Wadena Police Department

05/29/2026

Wadena - Deer Creek Schools will again offer Summer Meals FREE to ALL KIDS ages 18 and under!

School is nearly out for the SUMMER‼️🎉 🔆 Reminding families of the FREE summer meal program offered by Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools, starting June 2 for youth 18 and under.

🔹Where: Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary cafeteria (215 Colfax Ave SW).

🔹 When: June 2- Aug. 14. No meals served Fridays in July and August.

🔹Breakfast: 8-8:30am
🔹Lunch: 11am-12:45pm

🔹Adults meal prices: Breakfast: $3.10 and Lunch: $5.50.


⭐️

05/28/2026

*** Car Seat Clinic - August 20, 2026 ***

05/18/2026

*** May 19, 2026 ***

Today marks twenty one years since Officer Peter Resch died in the line of duty on May 19, 2005. Officer Resch was a son, husband, father and friend to many. He worked tirelessly for the community members of Wadena, Minnesota.
Officer Resch was the first DARE officer for WDC School district in 1991. He was a fi****ms instructor, enjoyed hunting and the outdoors.
It is hard to believe that it's been 21 since he was taken from us, far too soon.
Please take a moment today to remember Officer Resch, his family, and his friends. We miss you Pete!

05/15/2026

*** Weather Alert 05-15-2026 ***
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
437 AM CDT Fri May 15 2026

MNZ016-017-023-024-028>032-040-NDZ049-052-053-160945-
North Clearwater-South Beltrami-South Clearwater-Hubbard-
East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail-East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-
Ransom-Sargent-Richland-
437 AM CDT Fri May 15 2026

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

Strong westerly winds will continue today over much of the
region, bringing the potential for blowing dust impacts again
through much of the afternoon.

Dry conditions along with the winds will bring critical fire
weather conditions. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for all
counties through late this evening.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

There is a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms across
parts of southeast North Dakota and west central Minnesota Sunday
afternoon and evening. All hazards are possible.
SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated today.

There is a 2 of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening, with the potential for 60 mph wind gusts, hail up to 1 inch, and a low chance for a tornado.

05/15/2026

*** Found Cellular Telephone 05-15-2026 ***
WPD 26006705

A citizen brought a Cellular telephone to the Wadena Police Department after locating it in the Wadena Cemetery today at approx. 0900 hours.
If this is yours, contact the WPD Office at 218-631-7700 during 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday to describe it.

Thank you!

05/12/2026

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK MAY 10 -16
Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
During this week, please extend your appreciation to local police officers by thanking them for their duty, or show gratitude to those who lost their lives.
The Wadena Police Department acknowledges Officer Peter Resch who died in the line of duty on May 19, 2005 and Sgt. Cyril Gust died in the line of duty on December 25, 1938. Both are buried in the Wadena Cemetery and decorations will remain during the month of May.

05/08/2026

*** Red Flag Warning Notice***

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 26 counties in parts of central and northwest Minnesota, effective today, May 8, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. due to low relative humidity and high winds.

Impacted counties include Becker, Benton, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Clay, Crow Wing, Douglas, Grant, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, and Wilkin.

When a Red Flag Warning is in effect:
🚫 Don't burn brush or yard waste.
⚠️ Be careful with any outdoor activity that can cause heat or sparks. Metal from yard equipment that hits a rock could create a spark. Park vehicles and ATVs on gravel or pavement to avoid the hot exhaust systems heating nearby tall grass.
❗️ Campfires are discouraged during a Red Flag warning. If you do have a campfire, follow proper campfire safety tips: clear any flammable items 5 feet around the campfire area, keep it contained in a fire ring, keep it small, always attend your fire, and put it out COLD. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

For current fire danger and burning restriction information, visit mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions

05/05/2026

Itasca County Sheriff’s Office Responds to Officer-Involved Shooting in Max, Minnesota
Max, MN — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office was on a call on Monday, May 4, 2026, in Max, Minnesota, that resulted in an officer-involved shooting.
During the incident, an Itasca County deputy sustained injuries and was transported for medical care. The extent of the deputy’s injuries is not being released at this time.
The suspect involved in the incident is in custody. There is no ongoing threat to the public.
Per standard protocol, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been requested and will be conducting the investigation into the incident. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is fully cooperating with the BCA.
We ask the community to keep this Itasca County deputy, his family, Itasca County Sheriff's Office and all first responders who attended in your thoughts and prayers.

05/01/2026

*** LE Memorial Month - Sgt. FC Guest ***

Fallen Hero Francis Cyril Guest
Coral Gables Police Department
End of Watch Tuesday, December 25, 1928
Buried in Wadena, Minnesota
Born on August 15, 1887 in Rochelle, Illinois as an only child. Married Leona Grant Adkins in 1913. Their child, Kathryn Jane, was born in Wadena, MN on June 8, 1923. Joined the Coral Gables Police Department in 1926 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant after only two years on the force. Sgt. Cy Guest, 41, was struck and killed instantly by a drunk driver, Herman Brantley Dove, on Christmas night, 1928, as he directed traffic. He was the first Coral Gables officer killed in the line of duty. The name of Cyril Guest is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. (on Panel 56, West Wall, Line 7). Photo and information from Florida Archives.

05/01/2026

*** LE Memorial Month ***
May is Law Enforcement Memorial month. Decorations have been placed at Officer Pete Resch's monument in the Wadena cemetery. These will remain during the entire month of May.
We honor you our dear friend and remember your joy of life as it has been 21 years since we have enjoyed your company. If you have a minute stop by and say hello. RIP 05-19-2005.
https://www.odmp.org/officer/17760-officer-peter-jay-resch