News
During County Board sessions the morning of Dec. 2, county administrator Michael Johnson summarized that the county’s “property tax effect” for 2026 will be a three-percent increase, though official numbers will indicate about six percent due to a bookkeeping change. Namely, the taxes formerly...
HOLIDAY HARMONY - The musical group "Just Friends" provided a concert of Christmas and gospel tunes at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf the evening of Dec. 3. Pictured here are (front, from left) Dale Krueger, Doug Riskedahl, Dean Buendorf, Paul Hanson, Vern Wilker, (back, from left) Brian Vairma, Randy Lewer, Larry Crabtree, Dennis Maurer, Brad Stencl and accompanist Gratia Johnson.
The vocal harmony group “Just Friends” presented a 90-minute concert with a combination of Christmas and gospel music to an audience of about 50 people at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Just Friends consists of 10 singers supported by an accompanist and...
GreenSeam is a Mankato-based organization which works to market southern Minnesota to ag-based businesses and organizations as an ideal region for them to locate in with remarkable resources and versatility. GreenSeam sponsored a regional “Rural Forum” at the Mayo Civic Event Center in Mankato...
PARDONED - Turkeys Blossom and Peach were pardoned by President Joe Biden in 2024. Now retired, they currently reside in their own private shed at Farm America and receive top notch care.
Since shortly after being pardoned by former President Joe Biden last year, Waseca County’s famous resident turkeys, Blossom and Peach, have been living the high life at Farmamerica. They even get special attention from the facility’s Program Coordinator, Kari Wadd.
“With the changing of...
FARMAMERICA SANTA EXPERIENCE - Santa will greet children in Farmamerica's 1930s era red barn the afternoons of Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13. Visitors will not only see Santa, but will receive a free professionally-taken photograph sponsored by the Katie Gonzalez State Farm agency. The 1930s farmhouse will be decorated and open for visits as well.
From 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, Santa will welcome visitors in Farmamerica’s classic hip-roofed red barn, originally constructed in 1913. Those wishing to stop by are asked to register online in advance for specific time slots, so that lines and wait times are shorter....
TOM THE TURKEY - A small crowd of children attended the New Richland Public Library's Storytime hour on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. Below, Ivy, 5, attended with her mother, Paige VanMaldeghem.
The New Richland Public Library held another Storytime Hour the foggy morning of Tuesday, Nov. 25. With the big kids in school, the little kids dominated the library grounds, but when it came time to pay attention, they did a pretty good job.
Librarian Kathy Kronebusch was in charge for the...
Members of the Waseca County economic development authority (EDA) discussed numerous ongoing projects and initiatives during their regular meeting the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tina Wilson of the county planning and zoning office updated members regarding the county workforce development...
Christine Possin of New Richland died in the Nov. 4 head-on crash near Hope. The other driver involved has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide for allegedly being more than twice the legal limit for alcohol.
The surviving driver of a fatal head-on crash near Hope earlier this month has been charged with felony criminal vehicular homicide.
David Ramirez, 26, of Owatonna, made his first appearance Monday in Steele County District Court, where he was also charged with two counts of gross...
““There’s a lot of energy and excitement surrounding this,” says Waseca resident Jim Boerboom, who is part of a steering committee to form a Waseca area food cooperative. “People are interested in a retail model that supports local growers and allows them access to locally raised meat and poultry...
Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Renee Worke of Owatonna is facing legal trouble after being arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated over the Thanksgiving weekend in Steele County.
The Steele County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle stuck in a snow drift at U.S. Highway 14...