Benning Printing & Publishing

Minnesota is ranked the second-best state in the nation for children, according to a new report from SmileHub. Minnesota ranked first in support system strength, third in family and working life, and among the top five states for overall child well-being and life expectancy. “Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and in Minnesota, we’re making that possible,” said Governor Walz. “From investing in early learning and affordable child care to creating nation-leading

The month of chaos has finally come to a close, and with it, another year slips into the history books. Many people will say 2025 was a dumpster fire of epic proportions. I won’t argue that it was easy—but I also won’t say it was entirely terrible. Violence continues in Gaza. The war between Ukraine and Russia grinds on. Mass shootings still scar communities. Fires, floods, and storms remind us daily of nature’s raw power. It’s unfortunate how this is our “normal.” But it wa

News from Verndale's Past 40 Years Ago, January 1, 1986 • Pictured, Millie Krueger of Verndale points to the first of a collection of Danish Christmas plates sent by an uncle from Denmark to her parents in the late 40s and continued to send as long as he lived. Millie and her husband, Howard, continued the collection until 1979 when they became too expensive. • There will be 12 panels in the Minnesota Historical Society genealogical traveling exhibit which will be in Vernda

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 16. Final budget and property tax levy Heather Olson, auditor/treasurer, noted recent revenue adjustments and the impact of contracts and reserve funds. The county maintains a strong cash reserve position—about twelve months of expenses. In preparing the budget, the board and staff looked for opportunities to reduce costs and offset rising expenses. Ols

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MnDOT wants to give drivers a quick reminder: please slow down and yield to traffic in the new roundabout at the west end of Hwy. 10 at Co. Rd. 92. Roundabout The roundabout is designed to improve safety and traffic flow, but we’ve heard reports of drivers not adjusting to the new layout. As one Wadena resident put it: “Drivers on Highway 10 are used to just cruising straight into town without stopping. It’s a big change, but people are going way too fast and not yielding t

On December 9, state official released results from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey, showed students reporting stronger connections to their schools and improvements in overall physical and mental health and wellbeing. The survey is one of the longest-running youth surveys in the nation, amplifying student voices across metro and Greater Minnesota schools. Schools and communities statewide use the data to improve programs, supports and services for young people. Minneso

by Coach Michael Arvidson The final week of the first half started with BHVPP traveling to Pine River on Tuesday for a Triangular with Osakis and the host Road Crew. First up were the Silverstreaks, as the Raiders got things rolling and took care of business, winning the first eight matches, highlighted by two ranked wins, to put the dual out of reach before Osakis could get on the board.  We picked up a forfeit in one of the final five matches to seal the deal 44-20. The n

by Coach Bill Wagner The Bertha-Hewitt-Verndale-Parkers Prairie (BHVPP) Girls Wrestling team got a lot of valuable mat time at the Sertoma Girls Tournament in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with every wrestler getting at least three matches while competing in the Varsity brackets, including a championship title. Wagner had a dominant day, going undefeated with three victories, all secured by pin. She started her tournament with a quick pin over B. Traxler of TRG in 1:05, follow

In the blink of an eye, Christmas is here. The past few weeks have been a blur—busy schedules, endless errands, and the familiar realization that I’m still shopping for gifts. This time of year always makes me think about where our traditions come from and how they change over time. When that curiosity mixes with my love of mythology, folklore, and the paranormal, it leads me to stories far older—and far darker—than the holiday season we know today. Long before Santa’s sleig