Wadena, Minnesota

Wadena (

On June 17, 2010, Wadena

In the aftermath of the tornado, students from the high school attended classes at the Wadena campus of Minnesota State Community and Technical College, at a school that was previously no longer in use in nearby Deer Creek (Deer Creek having consolidated with Wadena in 1991), and at the Wadena Elementary School. In order to accommodate the high school students, some early childhood classes at the Elementary School were further moved to Saint Ann's Catholic School. Outdoor athletics were largely unaffected, but home volleyball and basketball games were played in the Elementary School gymnasium. In fall of 2012, a new Middle-High School was opened.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.38 square miles (13.93 km²), all of it land.^[14]

U.S. Highways

There were 1,840 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.9% were non-families. 40.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 42 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 24.3% were from 45 to 64; and 23% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census

As of the

There were 1,871 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 24.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,947, and the median income for a family was $39,511. Males had a median income of $28,286 versus $21,297 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,452. About 10.3% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

Media

Wadena is served by 3 local TV stations:

• KCCW Ch. 12 CBS (Walker
  )
• PBS (Brainerd
  )
• KSAX Ch. 42 ABC (Alexandria
  )

With over 100 hand-painted murals decorating downtown buildings, Wadena depicts 1,000 years of Minnesota history known as the "Largest Puzzle in the World". The Alley Arts Committee beautified the alleys while creating an interesting tourist attraction. Over 40 artists worked together to finish the collection of 100 puzzle panels. Group guided tours are available along with a map at the train depot.[16]

During the 2015 Christmas season, Wisconsin-based group Freedom From Religion threatened legal action against the city of Wadena over the display of a city-owned nativity in a city park. To avoid a lawsuit, the city sold the nativity to a private buyer who was able to feature it in an even more prominent, privately owned location. As a result of the actions of the Freedom From Religion, many nativity scenes sprang up around the city, estimated to be over 1,000 in total. The former site of the city-owned nativity was rented out a day at a time by individuals who were legally able to display a nativity. The story captured the attention of national media outlets.^[17]

Wadena is home to the Cozy Theatre, which in addition to showing contemporary films, hosts a film festival.

Economy

The city's economy is largely driven by a mix of manufacturing, agriculture, and small businesses, which collectively contribute to its growth and resilience. Wadena is home to several trucking logistics companies as its strategic location along major transportation routes, facilitates the distribution of goods and services. The manufacturing sector in Wadena encompasses a range of businesses, including laser machinery manufacturing and outdoor furniture.

Notable residents

• Don A. Anderson, businessman and Minnesota state legislator
• Ernest P. Anderson, businessman and Minnesota state legislator
• Mars, Incorporated, was born in Hancock, Minnesota but lived in Wadena around the time of his son Forrest's
  birth in 1904.
• Mars, Incorporated and M&M's
  , was born in Wadena but moved away as a child.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder, which operates between Seattle/Portland and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. The nearest station is located in Staples, 18 miles (29 km) to the southeast.

Images

• 
  Wadena Fire and City Hall
• 
  Wadena Depot

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wadena, Minnesota.

• City Website

46°26′33″N 95°08′10″W / 46.44250°N 95.13611°W / 46.44250; -95.13611