Becker County News - All Departments

Pursuant to Resolution of the Becker County Board of Commissioners meeting, March 27th, 2020, a revised Emergency Declaration was adopted relating to its response to COVID 19. The emergency declaration and resulting procedures will be in effect through Friday, April 10th.
Press Release (PDF)  |  Emergency Declaration Resolution (PDF)

The March 27th Press Release in regards to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is available at - Press Release (PDF). For the most current information and updates, please see our Public Health COVID-19 page.

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).

On Monday (3/16) the Governor passed Executive Emergency Order 20-04 that places partial closures on certain business involved in food services and public accommodations and amusement. The State Unemployment Insurance program will be used to meet the needs of laid off workers affected by the closures. Read more (PDF). EO 20-04 (PDF).

The Becker County Board of Commissioners will be makig two appointments to the Board of Managers of the Pelican River Watershed District. The appointments are to fill two terms expiring on May 25, 2020. Appointments will be considered at the Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. See the Public Notice (PDF).

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the various taxing districts in Becker County will meet for the purpose of correcting the assessments of said taxing district for the year of 2020. Refer to the following notice regarding recommendations due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Assessment Notice 2020 (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).

Seasonal road restrictions will go into effect on all Becker County Highways in accordance with MN Statutes at 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2020. Restrictions will remain in effect in Becker County until approximately mid to late May as conditions improve. Press Release (PDF)  |  Spring Load Restrictions Map (PDF).

Consider Lakes Transit for your transportation needs in and around our area. For more information, see the Transit page. Also, check out their new commericials, Lakes Transit Friends  & Lakes Transit Youth.

The Presidential Nomination Primary results are tabulated and reported to the State. The unofficial results from the Becker County polls are available on our Election Results 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).

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.

Board Chair John Okeson gave the annual 'State of the County' address at the December 17, 2019 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Watch video. Read transcript (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.

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...  |  MMCDC Website.

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.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the various taxing districts in Becker County will meet for the purpose of correcting the assessments of said taxing district for the year of 2020. Refer to the following notice regarding recommendations due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Assessment Notice 2020 (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.

SciTech is a free, state funded internship program to help with your workforce needs. A free webinar will be offered on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM with a topic of 'How to Create Excellent Job Postings'. Register Now.  |  SciTech Homepage.

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).

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

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 (PDF).

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 (PDF).  |  Guide (PDF).

Seasonal road restrictions will go into effect on all Becker County Highways in accordance with MN Statutes at 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2020. Restrictions will remain in effect in Becker County until approximately mid to late May as conditions improve. Press Release (PDF)  |  Spring Load Restrictions Map (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).

In an effort to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Human Services lobby hours are being shortened to 9:00-3:30, and we are asking clients to limit their visits to our agency only when absolutely necessary. For more details, read our notice (PDF). Also, as of 3/17/20, fingerprinting services and genetic testing are being suspended 2 weeks.

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 is now able to issue both Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) and Real ID. The office is able to process those applications ONLY on Tues/Wed/Thurs from 8:30-11:00 AM. For more information see our licensing 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.

In order to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Becker County Recorder's Office is temporarily suspending the acceptance of passport applications. We apologize for the inconvenience and will resume passport services once safety can be assured.

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).

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 (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).

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.

The Becker Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking to hire a Seasonal Conservation Technician to work with field office personnel to implement the objectives of the Local Water Management Plan and provide technical assistance to Becker County landowners. Position Announcement (PDF)  | Position Description (PDF)  |  SWCD Application (PDF)

The Becker Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking to hire a Seasonal Engineering Technician to provide technical assistance to landowners and conservation partners in agricultural and shoreland settings within the County. For more information, refer to the following links: Position Announcement (PDF)  |  SWCD Application (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. 

The Minnesota Legislature recently approved $6.2 million to provide emergency grants to Minnesota Veterans financially affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information, please see the Grant Fact Sheet (PDF).