Becker County News - All Departments

Becker County is soliciting Statements of Qualification from individuals and/or firms for the purpose of providing professional services relating to medical insurance broker services. Becker County's current medical contract expires December 31, 2023. RFQ Details (PDF).

Becker County is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to perform a complete review and rewrite of the County's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The current Comprehensive plan was drafted in 2003 and the Zoning Ordinance in 1971. The consultant will modernize and eliminate outdated and conflicting regulations and provide a final product that is user-friendly and implements the goals and vision of the Comprehensive Plan. The submission deadline is Thursday, June 15, 2023.  RFP Information (PDF)

The Becker County Highway Department is selling a vehicle and topper via online auction. Live bidding will occur May 25 through May 31, 2023. For detailed information and photos, see the auction pages for 2000 Durango and SPACEKAP Topper.

The US Government announced that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. The end of the PHE is likely to impact many people and it is important to be prepared. For more information, please see Key Messages (PDF) and End of PHE (PDF).

Sunnyside Care Center is seeking requests for proposals from qualified vendors to provide management, consulting, and operational services to the Sunnyside Care Center, Becker County's skilled long term care nursing facility. Submissions are due Monday, May 15, 2023. Request for Proposals (PDF).

With summer severe weather season upon us, the Becker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that they can sign up for severe weather alerts through the CodeRED automated alert system. More information | CodeRED Flyer (PDF).

On March 30, 2023, the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators honored Becker County First Assistant Attorney Braden Sczepanski and Detroit Lakes Police Investigator Phil Vaughn for their work related to an arson prosecution. Read more (PDF).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the various taxing districts in Becker County, Minnesota will meet at the office of the Township, or City Clerk in said taxing district on the dates as set forth for the purpose of correcting assessments. Meeting Schedule (PDF).

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. The deadline was previously set for later this year. Beginning May 7, 2025, MN residents will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Read more.

Sunnyside Care Center, owned by Becker County and managed by Ecumen, is currently seeking a candidate to fill a vacant Board member position, effective immediately. Board members serve a two-year term. For more information, please see the public notice (PDF).

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.

MN Statute 471.701 SALARY DATA: A city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest-paid employees. This notice may be provided on the home page of the primary Web site maintained by the political subdivision for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days, in a publication of the political subdivision that is distributed to all residents in the political subdivision, or as part of the annual notice of proposed property taxes prepared under section 275.065.

County Sheriff, Todd Glander, $122,224
County Attorney, Brian McDonald, $126,941
County Administrator, Pat Oman, $134,943

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, Minnesota will meet at the office of the Township, or City Clerk in said taxing district on the dates as set forth for the purpose of correcting assessments. Meeting Schedule (PDF).

On March 30, 2023, the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators honored Becker County First Assistant Attorney Braden Sczepanski and Detroit Lakes Police Investigator Phil Vaughn for their work related to an arson prosecution. Read more (PDF).

On April 29, 2022, the Becker County Attorney's Office donated various items of women's clothing to the Lakes Crisis and Resource Center. The clothing will be used so that survivors have new clothing to wear after experiencing a sexual assault or domestic violence situation. Photo.

Becker County has published a summary of the preliminary budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year. In addition, supplemental 2023 budget information for various cities and school districts is also available. For more information, visit the Truth in Taxation page.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for home energy and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households. Customers can apply for water, energy, and weatherization assistance with one online application. EAP web 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).

Becker County Environmental Services has put together program packages for businesses and muti-unit housing managers trying to implement a recycling program. Within them, you'll find tips and resources to help your recycling effort. Please see the 'More info' tab on our Recycling page, or download the Business package (PDF), Multi-Unit package (PDF), or Signage (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 is selling a vehicle and topper via online auction. Live bidding will occur May 25 through May 31, 2023. For detailed information and photos, see the auction pages for 2000 Durango and SPACEKAP Topper.

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 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).

The Section 8 Wait List is open in Becker County (outside the city limits of Detroit Lakes). The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a rental assistance program funded by HUD. More info.

MN Housing announced over $55 million is available to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through a collaboration with MN counties, including $499,227 alloted to Becker County. Press release (PDF). Program brochure (PDF). Find a lender.

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

Documents can be emailed to Becker County Human Services at the following email address: officesupport@co.becker.mn.us. Please make sure to have a working phone number listed on your paperwork. Documents may also be mailed to our agency, or dropped off in the drop box located beside the front door of our building - see our address in the 'Contact This Department' section of this page.

Applications for SNAP, CASH, Emergency Assistance, and Daycare Assistance can be done online directly at MNbenefits. You can also apply for healthcare at MNsure.

The Becker County Board of Commissioners has created two grant opportunities for childcare providers. The 'Family Child Care Startup Grant' is available for new licensed childcare providers to help offset some of the costs incurred in starting the business. The 'Childcare Provider Emergency Assistance Grant' is for existing licensed providers to assist with costs incurred due to COVID-19 related restrictions and closure. Refer to these links for more information: Press Release (PDF). Startup Grant application (PDF). Emergency Assistance Grant application (PDF).

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.

Beginning March 1, 2022, the Motor Vehicle office will begin accepting walk-in appointments again for Real ID and Enhanced Drivers License. Real and Enhanced ID's can be completed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:30am to 11:00am. Advance appointments are no longer required, but please insure you have all your documentation with you.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. The deadline was previously set for later this year. Beginning May 7, 2025, MN residents will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Read more.

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.

The US Government announced that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. The end of the PHE is likely to impact many people and it is important to be prepared. For more information, please see Key Messages (PDF) and End of PHE (PDF).

The Becker County Recorder's Office will be accepting routine passport applications by appointment only. Call the Recorder's Office at 218-846-7304 to schedule an appointment. Be advised, there can be delays before receiving your passport and documentation. See the travel.state.gov website for more information and current processing times.

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.

With summer severe weather season upon us, the Becker County Sheriff's Office would like to remind residents that they can sign up for severe weather alerts through the CodeRED automated alert system. More information | CodeRED Flyer (PDF).

Becker County Sheriff's Office K9 Durman has received 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).

The Crow Wing River One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) Partnership is initiating a planning process to develop a Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Crow Wing River Watershed.

You are invited to submit priority resource concerns and issues that you feel should be addressed in the planning process and resulting plan.  In an effort to receive as much feedback as possible we encourage you to share this survey with others who would like to submit feedback. More information (PDF) | Online Survey

The 'Otter Tail River One Watershed One Plan' process is progressing and is scheduled to have a draft plan by the fall of 2022. Check out the latest update on the Otter Tail 1W1P website.

The Becker SWCD recently completed a large shoreline restoration project at a resort on Island Lake. Watch along as a natural solution is implemented to deal with the problem of shoreline erosion. Watch video.

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.

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

Minnesota Veterans Outdoors is a partnership of veteran service organizations and other community partners who come together to offer outdoor programs and activities for veterans.   We offer a variety of programs and events including the following:
 - Disabled Veteran Turkey Hunt (Every Spring)
 - Trolling 4 Troops (Early June)
 - Disabled Veteran Deer Hunt (Every Fall)

Find out more at https://www.mnvetsoutdoors.org/

The Becker County Veterans Service office is now publishing a 'Veterans News' newsletter to help highlight events, news, and announcements for our local Veterans. The latest version is available here at Volume 2 Issue 4 (PDF).

Becker County is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to perform a complete review and rewrite of the County's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The current Comprehensive plan was drafted in 2003 and the Zoning Ordinance in 1971. The consultant will modernize and eliminate outdated and conflicting regulations and provide a final product that is user-friendly and implements the goals and vision of the Comprehensive Plan. The submission deadline is Thursday, June 15, 2023.  RFP Information (PDF)