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by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale City Council held a special meeting on February 24 to discuss the payment to Ideal Construction, the contractor Moore Engineering used for the city’s Safe Routes to School sidewalk project. The meeting was to address a dispute over unpaid work and conflicting guidance from Moore Engineering. The discussion centered on whether the city should pay Ideal the full amount requested for additional work that exceeded original e

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale City Council held their regular meeting on February 9. Payment Dispute Over Sidewalk Project Continues Council Member Raye Ludovissie opened the meeting by saying Ideal should be paid what they are owed for the work already completed, while Moore Engineering should be “put on the back burner” until they come to a meeting in person and fully explain their position. He argued that Ideal followed Moore’s directions, perform

by Debra Meyer-Myrum news@inhnews.com At the regular Todd County Commissioners meeting held on February 3, the commissioners approved replacing the movable wall at the Expo Building for $18,875 from Eagle Fabricating. The building is used for the county fair, ice hockey, and various other organizations use it. The movable wall is moved two to three times a year. The original wood frame is very heavy, requires a large crew to move, and is dangerous when moving. The new wal

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on February 3. Finalists Selected For County Administrator The search for a county administrator is being led by Strategic Government Resources (SGR), a national recruitment firm. Michael Czymbor, Executive Vice President for Recruiting and a former city manager with 39 years of experience, is serving as the county’s consultant. The administrator position was posted December

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, February 2. Special Olympics During a recent meeting, Tracy Mastin (Special Education), Brian Hartwig (K-12 PE/Health), Annie Mathison-Valley (SPED Teacher), and Jennifer Anderson (High School Special Education) shared their involvement with the Special Olympics. They learned about the Unified Champion Schools program, and thanks to their efforts, the high school has now

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale City Council held their regular meeting on Monday, January 12. Safe Routes to School Payment Darrin Fellbaum, with Moore Engineering, presented pay application five for the Safe Routes to School project, which included $11,485.50 for the final speed feedback sign. A dispute arose between Moore Engineering and Ideal Construction (Jeff Kobliska) over final payment amounts: while Moore recommended specific payments based

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, January 5, which began with the organizational meeting. Scott Veronen will continue as board chair, Chris Youngbauer remains vice chair, Tahna Rurup is still the clerk, and Tyler Fisher continues as treasurer. Board compensation remains the same: $80 for regular board meetings, $50 additional for the chair, and $60 for extra meetings or committee meetings.  Budget Revisio

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

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale City Council held their regular meeting on Monday, December 8. Sidewalk Cost Overage Settled Moore Engineering provided an update on the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project. John Pauna of Moore Engineering explained that the project had exceeded its original budget of $436,237.79, reaching a final recommended total of $499,675.85. The overage ($63,438) was due to various field adjustments and additional work, includ

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Monday, December 1, followed by the Truth in Taxation meeting. Commissioner Murlyn Kreklau was absent. Comprehensive Plan Dena Malone, planning and zoning, gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan. Two proposals were received in response to the county’s Request for Proposals: one from Hometown Planners for $20,050 and another from Region Five for $16,950. After reviewing