Area communities observe National Night Out

The national Night to Unite was observed the evening of Aug. 4 in Waseca and New Richland on Tuesday night of August 4, 2026; Janesville’s observance was the evening of Aug. 6, in conjunction with a number of other events. This was a chance to get out and see the community, and become better acquainted with the public safety personnel who work to protect lives and property.

 

At every event, free food consisting of hot dogs, chips, and treats was offered. Along with that, the local fire department, emergency medical services, and law enforcement were present, inviting children to see inside police cars, fire trucks and the backs of ambulances, and offering activities which encouraged them to interact with safety workers. 

 

Jay Dulas, Waseca County Sheriff, said, “We want kids to be comfortable around emergency personnel. That way if something bad happens, they know the policemen and firemen are the good guys.” Dulas was able to attend the New Richland and Waseca events. 

 

The Janesville Police Department, the Fire Department and Ambulance had the whole street next to the park blocked off so children could come and go as they pleased. There were fire hose challenges thanks to the Janesville firefighters. The Janesville city council paid for all the food. Shelly Bogus, who helped to organize the Janesville Music in the Park series said, “We had 250 hot dogs for visitors, but we have a head count of over 500.”

 

The New Richland event took place in City Park along Broadway Avenue. Children could play in a bounce house, have airbrushed temporary tattoos applied by city administrator Tyler Lendt, and pet “CareBear,” a pony brought by the Wasecca County Sheriff’s Posse. Four Posse members circulated riding their horses. As was also done in Janesville, children were given the chance to work side by side with a firefighter to douse a pretend fire in a 5-food cutout of a house.

 

The Waseca event took place at the Waterpark. There were vendors and local services for families like CADA, MN Prairie, and Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center. Members of the Waseca police and fire departments handed out hot dogs and took pictures with little ones. Staff members from the Waseca LeSueur Library were answering questions and promoting the value of reading.