News

Waldorf Council keeps Pioneer as city newspaper

The Waldorf city council meeting was called to order by councilwoman Carrie Ferch on Monday, Jan. 12, since Mayor Rob Wilkening was not present. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not require Waldorf to complete an audit this year, but council members needed to decide if they...

COFFEE CHAT - Jessica Rollins, Mark Schaetzke, Sheriff Jay Dulas, Representative Tom Sexton, Mikhail Rostislavovich, Commissioner Doug Christopherson, and Ann Staloch attended the Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2025 session of Coffee with Representative Tom Sexton.

Coffee with Sexton addresses city shooting

Sheriff Jay Dulas, Jessica Rollins, Mark Schaetzke, Mikhail Rostislavovich, Commissioner Doug Christopherson and Ann Staloch all attended the latest installment of Coffee with Minnesota Representative Tom Sexton on Friday, Jan. 9, 2025. Sexton addressed the shooting of Renee Good in his...

Local students receive academic recognitions

Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, has announced its 2025 fall semester honors lists. The President’s List includes 333 students who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 to 4.0 while enrolled for at least 12 credits. Central Lakes College is a comprehensive community and technical...

FUN AND GAMES - The children of Mrs. FitzSimmons' kindergarten class at Sacred Heart School took time out from their memory game for a photo on Friday, Jan. 16, 2025.

Sacred Heart gets set for Catholic Schools Week

Sacred Heart School has an important week coming up starting Sunday, Jan. 25 in celebration of Catholic Schools Week. With different themes for every day of the week, there’s bound to be something for everyone. The mission of Sacred Heart School is: “To promote life-long learning and Christ...

CERTIFIED RESPONDERS - Local students received their Emergency Medical Responders Certificate of Attendance on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at the Janesville Fire Hall. Pictured from left: Janesville Fire Chief Mike Santo, Brayden and Zachery Blasing, Gavin Loken, Raylen Blasing, Dylan Hood, Lily Quast, Dustyn Hill, Jason Wheelock, Tyler Schmahl.

JWP students take first steps toward public service

There was a large gathering at the Janesville Fire Hall in the early morning of Wednesday, Jan. 14, attended by Janesville Fire Chief Mike Santo; Executive Director of the South-Central EMS Regional Program Mark Griffith; Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas; and Mankato Fire Training Captain Jay...

Mikhail Rostislavovich

New resident gives a lifetime of service

The Waseca Exchange Club has chosen Mikhail Rostislavovich the recipient of the prestigious Book of Golden Deeds, an honor reserved for individuals whose selfless service and lasting contributions help build a stronger, more connected community. The Book of Golden Deeds recognizes those who...

MEET THE BOARD - The NRHEG School board held its annual organizational session the evening of Jan. 5. For 2026, the board chair is Rick Schultz (front center); vice chair is Loren Schoenrock (front right); clerk is Terri Engel (front left); treasurer is Pat Theuer (standing at left). Remaining board members are (standing, from center) Kelly Delacruz, Amy Ihrke and (not pictured) Aaron Phillips.

NRHEG plans for year; considers budget

During their Jan. 5 organizational meeting, members of the NRHEG school board reinstated the same slate of officers as during 2025: chair, Rick Schultz; vice chair, Loren Schoenrock; clerk, Terri Engel; treasurer, Pat Theuer. Board members will also receive the same compensation as in 2025...

OVERWHELMING ART - Artist Steve DeLaitsch at work on the mural underway north of Ace Hardware along Waseca's Second Street Northwest.

Grain bin mural demands talent, effort and skill

In his time, Waseca artist Steven DeLaitsch has painted more than 15 murals. So when his brother-in-law Mike Denn asked Steve whether he could paint a mural that would extend across two large steel bins, he said his answer was a confident "of course." The two of them had a 3-year dialogue before...

After the Jan. 6 organizational session, De Malterer, front left, is the chair of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners; vice chair is Brad Krause, center. Remaining board members are Brad Milbrath (far right), Doug Christopherson, in gray, and Brian

Harguth (far left).

County board gets set for coming year

During their Jan. 6 meeting, Waseca County commissioners elected De Malterer as this year’s board chair, with Brad Krause as vice chair. At the recommendation of property and election services director Tammy Spooner, the Waseca County Pioneer was named as the official county publication for...

DECORATED - Ed Frederick earned many awards throughout his years of leadership and service.

Cultivating a legacy

Dr. Edward “Ed” Frederick, a lifelong advocate for agriculture, education, and community service, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 95. He was preparing for his day when he died, a fitting final moment for a man who never stopped showing up, learning, and serving. Ed grew up...