Discover Waseca 2021

discover

waseca a guide to waseca & the surrounding area

#discoverwaseca

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Come Explore Beautiful Waseca!

Events 2021 Jan – Feb • Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival July 4 • Fireworks July 14-18 • Waseca Co. Free Fair Sep 18 • Waseca Marching Classic

• Clear Clear Lake LakeRentals Rentals(Memorial–Labor (Memorial–Labor Day) Day) Farmamerica •• Farmamerica

• Half Pint Brewery

• Breweries

• Kieslers Campground (April–October)

• Kieslers Campground (April–October) • Parks, Trails & Lakes

•• Parks, Trails & Lakes Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm (May–October) SouthernGrove MN Skydiving •• Pleasant Pizza Farm (May–October) Toners Lake Karting (May-September) •• Skydive Northstar • Trio Coffee, Wine & Ale House

• Toners Lake Karting (May-September) • Unique Shops & Fabulous Dining

•• Unique ShopsBrewery & Fabulous Dining Ward House • Waseca WasecaCo. Co.Historical HistoricalSociety Society

(June–LaborDay) Day) WasecaWaterpark Waterpark(June–Labor •• Waseca

Check our website for updated dates & times:

: discoverwaseca.com * info@discoverwaseca.com

 507-833-9281

Life is Better Here 2

discover waseca 2021

Sales & Service

We Buy, Sell, and Trade with no Pressure, and no Hassle

10% Off $250 OR MORE iN SERviCE REpAiR

WElCOME TO THE FAMily

WASECACOUNTYAUTO.COM 507-835-4052 1421 SOUTH STATE STREET, WASECA, MN 56093

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S EJAY BLU

Proud to be Part of Wase c a

Waseca is a great place to live. That’s why we proudly support our community and Waseca Schools by offering the Bluejay Debit Card—which helps Waseca Schools every time you buy. Already, it’s donated over $375,000 to school programs! Put one in your pocke et today.

0000

GOOD THRU

f nbwas e c a.c o m | 507-835-2740 4

discover waseca 2021

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contents 22

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34 Regional President: STEVE FISHER Regional General Manager: CHAD HJELLMING Regional Managing Editor: SUZANNE ROOK Associate Editor: LISA KACZKE

welcome at a glance schools arts & entertainment agriculture get outdoors make a splash stay active enrichment calendar of events sleigh & cutter waseca county fair marching classic eat, drink, & shop around the county worship directory

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36 40 Regional Director of Sales: TOM KELLING Advertising: JENNIFER FLOWERS Designer: KATE TOWNSEND-NOET

A special project of Waseca County News ©2021 124 Second St.NW, Waseca MN • 507-835-5455 www.wasecacountynews.com

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waseca

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discover waseca 2021

#discoverwaseca

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discover waseca 2021

welcome to

waseca This is your guide for all of the things we love about our community. Whatever your interests are, you’ll find them fulfilled here.

If you like to get out and enjoy the fresh air, you can do that at any number of our beautiful parks. Rent a bike down at Clear Lake Park and take a cruise around both of our bodies of water. There are trails and bike lanes to take you everywhere in Waseca; follow them out to our waterpark or downtown to explore. You’ll enjoy it here even when it’s frozen outside, too.

Set up your fish house on Clear Lake and catch some crappies for a fish fry. Our well-groomed snowmobile trails will keep you running all day.

If a retail excursion is more your speed, then we have what you need. In Waseca you can find everything to express your style. Any of our specialty shops and boutiques can add a pop to your home décor, your wardrobe, and your life.

Take all day and take them all in. Treat yo’self!

After your full day in Waseca you will need

a place to recharge. Waseca boasts some of Southern Minnesota’s best spots. Everything from a hometown café to fine dining, you will discover something to wake up your taste buds.

If you are just in need of a little sip of something to unwind, wander into one of our breweries or taverns. You can even get kombucha on tap.

We’ve got it all!

To feed your artistic appetite, visit the Waseca Area Art Center. You will dive into the creative vibes of area artists. The Waseca History Center guides you through the life of a settler. Immerse yourself into the 1880s all the way up to today.

Take a journey along on Elm Ave to see the historic houses.

Enjoy your stay at any of lodging options.

From a campground to hotels to B&B’s, you will have a comfortable place to rest for the night before you get up the next morning and find new things to explore in Waseca. We know you’ll be back to see us because “Life is Better Here.”

Best Regards, Ann Fitch, Executive Director Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce 507-835-3260 www.wasecachamber.com

#discoverwaseca

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at a

glance

The city of Waseca, with a population of 9,410, sits between Clear and Loon lakes at the crossroad of State Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 14. The city is an hour away from the big city amenities of the Twin Cities, in addition to 25 miles to Mankato and 58 miles to Rochester.

Waseca is a Dakota word that means “rich, especially in provisions.” The city of Waseca was incorporated as a village in 1868 and as a city in

1881. Waseca celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2018. Walking along State Street through downtown Waseca will take you back in time with its historic look. The city’s downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

Waseca is governed by a seven-member city council, which includes the mayor. The council employs a city manager to run its day-to-day operations and has numerous boards and commissions in which there is a typical mix of council representatives and citizen volunteers.

For more information, visit City Hall at 508 S. State St., go online at ci.waseca.mn.us or call 507-835-9700. The Public Safety Center, which houses the Waseca Police and Fire Departments and Connections Safe Exchange Center, is at 303 S. State St.

WaseCa County

Waseca County ranks 50th out of Minnesota’s 10

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87 counties with 19,136 residents and totals 433 square miles. The county is located in the heart of the south central Minnesota lakes region and some of the state’s finest agricultural land. There are 21 lakes in the county, representing about 10 square miles.

The Sutlief family was the first to file a claim in Waseca County, in Wilton Township in 1854.

Waseca County was organized in 1857. Some of the county’s early communities have vanished, but some continue to flourish.

Five county commissioners, each elected from a different district, dictate county policy, approve expenditures and operate as its ditch authority. A county administrator oversees operations. Beyond the city of Waseca, the communities of Janesville, New Richland and Waldorf touch the corners of the county.

Most county offices are located at the historic Waseca County Courthouse, its annex and east annex in the 300 block of North State Street.

Human Services are provided by a three-county collaborative, Minnesota Prairie County Alliance, with offices in Waseca at 1004 W Elm Ave, as well as additional offices in Owatonna and Mantorville.

The Waseca County Sheriff’s Office and county jail are just behind the courthouse at 122 Third Ave, Waseca.

Business & Industry

Waseca County’s major employers include agriculture and natural resources, food

manufacturing, educational and professional services, machining, electronics, electrical components, retail trade, fishing and hunting, and health care services and social assistance.

There are more than 10 institutions of higher education within a 50-mile radius, working to fill the need for a strong workforce.

Transit

A county-wide bus service that includes a one-hour route through Waseca and dial-a-ride in the remainder of Waseca County began in early 2016. For more information, visit SMART Transit-Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit on Facebook.

Waseca Municipal Airport is located just outside of town, with 18 T-hangars, a paved 3,400 foot-long runway, and new arrival and departure building. For more information visit ci.waseca.mn.us.

Health Care

At the center of Waseca’s wide array of health care options is Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca. The hospital and clinic at 501 N. State St. offer quality health care in a hometown setting.

Its health care providers have access to the same resources as their colleagues at larger Mayo facilities, including Rochester. Find it online at mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/waseca. #discoverwaseca

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waseca area

schools WaseCa PuBliC sCHools

The district, known for its strong academic performance, award-winning fine arts and solid athletics, includes Hartley Elementary for kindergarten through third grade, Waseca Intermediate for fourth through sixth grade, and Waseca Junior-Senior High and Waseca Area Learning Center for seventh through 12th grade.

The Waseca Junior-Senior High School offers College in the Schools and Advanced Placement courses. It promotes participation in extracurricular activities: music, the arts, and a variety of sports and clubs. An indoor pool is available for physical education classes and extracurriculars.

The Waseca Marching Jays remain a proud tradition within the school district, and the growing success of many of the Bluejays sports teams add to the school’s legacy and traditions.

The Waseca school district is also moving toward personalized learning, designed to best accommodate a student’s personal preferences and learning styles. Waseca Public Schools also support a strong Community Education department, which offers programs from all ages and promotes lifelong learning.

For more information regarding Waseca Public Schools, see the district website at waseca.k12.mn.us.

teaM aCadeMy CHarter sCHool

TEAM Academy opened its doors in Waseca in the fall of 2004. The school has classes for kindergarten through sixth grade, with an emphasis on college prep. In 2012, TEAM received national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School.

TEAM Academy focuses on academic 12

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excellence, post-secondary attainment and a culture of respect and responsibility. Students participate in a character education program every day. TEAM implements individualized learning as much as possible during reading and math instruction for students. Students are taught in small groups and participate in an individualized learning program on the computer. This helps students be challenged at their own level.

In addition to the core subjects, students get to experience art and Spanish classes. TEAM operates under a state-approved charter. Learn more at www. team.k12.mn.us.

Sacred Heart School and Montessori

The school’s mission is to promote lifelong learning and Christian, faith-based education and values for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Sacred Heart Children’s House Montessori offers child-care programs for children 3 to 6 years old.

Sacred Heart reports test scores that exceed local, state and national norms. Class sizes are limited to 20 students. The school also offers before and after-school tutoring programs, all-day

kindergarten, as well as daily religion studies.

Education is tuition-free for parish members.

Sacred Heart School is accredited by the Minnesota Nonpublic Accrediting Association.

This accreditation mandates ongoing work with curriculum, instruction and assessment in the following subject areas: religion, math, literacy (phonics, reading, English, spelling, handwriting), music, physical education, social studies, science, art and computer.

Catholic Schools from the Diocese of Winona develop written curriculum through the University of Notre Dame ACE Collaborative.

For information, visit sacredheartschoolwaseca. com.

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arts &

entertainment 14

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Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, which serves the nine-county South Central Minnesota region, is headquartered in Waseca at 105 22nd Ave. NE., Suite A. Brenda Byron currently serves as executive director.

The council offers grants to organizations and artists of all ages throughout the region. For more information about local arts events or grant opportunities, contact Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, at 507-833-8721 or 800-298-1254, or visit at plrac.org

Arts for all ages flourish in Waseca.

The Waseca Art Center is home to the Waseca Arts Council Inc., and offers the opportunity for all people to understand and value the arts.

Through exhibits and various programs, the center presents a welcoming and diverse experience that encourages questioning, creativity and critical thinking.

The center has been in its current location — in a historic building on the corner of North State Street and Second Avenue NE in downtown — since early 2013. Andrew Breck is the director of the center.

Hours are currently limited to 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesdays and noon-7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Waseca Art Center has two galleries: the Lobby Gallery and the Pat Beckmann Gallery.

These galleries change monthly. Visit the center’s website at wasecaartcenter.org for a complete list of 2021 exhibits, events and shows.

Classes are provided for both children and adults: Make and Take Art, Art on Wednesdays, Painting, Drawing and much more. Guest speakers, as well as intimate concerts, plays and readings are featured at the Art Center. The center also features a gallery, gift shop and basement classroom space.

The center is staffed by volunteers. Admission is free, though there is a fee for classes. For

more information, call 507-835-1701 or visit wasecaartcenter.org.

Other arts and entertainment opportunities

• Concerts by the Waseca Chorale.

• Waseca Junior-Senior High School band, choir and drama performances throughout the school year. The Performing Arts Center at the school hosts student concerts and community events.

• Musical acts are often performed throughout Waseca’s bars and outdoor venues.

• Soapbox races, introduced during the sesquicentennial, hosted by the Tuscan Lodge. The organization is planning to make it an annual event.

Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, which serves the nine-county South Central Minnesota region, is headquartered in Waseca at 105 22nd Ave. NE., Suite A. Brenda Byron currently serves as executive director.

The council offers grants to organizations and artists of all ages throughout the region. For more information about local arts events or grant opportunities, contact Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, at 507-833-8721 or 800-298-1254, or visit at plrac.org. #discoverwaseca

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agriculture Waseca County sits squarely in the heart of some of the nation’s richest farmland as agriculture remains an integral part of life in the region.

While corn and soybeans remain the prominent cash crop in the county, Midwest Hemp Farm launched an innovative, indoor production facility in the city of Waseca during 2018. Entrepreneur Matt Little and developer Mike Drummer teamed up to open the facility in Waseca’s industrial park. Since opening in 2018, the Midwest Hemp Farm has expanded to an extraction center in a portion of the former Quad Graphics building along with adding a CBD store front in Waseca.

Agri-businesses have been major employers and led the way in both economic and innovative ways. Birds Eye-Pinnacle Foods remains one of the country’s major frozen vegetable producers, as well as a manufacturer of specialty dairy food ingredients, All American Foods. And one of the state’s largest ethanol plants, Guardian Energy, is located between the cities of Waseca and Janesville just off Highway 14.

Waseca is the home of the University of Minnesota’s Southern Research and Outreach Center, a rich part of the county’s agricultural significance.

In 1999, the research facility -- which began as the Southeast Demonstration Farm and Experiment Station, took the name the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC), now part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food Agricultural and Natural Sciences (CFANS). Today, 926 acres are dedicated to research, outreach and extension activities.

In the center’s early years, increased agricultural 16

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production was of paramount importance and the focus of most of the facility’s activities. While efficient and effective production practices remain a major focus of the research, education and outreach programs at the SROC, the development of new technologies and practices that have positive impacts on food production systems, human health, renewable energy and the environment. explore. discover. connect.

Experience the evolution of Minnesota agriculture at Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation, just 5 miles west of Waseca.

On Farmamerica’s 120-acre farmsite, people of all ages can connect with agriculture during selfguided tours, camps, field trips and special events.

Explore an 1850s settlement, the prairie, a oneroom schoolhouse, country church, blacksmith shop and 1930s farm, complete with iconic red barn and fully-furnished farmhouse.

Self-guided tours are available June through September. Download the Farmamerica app to enhance the self-guided tour experience. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour. The corn maze is open July through October. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the serenity of rural Minnesota.

Volunteers bring the sites to life during special events and school tours by providing tours and historic interpretations, repairing artifacts, providing demonstrations like threshing oats, caring for the animals and crops, and operating the tram around the Time Lane trail, a ¾-mile paved walking path.

Farmamerica is also a great location for business meetings and wedding celebrations with a conference center that holds 250 guests.

explore. discover. connect.

Experience the evolution of Minnesota agriculture at Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation, just five miles west of Waseca.

On Farmamerica’s 120-acre farmsite, people of all ages can connect with agriculture during self-guided tours, camps, field trips, and special events. Explore a 1850s settlement, the prairie, a oneroom school house, country church, blacksmith shop and 1930s farm, complete with iconic red barn and fully-furnished farmhouse.

Self-guided tours are available June through September.

Download the Farmamerica app to enhance the self-guided tour experience. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour.

Corn maze open July – October. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the serenity of rural Minnesota.

Volunteers bring the sites to life during special events and school tours by providing tours and historic interpretations, repairing artifacts, providing demonstrations like threshing oats, caring for the animals and crops, and operating the tram around the Time Lane trail, a ¾-mile paved walking path.

Farmamerica is also a great location for business meetings and wedding celebrations with a conference center that holds 250 guests.

#discoverwaseca

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get

outdoors Waseca County’s parks and trails provide leisure and recreational activities for all ages — from small neighborhood parks to the 24-acre Northeast Park, site of the Waseca Water Park. On the east side, on beautiful Clear Lake, is Maplewood Park, one of the last remnants of the big woods that once covered southern Minnesota. Take the road to the top of the hill to enjoy paths that wind through the woods, discover native wildflowers and appreciate the quiet beauty of Maplewood, a true Waseca treasure. Once the location of private cabins and a stately hotel, it is now public property.

A host of other outdoor activities await residents and visitors with the vast walking and biking trails along with the numerous activities at the city’s lakes. Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding have become popular summer activities at Clear Lake

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Park.

Tennis is available at Oak Park, Clear Lake Park and the courts at Waseca Junior-Senior High School. Pickleball has also become a popular outdoor sport for many.

If you’re a bolder adventurer, Skydive Northstar operates out of the Waseca Municipal Airport from April to October. Call 507-461-5838 for more information. Or check out their website at skydivenorthstar.com.

Kiesler’s Campground and RV Resort on Waseca’s east side, and the south side of Clear Lake, also provides outdoor fun opportunities for young and old. This is a prime location for seasonal or visiting campers, offers numerous amenities and activities for those who stay. There is a mini golf course, volleyball court, a 2,000 sqare foot

swimming pool with two slides, fishing and many other activities for the whole family. Visit kieslers. com.

More camping options are available at Waseca County Courthouse Park just south of Waseca.

The grounds offer camping for both campers and tents along with pavilion rentals. Courthouse Park has the Le Sueur River winding through it with trails for walking, horseback riding or skiing along with a basketball court, a new playground and other amenities for visitors. Visit co.waseca. mn.us/163/Parks for more information or email brian.tomford@co.waseca.mn.us.

Reinbold Sportsmen Campground is located just outside of Janesville. This campground is for seasonal campers down the road from Prairie

Ridge Golf Course and near Lake Elysian. The campground offers something for everyone with a game room, heated pool, fishing and many more conveniences available. Find more information on Reinbold’s Facebook page.

Not too far from Waseca or Janesville is Waterville, where the family-oriented campground and RV park Kamp Dels can be found just off of Lake Sakatah. The grounds offer both seasonal and overnight camping as well as cabin rentals.

A new waterpark was added in 2016 that has a 32-foot-tall waterslide and a 23-foot-tall Aqua Climb climbing wall. There is a petting zoo, basketball courts, water rentals and numerous other accommodations for guests. For more information check out kampdels.com.

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make a

splash Waseca’s prized lakes welcome visitors at both the east and west ends of town and offer ample opportunity for water sports, fishing, picnics or a quiet walk. Clear Lake, the large 652-acre lake on the east entrance to Waseca, is the place to go for fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. One of Clear Lake’s highlights is a bike trail loved by walkers, joggers and bikers looking for fresh air and exercise. The trail hugs the lake’s shoreline before connecting to trails within the city.

Waseca Community Education teamed up with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in 2018 to offer rental equipment at Clear Lake. Residents and visitors are able to rent yard games, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards or mountain bikes for trail rides. Rentals are available Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. at the Clear Lake Beach House from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Clear Lake is filled with walleye, northern pike, sunfish, perch and largemouth bass. In the winter, Clear Lake is home to a small city of ice fishing houses and snowmobile activities, including the Kruger Memorial snowmobile races each February.

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discover waseca 2021

On the west side of town is Loon Lake, a quiet 80-acre lake with an historic island. Loon Lake offers a perfect place to fish, canoe, watch wildlife or to picnic on the north side in the tree-filled park equipped with tables, playground equipment and a 2.2-mile walking path. Fish for bluegills, crappies, bass, northern pike and bullheads on Loon Lake.

A boat ramp is located on 10th Street Northwest and a fishing pier is within walking distance. Shoreline restoration projects have added native wildflowers and improved water quality and stabilized the shoreline of both lakes.

Southside Marine, now located in Waseca, offers a variety of repair services and parts for boats and motors. The business also has new and used boats, new tractors and new lawn mowers for sale. Visit southsidemarine.com or call 507-835-3032 for more information.

Additionally, there are 50 lakes within a half-hour drive: Lake Elysian near Janesville, Reeds Lake west of Waseca, St. Olaf Lake outside of New Richland, Lake Francis in Elysian, and Tetonka and Sakatah lakes in Waterville.

waseca water park Waseca Water Park is the crown jewel of the community’s recreational facilities. It’s located as part of the city’s Northeast Park on 3.6 enclosed acres.

The park includes a 581-person capacity pool with a water surface of 9,561 square feet.

The facility was constructed during the 2006 and 2007 seasons at a cost of $3.6 million, with over $1.5 million coming from private donations.

Follow State Street north to 375th Avenue on the northern edge of Waseca to discover a blaze of bright green and yellow, blue and red silhouetted against the sky. And, if it’s summer, the sound of children laughing and screaming with glee further identifies the Waseca Water Park. The water is kept at a comfortable 81 degrees.

The water park is open for swimmers of all ages, weather permitting, each day from June to September. The water park was closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is looking forward to seeing everyone in 2021.

During the pool season, call 507-833-0210, visit wasecawaterpark.com or find Waseca Water Park on Facebook.

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stay

active Opportunities for the young and old abound in Waseca.

Waseca High School and the Waseca Braves make their home at Tink Larson Community Field, a renovated complex unveiled to the public in 2018. In addition, Waseca is also home to the Janesville Jays, American Legion, and VFW teams.

Waseca’s miles of trails also provide plenty of options for walkers and bikers, as do the city’s lakes. Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding have become popular summer activities at Clear Lake Park.

There are plenty of winter activities, as well, 22

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throughout the county. Ice fishing remains a popular winter sport on the county’s host of lakes, with small cities appearing on several lakes throughout much of the winter season. Snowshoes can be rented from the Waseca Public Library.

golf

WaseCa laKeside CluB Facing Clear Lake, Waseca Lakeside Club caters to both experienced and novice golfers.

The club offers a fully stocked pro shop, memberships, leagues and a comfortable clubhouse.

Find more at wasecagolf.com or 507-835-2574.

youtH reCreation/atHletiCs

Waseca has several independent athletic organizations that develop character, and physical and team-building skills: • Waseca Youth Baseball: wasecabaseball.com • Waseca Football Association: wasecafootball.com • Waseca Gymnastics: wasecagymnastics.com • Waseca Hockey Association: wasecahockey.org • Waseca Softball: games start in late spring through Waseca Community Education & Recreation.

• Waseca Soccer Club: wasecasoccer.org • Waseca Wrestling Club: wasecawrestling.com

WaseCa County 4-H

Waseca County 4-H, through University of Minnesota Extension, is part of the nation’s largest youth development organization. Waseca County has several clubs that provide training, scholarship opportunities, projects and other activities from agriculture to the arts. Each summer, dozens of area youth showcase projects at the county and state fairs.

Volunteers help lead after-school programs, community service, civic engagement and camping programs. Learn more at extension.umn.edu/ county/waseca or 507-835-0600.

Waseca Boys Scouts also keeps a dedicated bunch of scouts busy throughout the year and remain a rich part of the community’s traditions and history.

Prairie ridGe Golf Course

Janesville’s Prairie Ridge Golf Course is a nine-hole, par 36 reversible course for all skill levels that is city-owned. For more information, visit prairieridgegolf. com or call 507-234-5505, in the winter contact city hall at 507-234-5110.

senior CitiZens Center

The Waseca Area Senior Citizens Center at 308 N. State St. is open to anyone 55 or older, and provides a place for residents to get together for activities including sewing, cards, cribbage, ping pong, pool, Wii bowling and bingo. There’s also internet capability on the center’s computer network. The Senior Center is also the location of Waseca’s Lutheran Social Services Senior Nutrition program. Like the Waseca Area Senior Citizens Center on Facebook or call 507-835-4552.

Common Good Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is at the heart of what makes the Senior Center a special place. Through the program, seniors provide thousands of volunteer hours, whether it’s helping with community event, fundraising or mentoring local youth.

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libraries Everything from book release parties to kids’ summer reading contests to reading marathons and new releases are available at the Waseca-Le Sueur Library System’s public libraries.

The network of libraries offer thousands of titles of books, newspapers, books on tape, CDs, movies and DVDs as well as access to computers. Many libraries in the system have meeting rooms and provide tax forms, photocopiers and fax machines in addition to reference assistance, children’s activities and book clubs.

Each Waseca County library has a Friends of the Library organization that supports the library through fundraising, purchasing additional material and volunteering. For more information about the Friends organizations, call the library.

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discover waseca 2021

waseca county history center The Waseca County History Center is the place for residents and visitors alike to come together and be amazed by Waseca County’s unique history. It’s located at 315 Second Ave. NE in Waseca. It’s both an amazing history center and a very special museum.

The Waseca County History Center also has a top-notch genealogical research library, one of only three in the state that is a non-church research site of the Church of the Latter Day Saints and all their genealogical resources.

The museum exhibits are free. A Waseca County Historical Society membership gives you free research library use (copies extra) and a password to search online. The continuous work of the staff and volun-

teers is to receive, process and index artifacts, papers, records, archives, newspapers and more; and to make this volume of information available online.

Its searchable website grows continuously. Schools and libraries have free access. WCHS members who live all over the country and a few beyond can research from wherever they are with internet access.

The Waseca County History Center is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.historical.waseca. mn.us for more information about special events and expanded hours.

Appointments for special research are possible — call 507-835-7700 during regular hours. The museum and library are ADA accessible.

waseca area

enrichment

Photo Credit: Jay’s Nest - Waseca School Age Care Program Facebook

waseca community education & recreation With a variety of educational, physical and life-enrichment programs, Waseca Community Education & Recreation has something for everyone.

Offerings include a variety of subject areas including art, dance, drama, cooking, science, technology, fitness and games.

Adults looking to improve their employment situation, English language skills or prepare for their GED can explore Community Ed’s Adult Basic Education program. Classes and activities are also offered year-round to youth of all ages. Intramural and summer youth recreation programs are also

available.

Also available through Waseca Community Ed: • Jay’s Nest Child Care for preschoolers through sixth-graders is a flexible, full-time care program— before and after school, snow days, early release, non-school days and all summer long.

• Early Childhood Family Education • KinderPrep preschool • Early childhood screening To learn more, visit waseca.k12.mn.us or call 507-835-5626. #discoverwaseca

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W

I

GA NE

R INC.

Winegar is a contract machining manufacturing company with a unique depth of services; from prototype parts that demand precision machining to large castings and long production runs. Consider Winegar your integrated supply chain leader for machined components and assemblies.

WINEGAR, INC. PRECISION MANUFACTURING

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1209 S State Street Waseca, MN 56093 507-835-3495 ISO ISO9001-2015 9001:2008 Certified Company Registered Company

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discover waseca 2021

Load up on quality (but you might need a bigger cart)

With a selection of over 12,000 high-quality products, Ace has what you’re looking for. You’ll find everything from tools to electrical and plumbing supplies to lawn and garden gear, all manufactured to the highest standards, all guaranteed to meet or exceed the quality of the national brands.

Waseca Ace Hardware

121 2nd St. NW, Waseca, MN 507-835-1097

Colony Court is a family owned, independent, assisted living and memory care facility for seniors in Waseca MN For Assisted & Independent contact 507-835-8227 for more information

For Memory Care & Care Suites contact 507-201-3000 for more information

www.colonycourtmn.com

70th

Sleigh & Cutter Festival

January 25th-FEBRUARY 28th

Employee Owned - ISO9001:2015 Certified Employee Owned (ESOP)

sleighandcutterfestival.org Advertising support from Waseca Area Foundation

34th September 18, 2021 12:00 p.m. Classic Parade downtown Waseca 5:15 p.m. Field Show at Waseca Jr.-Sr. High School

Sponsored by Waseca Classic, Inc.

www.wasecamarchingclassic.com

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calendar of

events

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Please check the organization’s website or Facebook page for event updates and cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

january 23- Winter Charm on the Farm will have horse-drawn sleigh rides and campfires 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to sue around the site or take a site walking tour. Visit bit.ly/ WinterCharm for tickets.

february The Sleigh and Cutter Curling Bonspiel usually occurs at Clear Lake in Waseca in February. A date is yet to be announced. Visit sleighandcutterfestival.org for more information.

6- Annual Mike Filzen Memorial Run will take place.

Visit sleighandcutterfestival. org for more information.

10-12- Ice sculpting artistry outside the Waseca Public Safety Building.

13- Sleigh and Cutter parade begins at noon at the Waseca County Fairgrounds and runs through Waseca’s downtown district.

The winners and unveiling of Frosty and the Medallion winner will be announced at 1 p.m. at the Waseca County Fairgrounds. Visit sleighandcutterfestival.org for more information.

Fireworks will take place on Clear Lake after sunset, lasting nearly 30 minutes.

20- Winter Charm on the Farm will have horse-drawn sleigh rides and campfires 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to sue around the site or take a site walking tour. Visit bit.ly/ WinterCharm for tickets.

27- Vintage Snowmobile Ride at Toners Lake

march

New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva high school graduation for the class of 2021.

11-13 Waterville Bullhead Days, organized by the Waterville Chamber of Commerce as the town’s summer celebration of the wonderful lakes and fun offered in Southern Minnesota.

The Bridal Show, a popular Starfire Event Center, is typically held in March.

Visit the Starfire Event Center’s Facebook for more information.

Janesville’s Hay Daze town celebration typically takes place in June with carnival rides, food and games along with nightly entertainment.

Visit the event’s Facebook page for updates.

april

july

The Waseca Area Chorale typically holds its spring concert in April. For more information, visit its Facebook page.

may 28- Janesville-WaldorfPemberton high school graduation starts at 6 p.m.

4- Lakefest, a community celebration at beautiful Clear Lake Park for a family day for celebrating our nation’s birthday along with the joys of small-town life where neighbors come to the park for food, music, games and crafts, a boat parade, paddle fest and other water sports.

14-18 One of the county’s biggest celebrations each Morristown’s town celebration year is the annual Waseca Dam Days, kicked off with County Free Fair at the a parade followed by live fairgrounds in Waseca. entertainment and carnival New Richland Farm and City rides, is typically held in May. Days is a weekend in July Visit the event’s Facebook full of events for people of page for updates. all ages, with carnival food and games. Visit the event’s Facebook page for updates.

Waseca County Relay for Life is an annual event in July that 6- Waseca High School goes through the night at the Commencement for the class continued page 30 of 2021.

june

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Waseca County Fairgrounds to raise money for research for the American Cancer Society. Visit the event’s website for information.

The Waseca Hockey Association Annual Outdoor Bash at the Boxcar is typically held in late July.

august 4- National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4 throughout the nation.

Communities come together to celebrate with the city’s elected officials, emergency 30

discover waseca 2021

services and law enforcement officers.

is typically held on the first Thursday in October in Waseca.

september

Sinister Forest plans to open in October 2021. Sinister Forest is a haunted trail winding through the woods of Maplewood Park in Waseca.

For more information check out www.facebook.com/ Waseca56093.

12- Fall on the Farm is typically held at Farmamerica.

Visit farmamerica.org for more information.

18- The 2021 Waseca Marching Classic is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 and is one of the premier marching band events in Minnesota, with a noon parade.

october The “Beer ‘n’ Brats” event

“Treats and Streets” with businesses and shops offering specials, trick-ortreating and refreshments to kids and adults in Waseca ahead of Halloween. Check the Waseca Treats on the Streets Facebook page for updates.

november

The Boxcar in Waseca will host its annual Santa 27- Small Business Saturday Anonymous auction to raise money that is donated to the in Waseca is a day for Neighborhood Service center community members and visitors to show support to the to buy holiday gifts. local small businesses.

The Waseca Area Chorale typically hosts a winter concert. For more information, visit the Chorale’s Facebook page.

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#discoverwaseca

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sleigh &

cutter

celebrate winter in waseca. it’s tradition!

Jan. 23 through February Visit sleighandcutterfestival.org for a complete schedule and more information.

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The historic and 71st Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival is a great reason to celebrate winter in Minnesota. This year’s growing list of events begins Jan. 23 and runs through the end of February. The festival dates back to 1950 — the Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival started as the vision of a group of guys gathered in a local barber shop.

New this year is Winter Charm on the Farm held at Farmamerica outside on Jan. 23 and Feb. 20.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides will be offered along with hot chocolate and s’mores to enjoy while standing around campfires from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This event is free to members and pass holders and is a $5 admission fee for anyone wanting to participate.

On the same days, Farmamerica is opening the site to all for people to bring their own snowshoes to go around the site or to cross-country ski around the site. Site walking tours, snow painting and a snowflake scavenger hunt are also planned. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/WinterCharm or check the Farmamerica website for more information.

The first event of the year is the girls hockey tournament at the Waseca Hockey Arena on Feb. 6-7. Teams of girls, aged 12 and under, from several communities will be playing in the tournament that is open for anyone to watch.

The annual Mike Filzen Memorial Poker Ride will take place Saturday, Feb. 6.

There’s ice sculpting artistry over Feb.10-12 outside the Waseca Public Safety Building.

The one-of-a-kind parade of horses and sleighs is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13. It begins at noon at the Waseca County Fairgrounds and runs through the city of Waseca’s downtown district.

The 24th annual Who’s Frosty contest and Medallion search get residents and visitors in the Sleigh & Cutter mood, as clues have been distributed for weeks. The winners and unveiling of Frosty, along with the announcement of the Medallion winner, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 13 after the parade at 1 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Look for more details on the Sleigh and Cutter website.

The 13th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Curling Bonspiel takes place at 8 a.m. on Clear Lake by the Boat House Grill & Bar. The date is to be announced yet, but watch the Sleigh and Cutter website for more details.

Fireworks will take place on Clear Lake on Feb. 13 after sunset. The fireworks show will last for nearly 30 minutes and is meant to be a reminder that

COVID-19 made for a hard year, but better days are coming.

On Saturday, Saturday, Feb. 27, the Toners Lake vintage snowmobile ride is happening.

Free Flags For Vets Ruck of Hope is also scheduled to happen again at the 2021 festival.

Due to concerns for community safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sleigh and Cutter dinner and pageant are canceled for 2021 along with most indoor events.

Insure carefully, dream fearlessly. call (507) 835-2770 for a no-oblIgatIon free quote.

Matthew R. Petsinger Agency, LLC Matthew Petsinger, Agent 101 S State St, Waseca MRPAgencyLLC.com

The CBD Centers of Waseca 507-833-3270 waseca@thecbdcenters.com | www.thecbdcenters.com/waseca

109 2nd Avenue SE, Waseca, MN 56093

WE KNOW

IT BECAUSE WE GROW IT

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 006441 – Rev. 11/15 ©2015 – 10793941

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waseca county

free fair

Waseca County Fairgrounds July 14-18, 2021

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The best summer party of the year is found at the Waseca County Free Fair in July – that’s when the fairgrounds come alive with music, food, animals, grandstand events, the midway and camaraderie.

Each year, the five-day fair begins with a ceremony at the county Veterans Memorial and often a Wednesday evening pork supper. Kids of all ages flock to the midway for carnival rides, games, prizes and the much-desired fair food.

Local 4-H Club members bring their livestock, rabbits and dogs; they operate the 4-H food stand; enter their handmade clothing and work in the livestock barns.

Residents from across the county continue the tradition of competition by bringing their best flowers and biggest vegetables, works of art and baked goods to compete for fair ribbons in dozens of categories.

Fair events include:

• Midway food, games and rides • Beer garden • Free musical performances • Petting Zoo • 4-H entries and food stand • Creative arts • Enduro Race • Tractor Pull • Demolition Derby • Bull Riding • Booths, displays and more

Come to the fair for a summer break, meet your friends, stroll the Midway, ride the attractions and eat your favorite fair food.

Onsite parking and handicap parking is available.

For more information, visit wasecacountyfreefair.com.

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waseca marching classic The 34th Waseca Marching Classic is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.

New times were established in 2019 to accommodate the schedule of educational clinic requests throughout the day. The Classic Parade will kick off at noon in downtown Waseca. The parade draws thousands from across the region to watch high school marching bands from Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota perform through the streets in competition.

Waseca High School’s long history of instrumental music excellence marches through town each September. Spectators and participants savor marching bands, school spirit, community pride and a tradition of excellence.

From its inception as part of the 1988 all-school reunion and community celebration, the Waseca Marching Classic band festival has grown to include a 100-unit parade, field show competition at Waseca Junior-Senior High School Stadium, music clinics for participating bands and fireworks to cap the event.

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Immediately following the parade, an awards ceremony is held at the Trowbridge Park Bandstand during which parade awards, the People’s Choice Award and Parade Sweepstakes are presented.

At 5:15 p.m. the celebration continues at the Waseca Junior-Senior High School Stadium.

Participating bands and spectators enjoy a full afternoon and evening of field show routines.

Awards include Specialty Awards - Outstanding Drum Majors, Outstanding Horn Line, Outstanding Percussion, and Outstanding Auxiliary, the Herb Streitz Spirit Award, Field Sweepstakes, and the Richard “Butch” Dufault Sweepstakes Award (parade and field).

The Waseca High School Marching Jays, as hosts, perform, but do not compete.

The Marching Classic is sponsored by Waseca Classic, Inc., and is the combined effort of the Waseca Band Boosters, Waseca Public Schools, Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Waseca and countless volunteers.

Information is available on Facebook at Waseca

Marching Classic, Inc., and at wasecamarchingclassic.com.

The 2020 Waseca Marching Class was held virtually due to COVID-19, but bands were still able to submit a video of its parade routine or field show.

These were compiled into one video for the judges to review and critique. The video is available through a lin on the Classic website, free of charge, until Sept. 17, 2021. #discoverwaseca

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eat, drink & shop

waseca To start your morning in Waseca, stop by a local long time restaurant, the Pheasant Cafe or Jonnie Beans, for breakfast and a cup of coffee.

After enjoying breakfast and exploring the town, head over to the Boat House Grill and Bar for a lunch filled with specials each day of the week and a soup and salad bar, or for homemade pizza check out Yellow Mushroom.

When dinner time rolls around, Waseca offers a wide variety of options from Chinese at Tasty House to Mexican at one of the numerous options like El Molino, El Tequila or Mis Tres Flores. For wraps, burgers or other grill options, stop by Club 57, Starfire or Oscars.

The town also offers numerous fast food options for the busier nights with McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Dominos or Taco Bell. Finish off the day or any meal with a cupcake, ice cream or cake from local bakeries at Lush Cakes or Cash Wise.

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Nightlife can be found at one of the multiple breweries in the Waseca area at Ward House, HalfPint Brewery or Indian Winery outside of Janesville.

In town, stop by the Boxcar, Barden’s or Katie O’ Leary’s for a drink.

Interested in browsing through shops filled with antiques, gifts and collectibles? Come to Waseca, the historic downtown, the Old Highway 14 strip or up and down Highway 13 for a leisurely day searching for a special gift or to join family or friends out and about. End your day with lunch or dinner at one of its fine restaurants. In Waseca, shoppers will find everything from original art to hunting supplies, furniture and specialty coffees to unique gifts and athletic clothing.

For more information on local retail opportunities, call the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-835-3260 or visit wasecachamber.com.

around the

county Janesville ”Welcome to Janesville. For a day, for a lifetime.”

Janesville is located 10 miles west of Waseca on Old Highway 14. It continues to grow and is now home to 2,272 residents.

Janesville is home to Hay Daze, a weekend festival which takes place each June. Streets close during Hay Daze, and music and carnival rides fill the streets in celebration.

Local lakes and parks, campgrounds, a swimming pool and a summer recreation program for kids make Janesville a relaxing place to live or visit.

The park is located on Lake Elysian and features a boat launch, picnic area and landscaped gardens surrounding the memorial.

sCHools

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public School is a K-12 school district, which unveiled one of the region’s most impressive sports complexes in the fall of 2017, with a new turf football field, a one-of-a-kind turf softball field.

Trinity Lutheran School, a K-8 school, was founded in 1890. The Christian school has an enrollment of about 130, as well as two preschool classes.

New Richland “History is ours, Future is yours.”

New Richland is located 13 miles south of Waseca, located along Highways 13 and 30. It’s

home to 1,203 residents. The community takes pride in its heritage, its recreational opportunities and its educational system.

Each July, New Richland celebrates Farm & City Days, which includes a carnival and medallion hunt, a fun run, street dance and parade.

With its restaurants, lake, parks, recreation opportunities and civic pride, New Richland is a community built around its roots.

nrHeG

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva School District has two schools: a K-5 elementary school in Ellendale and a secondary school in New Richland that houses sixth-through-12th graders. The district offers Panther Preschool, Early Childhood Family Education, Community Education and a Summer Recreation program.

Waldorf Waldorf, founded in 1908, is located in Waseca County’s southwest corner on Highway 83 with 229 residents.

The city of Waldorf straddles Freedom and Vivian townships and the area boasts rich farmland and a strong agricultural economy that’s the community’s top employer.

The community remains part of the JanesvilleWaldorf-Pemberton Public Schools system, which continues to promote a strong commitment to the public. #discoverwaseca

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area

worship

Waseca County was built by immigrants on a strong foundation of faith and family with churches offering worship services for young and old. Today’s churches continue to grow, evolve and build to fulfill the needs of their members as congregations reach out with food shelves and mission projects.

JanesVille area Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA) 300 Owen St., Box 536, Janesville Phone: 234-6463 Immanuel Lutheran Church Freedom Township (LCMS) 30266 35th St., Janesville Phone: 835-2621 Saint Ann Catholic Church 313 W. 2nd St., Janesville Phone: 234-6244 St. John’s Lutheran Church 1891 321st Ave., Janesville (WELS) Phone: 234-5353 44

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St. Mark’s Community Church Arnold-Mcraith Funeral Home 107 N. Skookum St., Janesville Phone: 507-231-3060

First Congregational Church (NACCC), 110 Ash Ave., N., New Richland Phone: 465-3423

Trinity Lutheran Church 412 N. Main, Janesville (LCMS) Phone: 231-5189

Le Sueur River Lutheran Church (ELCA) 16650 250th Ave., New Richland Phone: 465-8271

United Methodist Church 401-1/2 N. West St, Janesville Phone : 234-5621

neW riCHland area All Saints Catholic Church 307 SW 1st St., New Richland Phone: 465-8217

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) 203 2nd St. NW, New Richland Phone: 465-3723

Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) 204 1St St NW, New Richland Phone: 465-3635 United Methodist Church 200 6th St. N., Ellendale Phone: 684-2731

Christ Community Church 2200 4th St. NE, Waseca Phone: 835-2235

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner 111 4th St. NW, Waseca Phone: 835-1222

Christian Assembly 900 14th Avenue SE., Waseca Phone: 833-1082

St. John Lutheran Church 401 3rd Ave. NE, Waseca Phone: 833-1703

Christ The King Lutheran Church 309 6th Street NE, Waseca Phone: 835-9176

St. Paul Lutheran Church (ELCA) 2781 92nd Ave SW, Meriden Phone: 451-2165

Vista Lutheran Church (ELCA) 15035 275th Ave., New Richland Phone: 465-3539

Faith United Methodist Church 801 4th Ave. NE, Waseca Phone: 835-3167

St. Paul Lutheran Church (LCMS) 314 4th Ave. NE, Waseca Phone: 835-2647

Zion Lutheran Church Of Lemond (ELCA) 7126 SW 98Th St., Ellendale Phone: 465-8400

First Congregational Church 503 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca Phone: 835-4548

The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints 1001 9th Ave SE, Waseca Phone: 835-4640

Vista Evangelical Covenant Church 14679 275th Ave., New Richland Phone: 465-8365

Smiths Mill Area Trinity Lutheran 20574 631St Ave., Janesville (WELS) Phone: 234-5547

Waldorf Area First Lutheran Church 120 3rd Ave., Waldorf Phone: 239-2431 Medo Lutheran Church 14193 626th Ave., Mapleton Phone: 869-3056

Grace Baptist Church 1221 8th St. SE, Waseca Phone: 835-2213 Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) 300 East Elm Ave., Waseca Phone: 835-1709 North Waseca Lutheran Church (ELCA) 40430 120th St., Rural Waseca Phone: 835-4848

Trinity Lutheran Church Of Wilton (LCMS) 31184 West Wilton River Road, Waseca Phone: 835-2621 Waseca Wesleyan Church 605 4th St., Waseca Phone: 521-0533

Pontoppidan Lutheran Church (ELCA), Lemond Real Life Church 620 W Elm Ave., Waseca Phone:507-384-2590

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 200 Front St. E., St. Clair Phone: 507-245-3330 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 225 3rd Ave., Waldorf Phone 507-234-6244 Zoar United Church Of Christ Waldorf Phone: 465-3423

Waseca Area Blooming Grove United Methodist Church 43089 180th St. (North Waseca) Phone: 382-2483

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area businesses AREA SERVICES

Waseca County Courthouse 307 N State St. 507-835-0630 co.waseca.mn.us

Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce 112 N State St. 507-835-3260 wasecachamber.com

Waseca County License Bureau East Annex 300 N. State St. 507-835-0625

Southeast Minnesota Red Cross 507-835-8369 redcross.org

Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center (Emergency services, thrift store) 203 3rd Ave. NW 507-833-4119 wansc.org Waseca Area Senior Center 308 N. State St. 507-835-4552 Waseca City Hall 508 S. State St. 507-835-9700 ci.waseca.mn.us Waseca Community Education & Recreation 501 East Elm Avenue Waseca MN 56093 507-835-5626 waseca.k12.mn.us Waseca County Auditor’s Office 307 N State St. 507-465-0610

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Waseca County News 213 2nd St. NW 507-835-3380 wasecacountynews.com Waseca County Recorder’s Office 307 N State St. 507-835-0670 Waseca County Sheriff’s Office 122 3rd Ave. NW 507-835-0510 (Non-emergency) Waseca County Veterans Services 307 N. State St. 507-835-0680 Waseca Fire Department 117 2nd Ave. SE 507-835-3210 (Non-emergency) Waseca Food Shelf 113 2nd Ave NW 507-833-4119 Waseca Police Department 303 S. State St. 507-835-9720 (Non-emergency)

Waseca Post Office 114 2nd St. NE 800-275-8777 Waseca Public Library 408 N. State St. 507-835-2910 wasecalesueurlibraries.com Waseca Public Schools 501 East Elm Ave., Waseca 507.835.2500 waseca.k12.mn.us PET SERVICES Canine Central- Doggie Day Camp & Boarding 712 South State St., Waseca 507-461-7789 My Groomer 14406 Hill-N-Dale Dr., Waseca 612-209-6854 Waseca-Clarks Grove Veterinary 1400 S State St., Waseca 507-835-1700 TRANSPORTATION Flying Time Taxi Service 507-251-6000 flyingtime.us SMART Transit Bus Service 855-762-7821 www.smartbusmn.org

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS Boy Scouts of America, Troop #85 Shawn Pomeroy, Scoutmaster 507-835-9760 Cub Scouts Larry Sipe 507-676-7956 Girls Scouts of America wasecagirlscouts@gmail.com 507-380-7032 Waseca 4-H Amy Nelson 507-835-0600 DINING Barney’s Drive-In (Seasonal) 1300 East Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-7422

Club 57 204 2nd St. Southwest, Waseca 507-833-4700 millerarmstrong.com

McDonald’s 1600 N State St., Waseca 507-835-7167 mcdonalds.com

Dairy Queen 1904 N State St., Waseca 507-835-2970 dairyqueen.com

Mis Tres Flores 100 10th Ave SE, Waseca 507-835-4152

Dairy Queen (Seasonal) 106 East 1st St., Janesville 507-234-5426 dairyqueen.com Domino’s 107 South State St., Waseca 507-833-8888 dominos.com El Molino Mexican Restaurant 214 N State St., Waseca 507-835-4223 elmolinowaseca.com

Boat House Grill & Bar 406 9th St. NE, Waseca 507-835-2419 boathousewaseca.com

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant 200 South State St., Waseca 507-835-4060 eltequilarestaurant.com

Brew’d Awakenings Bistro 206 N. Main St. Janesville 507-995-7137

Jonnie Beans 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca 507-833-7540 millerarmstrong.com

Burger King 1905 North State St. N, Waseca 507-201-3236 bk.com/store-locator/store/ restaurant_81553 Cash Wise Foods 1230 N State St., Waseca 507-835-0026 cashwise.com/storelocator

Katie O’Leary’s Beef & Brew 117 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-2000 Lush Cakes 930 State St. S, Waseca 507-201-3245

Oscar’s All American Food & Drinks 1312 N. State St., Waseca 507-833-4040 oscarswaseca.com Pheasant Café 104 S St., Waseca 507-835-1259 Pizza Ranch 212 NE 17th Ave., Waseca 507-833-9080 pizzaranch.com Purple Goose Eatery & Saloon 228 N Main St.,, Janesville 507-234-5460 Red Leaf Café 104 S. Broadway, New Richland 1-507-465-8000 Starfire Grill 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca 507-833-8756 millerarmstrong.com Subway 103 13th Ave. NW, Waseca 507-835-8751 subway.com Subway 514 East 1st St., Janesville 507-234-6444

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Taco John’s 1401 N State St., Waseca 507-833-2201 tacojohns.com Tasty House 105 17th Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-2699 Trio Coffee, Wine and Ale House 100 N State St., Waseca 507-835-9186 triowaseca.com The Willows Restaurant & Lounge 100 State Hwy. 13, New Richland 507-463-1000 Yellow Mushroom Highway 13 South, Waseca 507-835-5000 yellowmushroompizza minnesota.net BOWLING Hoot Lanes 204 HWY. 13, Waterville 507-330-4176 Janesville Bowl 307 N Main St., Janesville 507-231-5247 Trapper’s Lanes 218 S. Broadway, New Richland 507-463-8667

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CAMPING Cannon Gate Park 150 1st St., Waterville 507-362-8832 cannongatepark.com

GOLF COURSES Waseca Lakeside Club 37160 Clear Lake Drive, Waseca 507-835-2574 wasecagolf.com

Kamp Dels 14842 Sakatah Lake Rd., Waterville 507-362-8616 kampdels.com

Prairie Ridge Golf 2000 N Main St., Janesville 507-234-5505 prairieridgegolf.com Riverview Golf Course 15590 240th Ave., New Richland 507-465-8138

Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort 14360 Old Hwy. 14, Waseca 507-835-3179 kieslers.com Reinbold Sportsmen Campground 40050 30th St., Janesville 507-234-5440 sportsmencampground.com Sakatah Bay Resort 815 E. Paquin St., Waterville 507-362-8980 sakatahbay.com Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road Waterville 507-698-7851 dnr.state.mn.us Scott’s Campground 437 Main St. E., Waterville 507-362-8800

ICE SKATING Waseca Community Arena 1501 2nd St. NW 507-835-3251 wasecacommunityarena.com Trowbridge Park Outdoor Ice Rink 408 N. State St, Waseca Clear Lake Park 1000 8th Ave. NE, Waseca SHOOTING RANGES New Richland Sportsmen’s Club PO Box 234, New Richland 507-465-3504 newrichlandareasportsmens club.com

Waseca Music c o m p a n y

for all your music needs •guitars •keyboards •repairs •band instruments •sheet music •books

WASECA: 507-835-5240 OWATONNA: 507-451-9000 JANESVILLE: 507-234-5106 FARIBAULT: 507-332-7425

111 S State St

507-835-2980 wasecamusic.com

507-835-4223 214 State Street • Waseca

Where the food looks good and tastes even better

1312 North State Street • Waseca, MN 507.833.4040 www.oscarswaseca.com

Indian Island Winery

BEAUTIFUL LAKE-SIDE APARTMENTS

Live Music

Every Friday & Saturday Night!

Come and Enjoy Wine , Beer, and Food at our beautiful winery!

From Janesville: Hwy 14 W to Smith’s Mill, turn left on Cty. Rd. 37 for 5 miles

www.lathamplace.com Email: contact@lathamplace.com Phone: 507-833-0903 105 8th Street NW, Waseca, MN

Janesville •507-234-6222 Operated by Ray & Lisa Winter Family indianislandwinery.com

TO YOUR FIT

Buffet

11am-1:30pm, 5-8pm Kids eat for $1.00 on Tuesdays!

507-833-9080

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Limit one per household. No cash value. Access card fee, other fees and some restrictions may apply. Valid only for local residents on first visit at participating clubs. © 2017 Snap Fitness, Inc.

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Waseca Archery Club 409 8th Ave. NE, Waseca 507-521-1133 wasecaarchery.org

Half Pint Brewery 40099 150th St., Waseca 507-461-9235 halfpintbrew.com

Grand Stay Hotel & Suites 2201 N State St., Waseca 507-835-0022 grandstayhospitality.com

Waseca Sportsman’s Club PO Box 185, Waseca 507-835-1309 www.dnr.state.mn.us

Indian Island Winery 18018 631st Ave., Janesville 507-234-6222 indianislandwinery.com

Miller’s Bed & Breakfast 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca 507-835-1146 millerarmstrong.com

Katie O’Leary’s Beef & Brew 117 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-2000

Pine Gardens B & B 522 Second Ave. NE, Waseca 507-201-3291

Purple Goose Eatery & Saloon 228 N Main St., Janesville 507-234-5460

Veterans Landing Cabins 1102 West Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-1146 millerarmstrong.com

SKYDIVING Skydive Northstar 507-291-5867 skydivenorthstar.com TENNIS At Oak Park, Clear Lake Park, Waseca High School ENTERTAINMENT & CLUBS American Legion Post 228 700 S. State St., Waseca 507-833-9935 Barden’s Bar 110 N State St., Waseca 507-835-5343 Boat House Grill & Bar 406 9th St. NE, Waseca 507-835-2419 boathousewaseca.com Club 57 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca 507-833-4700 millerarmstrong.com

The Boxcar Bar 202 W. Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-5136

Ward House Brewery 111 W Elm Ave., Waseca wardhousebrewing.com

Remax/Masters 101 South State St., Waseca 507-835-1466 remax.com

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Fenelon Place 215 Mott St. N., Janesville 507-234-5705 minnesotabedandbreakfasts.org

Grandstand Events

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Century 21 217 E. Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-4040 century21.com

LODGING American Motel 1313 N State St., Waseca 507-835-4300 Wasecaamericanmotel.com

Amusement Attractions

Providing larger, more exciting rides for all ages!

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V.F.W. Post 1642 113 W. Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-1811

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Waseca Realty 117 2nd St. NE, Waseca 507-835-8116 waseca-realty.com HEALTH CARE Mayo Clinic Health System in Waseca 501 N. State St., Waseca 507-835-1210 mayoclinichealthsystem.org/ locations/waseca Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (Formerly Waseca County Human Services) 1000 W. Elm Ave., Waseca 507-837-6600 mnprairie.org Waseca County Public Health Services 1000 W. Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-0685 www.co.waseca.mn.us FITNESS CENTERS Anytime Fitness 115 4th St. SW, Waseca 507-201-5087 anytimefitness.com/gyms/3838/ waseca-mn-56093

Mayo Clinic Health System, Rehabilitation Center 501 N State St., Waseca 507-835-1210 mayoclinichealthsystem.org/ locations/waseca/ Snap Fitness 122 East Elm Ave., Waseca 507-835-0043 snapfitness.com/gyms/wasecamn-56093/2138 The Workout Center, Inc. 102 N State St., Waseca 507-835-3552 theworkoutcenter.com CHILD CARE Grace Gardens Child Care 300 E. Elm Ave., Waseca wasecagracelutheran.com Takara’s Kids Clubhouse 900 4th St. SW, Waseca 507-835-5875 SPECIALTY SHOPS 4-Seasons Apparel and More 124 N State St., Waseca 507-835-5267 www.4seasonsathletics.com

A Touch of Country Class (Fall and spring) 41830 150th St., Waseca 641-204-2290 touchofcountryclass.com Dad’s Good Stuff 100 Broadway AVE. S., New Richland 507-676-1111 Glitter & Grace 1800 N. State St., Waseca 507-521-1965 Hammer & Stain 208 N. State St., Waseca 507-837-0209 Homestead Home Goods and Vintages 917 N. State St., Waseca 507-327-7492 Indian Island Winery 18018 631st Ave., Janesville 507-234-6222 indianislandwinery.com Lady Bug Thrift Shop 116 S. Broadway, New Richland 507-463-3443 Lau’s Meat Market 1100 2nd St. NW, Waseca 507-835-1970 lausmeatmarket.com

Grill Open at 11:00 a.m. Daily • Lunch & Dinner Specials Daily Friday: Prime Rib Night! Small and large cuts!

Sunday: All day long: Steak, potato and Texas toast 10.99 Breakfast Served: 9 a.m. - Noon Follow us on Facebook for our updated specials!

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Ms. Macs Antiques 100 N Main St., Janesville 507-317-2457 msmacsantiques.com Past & Present Antiques 1101 N. State St., Waseca 507-835-4000 theoldtimes.com Pearl Button Primitives 206 N State St., Waseca 507-461-1648 pearlbuttonprimitives.com Pic-A-Dilly Boutique 106 State Street, Waseca 651-343-4962 Pippi Lane Boutique 405 W. Elm Ave., Waseca pippilaneboutique.com The Retro Shop at Waseca County Museum 315 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-7700 www.historical.waseca.mn.us The Speckled Hen 123 N State St., Waseca 507-461-0371 Tre Chic Boutique 118 S. State St., Suite 1, Waseca 507-461-6529

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Suburban Furniture & Floor Covering 2200 N. State St., Waseca 507-835-3670 www.suburbanfurniture.net Summer House Farm Antiques 2412 N. State St., Waseca 507-461-0328 summerhousefarmwaseca.com Waseca Art Center Gift Shop 200 N State St., Waseca 507-835-1701 www.wasecaartscouncil.org Waseca Floral 810 N State St., Waseca 507-835-3790 wasecafloral.com Waseca Music Co. 111 S. State St., Waseca 507-835-2980 wasecamusic.com Zinnia’s 106 S. State St., Waseca 507-833-5822 UTILITIES, CABLE & RECYCLING Centerpoint Energy 800-245-2377 www.centerpointenergy.com

City of Waseca 508 South State Street, Waseca 507-835-9700 www.ci.waseca.mn.us Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric 507-895-4999 www.swce.coop Xcel Energy 800-895-4999 www.xcelenergy.com CABLE/INTERNET Mediacom 507-835-5975 www.mediacomcable.com Consolidated Communications 1-844-968-7224 www.consolidated.com Jaguar Communications 800-250-1517 broadbandnow.com RECYCLING Waseca County Solid Waste Center 31080 State Hwy 13, Waseca 507-835-0662 www.co.waseca.mn.us

Recycling Center - Waseca Waseca County Fairgrounds 900 Third St. NE, Waseca Recyclable materials only Recycling Center - New Richland North Broadway City Garage From 8 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturday of the month Recyclable materials only

Minnesota Waste Processing Co. 507-625-5746 www.ljpent.com/mwpc Hometown Haulers 507-633-6000 www.hometownhaulers.com

REFUSE SERVICES Waste Management 800-222-6214 www.wm.com Stewart Sanitation 888-451-0976 www.stewartsanitation.com

Open Tues.-Sat. 10 am - 5 pm

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We know you’re busy.

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Thursday

December 3, 2020

Published by APG Media of Southern Minnesota Newsstand $2.00

Vol. 40, No. 49 ©2020

Serving Waseca, Janesville and New Richland

Jasinski, Petersburg commit to author Matson Strong bill in next session

www.wasecacountynews.com

HISTORY

By ANNIE GRANLUND

annie.granlund@apgsomn.com

A bill that has the potential to increase sentencing for those who attempt to harm a Minnesota police officer has secured the support of two local legislators.

Rep. John Petersburg (R-Waseca) and Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) have committed to introducing and carrying the Matson Strong bill through the Minnesota House and Senate in the upcoming legislative session. The bill, if passed would change state law on the maximum sentencing for the attempted murder of a peace officer, a charge being led by Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius and Megan Matson, the wife of Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson who was shot in the head while responding to a call in January.

Matson was critically injured and will likely have lifelong complications from the shooting, while his assailant, Tyler Janovsky, will spend no more than 35 years in prison.

Two other officers were shot at during the event but were uninjured, adding a maximum 15-year sentencing to the maximum 20-year sentence Janovsky received for shooting Matson. Janovsky, who pleaded guilty to the attempted murder in July, must serve at least two thirds of his prison sentencing before being eligible for parole.

“We just feel that the 20 years is inadequate for officers who have been severely injured in the line of duty,” Cornelius said after announcing her push to change state law. “Being shot at, but not physically harmed (20 years) does seem adequate, but it’s not adequate for officers whose whole lives are affected forever.”

See STRONG on 3A

Waseca Officer Arik Matson and his wife Megan (left) stand with Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius during a press conference following the sentencing of Tyler Janovsky on Friday. Cornelius used the moment to lobby for a change in the law that set the maximum limit for Janovsky’s crimes at 35 years. (Annie Granlund/southernminn.com)

Main street Waseca, circa 1915: a view looking south from the intersection of Elm Avenue and Second Street, now named State Street. Downtown Waseca is now listed on the National Register List of Historic Places. (Photo courtesy of the Waseca County Historical Society)

HISTORIC DESIGNATION Downtown Waseca officially added to National Register of Historic Places

By BAILEY GRUBISH

bailey.grubish@apgsomn.com

After more than a decade of work by the Historical Preservation Committee, Waseca’s downtown has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Historic Downtown in Waseca stretches from the 3rd Avenue NE/NW and 2nd Avenue SE/SW, roughly bounded by 2nd Street NW/SW and 2nd Street NE/ SE in Waseca.

New banners, designed by Waseca Art Center Executive Director Andrew Breck recognizing the designation of a historic downtown, will be displayed downtown in the spring of 2021, along with new street signs that will be added, according to Assistant to the City

Manager Mike Anderson.

HPC board members, city council members, city staff and many others spent countless hours researching the buildings of downtown to complete the necessary steps and applications to be approved for the National Register.

Impact of being on the National Register

Being a part of the National Register of Historic Places will directly impact the economy of Waseca by drawing in tourists as well as benefit the building owners through tax credit programs, HPC board members said.

“Right away, my first thing is the economic piece that historical downtown brings into a community,” said Joan Mooney, executive

director of programs and research at the Waseca County History Center. “And that is so complementary to what these downtown business owners have been trying to do, attract outside people to come into our region to spend the night in our hotels, to spend the money at these local bars, restaurants. There is a real strong economic engine that goes with historic districts downtown.”

City Councilor and HPC member Les Tlougan said there are people who travel specifically to places on the National Register, which will help increase the tourism of Waseca. Along with increased tourism, the designation allows those building owners to apply for a historic tax credit.

Banners celebrating downtown Waseca’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places will be posted downtown in the spring. (Photo courtesy of the Historic Preservation Committee)

See HISTORIC on 3A

Holiday Train moves to virtual concert, donates to local food shelves

By BAILEY GRUBISH

Since its first stop in Owatonna in 2009, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has been returning to the community every other year as a part of the annual tour. Despite 2020 being an off year for Steele County to have a visit from the train, CP will be making a $5,000 donation to the Marketplace at Community Pathways. (File photo/Southerminn.com)

HOLIDAY TRAIN AT HOME

ly would attend the Holiday Train

events is only step one of the process.

In addition, Cummings said CP will WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12 be making donations to all 201 local Communities could have lost a WHERE: Facebook.com/Canadian. food banks the Holiday Train has good time and funding for crucial serPacific benefited in the last two years. vices with the Canadian Pacific HoliWHO: Performances by JoJo Mason, “The need is significant out day Train’s cancellation this year due Logan Staats and Kelly Prescott there at this time of year, so we to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the made the determination to make annual event will go virtual this year.

Since it first launched in 1999, the Holiday Train has all of those donations again,” Cummings said, noting that traveled across Canada and the northern United States rais- while there are some stops that alternate years on the regular ing money, collecting food and drawing attention to the schedule, every food bank will be included in 2020.

The Waseca Area Food Shelf and the Janesville Food Shelf important work of local food banks. In its first 21 years, the train has raised $17.8 million and collected 4.8 million have both received donations in the past from the Holiday pounds of food for local food banks in communities along Train event. The Waseca Area Food Shelf feeds about 100 families a month, which increases during the holidays.

CP’s network. “(The donation) means that we will be able to provide “We cannot responsibly bring the train over and on the route it normally goes that brings those big community gath- more nutritious food,” Waseca Area Food Shelf Coordinaerings together,” said Andy Cummings, a CP spokesperson. tor Niki Schaffer said. “With this money, we can stretch our “So we are bringing our concert live and airing it over our purchase more so than if someone would donate the food.

The money always stretches further because of who we order Facebook.”

The Holiday Train At Home concert will take place at 7 p.m., from (Channel 1).”

Saturday, Dec. 12, on the Canadian Pacific Facebook page.

See HOLIDAY on 3A Bringing live music into the homes of the people who normalbailey.grubish@apgsomn.com

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