CHALLENGE OF THE BELLS - The winner of the "Battle of the Badges" bell-ringing challenge held Dec. 6 was the Waseca County Salvation Army, which benefited from six hours of fundraising outside the Waseca Walmart by teams representing the Waseca police department, the county sheriff's office and posse, and the Waseca fire department. The sheriff's office was the most successful group, bringing in more than $2,300. Pictured here, from left, are Chief Deputy Doug Gerdts, sheriff's posse member Shalee White, county Salvation Army chair John Petersburg, Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas, and posse member Jadyn White.
Contest raises $4,000 for Salvation Army
Thu, 01/15/2026 - 12:30am
More than $4,000 was raised for the Waseca County chapter of the Salvation Army during a bell-ringing competition among the Waseca police department, Waseca County sheriff’s office, and the Waseca fire department held in front of the Waseca Walmart store on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The three agencies went all out during their respective two-hour time slots, bringing a small crowd of volunteers as well as their vehicles and any other attention-getting options they could find. The fire department not only brought their largest firetruck, but also some “fire dogs.” Along with staff, the sheriff’s department brought members of the mounted posse volunteer group, including a pony; one posse member even spent the time dressed up as the Grinch.
The fun and excitement were meant to encourage interaction with safety personnel while also drawing attention–and donations–to the Salvation Army kettle.
During a brief ceremony on Jan. 5, County Salvation Army chair John Petersburg announced the sheriff’s department was the most successful fundraising group that day, bringing in more than $2,300–a record for any single two-hour time frame for the annual “battle of the badges” fundraiser, which began in 2022.
Along with bragging rights, the sheriff’s department earned possession of a traveling plaque which displays the name and amount raised by each year’s “winner.” The department also gets first dibs on its preferred time slot for next year’s competition–10 a.m. to noon; noon to 2 p.m., or 2 to 4 p.m.
Petersburg also shared that the county-wide kettle campaign raised a total of more than $5,900. The battle of the badges brought in about 68 percent of those funds, with “counter kettles” in area stores and other bell-ringing volunteers in front of Walmart bringing in the rest.
Petersburg expressed his gratitude to the competition participants, to all volunteers, and to members of the public who gave donations.
He went on to mention all funds raised in Waseca County are used to provide assistance within the county. He recalls an August event when 85 pairs of shoes were given to area children in advance of the new school year; free haircuts were also offered. Through the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) emergency funds are made available for people in crisis, perhaps about to lose heat or even lose their homes. Emergency transportation funds help people get to medical appointments or to work.
Of the sheriff department “victory,” County Sheriff Jay Dulas commented, “It’s more ‘camaraderie’ than it is a ‘contest.’ I think I speak for all the people who were out there that day when I say we had fun, we enjoyed meeting and talking with members of the public, and we’re all happy to support the good work of the Salvation Army.
“We all look forward to having this ‘competition’ each year for a long time to come.”
Anyone wishing to contact the Waseca County Salvation Army can begin by touching base with the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, 105 22nd Avenue Northeast, in Waseca. (507) 835-3260. Those seeking assistance can contact MVAC: 108 10th Avenue Southeast in Waseca, (507) 835-8240.