey and Kathy Witt of Oak & Rye Farm were selling their flowers and discussing produce with Randy Peterson at the Waseca Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Pioneer photo by Ben Revermann

Oak & Rye is "two farm girls doing their thing”

The rain stopped just in time for the Saturday, Aug. 29 Waseca Farmers Market. Despite a forecast calling for more precipitation, the clouds cleared up so those at the market saw the sun peek through around 9 a.m. With the threat of rain, there were a few less vendors at the fairgrounds....

Waseca County law enforcement officers participate in the statewide "Toward Zero Deaths" initiative, meant to reduce accidents--especially accidents leading to fatalities. Officers sign up for extra shifts during which they raise public awareness regarding various aspects of safe driving by issuing tickets or performing traffic stops during which they remind drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, failure to use seat belts, and more.

Toward Zero Deaths has local impact

Under a special statewide program, Waseca County Sheriff deputies spend as much as 20 hours in some months on patrols designated to watch for specific driving dangers—for example, speeding, driving under the influence, failure to use seat belts or car seats, and hands-free violations. As...

A wide variety of gigantic kites were in the air behind the Waseca Intermediate School the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 22. The display was managed by Great American Kites and Events and arranged for by the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Festival. Dozens of people at a time came and went during the four-hour presentation which featured kites up to 40 feet long.

Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Giant kites decorate Waseca’s skies

Thanks to funding from the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Festival, an average of 20 oversize kites drifted lazily above the western grounds of the Waseca Intermediate School the afternoon of Aug. 22. More than one “kiter” proclaimed the winds ideal for flying the oversized fabric sculptures. “I...

Kenny and Marla Rohl were "young kids" when Kenny was drafted for service in Korea and Japan in 1954. Their first child was born shortly before Kenny left. Another was born while he was in Japan. This December, the two of them will have been married 73 years. Kenny is scheduled to take part in a North Star Freedom Honor Flight in September. At left, Kenny during his military service. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

Honor flight inspires local veteran to reflect

“I sobbed when we dropped him off,” remembers Marla Rohl. “I just didn’t know how I was going to make it.” Kenny Rohl’s draft number came up in 1954: Like it or not, he was headed to Korea to serve in the U.S. Army. His wife was due to deliver a baby in a few weeks. “When I told them...

Teresa Suek was one of the several members of the Waldorf Petal Pushers who distributed seeds during the Waldorf Days parade the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 22. Pioneer photo by Deb Bently

A perfect Waldorf weekend

Visitors to Waldorf this past weekend found the city jam packed with music, food, entertainment and just about everything a person could want for a wild weekend. The annual Waldorf Days celebration was well attended as it took place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Smiles and community spirit were...

Event celebrates personality, character of Don Eustice

According to family members, the Don Eustice Memorial Event set to take place at the county fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 5, is designed to emphasize community and community connections because those were a priority for Sheriff Don Eustice, who was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 4, 1976...

Keith Allen, State Representative for District 19A, which within Waseca County includes Alton, Blooming Grove, Iosco and Janesville townships, visited with members of the Waseca County Board during their meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Allen, standing to the immediate right of the flag, is pictured here with commissioners (from left) Brian Harguth, Doug Christopherson, De Malterer, Brad Krause and Brad Milbrath. Photo by Deb Bently

County gives levy a sharp look

For the past few months commissioner “work sessions,” which are typically scheduled as needed on Tuesday mornings prior to the 9:30 board meeting, have centered around arriving at a preliminary tax levy amount to be collected during 2027. Commissioners have heard from department heads who...