Wadena

Sara Grabe, Duke Harrison and Monica Hatch are running for Wadena City Council.

Bryan Savaloja and Milo Scott are running for Wadena County sheriff.

Authorities state they believe one adult and four pets died in a Wadena County mobile home fire on Sept. 7, 2026.

Bryan Savaloja and Milo Scott are advancing to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election, based on unofficial results from Minnesota's primary election.

Mike Wiener narrowly defeated Paul Utke in the Aug. 11, 2026, primary. Utke was initially reported as the winner due to an error in the results reporting in Todd County.

Carla Beth Anderson, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen nearly 40 years ago at her Wadena apartment. Despite hundreds of leads and interviews, no arrests have been made in her disappearance.

“From Palette to Patina: The Eclectic Art of Cheryl Bannes” is at the Armory Arts and Events Center in Park Rapids until April 25, 2026.

MnDOT is planning major road construction in Bemidji, Brainerd, Proctor, Ely, Warroad and Wadena, plus other projects across the Northland for summer 2026.

Wadena County Sheriff Michael Carr announced that he would not seek a sixth term at the end of 2026. Sgt. Bryan Savaloja intends to run for the top law enforcement job.

Some areas are facing emerging risks for nutrient levels and E. coli in the Mississippi River basin watershed encompassing parts of Becker, Otter Tail, Todd and Wadena counties.