Becker County News - All Departments

For the most current information, helpful resources and latest press releases in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Becker County encourages residents and businesses to please see our Public Health COVID-19 page and the COVID-19 vaccine page.

The Becker County Board of Commissioners in cooperation with county business owners and the Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce have created three grant programs to aid county businesses affected by COVID-19. Becker County has been awarded $665,135.71 from the State of Minnesota to facilitate this program. News Release (PDF). Apply Online.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Becker County Board of Adjustments will conduct their February 4th, 2021 hearing as an in-person public hearing with a virtual option. Attendees are asked to download the Meeting Guide (PDF) for instructions. At the meeting date/time, you may join the meeting at the following Board of Adjustment Public Hearing Link. The 'tour' meeting for this hearing will be January 28, 2021 - tour info here (PDF).

The Becker County Highway Department would like to remind drivers of some winter travel safety items and also provide guidance with regard to plowing snow from roadways. For more information, see the press release (PDF).

Becker County Transit is conducting a survey to gather input and answers from our customers. Please take a moment to share your input in a brief survey. Thank you! Survey link.

The Becker County Courthouse is open Mon-Fri from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The DMV office is open during those hours and accepts walk up appointments except for Enhanced Driver's License processing and Prorates for Commercial Titles, which requires an appointment. Visit the reservation page to register for an Enhanced Driver's License appointment. For more information regarding the different MN ID types, read more (PDF).

Board Chairman Ben Grimsley gave the annual 'State of the County' address at the December 15th, 2020 Board of Commissioner's Meeting. Watch video.

Wannigan Regional Park is being proposed for development north of Frazee. A draft master plan is now available and public review and comment is being sought by the park planning committee. Please take a moment to provide your valuable input of the plan to-date. More information (PDF). Draft Master Plan (PDF). Plan Appendix (PDF). Review & comment survey.

The November 3, 2020 General Election results for Becker County are available on our Election Results page.

Becker County Human Services is looking for Volunteer Drivers to provide transports. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and insurance and a cleared medical statement from their physician. If interested, please contact Shannon F. or Christy R. at 218-847-5628.

The Becker County Recorder's Office will be again be accepting routine passport applications. Applications will be accepted by appointment only. Call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment. Be advised, you should expect SIGNIFICANT delays before receiving your passport and documentation. Read more (PDF). See the travel.state.gov website.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Recorder's Office is accepting marriage license applications by appointment only. Please call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment.

The public is invited to do a 'virtual drive through' of what the West Lake Drive project would look like upon completion. For a video link and other materials, please refer to the City of Detroit Lakes West Lake Drive web page.

The MN Dept of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will administer a new small business grant program. Applications will be accepted beginning on June 23rd. This program will provide $10,000 grants to small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, see the WCIF page and the MN DEED page.

The Becker County Board of Commissioners are seeking individuals interested in volunteering to serve on various Becker County Boards or Committees. Please refer to the official notice for a list of vacancies. Public Notice (PDF).

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 (PDF).  |  More info.

The Becker County Assessor's Office is provided guidance as to how the yearly mandated site visits will be conducted this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Assessors will practice social distancing and follow additional safety guidelines. Read more (PDF).

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 November 3, 2020 General Election results for Becker County are available on our Election Results page.

The Becker County Board of Commissioners in cooperation with county business owners and the Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce have created three grant programs to aid county businesses affected by COVID-19. Becker County has been awarded $665,135.71 from the State of Minnesota to facilitate this program. News Release (PDF). Apply Online.

This temporary program was established to provide economic relief for movie theaters adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will make grants of up to $150,000 to eligible movie theaters located in Minnesota. DEED will administer this program. Completed applications should be submitted by Jan. 29th. Applications available here.

One component of the newest federal relief package is the re-opening of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) until March 21, 2021, with several changes to eligibility and terms. Read more (PDF). Visit the PPP website.

The MN Trade Office (MTO) is conducting a survey on how to best assist businesses that conduct international trade during the pandemic. Affected parties are asked to complete the survey.

Numerous resources are available to individuals and businesses to assist in mitigating the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information on the programs available, please visit our COVID-19 page.

For the most current information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, please refer to our COVID-19 page. Detroit Lakes has started a volunteer program to assist with our elderly population. For more information, see the D.L. COVID-19 page.

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 (PDF).

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Becker County Transfer Station & Demolition Landfill will be temporarily reducing the public hours of operations. Read notice (PDF).

Becker County Environmental Services has put together a 'Best Practices' guide for businesses and muti-unit housing managers trying to implement a recycling program. Within it you'll find tips and resources to help your recycling effort. Please see the 'More info' tab on our Recycling page, or download the guide (PDF).

An easy 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 (PDF).  |  More info.  |  Collection days (PDF).

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

In an effort to increase recycling in our community, Becker County provides 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 (PDF).  |  Guide (PDF).

The Becker County Highway Department would like to remind drivers of some winter travel safety items and also provide guidance with regard to plowing snow from roadways. For more information, see the press release (PDF).

The public is invited to do a 'virtual drive through' of what the West Lake Drive project would look like upon completion. For a video link and other materials, please refer to the City of Detroit Lakes West Lake Drive web page.

The City of Detroit Lakes and Becker County are working together on a street and utility reconstruction project impacting South Washington Ave and some of the adjacent streets. For more information, please see the latest construction notice (PDF).

The Becker County Board of Commissioners approved an honorary road designation of CSAH 26 at their August 6, 2019 meeting. An 8.5 mile stretch of CSAH 26 in Becker County between Ponsford and State Hwy 34 will receive an honorary designation in memory of Seabee Force Master Chief James D. Fairbanks, who grew up on the White Earth Reservation in the Village of Ponsford. News release (PDF) | Map (PDF).

Minnesota Housing announced over $52 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with Minnesota cities and counties, including $479,207 for Becker County. Press Release (PDF) | MN Housing Information.

MMCDC, which administers the program on behalf of Becker County, is taking rental applications for the 25 single-family homes scattered throughout Becker County, many in our small towns. When vacancies occur, people on the waiting list will be contacted. More Details.

Local governments, employers and nonprofits are working together to offer Home Ownership for Me (HOMe) Down-payment Loans in Becker County. This program is operated by MMCDC. Program Flyer (PDF)  |  MMCDC Website

In an effort to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Human Services lobby is closed. We are asking clients to conduct their business in other ways other than face to face. For more details, read our notice (PDF). Also, as of 3/17/20, fingerprinting services and genetic testing are being suspended until further notice.

Becker County Human Services is looking for Volunteer Drivers to provide transports. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license and insurance and a cleared medical statement from their physician. If interested, please contact Shannon F. or Christy R. at 218-847-5628.

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!

The Becker County Courthouse is open Mon-Fri from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The DMV office is open during those hours and accepts walk up appointments except for Enhanced Driver's License processing and Prorates for Commercial Titles, which requires an appointment. Visit the reservation page to register for an Enhanced Driver's License appointment. For more information regarding the different MN ID types, read more (PDF).

No change to your Standard Driver's License or ID card? You can avoid an office visit and apply directly online at the DVS e-Services page.

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.

Have you ever wondered why the county has tax forfeit forest land or how that forest land is managed? Check out the following presentation to learn more about Minnesota's County Forest Lands.

Wannigan Regional Park is being proposed for development north of Frazee. A draft master plan is now available and public review and comment is being sought by the park planning committee. Please take a moment to provide your valuable input of the plan to-date. More information (PDF). Draft Master Plan (PDF). Plan Appendix (PDF). Review & comment survey.

For the latest updates, information and resources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the Public Health COVID-19 page and COVID-19 vaccine page.

The Becker County Recorder's Office will be again be accepting routine passport applications. Applications will be accepted by appointment only. Call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment. Be advised, you should expect SIGNIFICANT delays before receiving your passport and documentation. Read more (PDF). See the travel.state.gov website.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Recorder's Office is accepting marriage license applications by appointment only. Please call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free online service for U.S. citizens who are traveling to or living in a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your whereabouts abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Read more (PDF).

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 (PDF)) 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.

Becker County Sheriff's Office K9 Durman will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Durman's vest is sponsored by Ashley Fletcher of Hawley, MN. Read more (PDF). Photo.

The Becker County Sheriff's Office is seeking donations for equipment and training to become a participating member of Project Lifesaver - a non-profit search and rescue program operated by public safety agencies designed for 'at risk' individuals prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. Read more (PDF).

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. 

Becker County Transit is conducting a survey to gather input and answers from our customers. Please take a moment to share your input in a brief survey. Thank you! Survey link.

During this Federal and State Declared Emergency in response to COVID-19, transit authorities such as Lakes Transit will be required to make adjustments and accommodations to operating procedures. Please refer to the following FAQ document (PDF) for more information regarding possible changes in procedures.

Consider Lakes Transit for your transportation needs in and around our area. Check out our new commericials, Lakes Transit Friends  & Lakes Transit Youth.

The Minnesota Legislature approved $6.2 million to provide emergency grants to Minnesota Veterans and their families to help mitigate the negative effects and the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information, please see the Press Release (PDF) and the Grant Fact Sheet (PDF).

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Becker County Board of Adjustments will conduct their February 4th, 2021 hearing as an in-person public hearing with a virtual option. Attendees are asked to download the Meeting Guide (PDF) for instructions. At the meeting date/time, you may join the meeting at the following Board of Adjustment Public Hearing Link. The 'tour' meeting for this hearing will be January 28, 2021 - tour info here (PDF).