News

Royal Villa manager Gail Schmidt accepts a grant for the apartment's raised gardens.

Royal Villa receives grant

Royal Villa Apartments in New Richland received a $1,600 grant for a raised garden project during the Waseca Area Foundation’s annual awards program November 9, 2022. “I’m not usually on the receiving end of grants,” New Richland Mayor, Royal Villa manager, Gail Schmidt shared as she accepted...

Two lively and engaging concerts featuring "homegrown" musicians Adam Moen and Gavin Berg raised about $7,500 this past weekend in support of the New Richland Area Foundation. Audience members were treated to humor, nostalgia, tradition and heartwarming music. During the concert, it was announced that State Bank of New Richland will be matching all funds donated to the NRAF through the end of December.

More than $7,500 raised by concerts

“Look how powerful it is when we share our light,” commented performer Gavin Berg as he watched the 150 or so people in the audience reach from person to person to pass along flames for handheld candles. “It spreads and shines, and shares beauty.” Watching with him as the light was distributed...

TOGETHER - Volunteer Jim Britton next to the walk-in freezer at the Waseca Area Food Shelf’s new facility. After months of work, the Food Shelf’s components are all in one place, rather than scattered across town. stands in front of a new freezer inside the new Neighborhood Service Center building, officially unveiled Dec. 8, 2022.

Man of the hour

Jim Britton clearly does not seek the limelight. Instead, his motive for putting in more than 2,000 hours of volunteer time this past year with the Waseca Area Food Shelf is far more altruistic. “The way I look at it, we’re here to help the people who need help.” He tells the story of...

HANDS ON - From left, Ali and Willy Malecha; Dave and Paulette Krampitz. After 34 years of service to the Waseca area, Dave’s Body Shop has changed hands. Described by their wives as “brothers from different mothers,” Dave and Willy have developed a close friendship. The shop’s name will remain the same, as will the great service. Dave will continue working the shop now owned by Willy and Ali Malecha.

A new chapter

After 34 years in business, Dave’s Body Shop of Waseca is changing hands. A handshake agreement nearly a year ago set in motion the decision by Dave and Paulette Krampitz to sell their business to Willy and Ali Malecha. “Dave wouldn’t have sold to anyone else,” Paulette smiles. “We needed...

OATH - New councilwoman Stacey Schroeder took the oath of office prior to the Dec. 6 meeting of the Waseca City Council

Swearing in, taxes, and an extension

Monday night’s city council meeting began with the swearing in of new council member Stacey Schroeder and was highlighted by a truth in taxation meeting and a completion date extension approved for SX construction, preventing thousands of dollars in fines for the late completion. The final tax...

Truth in taxation

Waseca finance director Alicia Fischer summarized the city’s 2023 budget during a legally required “truth in taxation” meeting held the evening of Monday, December 6, 2022. Fischer used a PowerPoint presentation to present an overview and numerous details regarding city taxes, the 2023 budget,...

LETS EAT - First Lutheran Church of Waldorf organized this year’s community Christmas dinner. Volunteering as servers, from left, were: Peg Sikel, Doris Waknitz, Gayette Beyer, Beverly Janike, Fauniece Witt, JoAnn Kelling, and Marlys Nelson. Below, Several people, such as Pemberton resident Ruby Isebrand, enjoyed the Waldorf Community Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Long standing Waldorf tradition

Waldorf started its Christmas celebration early with a dinner at the Waldorf Community Center Thursday, Dec. 1. On the menu were turkey and “all the trimmings” for $10. Dinners were also available to take home. The community Christmas dinner has been a long-standing tradition shared by St....

While the adults enjoyed wine samples at Indian Island Winery in Janesville, kids enjoyed the company of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Ho, Ho, Ho and a bottle of wine

As all the Thanksgiving leftovers have been consumed and the transition to the holiday season begins, what better way to celebrate than with Santa Claus, homemade goods, and wine? On November 26, Indian Island Winery hosted its annual “Santa’s Sip and Shop” for all comers; the event has been held...

Michelle Redman of Big Brothers Big Sisters accepts a grant on behalf of the organization.

Big Brother Big Sisters of Waseca awarded $7,500 grant

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waseca received a $7,500 grant for their mentoring support programs. Michelle Redman accepted the grant during the Waseca Foundation’s annual awards program Nov. 9, 2022. Each match provided through Big Brothers Big Sisters costs just under $1,400 per year despite the...

Diane Roesler accepts a grant on behalf of SW Metro Transition program.

SW Metro Transition program receives grant

The SW Metro Transition Program received a $400 grant for a small business project. Diane Roesler accepted the grant during the annual Waseca Area Foundation awards program Nov. 9, 2022. The SW metro transition program is small business project new to Waseca and the surrounding community. This...