Winter returns with a roar After enjoying temperatures in the 50s for much of last week, a cold north wind blew in a winter storm Wednesday night in the region. Written By: Staff reports | × A pile of snow fills the chair that had promised spring just days before. Rebecca Mitchell/Pioneer Journal The lion was a bit late, but he roared into town Wednesday night leaving the region under a thick pile of snow March 11. Reports of 4-8 inches were outdone, according to the National Weather Service as a report of 9.5 inches came in for Wadena. Verndale was right behind at 9 inches. Other surrounding communities didn't quite get the smackdown experienced here. New York Mills only had reports of 3.5 inches, Sebeka reported 6 inches, Deer Creek had 7.4 inches and Ottertail, 4.5 inches.