Lets Keep the Momentum Going, Wadena! After a great turnout at our first Community Visioning Session, we are excited to invite you back for Round 2!
Join the Region 5 Development Commission, the City of Wadena, and your neighbors, as we continue Shaping the Future of Wadena! Whether you attended the first session or are joining us for the first time, your input is vital to building the roadmap for the city's future.
When: January 20th
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Where: Maslowski Center
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to fill out our community survey. Every response helps guide our next steps: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WadenaCity
Join the Region 5 Development Commission, the City of Wadena, and your neighbors, as we continue Shaping the Future of Wadena! Whether you attended the first session or are joining us for the first time, your input is vital to building the roadmap for the city's future.
When: January 20th
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Where: Maslowski Center
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to fill out our community survey. Every response helps guide our next steps: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WadenaCity
Winter parking can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be ! Here's what you need to know about our odd/even parking rules.
The house numbers tell you which side of the street to park on.
Odd-numbered addresses (like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are on the odd side of the street, while even-numbered addresses (like 2, 4, 6, 8) are on the even side.
On odd-numbered calendar days (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.): Park on the odd side of the street
On even-numbered calendar days (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.): Park on the even side of the street
Always check the calendar date as of midnight to know where to park.
The house numbers tell you which side of the street to park on.
Odd-numbered addresses (like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are on the odd side of the street, while even-numbered addresses (like 2, 4, 6, 8) are on the even side.
On odd-numbered calendar days (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.): Park on the odd side of the street
On even-numbered calendar days (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.): Park on the even side of the street
Always check the calendar date as of midnight to know where to park.
WELCOME 2026! Happy New Year Wadena!
City Offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1st for the New Years Holiday.
City Offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1st for the New Years Holiday.
Did You Know: Winter Safety is a Statewide Effort ❄️
Winter parking ordinances are a standard safety measure for cities across Minnesota. From Brainerd to Fergus Falls, communities of all sizes rely on rules to keep streets passable for plows and emergency vehicles. While every city is different, the goal is always the same: ensuring plows can clear snow efficiently so you can travel safely.
Reminder for Wadena:
Time in effect: Midnight – 7:00 AM
Rule: Odd/Even Parking (based on the date at midnight)
Thank you for helping us keep Wadena’s streets clear and safe this winter!
Winter parking ordinances are a standard safety measure for cities across Minnesota. From Brainerd to Fergus Falls, communities of all sizes rely on rules to keep streets passable for plows and emergency vehicles. While every city is different, the goal is always the same: ensuring plows can clear snow efficiently so you can travel safely.
Reminder for Wadena:
Time in effect: Midnight – 7:00 AM
Rule: Odd/Even Parking (based on the date at midnight)
Thank you for helping us keep Wadena’s streets clear and safe this winter!
Merry Christmas from the City of Wadena! 🎄❄️
From all of us at the City, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
From all of us at the City, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
The holidays are at the doorstep! Winter Parking Regulations apply to everyone, please help us notify any friends or family coming to Wadena of the winter parking rules before they arrive:
To help our crews clear snow efficiently and keep streets safe for everyone—including emergency vehicles—overnight parking follows an odd/even calendar rule. Use the calendar date as of midnight to determine where to park each night. Vehicles must be parked on the odd side of the street on odd-numbered days and on the even side on even-numbered days, between midnight and 7 a.m. Parking on the wrong side may result in a ticket or tow.
Your support ensures quick snow removal and safer winter travel for all. Thank you for your help in making Wadena safer this holiday season!
To help our crews clear snow efficiently and keep streets safe for everyone—including emergency vehicles—overnight parking follows an odd/even calendar rule. Use the calendar date as of midnight to determine where to park each night. Vehicles must be parked on the odd side of the street on odd-numbered days and on the even side on even-numbered days, between midnight and 7 a.m. Parking on the wrong side may result in a ticket or tow.
Your support ensures quick snow removal and safer winter travel for all. Thank you for your help in making Wadena safer this holiday season!
With winter here in full force, please remember that Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect through March 31. To help our crews clear snow efficiently and keep streets safe for everyone—including emergency vehicles—overnight parking follows an odd/even calendar rule.
Vehicles must be parked on the odd side of the street on odd-numbered days and on the even side on even-numbered days, between midnight and 7 a.m. Use the calendar date as of midnight to determine where to park each night. Parking on the wrong side may result in a ticket or tow. These rules are in effect for everyone, including friends and family, so please help notify them of the parking restrictions.
We understand these rules can be inconvenient, but cooperation is necessary to keep roads passable. Your support ensures quick snow removal and safer winter travel for all. Thank you for your help in making Wadena safer this season!
Vehicles must be parked on the odd side of the street on odd-numbered days and on the even side on even-numbered days, between midnight and 7 a.m. Use the calendar date as of midnight to determine where to park each night. Parking on the wrong side may result in a ticket or tow. These rules are in effect for everyone, including friends and family, so please help notify them of the parking restrictions.
We understand these rules can be inconvenient, but cooperation is necessary to keep roads passable. Your support ensures quick snow removal and safer winter travel for all. Thank you for your help in making Wadena safer this season!
We’re Hiring: Lead Billing Clerk/Energy Services Coordinator ⚡💧
The City of Wadena Utilities Department is seeking a detail-oriented professional to join our team full-time. This role is central to our operations, managing utility billing accounting and coordinating our load management and energy conservation programs.
Position Highlights:
Salary Range: $29.79 – $39.62 per hour (DOQ)
Key Duties: Utility billing (electric, water, sewer), energy conservation tracking, and AMI system management.
Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
📄 Apply Now: Visit Wadena.org >Employment Opportunities for the full job description and application details, or stop by the City Administrative Center!
🖇️Link to webpage: https://www.wadena.org/o/cw/page/employment
The City of Wadena Utilities Department is seeking a detail-oriented professional to join our team full-time. This role is central to our operations, managing utility billing accounting and coordinating our load management and energy conservation programs.
Position Highlights:
Salary Range: $29.79 – $39.62 per hour (DOQ)
Key Duties: Utility billing (electric, water, sewer), energy conservation tracking, and AMI system management.
Deadline: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
📄 Apply Now: Visit Wadena.org >Employment Opportunities for the full job description and application details, or stop by the City Administrative Center!
🖇️Link to webpage: https://www.wadena.org/o/cw/page/employment
Are you an aspiring family child care entrepreneur or child care center owner in Minnesota? Level up your business skills in 2026 with FREE, Develop-approved online trainings from First Children’s Finance, covering everything from separating business and personal finances to precision pricing, technology tools, policy manuals, and business planning. Link to list of trainings: https://files.constantcontact.com/05ef32eb901/98b3a990-9f8f-4a4c-bf22-67b3916738f8.pdf?rdr=true
Sessions run January–May 2026 and are tailored specifically for child care entrepreneurs across Minnesota. Learn more and register through your Develop account by searching the Event ID listed for each course or by visiting First Children’s Finance Minnesota online! Great opportunity for people to get involved and help solve a crucial problem!
Sessions run January–May 2026 and are tailored specifically for child care entrepreneurs across Minnesota. Learn more and register through your Develop account by searching the Event ID listed for each course or by visiting First Children’s Finance Minnesota online! Great opportunity for people to get involved and help solve a crucial problem!
Did you know Black's Grove is home to 5.5 miles of groomed cross country ski trails?
The trails wind through the woods along Oak Creek, offering beautiful landscapes and a true northern Minnesota experience. 9 different trail options ranging from 206M to 1,494M, you can choose your adventure to match your ability and available time!
The trails wind through the woods along Oak Creek, offering beautiful landscapes and a true northern Minnesota experience. 9 different trail options ranging from 206M to 1,494M, you can choose your adventure to match your ability and available time!
Did you know that Wadena's Wastewater Treatment Plant flows around 300,000 gallons of water on average every day!
Visualized another way, that equals out to 5 million 8oz cups of coffee! (Though you'd need a truckload of beans!)
Fun fact: The treatment plant uses a population of microorganisms, like bacteria, to break down the waste stream. The population is controlled by the age of the microorganisms with the median age being the most productive worker! This is just one process at the city that isn't seen or heard but is instrumental in keeping city operations running!
Visualized another way, that equals out to 5 million 8oz cups of coffee! (Though you'd need a truckload of beans!)
Fun fact: The treatment plant uses a population of microorganisms, like bacteria, to break down the waste stream. The population is controlled by the age of the microorganisms with the median age being the most productive worker! This is just one process at the city that isn't seen or heard but is instrumental in keeping city operations running!
🌲The City is currently seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Park Board. 🌲We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about community development and the maintenance of our public parks.
Meetings: Held on the first Wednesday of the month.
Schedule Exception: The board does not meet in December or January.
Those interested should reach out to Parks Director Dan Kovar at 218-632-2766 or publicworks@wadena.org
Meetings: Held on the first Wednesday of the month.
Schedule Exception: The board does not meet in December or January.
Those interested should reach out to Parks Director Dan Kovar at 218-632-2766 or publicworks@wadena.org
Join us for a special evening in Wadena this Friday, December 5th! The Wadena Parade of Lights is back, starting at 6 PM. Enjoy the beautiful floats and then head to the Depot for treats with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Plus, attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Burlington Northern Park, taking place 30 minutes after the parade! You won't want to miss it!
Plus, attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Burlington Northern Park, taking place 30 minutes after the parade! You won't want to miss it!
Did you know Pinewood Estates lots come with water and sewer to the property line, paved streets, AND beautiful pine-lined settings—with no surprise costs or special assessments? Plus, a 17-acre nature park with walking trails is being developed adjacent to the neighborhood. Affordable lots from $16,000-$28,000!
Contact Dean Uselman for more info at 218-371-0072 or wda@wadena.org
Applications for the 2026 MRES Scholarships are NOW OPEN! If you or a student you know is planning for college or technical school next fall, don't miss out on these scholarship opportunities from Missouri River Energy Services!
The Opportunities:
College Scholarship: $1,000 (renewable up to 3 years!) for high school seniors pursuing careers related to the electric industry. Must be a local utility customer to apply.
Lineworker Scholarship: $2,000 for students entering a lineworker program at eligible schools (including M State Wadena!). Residency in a member territory is NOT required.
Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm
Link to apply: https://www.mrenergy.com/services/scholarships
The Opportunities:
College Scholarship: $1,000 (renewable up to 3 years!) for high school seniors pursuing careers related to the electric industry. Must be a local utility customer to apply.
Lineworker Scholarship: $2,000 for students entering a lineworker program at eligible schools (including M State Wadena!). Residency in a member territory is NOT required.
Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026 at 5:00pm
Link to apply: https://www.mrenergy.com/services/scholarships
With all of this lovely winter weather we are having, it's a good time to remind you to pack emergency kits for winter travels! You never know when you'll find yourself stranded/broken down during a winter storm. Be safe and prepared!
Help shape the future of Wadena! 🌟 The City of Wadena is updating its Comprehensive Plan, and we need YOUR input. Take a few minutes to fill out our community survey and let your voice be heard — your feedback will help create long-term goals and guide Wadena’s future growth.
📋 Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wadenacity
Paper copies are also available at City Hall.
Let’s work together for a better Wadena—please share your ideas today!
📋 Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wadenacity
Paper copies are also available at City Hall.
Let’s work together for a better Wadena—please share your ideas today!
Did you know? The Public Works Department stays busy trimming boulevard trees during the fall and winter months!
Trimming now helps our trees stay healthy, heal faster, and ensures they don't pose safety risks to pedestrians or vehicles during storms. It’s a part of keeping Wadena beautiful and safe year-round. 🌳Give the crew a wave if you see them working in your neighborhood! 👋🏼
Trimming now helps our trees stay healthy, heal faster, and ensures they don't pose safety risks to pedestrians or vehicles during storms. It’s a part of keeping Wadena beautiful and safe year-round. 🌳Give the crew a wave if you see them working in your neighborhood! 👋🏼
Help shape Wadena’s next chapter—join the Community Visioning Session tomorrow, November 18th, 5:30–6:30 p.m., at the Maslowski Wellness & Research Center!
Anyone who lives, works, plays, or visits in Wadena—residents, business owners, students, and community partners are all welcome. Share priorities for parks, streets, housing, jobs, and quality of life as the city updates its Comprehensive Plan, with facilitation by Region Five. See you there!
Anyone who lives, works, plays, or visits in Wadena—residents, business owners, students, and community partners are all welcome. Share priorities for parks, streets, housing, jobs, and quality of life as the city updates its Comprehensive Plan, with facilitation by Region Five. See you there!
Scammers are getting more creative, and they aren’t slowing down. Many are using payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or similar platforms to trick people into sending money.
Please remember—the City of Wadena will NEVER request payment through these apps, social media, or other third party platforms.
To keep your account safe, always use the City’s authorized payment methods, such as secure online bill pay through our official website, by mail, or in person at City Hall.
Please remember—the City of Wadena will NEVER request payment through these apps, social media, or other third party platforms.
To keep your account safe, always use the City’s authorized payment methods, such as secure online bill pay through our official website, by mail, or in person at City Hall.
