Wadena Police Department

08/24/2026

There is a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon into the overnight hours tonight. Hail to the size of golf balls and damaging winds to 70 mph would be the primary threats, though there is still a low chance for tornadoes with severe thunderstorms that develop during the late afternoon and early evening.

08/06/2026

A quick car seat check can help make every ride safer.

Join Astera Health and Todd-Wadena Healthy Connections for a free car seat clinic. Certified instructors will check your child’s seat, make sure it fits properly, and offer helpful safety tips. Each visit takes about 20 minutes.

Walk-ins are welcome, or use the contact information shown in the image to reserve a time.

Thursday, Aug. 20, from 3-7 p.m.
Astera Health Legacy Campus Ambulance Garage
415 Jefferson St. N, Wadena

08/04/2026

*** August 4, 2026 ***

As of today, August 4, 2026, the City of Wadena Archery applicants have been notified and selected to participate in the 2026 Archery hunting seasons.

Thank you to all who applied for the hunting permits and see you next year!

07/31/2026

Ofcr Scott is shown with Jim Waddle who donated two of his custom made pens to the Wadena Police Department today. Mr. Waddle is retired and enjoys spending his time making these beautiful writing utensils. Thank you Jim!

07/30/2026

Double the signs? Yep, we noticed too. 👀

If you've driven through town lately, you may have spotted two "Your Speed" feedback signs on South Hwy 71 AND North Hwy 71. No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, and no, we're not THAT concerned about your speed. 😄

Here's the story: Two of our speed feedback signs are temporarily filling in while they're waiting for their new home. Once the Highway 10 project is completed next year, they'll be relocated to their permanent locations along Hwy 10.

Rather than letting a perfectly good piece of equipment collect dust in storage for a year, we figured they might as well get out and do what they do best—politely remind drivers to ease off the gas.

So for now, you get a bonus reminder. Think of it as your vehicle getting a second opinion. 😉

As always, thank you for driving safely and helping keep our community a safe place for everyone.

07/29/2026

*** Heat Advisory until 9:00 p.m. today***
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
1253 PM CDT Wed Jul 29 2026

Roseau-Lake Of The Woods-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Towner-Cavalier-Benson-Ramsey-Eddy-Nelson-Griggs-Barnes-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-Western Walsh-
Including the cities of Mahnomen, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes,
Cando, New York Mills, Gwinner, Lankin, Wahpeton, Wadena, Valley
City, Lisbon, Lake Itasca, Bemidji, Park Rapids, Devils Lake,
Elbow Lake, Leeds, Baudette, Fosston, Middle River, Red Lake,
Michigan, New Rockford, Newfolden, Cooperstown, Two Inlets,
Bagley, Red Lake Falls, Forman, Breckenridge, Thief River Falls,
Langdon, and Roseau
1253 PM CDT Wed Jul 29 2026
..HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 101 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest, and west
central Minnesota and northeast and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose
fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning
or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Send a message to learn more

07/29/2026

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
455 AM CDT Wed Jul 29 2026

West Polk-Norman-Clay-Kittson-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods-
West Marshall-East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake-
East Polk-North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen-
South Clearwater-Hubbard-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-
West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Towner-Cavalier-
Pembina-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh-Eddy-Nelson-Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-
Western Walsh-
455 AM CDT Wed Jul 29 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North
Dakota, west central and northwest Minnesota.
DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Heat indices today in the 91 to 101 range this afternoon, highest
in the Red River valley.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

There is a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms Thursday, with
1 inch hail and wind gusts to 60 mph the main impacts expected.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated today.

07/29/2026

Update: Power and telephone has been restored - Thank you Wadena L & W!

Send a message to learn more

07/28/2026

*** Found Property 07-27-2026 ***

Ref: WPD 26010642
A weighted vest was located along the bike path in Wadena, MN on 07-26-2026 and brought to the WPD the next day. If this is yours, call the Wadena Police Department at 218-631-7700 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

07/24/2026

*** Weather Announcement 07-24-2026 ***

Check your weather sources today and throughout the weekend.

There is a chance for isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with afternoon highs in the mid 80s to mid 90s. Look for a return to hot temperatures this weekend, especially on Sunday, when afternoon heat indices could exceed 100 degrees. Additional thunderstorms are possible Sunday afternoon, with slightly cooler temps on Monday.