Becker County

Financial assistance and tax breaks are available to tornado-impacted residents as the community works toward rebuilding after an EF-2 twister.

Zac Baer, Brent Benscoter, Kim Frederick, Darin O. Halverson, Nathan Martin and Amy Rosing are running for Becker County auditor-treasurer.

The storm caused damage to buildings, trees and power lines. Thousands experienced power outages due to the storm.

The cause of Michael James Azure's death remains under investigation. After a brief pursuit, deputies located an abandoned ATV, with Azure found unresponsive in the woods.

The Becker County Sheriff's Office received a call March 30, 2026, from a man who went to check on his brother because he hadn't shown up at work.

Anita Charlene Gruel was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son Charles Lane Gruel was treated for injuries caused by the fire. The fire is still under investigation.

The cause of the Feb. 18, 2026, fire is under investigation, and the names of those impacted have not been released.

Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander and Clearwater County Sheriff Darin Halverson recently announced they wouldn't seek reelection in 2026.

Some areas are facing emerging risks for nutrient levels and E. coli in the Mississippi River basin watershed encompassing parts of Becker, Otter Tail, Todd and Wadena counties.

Plus: Secretary of State Steve Simon presented St. Louis County election workers with awards; and the Minnesota Department of Health presented two Northwest Minnesota practitioners with rural health awards.