Benning Printing & Publishing

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

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20. Event Center Project On January 14, a meeting was held to discuss the 4-H Building/Event Center remodel project with Commissioner Brian Winkels, County Engineer Anthony Maule, Widseth Architectural Designer Trevor Guck, and six representatives from the Friends of Wadena County Youth (FOWCY). Dan Sartell of the FOWCY shared that he worked with CoBuilt C

The building rendering for the 4-H/Event Center renovation project at the Wadena County Fairgrounds was created with help from Widseth architects and engineers. Commissioners said the project needs to be scaled back to lower costs. by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 13. Commissioner Murlyn Kreklau was absent. Event Center Tony Hansen, serving as Regional Director of Minnesota Extension, sha

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,

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 23. Ag Society Lease Commissioner Brian Winkels and County Attorney Kyra Ladd discussed the lease agreement between the county and the Agricultural Society for the management and use of the fairgrounds. They reviewed changes to the contract’s language, especially sections covering liability insurance, what repairs and maintenance each party is responsibl

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

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

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 25. Nimrod Road Jeff Schindeldecker—who is developing the Sleepy Hollow addition—voiced concerns about the status of a sliver of road property owned by the county. He highlighted the unresolved ownership of this parcel, which is crucial for buyers to secure mortgages on the lots he is developing. He expressed frustration that he believed the issue would a