Wadena Pioneer Journal

Local

English

Newspaper

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#2313679

United States

#633969

News and Media

#14267

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Fix it or forget it: County board to get bids on repairing aging west wall on county storage building

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — After years of deliberation and deferred action, the Wadena County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on Tuesday, June 10, to proceed with requesting bids to repair the west wall of the county-owned Wensman building, a deteriorating maintenance storage facility dating back to the 1920s.
Nature's peace hides in plain within a central Minnesota spot called Green Island

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA, Minn. — Just off the well-traveled Minnesota Highway 71 lies Green Island, a 60-acre nature preserve tucked within the city limits of Wadena. The land has been transformed over the past two decades by owners Kent Scheer and Vicki Chepulis into a sanctuary for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for the public. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Green Island invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Art Camp at Green Island brings creativity, community, and nature together

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Green Island Art Camp is returning this summer, offering area youth a unique opportunity to explore creativity in a natural setting. The camp, which starts June 23, blends art education, community-building, and outdoor exploration — all guided by professional artists and educators. This year’s featured guest artist is Azania Tripp, owner of Obsidian Pause: Wearable Paper Art.
Wadena City Council considers sale of former landfill property

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Wadena County Commissioner Bill Stearns and Chris McConn, Solid Waste director for Otter Tail, Wadena, and Todd counties, presented plans for a regional demolition landfill project to the Wadena City Council on Tuesday, June 10. The proposal comes as part of a broader response to the looming expiration of permits for current demolition landfills across Minnesota.
Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at Wadena’s June Jubilee

1 week ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Gray skies and cool temperatures couldn't keep the crowds away from June Jubilee, Wadena’s beloved summer kickoff festival. The three-day celebration transformed downtown into a hub of family-friendly fun, complete with live music, a grand parade, fireworks, and a wide variety of activities for all ages. “It’s the best weekend of the year,” said Sara Collins, who attended with her grandchildren. “We came out for the kids.
Doris Martin

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

Doris Martin, age 100, of Wadena, Minnesota passed away on June 10, 2025, at Like Mother Like Daughter Assisted Living in Perham, Minnesota. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Doris will be laid to rest at Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Minnesota. Doris Elaine Hanson was born on May 12, 1925, in Oak Valley, Ottertail County, Hewitt, Minnesota.
Charles "Chuck" Visher

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

Jun. 21, 1937 - Apr. 09, 2025 PARK RAPIDS, Minn. - Charles "Chuck" Visher, 87, Park Rapids, Minn. died Wednesday, Apr. 9, in Crystal Brook Senior Living. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 5, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Akeley, MN with visitation for 1 hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Cease Family Funeral Homes of Park Rapids and Nevis.
Wadena marks 15th anniversary of tornado by strengthening warning network

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — On June 17, 2010, an EF4 tornado tore through the heart of Wadena, leaving portions of the city nearly unrecognizable. It was a day that many people, including Wadena Chief of Police Naomi Plautz, will never forget. The tornado left a trail of destruction, damaging homes, businesses and schools, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early warnings during extreme weather events.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon visits Wadena County to discuss election updates

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Nicole Stracek

WADENA — Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon visited the Wadena County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office on Tuesday, June 3, to meet with local officials and discuss recent elections and updates to state election procedures. During his visit, Simon met with Auditor-Treasurer Heather Olson, Elections Coordinator Christine Kempenich and Tax Specialist Missy Lund to review the county’s election processes and outcomes.
Leading the way at 99, Roger Folkestad named June Jubilee parade grand marshal

2 weeks ago | wadenapj.com | Frank Lee

WADENA — Don’t call him “Mr. Wadena.”Roger Folkestad is one of the city’s oldest residents at age 99 and has lived long enough to earn the moniker he mentioned. But the genteel nonagenarian shrugs off any such honorific. “I’m not making any claims to that,” Folkestad said as he laughed from the comfort of his living room chair in his Wadena home.