Nicole Stracek, Park Rapids Enterprise Journalist Profile

Articles

Leona "Lee" Johnson

6 days ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee |Nicole Stracek

The memorial service celebrating the life of Leona Johnson of Wadena will be held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Nate Loer presiding. Family and friends may gather at the church on Tuesday from 9:30a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN. Leona “Lee”, age 95, passed away with family by her side at The Meadows of Wadena on April 10, 2025, with compassionate care by the staff and Vivie Hospice.
Chamber presents first dollar certificate to new downtown business

6 days ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce alongside city council members and Mayor George Deiss presented Ivy Maland, owner of Ivy Creative Co., with a First Dollar Certificate on April 8. Maland offers professional professional photography and esthetician services, and is the newest business to join the chamber. Ivy Creative Co. is located downtown at 121 Jefferson Street South.
County board selects interview candidates for county administrator position

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — County commissioners heard from Liza Donabauer, management consultant with David Drown Associates, on Tuesday, April 8, to select candidates to interview for the county administrator position. According to Donabauer, 16 applications were submitted, and through a series of screenings, nine applicants were selected.
Charles Visher

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

Charles William Visher, age 87, passed away on April 9 at Crystal Brook Senior Living in Park Rapids, MN. Chuck was born on the first day of summer, 1937 to Harol and Viola Visher (Friske) in Mankato MN. He spent his early years in Lake Crystal, MN until the family moved to Colorado due to Viola’s failing health. Upon Viola’s passing they returned to Lake Crystal where Chuck completed high school. He fondly recalled playing sports there and pitching for the town team.
Glenn Douglas Wellnitz

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

Glenn passed April 9th in Fergus Falls MN. Formally of Verndale MN. Born March 21 in Morris MN. Proceed in death of parents of Melvin and Marilyn Wellnitz. Survived by Joyce Wellnitz, Barb (Dave) Hardy, Daryl (Ginger) Wellnitz, David Wellnitz, and Jerry (Melanie) Wellnitz, and Aunts, Nieces Nephews and Cousins. He enjoyed watching the Mn Vikings, MN Twins, and Pro Wrestling.
Wadena Pioneer Journal and Chamber of Commerce raise more than $300 for Sunnybrook Park Zoo

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — In May 2024, the Wadena Pioneer Journal and the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce teamed up for a unique community event — a naming contest for the new baby buffalo calf born to resident buffaloes Sam and Sally, on April 26, 2024, at the Sunnybrook Park Zoo. The community was invited to submit names for the zoo’s new baby buffalo calf, which captured the hearts of many and became a popular souvenir and symbol of support for the zoo and community.
Wadena City Council appoints Duke Harrison to fill vacant council seat

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The Wadena City Council has a new member. After Mayor George Deiss called the meeting to order on Tuesday, April 8, the first order of business was to fill the vacant seat on the council after Dan Sartell resigned in February . Duke Harrison, who ran for city council in November but lost his bid for the seat to council member Mac Nelson, is now the newest council member.
Karen Wynn Pollock

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

Feb. 25, 1947 - Jan. 14, 2025 MOTLEY, Minn. - Karen Wynn Pollock, 77, Motley, formerly of Wadena, Minn. died Tuesday, Jan. 14, in Harmony House. The memorial Mass for Karen Pollock will be celebrated at 11:00a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bluffton. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30a.m. until the time of mass. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Bluffton, MN.
Cozy Theatre welcomes local favorite Aaron Simmons

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Award-winning musician and songwriter Aaron Simmons returns to Wadena for a one-night-only, intimate show on Friday, April 11 at the historic Cozy Theatre. Simmons, who graced the Cozy Theatre stage in July 2024 alongside fellow musicians Zach Thomas and Bryan Loweree for "One Night at the Cozy," said he couldn’t wait to get back to the Cozy Theatre stage. “Since we played the Cozy show in July last year, I knew that it was something that I wanted to return to,” Simmons said.
Wadena County Board discusses ditch management contract issues

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Before approving the consent agenda on Tuesday, April 1, the Wadena County Board of Commissioners heard from Rudy Yglesias during the public comment portion of the meeting. Yglesias addressed commissioners regarding concerns about his property and explained that he hadn't received notification about recertifying his homestead status, which resulted in a $600 tax increase.