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What should Wadena County look like in ten or twenty years? Whether you’re concerned about how and where the county allows new homes, the future of our local parks, the strength of our economy or how the transportation system works, now is the time to make your voice heard. Wadena County is officially launching a process to update its 2013 Comprehensive Plan. This document serves as the roadmap for the county’s future, and after over a decade, it’s time for a refresh. We a

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on February 10. Future of the Hope Center Human Services Director Jennifer Westrum reported that Oak Ridge and Westview would end their contract to operate the Hope Center. She, along with colleagues Amy Gendron and Amelia Hutson, discussed four options, including potentially closing the Hope Center. Westrum highlighted that this would leave Wadena County without a drop-off

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

With the upcoming retirement of Sheriff Carr, Bryan Savaloja, a 19-year veteran of the Wadena Sheriff’s Office, announced his candidacy for sheriff. “For nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside Sheriff Carr, a strong leader who built a professional, respected sheriff’s office,” said Savaloja. “As he prepares to retire, I’m running to continue that legacy and lead the next chapter.” Savaloja has served in several areas of the sheriff’s office, includi

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6. Commissioner Ron Noon was elected board chair and Brian Winkles as vice chair. Still No Water At Event Center Dan Sartell from the Friends of Wadena County Youth explained that a contractor had pulled a permit to extend the water main into the building but failed to complete the work, leaving the facility without water and stalling further renovations,

After much thought and reflection, I want to share that I will not be seeking a sixth term as Wadena County Sheriff. I have been truly blessed to serve this profession for 32 years and to be elected to five terms as your sheriff. There is no greater honor than being chosen by the people of Wadena County to serve you as your sheriff. I am deeply grateful to the citizens of Wadena County for the trust you have placed in me, and to those who came before me who laid the foundati

A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred early Monday morning, January 5, on U.S. Highway 71 near mile marker 233 in Rockwood Township, Wadena County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The crash was reported at approximately 6:45 a.m. A 2018 Toyota Tundra, driven by Benjamin Edward Swain, 60, of Hewitt, was traveling northbound on Highway 71. At the same time, a 2003 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Jerome Benson Miller, 87, of Sebeka, was traveling southbound when it veered in

Wadena County Attorney Kyra Ladd was presented with the Minnesota County Attorneys’ Association (MCAA) Johnson Distinguished Service Award at the 48th Annual MCAA meeting held in Bloomington on December 3.  The award is presented to a county attorney who has demonstrated a history of significant leadership, strived to improve the quality of justice, and whose activity has increased and enhanced public awareness of the office of county attorney at the state and/or national le

To the Editor: #1. 2026 will be another tough year for residents and businesses. It started last spring when valuation notices went out. If you had Commercial/Business property you probably saw a very large increase in your valuations. Or if you had land that was previously classified as AG Homestead and changed to Residential Homestead, the tax on your land doubled from .5 to 1.0. Or in the city of Sebeka, because of sales, your valuation increased 30% in one year. THERE MA

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