Progress Guide by Wadena Pioneer Journal

F e br uar y 2 0 , 2 0 1 4

PROGRESS 2014 is a scrapbook o f t h e p r o g r es s t h e W a d en a a r ea ma d e i n t h e c a l en d a r y ea r 2013. Fea t ur i n g n ew b us i n es s es , n ew o w n er s , n ew t ec h n o l o g y a n d n ew i d ea s .

A s p ec i a l s up p l eme n t t o th e W a d e n a Pi o n eer Jou rn a l

Inside are s o me o f t h e mi l es t o n es f r o m 2013.

Community Progress

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February 20, 2014

137

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130 122 121 116 116 109 W EN SMAN SEED 104 • Personal Injury

• Estate Planning

Daniel T. Carlisle • Sue Ann Lind 218-631-1400 • 7 Colfax Ave. SW, Wadena, MN • www.penlaw.com

• Wills & Probate • Family Law

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First National Bank in Wadena Consider Us First!

25 Bryant Ave SW, Wadena, MN 56482 • 218-631-1590 www.fnbwadena.com • Member FDIC

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SCHULLER FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES Joseph and Meg Schuller - owners

Phone: 218-631-3632 205 4th St. SW • Wadena, MN www.SchullerFamilyFH.com

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David Paulson Agency, Inc.

Check With Us For All Your Insurance Needs •Auto •Home • Farm •Life •Health •Commercial •Bonds www.paulsonagency.com

631-3690 WADENA, MN 56482 E. HWY. 10,

316 Hwy. 78 N., Suite 102 OTTERTAIL, MN 56571

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www.gorescompany.com

the ONLY address you need in Real Estate

508 So. Jefferson Wadena (218) 631-2536

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www.kcvblaw.com

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www.wensmanseed.com

(formerly Peterson-Biddick Co.)

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Photo by Zach Kayser

The Kern Electronics and Lasers building is pictured Thursday. The business may soon have an additional building in the Wadena Industrial ark. Company President Gerald Kern said another building could add five to six machinist and electronic jobs.

Kern Lasers looking to expand Zach Kayser Originally published January 19, 2013

Kern Electronics and Lasers may soon begin adding an additional building to their complex in the Wadena Industrial Park. Company President Gerald Kern said he is considering the construction of a new facility across the street from the existing Kern building. City Administrator Brad Swenson said the company will invest $6,000 as part of the applications process for property tax incentives from the city via the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program. He also said the city council has created a purchase agreement waiting to be signed by the company, which would mean the sale of a $30,000 piece of land as well as the option to buy another space close by. “They’re considering building,” Swenson said, “possibly as soon as this summer if financing and everything falls into place.” A public meeting on TIF funding for Kern will be held March 12, during which the Wadena City Council can either set the

level for TIF funding or choose to study the matter further, Swenson said. Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden said the new Kern building would be similar to the existing one. “My understanding, it’s almost a mirror image of that facility,” Wolden said. Mikaela Huot, vice president of housing and economic development at Springsted, a public sector consulting firm the city has hired to process Kern’s TIF application, said preliminary plans call for starting the new Kern building this spring and construction to be completed later this year. She said the building would be about 8,000 square feet, 2,400 of which would be devoted to office space and the rest to manufacturing space. Wolden said the new addition would promote job growth in the city and boost the local economy. “They were looking at adding a number of jobs,” Wolden said. “Those people need places to live. If they have children, they need a good quality school to send them to, they need to buy gas, they need to buy groceries. It’s very impactful.” Kern said the new facility, if built, could add five to six machinist and electronic jobs.

SCHULLER FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES Joseph & Meg Schuller, Owners Phone: 218-631-3632 205 4th St. SW • Wadena, MN www.SchullerFamilyFH.com

“Continuously Family Owned for 119 Years!”

February 20, 2014

Community Progress

Midwest Machinery adds jobs at Wadena location

John Deere implement dealer expands services Bryce Haugen Originally published February 6, 2014

When the inventory started dwindling at Evergreen Equipment west of town last fall, the coffee shop chatter was that Wadena would either be losing its only John Deere dealership or that it would turn into a parts depot. “Midwest Machinery laid that rumor to rest,” said Dean Torgerson, store manager for the company’s Wadena location, which opened in October. “We’re here and we mean business.” Midwest Machinery, a company with 13 central Minnesota locations, purchased Evergreen Equipment in September. Since then, two employees have left, four have been hired and the store is advertising for four more positions. If the business grows as Torgerson expects, more jobs will follow. “I would expect that we double our store employees over the next couple of years,” he said. “That’s my goal.” With the additional workers, Midwest Machinery will offer new services and products, including sprayer parts and bulk oil delivery. The location just added a service truck that can travel to fix broken down equipment right in the farmer’s field. Before, local farmers had to wait for someone to come from Hawley, Alexandria or Elbow Lake for such service. Brian Weber, a Midwest Machinery co-owner and regional sales manager, said most decisions at the Wadena location will be made at the store level. “They know their customers and employees better than any of us at a corporate level would,” he said. Torgerson said Midwest Machinery “will give us all the resources we need to succeed without getting in the way of dayto-day business.” The savings from being able to buy in bulk as corporation, he said, are directly passed on to the consumer. The company, Torgerson said, tries to buy vehicles locally, use Wadena mechanics and gets materials at area stores. It re-

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cently partnered with Central Lakes College to provide equipment for planting and harvesting in exchange for use of its fields for demolition. There will be an open house for Midwest Machinery’s Wadena location on Tuesday from noon to five. The store is located three miles west of town on the north side of U.S. Highway 10. “Come out and meet the staff,” Torgerson said. He encouraged people to bring non-perishable food items for the company’s “Feed a Gator” program. Midwest Machinery will donate the food - and match its cash value to local food shelves. “(The company is) really big on community involvement,” Torgerson said. Shirley Uselman, Wadena Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the new jobs Midwest Machinery is adding will have “domino effect” on the local economy, as new residents spend money in town, buy homes and send their children to local school. “Any time we can add jobs in our community, it not only helps that person it helps the rest of the community,” she said. “It’s something that needs to happen in a community to keep it vibrant.”

We are a family-centered health facility. Our goal is to provide complete family health care to the people of Wadena and the neighboring communities. Appointment Desk: 218-631-1100

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TriCountyHospital.org

Weber’s Wadena Hardware More Than a Hardware Store!

Tom and Mary Dee Weber, owners

109 Jefferson Street South Wadena 631-2454

Formerly Zosel’s Wadena Hardware

HOME PURCHASES AND REFINANCES EP WE KEAL! IT LOC

www.wadenastatebank.com

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MASON BROTHERS

Wadena, MN • 631-2220

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Wadena State Bank

State Farm Insurance Companies Bill Stearns, Agent Jolene Johannes, Agent 631-2999 or 1-800-292-2910 631-1297 or 1-800-450-1297 320 N. Jefferson 763 Jefferson St. N Wadena Wadena

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

24 Hour Commercial Truck and Ag Tire Service

Heartland Tire Service Inc. 802 Ash Ave NE, Wadena

218-631-2710

Complete Automotive Repair Service by our ASE Certified Technicians

Terry Wendt

Community Progress

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City Dray Inc. 16407 US Hwy. 71 • Wadena, MN • 631-3101

The

Right Care. Right Here.

| TriCountyHospital.org 218-631-3510 or toll-free 1-800-631-1811

415 Jefferson St. North, Wadena, MN

CLINICS

Bertha

Henning

Ottertail

Sebeka

Wadena

HOSPITAL

Wadena

Harms Manufacturing Inc. Manufacturing Farm Machinery • Land Rollers and Farm Wagons

Bertha, MN • 924-4522

We have “No Problem”saving you money. hen you insure both your car and home with us, through Auto-Owners Insurance Company, we’ll save you money! Stop in , or call us today for a “No Problem” insurance check up. 20 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, MN 56482 218-631-3274 • 218-631-1994 (fax)

Jenny Pederson, Agent

Ebner Insurance Agency

jenny.pederson@ebnerinsurance.com

rexmcdonald 215 Jefferson, Wadena

Call 218.631.3129 www.glimpseofpersonality.com/blog

STUDIO

Find us on Facebook: RexMcDonaldStudioInc

Leaf River Ag Service BLuffton • new YoRk MiLLS • wAdenA

Agronomy offices: 631-1020 • 385-2360 feed department: 385-2559

Bulk fuel & Propane: 631-1020 Grain: 385-2366

WADENA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE “We are partners in the success of our businesses and our members” 218-632-7704 www.wadenachamber.com

HANSON’S PLUMBING & HEATING Steam • Hot Water • Forced Air Steve Peterson, Owner 310 11th St. N.W. • Wadena • 631-3172

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Photo by Zach Kayser

Randy Jansen of Peterson Sheet Metal in Bemidji removes a thermostat fixture Thursday in the old administration space of Tri-County Health Care as part of the demolition taking place in preparation for the installation of new specialist physician exam space. Brian Smith, a supervisor for Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, said this phase of construction will be completed in August.

TCHC building revamp enters next phase of construction Zach Kayser

Originally published March 23, 2013

Tri-County Health Care (TCHC) began its next phase of renovations this week as part of an extensive multi-million-dollar development plan that included the new Rehabilitation Center completed earlier this year. Work crews were busy Thursday with installing a sheet rock wall near the main entrance, as well as demolishing the old administrative office spaces on the second floor in preparation for installing 17 new specialist exam rooms in their place. TCHC Facilities Director Nate Hendrickson and Communications Specialist Jil Fiemeyer said the wall will serve as a temporary measure to shield visitors from construction on several different structures, including a stairwell up to the new exam rooms and a hospital gift shop. All the

changes in this phase – including specialist rooms, a stairwell and the gift shop – are planned to be done by mid- to late August, said Brian Smith, a supervisor for KrausAnderson Construction Company. The wall, however, was to be completed Thursday, Smith said. Kraus-Anderson is planned to serve as general contractor for the hospital project from this phase forward. Smith said he had an average of 10-12 workers from various trade firms operating on the project, including electricians, plumbers, sheet rock workers and tapers. Once this phase is completed and renovations to the patient reception desk begin, the construction workers and patients will change sides of the wall so patients will enter the hospital through what used to be a construction zone and vice versa. Additional features to be constructed after this phase include a more patient-accessible lab draw space, cardiac rehab and new mental health wing, according to a TCHC press release.

February 20, 2014

Community Progress

Cozy Theatre named top in state Bryce Haugen

Originally published December 5, 2013

Wadena loves its Cozy Theatre. The community demonstrated that affection last week, helping select the downtown landmark as the top movie theater in the state. WCCO-TV viewers nominated 12 theaters via Facebook, Twitter and email, then held an online poll. Earning more than 1,000 votes, “The Cozy Theatre ran away with the competition, thanks to former and current Wadena residents who used social media to garner votes,” said WCCO reporter Matt Brickman, who visited town Wednesday to interview Cozy owner Dave Quincer for a story that aired on Thanksgiving. Quincer said he’s humbled by the honor and he’s glad to do his part to put Wadena on the map. “I love what I do,” he said. “The satisfaction of my job comes from the people who come through the door every night. I know that the community and surrounding areas appreciate the theater and we appreciate them just as much. We just couldn’t do what we do without their support.” On the Friday after Thanksgiving, one of the most lucrative nights in the movie industry, the line stretched down Colfax Avenue. For MacKenzie Holst, a senior at StaplesMotley, the Cozy is well worth a 20-minute drive. “They have good quality here.” Pat Drobny of Buffalo, Minn., was in Wadena for the holiday and brought his family to see a flick. “We didn’t think a small town theater would get it,” he said. “We figured a figured fancy theater in the cities or Duluth would get it.” Wadena resident Autumn Heppner said she’s glad her hometown theater is getting statewide recognition. “We agree 100 percent,” said Heppner, who brought her kids to see Disney’s “Frozen” on the main screen. “It feels down home.” Her husband, Jake Heppner, said the Cozy’s a great value. “We love the price of the treats,” said Jake Heppner, who added he knows a family from Brainerd that drives all the way to Wadena to save about $60 for a movie night out. At $7 a ticket for adults ($6 for seniors and $5 for kids) the Cozy is a steal of a deal, especially compared to first-run movie theaters in the Twin Cities, which range from $9 to $11. Quincer said he’s made a conscious ef-

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fort to keep prices reasonable. “It’s an economically challenged area so we try to keep our prices as low as possible. We don’t want to price ourselves out of the market.” The Cozy opened its doors in 1914, at the dawn of the motion picture industry. It’s been a Quincer family operation since 1923, when Dave’s great-grandfather John bought the Art Deco venue and operated it with his son Clarence until 1953. After John and Clarence died that year, Dave Quincer’s grandmother Della ran the theater with her sons Don and Rich. Rich, Dave’s father, bought out his brother in 1992, but was struck with a terminal illness, so Dave took over. To keep up with the times, Dave Quincer has overseen major renovations, acquiring the adjacent building and adding a second screen in 1996. In 2007, a third screen opened. The theater made the digital conversation and added 3D on the main screen in 2010. Operating a movie theater can be tough sometimes, Quincer said, requiring long hours including on nights, weekends and holidays. “It’s a business you really have to love. Fortunately, my wife is tolerant and I’ve managed to stay married,” he said with a smile. Like his father before him, Quincer met his wife working at the theater. As his son worked the concession stand nearby, Quincer joked he has to be careful in hiring decisions: “I might be picking out my future daughter-in-law.” Dave’s son, WDC junior Matthew Quincer, already knows the movie business well. “I knew how to thread projectors by the time I was 8,” he said. Matthew Quincer said he plans to take over the theater after graduating from college in about six years. Will he, too, find love at the Cozy? ‘We’ll see,” he said. To watch the WCCO story, check out http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/11/28/ wcco-viewers-choice-for-mns-best-movietheater/

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MERICKEL LUMBER ACE HARDWARE ACE RENTAL PLACE (218) 631-3570 or Toll-Free (800) 225-3570 Hwy. 10 West • Wadena

STAPLES EXTENDED & WEEKEND HOURS

Monday-Thursday Open Until 8 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT Saturday Walk-ins 8 a.m.-Noon NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED YOUR HOME FOR HEALTHCARE

800-525-1033 I 218-894-1515

lakewoodhealthsystem.com

75 Years of Strength, Service & Growth

888.330.8482 myCMCU.org facebook.com/myCMCU

218-631-3857

and Custom Framing

Inc.

111 So. Jefferson Wadena

218-631-3141 Hours: M-F 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Your Touchstone Energy ® Partner

Hwy. 10 East - Wadena • 631-3120 or 1-800-321-8932

PO Box 470 Wadena, MN 218-631-1753 Top Prices for Cans, Iron & Scrap Metal! PLUS - Roll-Off Container Service • Recycling

WADENA HIDE AND FUR CO. Hwy. 10 West • Wadena • 631-2617

Community Progress

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Wadena Federal Credit Union P.O. BOX 307 • WADENA, MN 56482 • (218) 631-1401

•SAVINGS Television Internet Phone Security Computer Repair

•LOANS

•CHECKING

February 20, 2014

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64 64 Woman leaves funds to 62 six city organizations 62 Betty G. Stark

888.99.ARVIG | arvig.com

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Photo by Brian Hensel

1-800-945-2163 www.wcta.net

Gordy’s Greenhouse 575th Avenue on Ottertail County 8

575th A

See us for your planting needs Plants in the Spring. Vegetables in the Fall.

Located 10 Miles West of Sebeka • 837-5396

Fair Oaks Lodge: 218-631-1391 Fair Oaks Apartments: 218-632-1316 www.fairoakslodge.org

Brink’s Jewelry “Your Watch & Diamond Specialists” Downtown Wadena 631-3294

949 North Jefferson Wadena, MN 631-1660

Serving the area for 59 years! DOWNTOWN WADENA • 218-631-3066 • Mon.-Fri. 9-5 • Thurs. 9-7 • Sat. 9-4

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Representing some of the recipients of funds from the Stark estate are John Crandall of the Wadena Historical Society, John Paulson of the Wellness Center, and Dick Twete of the First Congregational Church of Christ. They are pictured in the Stark home with Sam W. Phillips, Stark’s personal representative.

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John Stone

Originally published April 27, 2013

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A Wadena woman has left a lasting gift to her home city through her estate that is in the process of being distributed. Betty G. Stark, who died Jan. 6 of this year at the age of 84, has left gifts to three local organizations and has set up an endowment that will benefit three more in perpetuity, according to her personal representative, local pharmacist Sam W. Phillips. Stark, born Betty Gene Wheeler, was a 1946 Wadena High School graduate and an only child. She married Richard “Bumps” Stark in 1972 but he died in 1983. She worked nearly 48 years at Krause Drug in Wadena where she was a bookkeeper, worked the sales floor, and became a selftaught pharmacy technician before there was a formal title for such a position. In her later years she worked with the Minnesota Community Foundation to establish the Betty G. Stark Fund, a non-profit fund that will benefit mostly local organizations. Three local organizations have already received gifts, according to Phillips. The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Wadena, the new Wellness Center

and the Wadena Historical Society have received $18,500 each already, Phillips said. They are listed as recipients of 10 percent each of the estate. A fourth organization, Courage Center in Golden Valley, is also a 10 percent recipient. The remaining 60 percent of the estate will be placed into a permanent endowed fund. “The foundation will distribute such amounts of the fund’s net income or principal or both as determined by the spending policy adopted by the foundation and amended from time to time, at such time as the foundation deems appropriate, in equal proportions…” reads the agreement. The three organizations to benefit from the endowment are the city of Wadena for the maintenance of Sunnybrook Park, Friends of the Wadena City Library and the Wadena Deer Creek school district for scholarship support. Phillips said that as the estate is being settled more money may be available to the Congregational Church, Wellness Center and Wadena Historical Society. He thought that could amount to $10,000 or more for each organization. The Stark home, a log home built in 1938, is currently for sale as part of settling the estate.

February 20, 2014

Community Progress

HealthPartners chips in $50K for wellness center Zach Kayser Originally published January 26, 2014

Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden readily admits the county is one of the least healthy in the state. The new wellness center may work to fix that gap, but Wolden worries about a specific segment of the local population who won’t get to take advantage of the new place to stay fit. Wolden is concerned about children from lower-income families who may not necessarily be able to afford memberships to the new facility. In order to get a head start on the situation, Wolden and other organizers behind the wellness center have been looking for funding to help provide memberships for local kids. On Dec. 24, Wolden got a letter from representatives at HealthPartners, the city’s health insurer, who said they were giving the city a donation of $50,000 to help. Wolden first got the idea to help out underprivileged youth through wellness center memberships from interactions with the Community Concern for Youth (CCY) program. “A lot of kids that are involved in that diversion program ... are not involved in extracurricular activities,” Wolden said. “They’re going home and they’re sitting on the couch and they’re playing video games. They’re just moving inside. I was troubled by that.” Wolden pointed out that inactivity among youth leads to a “drain on taxpayer dollars.” He said it eats into the budgets of the school, city and county. “My goal as mayor is to see that no child is turned away from membership in this wellness center,” Wolden said. In October, Wolden connected with others involved with the wellness center project, including Jeff Browne of the fundraising committee and WELCOA President David Hunnicutt, to hold a conference call. Browne said the fact Hunnicutt could connect the city and fundraising committee with higher-ups at HealthPartners right away was an important factor in obtaining the donation.

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Martin Carpet Sales •Aladdin •Mohawk

Sales & Installation •Armstrong 1306 S. Jefferson • Wadena •Tarkett

631-1403

AN EMPLOYEE OWNED BUSINESS SERVING YOU FOR 59 YEARS

RUSS DAVIS WHOLESALE Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Phone (218) 631-3070 • Fax (218) 631-9024 266 4th Street N.E. • P.O. Box 272 • Wadena, MN 56482 www.russdaviswholesale.com

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Photo by Zach Kayser

Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden recently announced a $50,000 donation from HealthPartners that, among other possibilities, may be used to providing wellness center memberships for underprivileged youth.

“Dave does know a lot of these key guys at HealthPartners, so that was huge to get them to buy in on what we’re doing,” Browne said. Donna Zimmerman, senior vice president of government and community relations at HealthPartners, was also part of the call. “We were very impressed by the aims and goals of the project,” Zimmerman said. “The overall focus on improving the health in the Wadena area as well as engaging children and youth in health and wellness is what intrigued us.” Zimmerman said HealthPartners was also specifically interested in assisting with research at the new center, such as baseline health testing of the local population. “We think there’s an opportunity beyond the donation to work with the community on the approach to health and wellness,” Zimmerman said. Wolden said the donation could be applied toward a variety of programs at the new wellness center, in addition to providing memberships. “This is a sky’s-the-limit opportunity,” Wolden said.

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45 43

Fresh Freeze Enjoy our food and ice cream today!

Hwy. 71 North • Wadena • 631-1294

M|State Wadena

Staples 218-894-1645

Discover your future at minnesota.edu 631.7200 or 1.800.247.2007 A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. An Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer.

Wadena Eagle Bend 218-631-3556 218-738-5411

“The Prescription Store”

LONGBELLA DRUG

Health Needs • Cards • Gifts • Cosmetics

Four Pharmacy Locations

421 E. 2nd Ave. • Staples (218) 894-2242 Lakewood Clinic • Staples (218) 894-8761 1233 S. Hwy. 10 • Motley (218) 352-6337 631 W. Hwy. 210 • Pillager (218) 746-4321

David & Joe Rousslang, Owners 1207 N. Jefferson St. • Wadena, MN 218-631-2182 • Fax: 218-631-4509

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Larry’s Electric Craig Hinman, Owner 615 SW 5th Street • Wadena • 631-3804

Community Progress

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WADENA LICENSE BUREAU N. Hwy. 71, Wadena • 631-3623

Jim’s Body Shop Hwy. 10 E., Wadena

YEARS IN BUSINESS

631-1037

Larry’s Family Pizza Downtown Wadena • 631-4182

Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm • Fri, Sat, Sun 11am-10pm

In Town Delivery From 11 am to close Daily! Pizza • Burgers • Salads • Chicken

Arleen A. Paulson, Broker FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

Wadena • 631-3690

www.paulsonagency.com

OPEN 24 HOURS

Orton’s Wadena BP

Highways 10 & 71 • Wadena • 218-631-1434 •Soup, Hot Dogs, Brats • Coffee, Pop, Cappuccino •Movie Rental •DVD’s •ATM Machine •Car Wash

BOLL REALTY

“LAKESHORE SPECIALISTS”

Complete Real Estate Service

Lake Homes - Lots - Acreage - Farms - Commercial FREE NOTARY SERVICE - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

E-mail: boll@arvig.net 218-367-2716 Website: www.bollrealty.com Fax: 218-367-6020 • 217 MN Hwy 78 N., Ottertail, MN 56571

Holland Molds, Inc. South Highway 71, Wadena

631-2830

FREE Delivery in Wadena • Mon.-Fri. for Rx’s phoned in by noon. FREE Prescription Mailing

THRIFTY WHITE PHARMACY Phone: 631-4050

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Industrial Park

321 North Jefferson • Wadena

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Fax Service Available • Fax # 218-631-2726

Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

YEARS IN BUSINESS

February 20, 2014

Council approves new TIF district; discusses 2014 budget for five enterprise funds Rin Porter Originally published November 7, 2013

The City Council met Oct. 29 and accomplished two important tasks: giving preliminary approval to a new TIF district where six small commercial office buildings are to be constructed during the next 9 years, and studying the proposed 2014 budgets for the city’s five Enterprise Funds. The council held a public hearing to consider the application of Jim Merickel for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance. Merickel is the owner of Merickel Lumber Mills, Inc., and Ace Hardware in Wadena, a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Wadena, and owner of several commercial and residential buildings in Wadena. Merickel wants to develop a two-acre site across from the County Fairgrounds in Wadena. The site stretches from 3rd Street Southwest to 5th Street Southwest. One building already exists on this site. Merickel would construct six additional 877-sqare foot one-story office buildings, each with two office suites. Each suite would contain two private offices, a conference room, a bathroom, and a lobby/reception area. At the meeting, council members heard a presentation from Mikaela Huot, Vice President of Springsted, Inc., St Paul, about the steps in a Tax Increment Financing Plan required by Minnesota Statutes to establish a new TIF district, the proposed agreement between the City and the developer, Jim Merickel, and the financial arrangements that would be established between the City and Merickel during the 9-year TIF district’s life. A TIF District encourages development of land use that would not occur without the help of the city and provide increased employment. TIF “will be used to provide financial assistance to the proposed development” in Wadena, according to Springsted’s TIF Plan submitted to the City, and create as many as 15 jobs. The amount of the financial assistance from the city is $182,424, which includes a loan to Merickel to help pay the public costs of the project (utilities, parking, sidewalks, etc.) and interest on the loan. The cash reimbursement Merickel will receive for the public costs of the project will be no more

than $123,000, with the rest going for interest and administrative expenses. The City plans to finance the eligible development, site improvement and public utility costs in the form of a pay-as-you-go revenue note. Springsted, Inc., calculated the amount that land will increase in market value after the six office buildings are completed. It would increase from $188,600, which Springsted cited as the current market value, to $1,126,633, by 2024, after the six new buildings are completed. During the 9-year TIF district existence as the buildings are completed, the tax capacity of the property will increase yearly. The City will keep the new tax capacity of the TIF District, and use it to pay for the estimated public costs of the new development. There are other rules that apply to the new tax capacity as the nine years of the TIF District go by, but they are too complex to be discussed here. Each year, the developer, Jim Merickel, will make two payments on the $123,000 he borrowed from the City through TIF, until he has paid off the loan at the end of 2023. All the tax calculations and assessments during the project will be certified by the County Auditor. The City has to file its TIF Plan with the Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue and the Office of the State Auditor. Although the city council gave preliminary approval to the TIF District 1-13, the council did not approve the development agreement between the city and Merickel, because they did not have time to thoroughly review it and consult the city attorney. That will occur before the next council meeting on Nov. 12. Merickel told the Council he expected to break ground for the project on Oct. 30. 2014 Budget Presentation Following the vote on the TIF District the council recessed for dinner and then began the next part of its agenda: consideration of the proposed 2014 budgets of the city’s five Enterprise Funds: electric, water, liquor store, sewer, and golf course. Each fund manager presented his capital improvement project suggestions along with the 2014 proposed budget. The budgets include a 2 percent salary increase for all staff. Dave Evans presented the 2014 electric Council to 9 ��

Community Progress

February 20, 2014

aside in the budget for a new sign. Booth will get estimates from several vendors. department budget request. He expects Dan Kovar presented the sewer fund prorevenues about $125,000 above his 2013 posed 2014 budget. He expects revenues to budget, and expenditures about $500,000 decrease by $400,000 because prior years’ below 2013. Evans expects the electric bond funds are used up. He expects exfund to end 2014 with a budget surplus. penditures to decrease by about the same Evans also explained that 2014 will see the amount, $400,000, and the sewer fund to completion of the Advanced Metering Infra- complete 2014 with a deficit of $191,800. structure (AMI) installation which has been Kevin Ross presented the golf fund 2014 going on for several years. When AMI is proposed budget. Ross expects the Whitecompleted, almost all of the electric meters tail Run golf course to bring in slightly in the city will transmit their readings elec- smaller revenues than 2013, and have intronically, so human meter readers will no creased expenses of about $20,000. Mayor longer be needed. Wolden indicated that the city will probably Evans also presented the 2014 water provide the golf course with the needed department budget. He expects revenues $20,000. The golf course needs some new about $20,000 above 2013, and expendi- maintenance equipment and some of it will tures about the same as 2013, and sees a be purchased in 2014. About 140 members budget deficit of about $108,000 for the wa- (individuals and couples) pay to use the golf ter department. course each season. School groups also use Tim Booth presented the liquor store the course. proposed 2014 budget. Booth expects an The city council will take the next few increase of about $18,000 in revenues, weeks to study the budget requests and go with expenditures remaining about the over the general fund budget, and make a same. The liquor fund may see a budget final determination on the 2014 budget in surplus of $59,000 in 2014 if there is good December. According to a proposed budget weather. The bad weather in 2013 in March worksheet presented at the Oct. 29 meeting, and May reduced the liquor store’s normal the city’s $12 million 2014 budget will have sales volume. Council members discussed a smaller budget surplus than it had in 2013. the need for a new electronic sign for the store, and agreed that $30,000 should be set

�� Council from 8

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Page 9

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Community Progress

Page 10

February 20, 2014

Wadena Elks Lodge completes greenhouse construction, presents $10,000 check Zach Kayser Originally published October 31, 2013

Wadena Elks Lodge recently presented a $10,000 check to Wadena-Deer Creek Schools after they completed the construction of the greenhouse on the WDC Middle/High School grounds this fall. The Wadena Elks Lodge not only assembled the greenhouse, logging hundreds of volunteer man-hours, but they are also provided a $10,000 grant to pay for the kit. The Wadena Elks Lodge was one of only two lodges in Minnesota to receive an Impact Grant in 2013. They are competitive grants intended to help lodges address unmet needs in communities where Elks live and work. Ac-

cording to Wadena Elks Lodge Secretary Linda Youngbauer, they offer lodges, like Wadena’s, a chance to make a meaningful difference. The effort to add a greenhouse to WDC Middle/High School’s campus has been a cooperative effort with local, county and statewide organizations. In addition to the Wadena Elks Lodge, other building partners involved include: University of Minnesota Central Region Sustainable Partnership, the Sustainable Farmers Association of Minnesota, Wadena County Public Health/Health-4-Life, and Stimulating Economic Progress. Later this fall, the greenhouse will be ready and functional for students. WDC is in the process of finishing up the wiring, installing the sand point and other interior details.

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Wadena Elks Lodge Secretary Linda Youngbauer presents Wadena-Deer Creek Superintendent Lee Westrum with a $10,000 check to pay for the greenhouse kit. Also pictured are Wadena Elks Lodge members and volunteers who were among the 30-plus volunteers who helped assemble the greenhouse this summer, from left: Terry Lynk, Mike Hammes, Ron Price and Tom Crawford.

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Community Progress

February 20, 2014

Page 11

Addition for Verndale school is on the way Brian Hansel Originally published October 17, 2013

Balloons, shovels, hard hats, speeches and a warm, sunny October afternoon were all part of the ground-breaking ceremony last Thursday at the Verndale School. The Verndale student body turned out along with teachers, administrators and staff members to mark the beginning of a 29,700-square foot addition to the Wadena County school. The addition is set to house a new gymnasium, locker rooms, science rooms, administrative offices and storage space. Portions of the existing school will be remodeled. Elementary and secondary portions of the school will be separated completely. The cafeteria will be enlarged and remodeled. Special education facilities will be upgraded. The addition is expected to be ready for occupancy in September, 2014. District 818 has grown to nearly 500

students in recent years. Nearly half of Verndale’s students are open-enrolled from other districts. The ceremony came 14 months after voters of District 818 rejected the original plan by a vote of 300-252. A second vote was held May 30 and passed 340-252. The total cost of the project is $5.795 million. District 818 has already contributed $845,000. The remainder of the cost will be paid by state aid and local property taxes.

Photos by Brian Hansel

Above: Members of Verndale’s school addition task force and R.A. Morton Construction man shovels as part of the ground-breaking ceremony. Left: Tim Seaton was the center of attention last Thursday when he handed out green and white balloons to Verndale students at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new addition.

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Community Progress

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YEARS IN BUSINESS

February 20, 2014

TCHC plans physical therapy clinic in Henning

Facility is tentatively scheduled to open March 1 Bryce Haugen Originally published January 3, 2014

Last week, a chiropractor in Henning recommended physical therapy to four patients. But without a nearby facility, Dr. Mike Mortenson’s clients needed to drive to Wadena, Perham, Fergus Falls or Alexandria to get those services. “The last thing you want to do is drive from Henning to Wadena with a bad hip,” he said. “The unfortunate part is many of them aren’t going anywhere. They just aren’t doing the therapy they need because they don’t want to travel for it.” Last week, two patients went to Wadena while the other two opted to wait. They won’t have to wait much longer. Tri-County Health Care is remodeling a portion of Mortenson’s building into a physical therapy clinic. The facility, on Inman Street just a couple blocks from TCHC’s main Henning clinic, is tentatively scheduled to open March 1. “I really believe it’s going to absolutely take off,” said Janelle Beddow-VanErp, the physical therapist who will work at the facility, officially dubbed TCHC, Henning Physical Therapy Clinic. She’ll be there Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., helping patients fix problems with movement, whether it be for work, play or both. “It’s about improving the quality of life, getting people back to what they were doing,” Beddow-VanErp said. Physical therapists work with shoulder, hip and knee problems - often following

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Submitted photo

A portion of the building that houses the Henning Chiropractic Clinic is being remodeled to become Tri-County Health Care, Henning Physical Therapy Clinic. It’s expected to open around March 1.

Submitted photo

Workers remodel a portion of the building that houses the Henning Chiropractic Clinic. Tri-County Health Care, Henning Physical Therapy Clinic will occupy the space.

surgery - and patients with traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and chronic pain, among scores of other ailments. Patients range in age “from birth to 110,” said Curt Brown, TCHC’s rehab supervisor. “We’re very fortunate to have physical therapists with the skill set to do that,” he said. The 1,200-square-foot clinic will include two patient treatment rooms and a gym with strengthening and cardio equipment. “The building was exactly what we were looking for,” Brown said. The facility will have ultrasound and electrical stimulation equipment. The most important physical therapy instrument? “My two hands,” Beddow-VanErp said. Mortenson said expanding physical therapy to the underserved eastern Otter Tail County region, where a growing elderly population is less likely to travel for services, will improve health outcomes. Not getting needed therapy, “can affect (patients’) range of motion for the rest of their life in that joint,” he said. “We see them having more low back pain, more knee pain, more hip pain because they don’t have the mobility they could have had with physical therapy.” TCHC’s goal, Brown said, is for the facility to eventually be open five days a week. “We feel this will be an area of growth for us.” For Beddow-VanErp, a Battle Lake resident, working in Henning will cut 46 miles from her commute. But she’s most excited about being able to serve her Otter Tail County neighbors. “It’s going to be fantastic to work more closely with them.”

Community Progress

February 20, 2014

New restaurant opening in downtown Wadena later this spring Zach Kayser Originally published March 30, 2013

After four years of lying dormant, the building that used to house Ray’s Sport and Karaoke is getting a new owner and a new bar scene to liven up the space between its walls. Matt Wedde, an EMT at Tri-County Ambulance, recently bought the property and plans to turn it into Whiskey Creek Saloon, a western- themed bar and restaurant. Wedde’s fiancé, Lindsay Tiddetts, happens to be an accountant, and will manage the bar’s financial business as well helping with day-to-day operations. The fact that Whiskey Creek will be western-themed is due to the couple’s mutual appreciation of country music. “We want to try and feature some entertainment, and just kind of be a fun place to come and hang out,” Tiddetts said. Wedde said the remodeling already in progress is expected to be finished in two weeks, and the bar will open in about four to six weeks. When it gets up and running, it will have a dance space as well as a stage that can feature live bands and comedy as an added draw. He said the bar is planned to have six employees, counting himself and Tiddetts.

As for why he decided to become a small business owner, Wedde said he was inspired by his love of listening to people, which he acquired while working as an EMT. “Everybody has a story,” Wedde said. “This type of setting is one way to talk to people and hear that type of stuff.” Although a full menu hasn’t been made up yet, Wedde said there will be specialty burgers as well as daily lunch specials from the bar menu. He was especially excited about the frozen pizza, though. “We’ve tried out many, many, many of them. We found a really, really good one,” he said. Wedde said he has a soft spot for the area, so he’s tried as much as possible to buy local during the process of getting the bar started. He will still work at TriCounty Ambulance part time after Whiskey Creek is operational. “I’ve worked here for six years, and I really like the town of Wadena, so we’re trying to keep everything around here,” he said. Wedde said Whiskey Creek Saloon is named for the creek running through Sunnybrook Park. Dean Uselman, head of the Wadena Development Authority, was pleased at the new addition to the downtown area. “It always is exciting to see a new business open,” he said.

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Community Progress

Page 14

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February 20, 2014

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YEARS IN BUSINESS

Submitted photo

Pictured are preliminary designs for a new multipurpose shelter near the baseball fields in the southwest part of town that officials hope will be finished by June.

New multipurpose shelter to go up by SW baseball fields Zach Kayser Originally published March 9, 2013

The construction of a new and improved shelter near the little league fields and skating rink in the southwest part of Wadena is planned to begin in May and be finished by June, Park Advisory Board officials said Wednesday. Board Member Bob Zosel said the enclosed section of the shelter will serve as both a team room to store baseball equipment in the summer, and a warming house for the skating rink in the winter. Board Secretary Ron Bucholz said the open part of the shelter will be ideal for watching baseball games in the shade. The open section of the shelter measures 30-by-24 feet and the closed half 30-by-30 feet, Zosel said. The new shelter replaces one that stood for 50 years, until it was destroyed by the 2010 tornado that damaged much of Wadena.

“We never did find the roof,” Bucholz said. The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and insurance companies estimated the cost of rebuilding the old shelter as it was at approximately $61,000, Bucholz said. That much in insurance is available to go toward construction of the new shelter, Bucholz said. Total cost estimates won’t be available until construction companies enter bids on the project, however. Plans for the shelter may have to be scaled back, depending on how much additional funding is obtained and how high the construction bids are. Brian Hillesland, the city council’s representative on the Park Advisory Board, said the shelter would add practicality to the sports facilities nearby. “I think it’ll make the whole thing a little bit more useful,” Hillesland said. “I think it’s going to be close enough to some of the residents, things like that, close enough to school so all those things can be used by kids and adults alike.”

February 20, 2014

Community Progress

Shovels fly as Maslowski project begins Lori Schloeder Gress Originally published February 9, 2013

The official groundbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday with a bounty of shovel holders ready to turn over the top soil and move the project rapidly forward. From dignitaries to city officials to rehab patients and students of all ages and all abilities – there were shovels moving dirt to mark the beginning of the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center. “Making a Splash in central Minnesota” was the theme for the celebration decorations of an inflatable pool, beach balls and other items complemented the most exciting part of the project – the 4 pool areas! There were goldfish crackers for the kids and muffins with duckies for adults; everyone was given little rubber ducks for future promotions - such as “Duck Hunting” or “Duck Dynasty” to be announced by the Wellness Center in the next year! The WDC band, under the direction of Lisa Weniger played beautifully. The VFW color guard presented the flag ceremony. Mayor Wayne Wolden welcomed the audience and Pastor Nate Loer gave blessings to the project. Master of ceremonies Kyle Gylsen read a brief history of the project while dignitaries Mark Anderson and Paul Gazelka were on hand to personally congratulate the community. Greetings from Klobuchar, Franken and Nolan were heard by the audience as well. City Council officials were thanked for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition. And, the “naming rights” donors (contributions of over $100,000) were introduced, thanked and asked to have a representative step forward to hold shovels. Additional shovel holders were introduced: Minnesota District 9A Representative - Mark T. Anderson; Minnesota District 9 Senator - Paul E. Gazelka; Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden; Wadena City Council Members: Jeanette Baymler, Brian Hillesland, Gillette Kempf and Toby Pierce; Wadena City Administrator - Brad Swenson; Tri-County Health Care Vice Chair of the Board – Dave Quincer and TCHC Rehab patient Kathaleen Zeise. Architects – Steve Miller/Michael Brandt; Contractor – Kraus Anderson/Chad Rettke; as well as another generation of sand pail and shovel holders: Connor Beiswenger, Jadyn Turcotte, Evan Schmidt; junior shovellers: Gavin Sperling, Charlize Picardo, Johanna Brunsberg, Alex Lunde, Bereket Loer and

High School Students: Maizie Miller, Derek Garcia, Maddy Hinojos. The groundbreaking ceremony was multigenerational, inclusive of all abilities and recognizing diverse backgrounds. “The mission of the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center is to provide the citizens of Wadena and the surrounding area, including Ottertail, Todd and Wadena counties, with a community center that responds to their cultural, educational, health, social, recreational, and wellness needs.” Construction for the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center is actually well underway. Once the Wadena City Council unanimously approved the project a month ago, Kraus Anderson was on site within a matter of days. With the project delayed a couple months longer than expected, the crews were anxious to complete some of the ground work prior to freeze. The site for the project is just north of the new WDC Middle/High School and adjacent to the new Wadena Hockey Association Arena. The facility will have a total building space area of 50,000 feet to include a state-ofthe art aquatics center. The Center will host a pool facility that will include a recreational area for families, lap pool swimming area, and a warm-water therapy pool with wheelchair access. This warm-water therapy pool will be available to the area health centers for ongoing therapy programs. A sauna, steam room, whirlpool and locker rooms round out the amenities of the aquatics area. There will be adjacent rooms to accommodate birthday parties as well as an outdoor patio area. It is also important to note this pool will replace the outdoor pool which was destroyed by the 2010 tornado. The second-floor fitness space is an open area dedicated to weight machines and cardiovascular equipment. Adjacent classrooms will also provide for aerobic-type exercise and health education. A walking track will encompass the area as well. A full size gym will provide for basketball, volleyball, and possibly a walking track. This space will also accommodate trade show events and other activities. Two racquetball courts are to be located on the first floor and could also be used for walleyball and fitness classes. There will be several conference-style meeting rooms to serve the needs of our community. The Maslowski Wellness and Research Center is expected to take approximately one year to complete.

20 20 18 18 18 18

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Page 15

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Community Progress

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February 20, 2014

City Council votes full speed ahead after Wellness Center delay Zach Kayser Originally published April 6, 2013

The Wadena City Council in a special meeting March 27 voted unanimously to let the architects working on the Wellness Center project move forward using the general building outline plan approved in December. However, several council members were initially reluctant to do so before a future public meeting that would give Wadena’s citizens the chance to comment again on the project plans. Council Member Brian Hillesland voiced his concern that citizens seeking changes to the overall plan, or “footprint”, may feel stymied by the council’s vote. He used the possibility of people hoping for a bigger gym, which would increase the size of the overall building, as an example. “If there’s going to be people promoting… for a bigger gym, are we wise to approve that footprint before the public meeting?” he said. “I know the chances for that happening are pretty slim, but that’s the point of the public meeting, to get some input…” Steven Miller, the architect in charge of drafting the Wellness Center plans, said that the risks posed by delaying the project – possibly forcing more construction to occur during wintertime, thereby driving up project costs – were greater than those associated with voting to continue before the public had the chance to make additional comments on the center. “I think you’re more ahead by letting us get started now rather than waiting until you have discussed that, because what you lose in having us redo something is less than what you would lose by waiting,” he said. Miller also suggested that the council should take care to make sure the public understood that council could still go back and change the plans following comments made by citizens at the future meeting. Hillesland then agreed with Miller in light of the idea of emphasizing the fact that the footprint was open to change. Council Member Gillette Kempf said the public would have objected to the council waiting for the comment period as opposed to going ahead with the plans. “I think it’s better that we move forward, since we’re already behind schedule,” Kempf said. “I think if our city, our constituents don’t see some kind of movement on this project this summer, we’re going to

have a very unhappy population.” The vote last week followed a delay of three months due to switching the architectural firm in charge of designing the center from Perkins + Will to Steven Miller Architects. The switch occured when Miller and Mike Brandt, the two architects that had headed up designs until that point as part of Perkins + Will, were laid off by the their old company and subsequently decided to join a new firm formed by Miller: Steve Miller Architects (SMA). Construction Supervisor Chad Rettke of Kraus Anderson, the contractor in charge of the project, said his firm’s objective is to start the first phase of building in early August, This would involve leveling the ground as well as laying the foundation and footings. In early winter, the crew will work to get the Wellness Center’s frame up, and to have the outer shell completed. He said the most dramatic portion of the construction would come in the period spanning approximately from Thanksgiving to the first of January. “It’ll go from just the footings and foundations sitting there to a full building in four, maybe six weeks,” Rettke said. “It’ll look like it’s done.” However, in addition to completing the bare-bones building, Kraus Anderson will also have to guide contractors through installing plumbing, mechanical systems, ductwork, electric wiring, and fire prevention, just to name a few systems. Rettke was reluctant to give a specific timeframe for what would be done in the post-winter part of construction, saying the timelines for individual items built during that half of the construction would blend together. He gave examples of landscaping and tiling the pool as things that would be accomplished in the spring. Rettke was also able to say that the overall goal was to be done about 12 months after the planned August 2013 start date. City Administrator Brad Swenson acknowledged the Wellness Center delay, but was confident that the project would get back on track if the digging at the future Wellness Center location was completed before the winter cold arrived. “We’re a little bit behind from what we had hoped for, but I think if we can get the site work done before freeze-up this fall, we’ll be okay,” he said. The council voted to schedule the public informational meeting for April 18 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at the City Administrative Center.

Community Progress

Bryce Haugen Originally published January 30, 2014

The last comprehensive infrastructure project in Wadena in the late 90s revamped the water network, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, streets and sidewalks on the north side of the city. With that project nearly paid for, it’s the southeast section’s turn. “We’re trying to work our way around the city. This will be a never-ending process,” said Brad Swenson, city administrator. “You can only do so much at a time because of the cost.” During a two-hour special Wadena City Council meeting Thursday, an engineer from Bolton and Menk, Inc. presented his firm’s preliminary design for the southeast project, expected to cost more than $9 million. Council members asked questions, shared opinions and scheduled a public meeting for Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in order to get input before proceeding. After considering residents’ comments, the council will direct engineers on the specifics of what it wants included in the project. Then the firm will spend much of the next year completing final design, while the city determines the best way to pay for the improvements. The plan is to be ready for bids by next February, with construction beginning May 2015. The project is slated to be completed over two years, with the south half of southeast finished in 2015 and the north half in 2016. It could be extended a third year, depending on how financing shakes out. “It’s just too big of a project to do in one year,” Swenson said. No one on the council has advocated dropping or delaying the replacement of the deteriorating infrastructure, some of which is 70 to 90 years old. The questions they face concern exactly how to do it. While members are likely to defer to the experts on the water network and sewer systems, the surface features are up for debate. Should - and if so, where should - the city develop truck routes to keep big rigs off of residential streets? How wide should new streets be? Should the sidewalk network be expanded, shrunk or kept the same? What about bike routes?

Over the past three months, engineers met with a group of city department heads four times for input as they developed the preliminary design. “Now we’ve got to get into the nitty gritty and make this happen,” said Bolton and Menk engineer Phil Martin, at the beginning of his Thursday presentation. New truck routes, streets, sidewalks The most visible piece of the comprehensive infrastructure project is the reconstruction of southeast Wadena’s streets, which presents an opportunity to deal with a persistent problem with the city’s road network: truck traffic on residential streets. Martin presented preliminary plans for designated truck routes. One possibility is creating a loop for trucks that would extend from Jefferson Street down Dayton Avenue Southeast to Fourth Street Southeast and back to Jefferson via Aldrich Avenue Southeast. “You could essentially keep trucks in the area that we’ve prepared for them,” Martin said. Enforcement of the route, he said, is essential. Wadena Police Chief Naomi Plautz told the council her department would fine drivers who entered residential areas, if the route were approved. “Eventually, they are going to learn that they don’t belong on those streets,” Swenson said. Martin also presented options to potentially reduce the width of some southeast residential streets. Most of them are 46-feet wide, but they could be shrunk to 36 or 32 feet. The truck routes and streets in the commercial district would likely remain the same width. Reducing residential road width by 10 feet would lower the cost of replacement of sidewalks and streets from $4.4 million to $4.2 million. Martin said it would also create two more acres of green space, reduce stormwater runoff, make residential streets less appealing to truckers and reduce speeds for all traffic. He provided the council with visuals depicting how streets would look for each scenario. “How would you like traffic to be in your residential areas?,” Martin asked the council. The five members responded in unison: “Slow!” Members asked Martin about how the Engineer to 18 ��

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change would affect parking and snowplowing. Mayor Wayne Wolden said he would like to see Wadena ban overnight parking on all streets throughout the winter. Public Works Director Dan Kovar said that would make plowing much easier, but Council Member Jeanette Baymler expressed reservations about the idea. At 36 feet, there would be enough space for cars to park on both sides of the street, Martin said, but large vehicles might have to drive more slowly. A 32-foot-wide street would only leave enough room for parking on one side and would require winter parking restrictions. “Thirty-two feet would be really, really tight,” Baymler said. “I wouldn’t want to see that.” Other council members agreed. The conversation turned to sidewalks. Martin asked the council to consider whether it wanted to have sidewalks on both sides of all streets, one side of streets or some other combination. There are a few gaps in the network, and he wondered whether the council wanted them filled. Some sidewalks are still in pretty good shape, he said. “If we don’t need to replace something,” Martin said, “we don’t need to spend the money to replace it.” Wolden predicted sidewalks are “going to be hugely debated and controversial ... People have to maintain them and pay for them.” Council Member Gillette Kempf asked Martin whether engineers had considered bike paths. “We do want to do bike corridors,” Martin said, noting the council will need to decide how that should be done. “This is wipe the slate clean. What do you want ultimately to get done?” Water networks, sewers Earlier in the meeting, Martin addressed the scheduled replacement of the water distribution network. This part of the project would replace all existing pipes, many of which are undersized. The larger pipes would create greater capacity to allow for increased demand from development and for firefighting. The projected cost to replace southeast’s water distribution system is $1.6 million. That’s nearly $500,000 less than engineers predicted at a July 2013 open house. “Water is a costly thing, but it’s pretty straightforward,” Martin said. He then presented the engineer’s preliminary plan to upgrade the storm sewer system. Complete replacement of the system would cost about $1.8 million, up $400,000 from the July prediction. “If we can salvage any of the existing storm sewer pipe then maybe we can cut into that,” Martin said.

February 20, 2014 What can be saved and what must be replaced will be determined through tests later this year as the engineers develop a final design. This part of the project calls for relocating storm sewer runoff to different outfalls at Union Creek. Martin also asked the council to consider options to reroute water away from ToddWadena Electric Cooperative, because the basement of the building floods during large rain events. “It seems we should be obligated to do something about that,” Wolden said. Addressing this issue would add to the cost. Council members agreed to discuss possible solutions with the cooperative. Most - if not all - of southeast’s sanitary sewer system will also be replaced during the two-year project. Engineers proposed rerouting some of the pipes. All of the city’s waste flows into a 18-inch pipe on the eastern edge of town that flows to the treatment plant. It appears there is enough capacity in the system, Martin said. The sanitary sewer project is expected to cost around $1.6 million - more than $80,000 less than projected in July. Financing undetermined To fund the project, the city will try to get a low-interest 10-to 20 year loan through the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, a state agency that provides funding for municipal projects, Swenson said. Ideally, part of the loan would be eligible for forgiveness, which would reduce long-term costs. Another option is borrowing through the United State Department of Agriculture. The downside, Swenson said, is such a loan would have a 40-year lifetime. Wadena could always sell municipal bonds to pay for the project, but interest rates would be higher than with the loans. Swenson said he is looking for other funding sources, such as grants, that could reduce the overall cost. And he hopes the county, which has jurisdiction over some of the roads through town, pitches in. However it’s financed, residents will end up paying off the debt. The cost will be split among southeast Wadena property owners, who will fund 20 percent of the debt payments on most projects through special assessments, and the city’s other property owners, who will foot 80 percent of the debt payments through property taxes. Without knowing where the money will come from or how much the project will end up costing, Swenson said he isn’t able to offer an estimate on the cost per resident. In 10 or 15 years, Swenson said, the ongoing process will turn to the southwest side of town, beginning with the oldest section closest to downtown and continuing, in phases, to the city limits. “It’s not real glorious. It’s not pretty,” Swenson said. “But your town is only as good as what you have for infrastructure.”

February 20, 2014

Community Progress

Green-themed signs hot off the presses Zach Kayser

Originally published February 2, 2014

This past week, a new environmental awareness campaign that doubles as a public art project hit the presses at Greiman Printing & Office in Wadena. Kent Scheer said he will soon start distributing colorful signs for people to put on their lawns and other prominent places. Unlike political signs, however, these won’t likely provoke passive-aggressive rage from neighbors. Instead, Scheer and the multitude of Minnesota artists, poets and presses that worked on the signs over the course of two years hope that they will inspire discussion about the needs of nature. “We think about this idea of leading by example, but what happens is, environmentalism doesn’t show itself on the outside,” Scheer said. The main signs feature a circular image of a buzzing bee amidst vibrant-colored plants with the words “Take Care” underneath, along with a short, three-line message that encourages people to consider the environment. Scheer said the idea for the project came from the old practice of tree farmers around Minnesota who put up public signs identifying themselves as such. “Part of this idea came from the knowledge that Minnesotans who are tree farmers have always been very enthusiastic about declaring that commitment to forests,” Scheer said. “Let’s give the average person who has environmental interests an opportunity to declare that publicly.” After obtaining funding with the help of money that originated from the Minnesota State Legacy Amendment, one of the next steps was to commission various artists to create the design. One such creative mind was David Bengtson, a poet from Long Prairie, who created both the campaign’s tagline of “Take Care” and part of the proEarth message that appears underneath it. “The two words ‘take care’ came into my mind. They were there almost immediately,” Bengtson said. Bengtson thought of those words as being both simple and versatile, encompassing everything Scheer was trying to do by starting the project, he said. The creative process didn’t end with the

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Submitted image

artists simply handing in their work, however. Scheer was careful to gather the advice of other peers in the art community on what to keep and what to modify. One of the first people he went to was Jean Replinger, who he had met years before when he spent time at her artist’s retreat. Although she has a cultured background, Replinger said she wanted the design to be appealing to the average Joe who may not have an English degree. “What I thought about is, ‘Well, people choose to display this. What would encourage them? What would they be proud and eager to display?’” Replinger said. “While we want to honor poets and we want to honor artists, this is about encouraging people to care for the land…” Scheer said future plans for the project include creating 2-foot-long, 2-foot-wide signs with a simplified image and QR codes that people can scan with smartphones so as to link to a website with additional information on environmental issues. The grant also includes plans to create a special “broadside” printing that features poetry by famed Minnesota author Todd Boss on the environment. Scheer will begin distributing the signs for free at environmentally related conventions in March. The first 200 will be given out for free, but after that, he will begin selling them at cost.

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CMCU to open Wadena office Zach Kayser Originally published April 13, 2013

Central Minnesota Credit Union (CMCU) will open a new branch in Wadena to serve its members and attract new relationships in this area. The new CMCU office will be a full-service location offering mortgages, auto loans, personal and business checking accounts, a drive-up service and more. “We are excited for the opportunity to serve the Wadena area and I would like to thank all of those individuals and organizations that have partnered with us in making this transaction possible”, said Richard Odenthal, CEO of Central Minnesota Credit Union. “With a continued focus on exceeding expectations through service and product offerings, Central Minnesota Credit Union looks forward to the opportunity to serve new and existing members in the Wadena community.” The addition of the Wadena location

will extend the Central Minnesota branch network to 16 locations serving Central Minnesota and over 45,000 members. The office is currently accepting applications for Career Opportunities for the Wadena office. Visit myCMCU.org/careers for more information or see the employments ad in this paper. CMCU offers a complete line of financial services at branch offices in Albany, Avon, Belgrade, Cold Spring, Freeport, Grey Eagle, Long Prairie, Melrose, New York Mills, Paynesville, Perham, St Joseph, Sauk Centre, Moorhead and Little Falls, as well as online at myCMCU.org or by phone. Membership is open to persons who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in and businesses and other legal entities in the following Minnesota counties; Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, Wilkin, Wright and North Dakota Counties of; Cass and Richland, or immediate family members of credit union members.

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February 20, 2014

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