Becker County News - All Departments

Becker County Commissioners approved a maximum 2019 Levy Budget of $21,308,052, a 3.5 percent levy increase over 2018. The Board will set the County's final budget following a public hearing in December.

The County's total proposed budget for 2019 of $52,453,042 is down from $75,146,284 due to the completion of the new $21 million jail project. The proposed budget also reduces county staffing by 2 positions for 2019. The budget contains a 2.5 percent employee salary adjustment for 2018 and 2019. The budget also contains increased funding support for Drug Court, Airport, Sunnyside Nursing Home, Regional Library, Soil and Water District, County Extension, and Jail Operations.

"Becker County's financial condition remains strong as evidenced by Standard and Poor's AA rating," said County Administrator Jack Ingstad.

What will change at the Becker County Deputy Registrar's (Motor Vehicle) Office? We can now issue BOTH Enhanced Driver Licenses and REAL ID.

We cannot issue any driver licenses on Thursday, September 27th after 3:00 or Friday, September 28th all day. Our office will be open for motor vehicle and DNR renewals.

Becker County Environmental Services is requesting sealed bids from firm's qualified and interested in excavation of a new demolition cell at the Becker County Demolition Landfill with closure of the existing demolition cells. Bids must be submitted by 3:00 PM on 9/25/18. Bid Document...

A street and utility improvement project for Co Rd 131 begins on September 5th. The project will impact access and services at times. For more information, see the construction notice.

The Becker County Recreational Advisory Committee is seeking your input regarding recreation at Chilton Park. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. A map of Chilton Park is being provided to help orient you to the park and its location. Survey results will be reviewed by the RAC in October. Thank you for your participation. Survey link...

Deputy Cole Sanders and Deputy Jerron Aschnewitz were presented with 'Lifesaver' awards at the August 21st Commissioner's Meeting. Their actions, along with aid from other citizens, helped rescue 2 people in the water who became seperated from their boat. Read more...  |  Photo...

Please take a few minutes to fill out the Becker County Broadband Survey. Your input will help document demand for broadband throughout the county. We will map this demand and share the results of the survey with current and prospective providers in hopes of facilitating partnerships that lead to state broadband grants that would make broadband deployments affordable in our rural areas. Thank you for participating! Survey link...

The 2018 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. For more information, visit the following links: Polling places & times...  |  Election information...

The Becker County Sherriff's Office and Audubon Police Dept are releasing information regarding Adam Levi Schultz, age 25, a Level 3 registrant subject to public notification. The registrant will be moving to Becker County on July 11, 2018. More info...

On June 28 and 29, 2018, the White Earth Nation/Becker County DWI Specialty Court team attended the National Center for DWI Courts MN Operational Tune-Up Training in Bemidji, MN.  The multidisciplinary team consists of the judge, prosecutors, probation agents, licensed chemical dependency counselors, compliance officer, law enforcement, and specialty court coordinator. The team strives to continually improve the quality of our program and is committed to providing our participants with the tools and support necessary for them to change their behavior, improve their lives and productively reengage in our community.

The Middle Cormorant Swimming Beach improvements are complete, and the beach is now open to the public. Enjoy! Photo 1...  |  Photo 2...

Construction improvements for County Highway 58 begin on July 9, 2018. The project limits are from Co Hwy 37 to Co Hwy 44. Due to this construction, the roadway will be closed to through traffic. News release...

The Recorder's office is now making all recorded Corner Certificates available to find via search and to download directly from the website. This new online service is intended to help improve customer service for those interested parties by allowing self-service access to the documents at their convenience. Please see our Corner Certificates Online page.

Starting July 1, 2014, Becker County will have a 0.5 percent transit sales and use tax. The tax will be administered by the MN Dept. of Revenue and the revenue will be used to fund Becker County road projects (SMART). General notice...  |  More info...

On June 28 and 29, 2018, the White Earth Nation/Becker County DWI Specialty Court team attended the National Center for DWI Courts MN Operational Tune-Up Training in Bemidji, MN.  The multidisciplinary team consists of the judge, prosecutors, probation agents, licensed chemical dependency counselors, compliance officer, law enforcement, and specialty court coordinator. The team strives to continually improve the quality of our program and is committed to providing our participants with the tools and support necessary for them to change their behavior, improve their lives and productively reengage in our community.

The Emergency Communications Network (CODE-RED) has presented Becker County with a "Code Red" Hero Award in recognition of system use during the Callaway train derailment. Photo...  |   Letter...

Becker County Environmental Services is requesting sealed bids from firm's qualified and interested in excavation of a new demolition cell at the Becker County Demolition Landfill with closure of the existing demolition cells. Bids must be submitted by 3:00 PM on 9/25/18. Bid Document...

A new way to recycle is available to those living within the city limits of Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Audubon, and Lake Park. Single-stream recycling allows residents to place plastics, paper, metal, cartons, and cardboard together in one container. Announcement...  |  More info...  |  Collection days...

Becker County Environmental Services announces a new business related plastic recycling opportunity. Collection canisters, free of charge, may be available for qualifying farms, dairies, and other related businesses. Read more...

In an effort to increase recycling in our community, Becker County is launching a 'special event' recycling program for its residents. Whether it is a picnic, reunion, sporting event, or show, we can provide assistance, guides and bins for your use during your event. More info...  |  Guide...

A street and utility improvement project for Co Rd 131 begins on September 5th. The project will impact access and services at times. For more information, see the construction notice.

Construction improvements for County Highway 58 begin on July 9, 2018. The project limits are from Co Hwy 37 to Co Hwy 44. Due to this construction, the roadway will be closed to through traffic. News release...

The Lake Park 2nd St. bridge replacement project begins March 1, 2018. The bridge will be replaced one half at a time. The project is expected to be completed and fully open to traffic by late September 2018. News release...

Highway Department employee Mike Bellanger was recoginzed by the County Commissioners for his placement in the State Snow Plow Competition. Congratulations Mike! Photo...

A detailed annual report highlighting the activities, programs, and budget of the Becker County Highway Department for the year ending 12/31/2016 is now available online. Annual Report...

Becker County Human Services was informed by the MN Dept of Human Services (DHS) that the Income Maintenance Unit has met the timeliness rate goal of 96% or higher in both SNAP Expedited & 30-Day Processing of application processing for the full year (Jan-Dec 2016), as well as the first three quarters (Jan-Sept 2017) of the current year.  DHS has provided Becker County Human Services with a certificate of congratulations for their efforts. The Becker County Board also expressed their thanks and congratulations at the December 19th board meeting for a job well done. Congratulations, Income Maintenance staff for your hard work!

What will change at the Becker County Deputy Registrar's (Motor Vehicle) Office? We can now issue BOTH Enhanced Driver Licenses and REAL ID.

We cannot issue any driver licenses on Thursday, September 27th after 3:00 or Friday, September 28th all day. Our office will be open for motor vehicle and DNR renewals.

Effective January 1, 2016 you are required to provide proof of insurance (company name, policy number and policy expiration date) for all motor vehicle and motorcycle renewals. In addition you must also provide this information for all motor vehicle and motorcycle title transfers.

The Recorder's office is now making all recorded Corner Certificates available to find via search and to download directly from the website. This new online service is intended to help improve customer service for those interested parties by allowing self-service access to the documents at their convenience. Please see our Corner Certificates Online page.

As a reminder - the Recorder's office can provide a copy of recorded property deeds at no cost. Many residents have reported receiving unsolicited mailings (example) that are attempting to charge money for something you can obtain for FREE. The office recommends you ignore mailings such as these.

Document searches and land record viewing has never been easier! Search Becker County land records 24/7 with a credit card at www.idocmarket.com.

The Becker County Sherriff's Office and Audubon Police Dept are releasing information regarding Adam Levi Schultz, age 25, a Level 3 registrant subject to public notification. The registrant will be moving to Becker County on July 11, 2018. More info...

Three local law enforcement officers were presented with 'Lifesaver' awards at the November 21 Board of Commissioners meeting. The three were recognized for their life saving actions while responding to an August incident. Read more... | Award Pic...

The Becker County Sheriff's Office has announced that Paula Peterson has been promoted to the Jail Administrator position. Paula has been an employee of the Sheriff's Office since 2000. Congratulations Paula!

Becker County Sheriff's Office K9 "Cooper" has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Read more...  |  Pic 1...  |  Pic 2...

The sole purpose of the TRIAD program is to promote senior safety and to reduce the fear of crime that seniors often experience. More information...

The Middle Cormorant Swimming Beach improvements are complete, and the beach is now open to the public. Enjoy! Photo 1...  |  Photo 2...

Lakes TV3 recently aired a 'Spotlight on Frazee' segment featuring a shoreline restoration project that involved the Becker Soil and Water Conservation District. Watch video...