Nicole Stracek, Park Rapids Enterprise Journalist Profile

Articles

County agrees to reimburse Sebeka for damaged light pole after insurance shortfall

1 day ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The Wadena County Board of Commissioners heard from Sebeka city council member Joshua Connor on Tuesday, June 3, regarding a light pole located on Main Street. The light pole, Connor said, was damaged by a Wadena County plow truck operator. Chair Bill Stearns was absent from the meeting, with Vice Chair Ron Noon serving as Chair for the regular meeting.
Wadena business owner shares key to successful business marketing

1 day ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Drawing from decades of experience as a business owner, Mark Lunde is emphasizing the power of consistent marketing in his new book, “The Consistency Code: Marketing and Promoting Consistently for Success”. In the book, Lunde provides business owners with clear, repeatable strategies to market and promote their businesses, cutting through the noise with practical advice on how to build on what’s working, identify what’s not, and how to create lasting customer relationships.
Community attends MnDOT construction kickoff at Maslowski Wellness and Research Center

3 days ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Community members, alongside city and county officials gathered at the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center on Monday, June 2, to meet the Minnesota Department of Transportation project team who will be leading the highways 10/71/29 construction projects. The public was invited to attend to get the full scoop on the major roadwork projects scheduled, with MnDOT crews already starting with the prep-work along Highway 10.
City launches Adopt-a-Flower-Bed program to beautify public spaces

3 days ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The city of Wadena is inviting residents, businesses and community organizations to get their hands dirty for a good cause. The city's public works department is seeking volunteers to help maintain various flower beds located throughout the city through the Adopt-a-Flower-Bed program. Wadena is known as a city of parks; however, it also features a variety of flower beds that add to the charm and beauty of the city.
With honor and remembrance: Wadena Veterans Park hosts Memorial Day program

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — On Thursday, May 22, in the quiet early morning hours, after the rain finally cleared, dozens of veterans and volunteers gathered at the Wadena Public Cemetery to continue a time-honored tradition–placing American flags at the gravesites service members ahead of Memorial Day. It’s a task that is not taken lightly.
Wadena County board delays administrator hire, names Olson as interim through 2025

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The Wadena County Board of Commissioners made the decision to take a step back from hiring a new county administrator to allow for additional time to reassess needs. The board has been struggling with finding qualified candidates, despite working with David Drown Associates (DDA), a Minneapolis-based human resource consulting firm hired by the county to assist with the search to replace former county administrator CJ Holl.
Wadena City Council views drone footage of Lakes Area SWAT training exercise

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Council members had the opportunity to view drone video footage from the Lakes Area SWAT Team training exercises that took place Wednesday, May 7. Members of law enforcement use training activities as an opportunity to practice critical response capabilities in a controlled and safe environment. Wadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz presented an update on the recent training exercise, including drone video footage from the training.
Martha Irene Aho

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

Martha Irene Aho, age 70, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and great-great aunt, passed away peacefully into Glory on Monday, May 19, 1025 at Rose Haven Assisted Living in Menahga where she had been residing the past 10 years. Born January 17, 1955 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN, Martha was the 10th child of Hugo and Elsie (Kumma) Aho’s 13 children. Martha attended Wolf Lake Elementary school and graduated in 1974 from Menahga High School.
Wadena County Board divided over Bell Hill property sale, delays decision

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The site of the former Bell Hill Recovery Center was once again on the agenda during the Tuesday, May 13, regular meeting of the Wadena County Board of Commissioners. Located just north of Wadena, the land is owned by the county, and the sale of the remaining parcel led to a contentious discussion among the county board regarding how to go about selling it.
Wadena SNAP-Ed launches summer health and wellness programs for all ages

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA—Wadena County’s SNAP-Ed Health and Wellness program, part of the University of Minnesota Extension, is gearing up for a busy and enriching 2025 summer season, offering a variety of programs to promote healthy eating and active living for residents of all ages. One of the most popular programs returning this year is Cooking Matters Go Fresh Wadena, a series of six free virtual cooking classes designed for families with children.