Benning Printing & Publishing

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on March 17 at the Menahga Senior Center. The commissioners gave the go-ahead for Friendly Rider to start looking for bids on a new transit building. This is a big step in a project that has been talked about for a long time. Transit Director Randy Jahnke updated the commissioners on the project’s progress. The planning and designing stage is almost done, and a detailed plan

by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on March 10. Commissioner Murlyn Kreklau attended via Zoom. Right-To-Farm Declaration Farm Bureau Representative Brian Roth told the board that commercial deer farms in Minnesota have sharply declined over the past decade, in part due to stricter rules tied to chronic wasting disease (CWD), including requirements for double fencing and limits on who farms can sell to. He argu

An attorney for Father Aaron John Kuhn filed a motion on February 20, asking a court to dismiss a criminal sexual conduct case against him, arguing that the Minnesota law used to charge him violates constitutional protections related to religion. In the motion, filed by attorney Paul Engh, the defense argues that Minnesota Statute 609.344—specifically the section dealing with clergy and sexual conduct—violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which bars the gover

The Wadena County Sheriff reports that one of his deputies was involved in a vehicle pursuit during the evening hours of February 25. A deputy attempted to stop a motor vehicle for numerous traffic violations. The driver refused to stop, and the deputy initiated a pursuit. The pursuit exited Wadena County and entered Cass County, reaching speeds of over 100 mph. The fleeing vehicle and the sheriff’s office squad car entered onto an ice-covered road. Both vehicles lost cont

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