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.

The Board of Commissioners has created a $1,000,000 Grant program to aid Becker County businesses impacted by the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order for Minnesotans. These businesses must qualify for a grant to help with their recovery efforts. Applications will be accepted August 10th-23rd. More information and guidelines. Apply online.

Primary Election results are being tabulated and reported to the State. The latest results from the Becker County polls will be available on our Election Results page.

Businesses within Becker County can receive free disposable masks to help with the transition to the indoor mask mandate. Masks are available from the Regional Chamber of Commerce; pre-registration is recommended. More details (PDF).

Becker County and the City of Frazee are creating a master plan for the Wannigan Regional Park, a proposed 170 acre site north of Frazee. A survey has been created to seek comments and recommendations on what amenities the propsed park should include. Please take a moment to respond to the survey. Survey link. More information (PDF).

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Becker County Zoning Ordinance Review Committee will conduct their August 14, 2020 hearing as an in-person public hearing with a virtual option. For call-in information and the agenda, see the Notice (PDF). At the meeting date/time, you may join the meeting at the following Zoning Ordinance Review Committee Meeting Link.

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 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 Motor Vehicle Office will be opening for its customers on June 1, 2020. This is done in accordance with the 'Stay Safe' Executive Order from Governor Walz. To ensure safe social distancing, appointments are required for certain types of transactions. For more information, read the full release (PDF) or visit the appointment scheduling 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 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).

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).

Becker County and Teamsters Local 320 have reached an agreement in terms for the proposed 2020/2021 labor contract, thereby averting a possible employee strike. Press release (PDF).

Your reponse matters - the census can help shape many different aspects of your community. Visit the 2020 census website for more information. Becker County has formed a Complete Count Committee to help get the word out and increase community participation.

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.

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.

The Board of Commissioners has created a $1,000,000 Grant program to aid Becker County businesses impacted by the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order for Minnesotans. These businesses must qualify for a grant to help with their recovery efforts. Applications will be accepted August 10th-23rd. More information and guidelines. Apply online.

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).

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 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 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 Motor Vehicle Office will be opening for its customers on June 1, 2020. This is done in accordance with the 'Stay Safe' Executive Order from Governor Walz. To ensure safe social distancing in the office, appointments are required for certain types of transactions. For more information, read the full release (PDF) or visit the appointment scheduling page.

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.

Becker County and the City of Frazee are creating a master plan for the Wannigan Regional Park, a proposed 170 acre site north of Frazee. A survey has been created to seek comments and recommendations on what amenities the propsed park should include. Please take a moment to respond to the survey. Survey link. More information (PDF).

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

Due to COVID-19, in order to continue to safely provide 24/7 operation, we are changing some procedures related to permit to purchase firearms applications, civil process, and boat and water permits. For full details, please read the notice (PDF).

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).

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 (PDF).  |  Pic 1.  |  Pic 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. 

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 Zoning Ordinance Review Committee will conduct their August 14, 2020 hearing as an in-person public hearing with a virtual option. For call-in information and the agenda, see the Notice (PDF). At the meeting date/time, you may join the meeting at the following Zoning Ordinance Review Committee Meeting Link.