Benning Printing & Publishing

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

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18. Demolition Landfill Chris McConn and Wade Miller from solid waste discussed a regional planning initiative for construction and demolition (C&D) landfills across nine counties, prompted by new state requirements for more protective landfill management. The project, funded by a $300,000 state grant, is exploring options to meet new rules for liners, le

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 4. Transmission Line Drew Janke, an environmental compliance specialist with Minnesota Power, provided an update on the Maple River to Cuyuna 345 kV Transmission Line Project. This joint initiative by Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Great River Energy proposes to construct an approximately 160-mile-long, single-circuit 345 kV transmission l

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com On October 28, the Wadena County Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the future management of the county’s Event Center, formerly known as the 4-H building. Commissioner Jon Kangas was absent. Over the years, various groups have used the building, but most existing leases have now expired. With recent state approval for renovations, organizations including the Friends of Wadena County Youth, local 4-H, and representatives

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.con The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 21. Zoning Changes to Boost Housing and Development There was an extensive discussion regarding zoning policies in Wadena County. Commissioner Jon Kangas began by highlighting that the majority of the county’s land is designated A-2 and A-3 agricultural districts, which come with significant development restrictions. He argued these zoning regulations hind

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 14. Judicial Ditch #3 Obstruction A public hearing was held regarding the obstructions previously discussed in Orton Township. Property owners Timothy and Kristina Estabrooks addressed the issues pertaining to these obstructions. They highlighted a culvert (location A) installed to provide vehicle access across a ditch, which is currently sized at 24 inch

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, October 7. Extension Lease and Management of the Event Center The Wadena County Commissioners discussed the ongoing situation regarding the 4-H program and the leases for the event center building. Historically, the lease for the building was signed by 4-H. However, some commissioners expressed concern that the University of Minnesota was preparing a list of desi