Nicole Stracek, Park Rapids Enterprise Journalist Profile

Articles

Wadena County board weighs HR department restructure amid struggle to hire county administrator

2 days ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The Wadena County Board of Commissioners discussed the possibility of restructuring the human resources department during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6. The board previously approved changes to the department structure allowing two positions to become human resources specialists.
How Wadena's Astera Health turned hurricane crisis into opportunity for operational improvement

4 days ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — When Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck the southeastern United States on Sept. 26, 2024, the disaster didn’t just damage homes and communities — it also exposed a fragile link in the nation’s health care system. The storm caused massive supply chain issues, and according to the National Hurricane Center, led to the deaths of 249 people.
Lacey Baumgart named new Wadena County 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA—The University of Minnesota Extension recently welcomed Lacey Baumgart as the new 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator for Wadena County. Baumgart brings a deep-rooted passion for 4-H and youth development to her new role, where she will support 4-H families, volunteers and community partners while promoting leadership and engagement among local youth. Raised near New York Mills, Baumgart has a long history with 4-H.
Initiative Foundation highlights regional impact at community meet and greet

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Community members and business professionals gathered at the Astera Health Legacy Campus on Tuesday, April 29, for a special meet and greet hosted by the Initiative Foundation, in partnership with Astera Health. The event served as both a networking opportunity and a chance to spotlight the Little Falls-based nonprofit’s growing impact in Wadena County and the surrounding region.
Astera Health showcases cancer center progress at business after hours event

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Astera Health hosted a Business After Hours networking event on April 22, with numerous members of the local business community coming together to network with fellow business professionals and learn more about the cancer center. The evening opened with remarks from Astera Health’s President and CEO Joel Beiswenger, who shared updates on the progress of the new cancer center, as well as the health care center's commitment to the community and patients.
Read the recipe, follow the bread: Old Soul Artisan Bakery opens downtown

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Downtwon Wadena will soon be filled with the smell of freshly baked sourdough bread wafting through the air. Old Soul Artisan Bakery is the newest addition to the downtown business district and is located in the former bakery location at 205 Jefferson St. South. On May 1, owner Julie Mulek will open the doors to the old bakery building, offering a warm, inviting space rooted in tradition, health-conscious baking, and community connection.
Wadena County, Lakewood Health partner to address mental health in the county jail

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — As public mental health services continue to face funding cuts and systemic breakdowns, jails have increasingly become the default destination for individuals suffering from mental health issues. The result? An overwhelmed criminal justice system, unequipped and undertrained to provide proper care for incarcerated individuals with mental health illnesses.
Wadena County Board: Friendly Rider celebrates 1 millionth rider

3 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — The Wadena County Board of Commissioners honored Joe Ebner, Friendly Rider’s 1 millionth rider, during the regular meeting of the county board on Tuesday, April 15. Ebner, a longtime user of Friendly Rider's services, was joined by Wadena County Transit Director Randy Jahnke, Friendly Rider Transit Coordinator George Behl and Transit Advisory Committee member Kay Kreklau.
Leona "Lee" Johnson

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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.