Civil Municipal - May 2024

Main Street, evidencing its economic revival and the entrepreneurial spirit that animates its residents. However, challenges such as workforce, daycare, and housing shortages persist, alongside a thriving job market that underscores the city’s ongoing development and attractiveness to residents and businesses alike. Mayor George M. Deiss, reflecting on the city’s journey and its unique community spirit, highlights the extraordinary resilience Wadena demonstrated, particularly in the face of global adversity during the pandemic. “We were fortunate,” he begins, “as a community, we navigated the pandemic better than many, with local businesses not only surviving but, in some cases, opening during those uncertain times.” This period was marked by an inspiring display of local solidarity, where residents prioritized supporting local enterprises.A notable example was the adaptation of the local movie theater, which, unable to screen movies, transformed its concession stand into a local snack hub, contributing to a broader movement of businesses collaborating on promotions to sustain each other. Central to this narrative of community support and innovation was the introduction of the ‘Wadena Strong’ initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Deiss in response to the pandemic’s onset. The initiative, embodied in weekly virtual gatherings and the symbolic creation of a ‘Wadena Strong’ beer by Drastic Measures brewery, aimed at rallying the community and providing financial support to struggling businesses. This effort galvanized community spirit and earned recognition and an award from a United States representative. Kim Schroeder, the city’s administrator, further elaborates on the diverse and rich cultural offerings that make Wadena a unique destination.“Our culinary scene is exceptionally diverse, ranging from seafood to American, Mexican, and even an exquisite German restaurant,” she shares, underscoring the variety that attracts diners not just fromWadena but from cities as far as 45 miles away. This gastronomic diversity, alongside attractions such as a distinguished local golf course, a Mexican bakery undergoing renovation, and a ‘Taste of Colombia’ grocery store, enriches Wadena’s cultural fabric and contributes 71 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 WADENA, MN