On November 5th at approximately 4:08PM, the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a single vehicle crash on County Road 23, north of Verndale city limits.

A Minnesota State Patrol Trooper came upon the crash and made the request for fire and EMS support. The 2018 Ford Explorer driven by Jacqueline Lipsey, 64, of Park Rapids, was northbound on County Road 23 when it left the roadway. The vehicle hit a
field approach and rolled, coming to a rest on its side. Lipsey was extricated from the vehicle by the Verndale Fire Department and care was transferred to Astera Health EMS. Lipsey was transported to Astera Health with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office. Also assisting on scene was Premier Towing of Wadena.

On November 9th at approximately 3:40PM, the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a structure fire in Section 15 of Meadow Township. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the lone occupant of the residence was able to escape through a window. The occupant, a 30-year-old male, was ultimately transported by Astera Health EMS to St. Joseph’s Health in Park Rapids for treatment of smoke inhalation. No other injuries or damage to other structures was reported. Fire departments from Sebeka, Menahga, and Verndale all responded to extinguish the fire. Also assisting on scene was the Minnesota State Patrol,
Minnesota DNR-Enforcement, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office and State Fire Marshal.