Council honors runner-up Blue Jays

It was standing room only at the regular Waseca city council meeting the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 6. Every seat was taken by members of the Waseca high school Blue Jay football team, there to hear Mayor Randy Zimmerman share a proclamation honoring their accomplishments during the 2025 State Tournament, where they made it all the way to the championship match, becoming runners-up.

 

 “Whereas, the Waseca Blue Jays football team demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the 2025 season; and whereas, through unwavering dedication, teamwork, and community pride, the Blue Jays earned their place in the Minnesota State High School Football Tournament; and whereas, the team’s outstanding performance carried them all the way to the State Championship game, where they finished as the proud Second-Place team in the State of Minnesota; and whereas, the players, coaches, managers, families, and fans of the Waseca Blue Jays have represented the City of Waseca with integrity, passion, and enthusiasm both on and off the field; and whereas, the City recognizes that accomplishments such as this are achieved not only by athletic talent, but also through dedication, discipline, leadership, and strong community support; now, therefore, I, Randy Zimmerman, Mayor of the City of Waseca, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim recognition and celebration for the Waseca Blue Jays Football Team, in honor of their remarkable season and their accomplishment as the 2025 Minnesota State Football Tournament Second-Place Team. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Waseca to be affixed this 6th day of January 2026.”

 

Commented high school football coach Brad Wendland, “We always tell these guys, ‘Do things right by your school and your community.’ It’s great that our community gives us so much love back. These guys don’t miss practice; they don’t miss weightlifting. We encourage these kids to take at least three sports. To you younger guys, the statement has been made, and that now becomes the standard.” He also gave a shoutout to one particular council member, Jeremy Ebertowski, class of 2014, “Alumnus, Jimmy Ebertowski, when Jimmy was here we were 4-A, we were tough.” Football players Lucas and JJ were asked if they wanted to speak, they both declined.

 

The council approved following through with the steps required under a grant agreement with the state which, if authorized, will bring in nearly $27,000 toward the nearly $45,000 anticipated cost to plan the removal of the airport fuel dispenser and tank. finalized,  for the airport fuel dispenser and tank removal project. Once the project is planned, the city expects to apply for additional grant money toward the removal process.

 

The Mayor Pro Tem for 2026 will be council member Mark Christiansen.

 

Council members began the approval process for a new city law which encourages homeowners whose water lines may include pipes with lead in them to become parties to a Minnesota Department of Health grant which offers up to $1 million to find and remove sources of lead in water lines. Nearly 70 households have been sent a letter notifying them their water system may be connected to outdated pipes containing lead and that an inspection is necessary. If lead is found, property owners are asked to consent to the work needed to replace the water lines.

 

City documents state that, for those residents who give official agreement to the inspection and possible replacement, costs for the work can be covered under the grant.

 

Jenny Arndt, resident of Waseca County, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. Her concern was delayed access to drivers’ education in high schools. Minnesota allows enrollment for 14-year-olds, but because of the grade some students are in, are not allowed to enroll until second semester ninth grade. The council took this issue into consideration. Before adjourning, Zimmerman said, “I hope everyone had a good holiday.”

 Christiansen said, “Happy New Year.” Council member Ebertowski announced he and his wife “will increase the population of Waseca by one come May 29.” Everyone gave their congratulations.