16 minute read
Countywide Communities
22Communities County
AUDUBON
The City of Audubon is located on Highway 10 approximately 40 miles east of Fargo, ND, and 210 miles northwest of Minneapolis, MN . Situated in the southwest corner of Becker County, it developed as a result of the 1871 expansion of the Northern Pacific Railroad .
Established in 1872, Audubon was settled mainly by farmers of Scandinavian descent .
The town was named after the great American naturalist and artist, James J . Audubon . During an early tour of the “Audubon’’ branch of the NP line, a passenger, Audubon’s niece, commented on the beauty of the lily- covered prairie and asked that if a railroad station were ever built there, that it be named after her uncle . While searching for a township name, the Audubon name suggestion seemed to stick, and on Jan . 2, 1881, it became the official town name .
Today, Audubon is home to Lake Park-Audubon Elementary School, Team Industries, Orton’s convenience store, Aurochs Veterinary Service, JCS Cabinetry & Design, Country Wood Products, FM Recreational, TBS Express, P51, TK Auto, Keller Diesel, RZ Customs, Auctionblock LLC, and Audubon Upholstery .
Audubon also maintains a post office, a co-op elevator, the Audubon Liquor Store, and a meat market, Audubon Meats, Inc ., as well as three churches: First Lutheran, Immanuel Lutheran and Church of the Living God . Population: 560 (2020 Census) City Government Meetings: 2nd
Monday of month, 6:30 pm, City Office Mayor: Tony Gordon Clerk-Treasurer: Stephanie Poegel, 218-439-6582 Utility Billing Clerk: Daulton Carlson Council Members: Shane Bakken,
Brian Beto, Tiffaney Holm, Jessica
Wiedenmeyer EDA President: Kristopher Carlson Assessor: Lowell Skoog, 218-846-7300 City Attorney: Charles Ramstad Public Works/Maintenance: Rij
Koehnen, 218-439-4114 Police Chief: Eric Hegna, 218-439-6100 Fire Chief: Chris Wiedenmeyer, 218-439-6582 .
Audubon’s volunteer fire department provides service for Audubon City and the townships of Lake Eunice, Audubon and a portion of Hamden Township . Audubon Rescue: Jacob Lorsung,
President, 218-439-6582 .
Audubon Rescue serves the same area as the fire department .
CALLAWAY
Callaway is located about 12 miles north of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59, approximately 45 air miles east of Fargo . It’s situated in Becker’s northwest corner, along the Soo Line Railroad’s “Glenwood route’’ — a section of track between Winnipeg and Minneapolis . The small farming communities of Richwood and Westbury lie within a 5 mile radius of Callaway .
As the Soo Line pushed northward in 1903, the Callaway community developed . Callaway’s rich farmland attracted many early Scandinavian settlers who were interested in farming its fertile tracts of land .
Today, agriculture remains Callaway’s main economic resource, but the city is also home to an Event Center, as well as both Beautiful Savior Lutheran and Assumption Catholic churches, a volunteer fire department, Lions Club, post office, municipal liquor store, Midwest Bank branch office, Native Harvest, Noah’s Insurance, On the Go Convenience Store, Cenex Harvest States elevator and Anderson Ag Services . Population: 178 (2020 Census) City Government Meetings: 2nd
Tuesday of each month, 6 pm, City Hall Mayor: Gretchen Stalboerger Clerk-Treasurer: Shelly Dillon, 375-4692, callaway@arvig .net Public Works: Matt Dillon Council Members: Cliff Bryngelson,
Emily Annette, Julie Molacek,
Kenneth Blattenbauer Fire Chief: Keith Heinlein
The Callaway Fire Department serves Richwood, Holmesville Townships and portions of Riceville, Callaway and Hamden townships .
DETROIT LAKES
Detroit Lakes was originally home of the Sioux, until the Chippewa pushed them westward . During the mid 1800s, Detroit Lakes was a favorite resting place for travelers of the Red River Oxcart Trail, a 400 mile path from Winnipeg to St . Paul .
For many years, the resting place was called “Ga-ia-wa-wan-gag’’ : a Chippewa name meaning, “Lake in which there is a crossing in a sandy place . ’’
Settlers, having trouble pronouncing that name, preferred a traveling French priest’s description of the sandy place; he called it “Detroit,’’ using the French word for sand bar . The name stuck .
Today, Detroit Lakes — which turned 150 in 2021 — is an important agricultural area; it is also the center of a thriving “412 Lakes’’ tourism district . Besides providing a strong educational system for its residents, Detroit Lakes is home to many different churches, two industrial parks and a variety of retail businesses .
Detroit Lakes service organizations include: American Legion (and Auxiliary), Eagles, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions, Masons, two Rotary clubs (meeting at breakfast and noon), Shriners, and the VFW and its Auxiliary . Population: 9,869 (2020 Census) Mayor: Matt Brenk Aldermen, first ward: Dan Wenner & Ron Zeman Aldermen, second ward: Jamie Marks
Erickson & Wendy Spry Aldermen, third ward: Matt Boeke &
Dan Josephson Aldermen, at-large: Madalyn Sukke,
Natalie Bly & Aaron Dallmann City Government Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5 pm at city office Police Chief: Steven Todd Fire Chief: Ryan Swanson City Administrator: Kelcey Klemm, 847-5658 City Clerk: Glori French Finance Officer: Heidi Tumberg City Attorney: Charles Ramstad
Community Development Director:
Larry Remmen Building Official: Nathan Weber
Public Works: Shawn King Assessor: Lowell Skoog (residential) & Loren Tolkkinen (commercial)
FRAZEE
The city of Frazee is located at the junction of Highway 10 and Minnesota State Highway 87, approximately in the center of Becker County’s southernmost border; it is approximately 10 miles southeast of Detroit Lakes; 55 miles east of Fargo, and 195 miles northwest of Minneapolis .
Frazee was settled in 1868, earning it the distinction of being the first area settled in Becker County . When the Hobart Depot and Weymouth Hotel moved to Frazee in 1874, the city of Frazee developed quickly . (It was said the food at the Weymouth was so good, that the NP Line scheduled regular stops to partake in its culinary delights .)
Our caring, professional staff provide rich learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage healthy lifestyles, support academic success and foster good character and leadership. 43%
of members qualify for free or reduced lunch
Nearly
100%
of members participate in good character & citizenship programs
58
field trips took place this summer
78%
of members participated in social recreation programs
Much more!
For more information, call 218-847-5700, visit www.bgcdl.org, or find us on Facebook!
The combination of the depot, a lucrative flour mill, and a booming logging industry, Frazee was Becker County’s largest city until the logging “boom’’ fizzled out at the turn of the century . At its peak, however, Frazee’s population climbed a little over 2000 in the late 1880s .
Today, Frazee is home to many businesses . Daggett Trucking, the Frazee Municipal Liquor Store, Frazee Event Center, Ketter’s Meat Market, O .K . Lumber, Frazee Family Foods and Seip Drug are just a few examples of Frazee’s thriving business district . The city is also home to a couple of churches as well as Frazee/Vergas School District 23 and a Lake Agassiz Regional Library LINK site . , and Its official website is www .frazeecity .com . and Facebook page is City of Frazee, Minnesota . Population: 1,385 (2020 Census) City Government Meetings: 3rd
Monday of month, 6 pm, Fire Hall and Zoom online meeting platform . Mayor: Ken Miosek City Administrator: Jordin Roberts, 218-334-4991 Deputy Clerk: Nancy Kiehl Council Members: Mike Sharp, Mark
Flemmer, Nicole Strand, Mark Kemper Attorney: Tom Winters Police Chief: Tyler Trieglaff Public Works: Larry Stephenson Fire Chief: Nate Matejka
Volunteer fire department provides primary service to the city of Frazee and four townships: Burlington, Silver Leaf, Height-of-Land, and Evergreen (Becker), and mutual aid to Hobart and Gorman Townships in Otter Tail County . Rescue Squad: Tyler Trieglaff, President
Frazee’s Rescue Squad serves the same area as the fire department .
LAKE PARK
The city of Lake Park is located on Highway 10 approximately 35 miles east of Fargo and 215 miles northwest of Minneapolis . With gentle rolling hills and an elevation of 1270 ft ., Lake Park is a fertile farm area producing grain, potatoes, and livestock .
Lake Park was named for a beautiful lake which used to be located on the original townsite . In the early 1870s, this lake was drained, however, to allow for the building of the NP Railroad . Although the lake was lost forever, the railroad stimulated Lake Park’s growth as settlers took advantage of its easy transportation to the region .
Today, Lake Park is home to many area businesses . Besides a health clinic, community cooperative, hair salon, grocery store, laundromat, municipal liquor store, bank, city center, and public pool, the Lake Park community includes a variety of churches, including St . Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Lake Park Lutheran Church and Eksjo Lutheran Church . The community also boasts three gas stations, storage units, businesses including Dollar General, Tools-N-More and a handful of insurance agencies as well as a Lake Agassiz Regional Library LINK site . It is also home to Lake ParkAudubon High School . Population: 781 (2020 Census) City Government Meetings: 2nd
Monday of each month at City Center, 7 pm Mayor: John Beaudine Clerk-Treasurer: Lonnie Neuner, 218238-5532 Council Members: Jon Anderson, John
Thoemke, Jenna Seley, Aaron Wittrock City Attorney: Charles Ramstad |
Assessor: Lowell Skoog Police Chief: Brady Burnside Utilities: Todd Frank, superintendent |
Fire Chief: Dave Coufal
Volunteer fire department serving the city of Lake Park and five townships including: Cuba, Cormorant, Lake Park, Hamden, and Riceville .
OGEMA
Ogema is located on Becker County’s northernmost boundary on Minnesota Highway 59 . It’s approximately 21 miles due north of Detroit Lakes . Ogema was founded in 1906, nearly 40 years after the establishment of the surrounding White Earth Reservation; its name, however, means “Chief’’ in the Chippewa language . The town developed as the result of the Soo Line’s northward expansion .
Today, Ogema is home to a municipal liquor store and a community hall as well as several businesses, including Community Development Bank, M & W Foods, Focus on Living and Baker's Trucking &Repair Shop . The community also has a post office, Waubun-Ogema-White Earth Elementary School, Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and the White Earth Initiative office building . Population: 208 (2020 Census) City Government Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month after first Monday, 6 pm at Fire Hall . Mayor: Laure Zima | City Clerk: Lea Haverkamp, 218-280-5544 Council Members: Laverne Hoban, Susan Baker and Timothy Savior
OSAGE
Osage is located on Hwy . 34 approximately 31 miles east of Detroit Lakes and 8 miles west of Park Rapids . It is located in the center of Becker County’s western border, with the Smoky Hills State Forest providing its backyard . Today, Osage is governed by a town board and its school age children are bussed to the Park Rapids School District . Osage is located within Osage Township and maintains a grocery store (Osage Country Market), community center and post office .
TOGETHER, WE CAN LIVE HEALTHIER
St. Mary’s–Detroit Lakes Clinic 218-844-2347
Join our team: EssentiaCareers.org
PELICAN RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT
The Pelican River Watershed District was established in 1966 to manage water resources within the upper reaches of the Pelican River chain of lakes from Floyd Lake to Mill Pond . The District’s central mission is to address water pollution, navigation, soil erosion, and fish and wildlife enhancements . The District is led by a seven (7) member Board of Managers that guides the implementation of the goals and objectives set forth in the PRWD Watershed Management Plan . Board Managers are appointed by the Becker County Commissioners and each manager represents a distinct geographical area within the District . Area: 120 square miles in Becker and
Otter Tail Counties . Contact: 218-846-0436; www .prwd .org; prwdinfo@arvig .net District Government Meetings: 3rd
Thursday of Month, District Office;
Wells-Fargo Building, Second Floor
Conference Room, Detroit Lakes, MN . District Managers: Dennis Kral, Orrin
Okeson, Ginny Imholte, Chris Jasken,
Charlie Jasken, Rick Michelson . District Administrator: Tera Guetter
Water Resource Coordinator:
Gina Kemper
Office Coordinator/Education:
Brenda Moses District Engineer: Marlon Mackowick District Attorney: Karen Skoyles
PONSFORD
Ponsford is located on Becker County’s eastern boarder at the intersection of County Road 129 and a small section of Minnesota Highway 225 . Ponsford is a rich farming community, maintaining a post office, trading post, and hardware store . Service organizations include: Northern Lights 4-H Club, a volunteer fire department (Carsonville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department), and the Helping Hand Club — a local organization devoted to helping the area’s poor and needy . Established in 1944, the organization is still going strong, “Doing unto others, as we would have others do unto us . ’’
TWO INLETS
Two Inlets is located on Becker County’s eastern border . Nestled quietly in Becker’s forest district, it is approximately 10 miles north of Osage and 12 miles northeast of Ponsford on County Road 44 . The Two Inlets area was once a center of the thriving 1880s logging boom . Today, Two Inlets maintains a resort, sawmill, country store, Catholic church and town hall .
WHITE EARTH
The community of White Earth is located within the White Earth Indian Reservation . It is located approximately 22 miles north of Detroit Lakes at the intersection of County Road 23 and Minnesota Hwy . 224 . The village of White Earth is governed by a community council . The council members are elected for two year terms and help facilitate community projects through fundraising efforts . White Earth village also maintains its own post office and ambulance service .
WOLF LAKE
Wolf Lake is located about three miles north of State Highway 87, in the corner of the Smoky Hills State Forest . Detroit Lakes is 32 miles due west of the village which was settled mainly as a logging camp site . After the great forests of Minnesota had been exploited by big lumbering companies, Wolf Lake turned to farming .
Today, Wolf Lake maintains many orga-
Making the Grade
Celebrating our 53rd year in business
• Roll-off box service • Demolition services • Soil supply and delivery
CONTACT US TO REQUEST A FREE QUOTE OR PROPOSAL 218.847.7391
800.726.7643 | www.houghinc.com
nizations including: VFW, VFW Auxiliary, Lions Club, and Wolf Pack Baseball Club as well as the Wolf Pack Snowmobile Club, Wolf Lake Shooting Club and Wolf Lake Sportsmen’s Club . Businesses include the Lakes Area Cooperative, Ray’s Repair and the Wolf Lake Municipal Liquor Store . Population: 56 (2020 Census) City Government Meetings: 2nd
Tuesday of month at Wolf Lake
Rescue, 7 pm Mayor: Ann Unruh City Council: Vernette Gilbertson, Cassy
Makela, Michelle Suhsen City Clerk: Deb Nerud, 218-538-6528 Treasurer: Amanda Aho Assessor: Lowell Skoog
Liquor Store Manager:
Fire Chief: Brock Anderson
OUTLYING COMMUNITIES
HITTERDAL, located in Clay County, was incorporated as a village on April 1, 1918, and separated from the townships on May 3, 1919 . It is named for a valley and lake in southern Norway . Among the first settlers were several people named Hitterdal . The town was named for Bendt O . Hitterdal, the original town proprietor . The post office began in 1887; M . J . Solum built a hardware and implement store on the first lot after the townsite was platted in 1896 .
ULEN, also located in Clay County, was named in honor of Ole Ulen, its first settler . The city of Ulen was established on part of his homestead and was incorporated as a village on Nov . 12, 1896 . The post office was established in 1884 .
WAUBUN, a city in Mahnomen County, has an Ojibwe name, meaning “the east,” “the morning,” and “the twilight of dawn .” It is spelled waban in Baraga’s Dictionary, and wabun by Longfellow in “The Song of Hiawatha,” with definition as the east wind . The city was incorporated as a village on Dec . 18, 1907 . When the Soo Line built through the county in 1903-4, the general manager, Pennington, and his chief engineer, Thomas Green, named the stations as they moved the line north; all towns on the reservation had to have Indian names . The post office for this community was established in 1905 as Bement, changing to Waubun in 1906 .
PERHAM, located in Otter Tail County, is named after Josiah Perham, the first President of the Northern Pacific Railroad . The railroad arrived in Otter Tail County in 1871 . A mercantile store was erected on the north side of the tracks the next year and Perham has been prospering ever since . Perham currently boasts of a state- of-the-art community fitness and recreation center; a 27-hole, championship golf course . It is also the center for surrounding agriculture and tourism .
VERGAS, located in Otter Tail County, is known as the “Home of the Loon,” the Minnesota State Bird . There is a giant 20 foot replica of the State Bird erected on the shore of Long Lake, in the center of City Park, which is also home to a public beach and picnic area . There are 25 lakes within a five-mile radius of Vergas . The community’s present name comes from one of four in the “V” series used to designate Soo Line sleeping cars that traveled between Minneapolis and Winnipeg . The post office began as Candor in 1904, the railroad station was Vergas, and the townsite was Altona, all names changing to Vergas in 1903 . The community has a well- known bar and grill, a café, grocery store and a supper club just outside of town .
218-847-5646 218-847-5646
A local full service law firm with over 50 years of history in Detroit Lakes
We Listen. We Care. We Get Results.
A local full service law firm with over #1 Law office • #1 Attorney 2021 50 years of history in Detroit Lakes Bob Thorwaldsen proudly supporting Laker athletics.
We Listen. We Care. We Get Results.
Good Luck To All Laker Athletes!
We arehere to empower your passion.
As afamily-ownedbusiness, we understandwhatittakes for family-ownedbusinesses to endure. Letushelp yousucceed.
Visitusatoneofourlocations! We have FREE BankingOnlineor onour FREE app!
888.378.7373 www.nwbanks.com
5th Annual Detroit Lakes
Find the Rodeo Date on our Facebook page “Double S Arena Rodeos” Located 5 miles north of Detroit Lakes, MN
Double S Arena Events
Wednesday Night Barrel Jackpots
• Family friendly fun • Concessions Open • Keep an eye out for the Turn &
Burn barrel jackpot in August with $4200 added money!
Lakes Trail Blazers Saddle Club
• Fun shows held during the weekends • Family Friendly
