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Fatal Crash Reported on Highway 71 Near Sebeka
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
Jan 131 min read


CodeRED Emergency System Attacked
The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office has taken measures to transition our CodeRED emergency system following a recent cyberattack and data breach that has impacted hundreds of agencies nationwide. CodeRED is a critical notification system used to deliver time-sensitive alerts during severe weather events, public safety threats, and other emergencies. CodeRED has reported the impacted dataset may contain contact information of CodeRED users such as: name, address, email addre
Dec 16, 20251 min read


Victim Airlifted; Several Displaced after Apartment Fire
On Wednesday, November 19, at 9:27 p.m., the Staples Fire Department was dispatched to the Staples Hi Rise Apartments for an activated smoke detector and general fire alarm. While Staples Fire units were responding, they were advised that there was smoke showing on the second floor of the 60-unit apartment complex. Upon the arrival of firefighters, a primary search of the second floor was initiated, and a victim was located in the apartment of the fire origin. The victim wa
Nov 25, 20251 min read


Residents Split on Local Police vs Sheriff Coverage
by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Verndale City Council held a public hearing to discuss the future of the local police department, considering whether to maintain the department or contract services with the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). The city was presented with three options: continue with a part-time city police force, contract for 30 hours of service per week with the county or rely solely on the county for emergency response. The public indicate
Oct 21, 20251 min read


Local Kids Learn Lifesaving Skills at First Aid Training
Area children gathered at the Verndale Fire Hall on Sunday, September 14, to learn first aid and fire extinguisher basics. The children received hands-on training in a wide range of emergency situations during the Kids First Aid program, organized by Keri Weiher and supported by the Verndale Fire Department, Astera Health, and the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office. Students learned from EMT Katlyn Dykhoff how to respond to seizures, including keeping the person safe, rolling
Oct 21, 20251 min read


Worker Killed by Falling Tree
On Thursday, October 9, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting that an adult male had been injured by a falling tree. The incident occurred at a rural residence northeast of Menahga in Blueberry Township. First responders arrived at the scene and found that CPR had been initiated on the injured individual. Life-saving measures continued, but ultimately, the man was pronounced dead... Subscribe to get the rest of the story
Oct 14, 20251 min read


Ditch Dispute Deepens as Culvert Falls Short of Specs
by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23. Judicial...
Sep 30, 20252 min read


Sergeant Savaloja Receives Joe Strub Memorial Award for Weather Safety Leadership
The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office was proud to announce that Sgt. Bryan Savaloja was awarded the Joe Strub Memorial Award at the annual...
Sep 23, 20251 min read


Drone and K9 Track Down Suspect
On Thursday, August 7, the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a trespassing incident in Section 10 of Thomastown Township....
Aug 26, 20251 min read


Drone and K9 Track Down Suspect - A Four-Hour Manhunt ATV Pursuit through Woods and Cornfield Ends with $28K in Stolen Goods Recovered
On Thursday, August 7, the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a trespassing incident in Section 10 of Thomastown Township....
Aug 12, 20251 min read
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