Frank Lee

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — Wadena City Library hosted a free program about Wadena County’s early trails and how important they were early on in the area’s history. Local historian Clarence Horsager presented the “It’s Your History” program at the library’s conference room at 210 First St. SW on Thursday, March 27.

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — Grunting, kicks and bowing were the norm at the National Guard Armory where the 13th annual Mid-Minnesota Tae Kwon Do Invitational Tournament was recently held in Wadena. Between 75 and 100 competed in the tournament on Saturday, March 22, according to Master Lolita Myers of the Mid-Minnesota Tae Kwon Do. Children and adults of all ages came from Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin to showcase their skills.

4 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

STAPLES — It took only a second try for Wadena-Deer Creek seventh grader Josslyn Hansen to finish first at the 2025 Regional Spelling Bee hosted by Sourcewell in Staples. Hansen finished in the Top 5 at the same Regional Spelling Bee in Staples last year and vowed then to compete again this year in the contest that occurred on Wednesday, March 19. The 12-year-old bested 14 other students in third through eighth grade in the scholastic competition.

4 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

VERNDALE — Kaitlyn Schroeder knew she had to hear Amberley Snyder again, even though Schroeder had heard the motivational speaker a decade ago. Schroeder attended a free event on Sunday, March 23, at the R&J Arena and Events Center in Verndale that featured Snyder, who spoke for about 45 minutes and then took questions. “I brought my girls that I teach riding lessons to,” said Schroeder, a 27-year-old assistant manager at a group home.

1 month ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — Owner Tom Weber has worked at Weber’s Wadena Hardware Co. his entire life. And now the downtown establishment is celebrating 110 years in business. “My kids both have worked here. I've had nieces work here — at least three nieces. … My grandchildren have worked for me. … They do say I do treat them a little differently than the rest of the employees — a little harder,” Weber said and smiled.