[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6192353,"mediaKeyId","4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc","parentId",4109633,"title","Resident tells Becker County board he faces repeated calls and eviction; asks board to investigate socioeconomic discrimination","audioSeconds",283,"startMs",797000,"endMs",1080000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc&start=797&end=1080","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc/thumbnail_797000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6192353/Becker-County/Minnesota/Resident-tells-Becker-County-board-he-faces-repeated-calls-and-eviction-asks-board-to-investigate-socioeconomic-discrimination","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192353-b0f6263c86c8b29e7d64ec08449b8232/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620751&Signature=oAlnCZgZjb5KYLifRPpyZPE2~Yw2yzwK3DzJ0mtMJEW8o721XCDPR0dHHnABxRmjzltahVGAIqw6nE6c5EMIQ4HEtXUTPYjIHTPwQccFw~cYeMOE-qXRWq4gOlAW7goNFxMUIhOtuysnKAVaf54UNnR8tZTPVMKzxi3U56oRp9-kom5ERu4RHKQ5IXP2VxbfqSkIyIka8WfeBkHvi9L6dICjFqAgPeeB0TWz1hsYZPOPNvuYh~HulhdOiNlTPTNWp6pCB7lhQohNunXXXKfM1lp9bE2IYSycz7NY~gBZ6CGbTAWmjbrZkIiJd3VLAbBTMdwH3x3iP86Mt2OGyJ~dwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Becker County, MN","date","2025-06-18T14:51:18Z","article","A Detroit Lakes resident told Becker County commissioners during public comment that he has been the target of frequent law enforcement interactions and what he called socio‑economic discrimination by local institutions and neighbors.

Donald Chouinard said he has been subject to more than 50 police or sheriff contacts in the last two years without resulting criminal charges, citations or credible evidence, and described repeated attempts to have him removed from the community. He told the board he was forcefully evicted on Aug. 23, 2023 despite his belief that the landlord’s allegations were fraudulent, and that although he later won an appeal he did not regain housing. Chouinard also said his mother, a 76‑year‑old public housing recipient, faced an eviction claim that he attributed to the fact that her landlord is a Section‑8 caseworker tied to his prior case.

Chouinard asked the board to investigate what he described as systemic socioeconomic discrimination. He said he had filed complaints and pursued appeals but remained homeless and warned the county that similar conduct could be occurring to others who lack resources to contest it.

The board thanked Chouinard for his remarks; commissioners and staff did not announce any immediate investigatory action during the meeting. County administrators said they would follow up through the appropriate departments on individual case details where privacy rules allow.

Why it matters: the comment raises allegations about law enforcement contacts, housing eviction practices and possible retaliation affecting a vulnerable resident and his elderly mother. The board did not make any determination at the meeting; staff follow‑up was requested.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 17, 2025 Becker County Board of Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A Detroit Lakes resident told the Becker County board during public comment he has been the target of repeated law enforcement calls and eviction actions he characterizes as socioeconomic discrimination, and said his mother — a public housing recipient — faces retaliatory eviction threats tied to his appeals.","taxTitle","Becker County, Minnesota","taxId",56037,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6192357,"Becker County signs MOU to continue volunteer driver program under a non‑local AmeriCorps RSVP partner",114,614000,728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc&start=614&end=728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc/thumbnail_614000.jpg","/articles/6192357/Becker-County/Minnesota/Becker-County-signs-MOU-to-continue-volunteer-driver-program-under-a-nonlocal-AmeriCorps-RSVP-partner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192357-35e5a3b11397c8529baa590cf653335d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620751&Signature=oR76-CtHsVuVG9fP-FUeu2rSS9oLbdyK4jsd4NWpenU~a5hlCSP2v7PQTdGLU4EOLK0wJLodKJwbNge3Iifgm4DNN1Acgbas6M7PckpesjuBLoQ5x5Lai6FkawGGlttbHSs7QgCGaifGsgTk2ZJJPyn0I2Ed~5IeD4JZEVMVXBPUFNnJckwbGkl415MFd8ZWLuqCPOULHrr72ZmkgvNyUXEiBN0XVLFBGDbknW1rA1JwfBOxb7sUkLONNM974gQ1-vzg09pZJ2Pe1cudjjzn350vWJkQ40korMUd7660G~S5t8z5bjNEvMoeKVEiN37bbCXsgmbcZ3bVuPrHtbJXpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Becker County staff told commissioners the county will sign a memorandum of understanding with a non‑local AmeriCorps RSVP program to maintain volunteer driver services after the local RSVP program lost funding.

Human Services staff explained that the local RSVP program closed due to a funding cut and that the new provider agreed to manage the county’s volunteer drivers, preserving rider‑driver relationships and avoiding the county’s need to pay stipends previously provided. Staff said the MOU was limited to program management of volunteer drivers and would not transfer title to any real property.

Commissioners discussed the agreement briefly during the consent agenda review and left the item on the consent agenda after the staff explanation; they removed a different consent item for separate discussion. The volunteer driver arrangement will be covered in a future staff report and coordinated through Human Services and the county RSVP contact.

Why it matters: the MOU preserves transportation services for county residents who rely on volunteer drivers for medical and other trips after local RSVP funding cuts.","County staff explained an MOU that will transfer management of Becker County volunteer drivers to a non‑local AmeriCorps RSVP provider after local RSVP funding cuts; commissioners left the agreement on the consent agenda after a brief explanation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6192362,"Becker County EDA seeks statewide affordable housing aid to rehabilitate county‑owned Maple Avenue apartments",251,3250000,3501000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc&start=3250&end=3501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc/thumbnail_3250000.jpg","/articles/6192362/Becker-County/Minnesota/Becker-County-EDA-seeks-statewide-affordable-housing-aid-to-rehabilitate-countyowned-Maple-Avenue-apartments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192362-3d4f9ccef0f7beaadc17af2f79300078/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620751&Signature=mmN1GfBA6fBU6s0F8KckwOfrM-QarOm~fxTvyBuzcNNcnm64a-RoLhoC0iF5IFu0QkKsyLu3R1SvLuEPy7-BdiEaHRxCSH6kO8FfxDul08nfEuZQNEb4HS6T4P~5P8lmpV7d-ZBdLWg7rrtU75VbsdHKU-NWhHwJglxAYtutDb-wB3ee5sfJmwSyTUmN3UxpB~Hk6bnu5fz-JUCKRv05rYcNxiMwvvJC3AkYaVK4VeXeeR-Gh1AXMdwP3LAQPVX47odlTvnfuQS26uSqiCutEDvN4Wy29d9GWuaQCd2l6jkwqyMW~7u9WfhPwrmaMg~DVbO6NksemvE4PIZDQ-GEDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Becker County Economic Development Authority asked the county board to allocate part of the county’s statewide affordable housing aid to an exterior rehabilitation project at a county‑owned 12‑unit apartment complex on Maple Avenue.

Cody, EDA staff, told the board the 30‑year‑old property has an aging exterior and that recent roof replacements drained the EDA’s capital reserves. The EDA recommended using the affordable housing aid to repair and replace exterior elements so the building remains safe and viable for tenants for decades more. Staff said interior systems and tenant turnover are currently managed by a property manager under contract to the EDA, and that the property carries no outstanding debt.

Commissioners approved a motion to allocate part of the statewide affordable housing aid to the Maple Avenue rehabilitation project and to allow the EDA to issue an RFP for the detailed scope of exterior work. The motion included authority to proceed with an RFP process and to return to the board with final contract recommendations once bids are received and evaluated.

Why it matters: the project is intended to preserve affordable rental housing stock that the county owns and operates. The EDA said the request will not use the entire aid allocation but will absorb a substantial share to stabilize an asset that provides long‑term, affordable units in the community.","The Becker County Economic Development Authority (EDA) asked commissioners to allocate statewide affordable housing aid to exterior rehabilitation work on a 30‑year‑old, 12‑unit county‑owned apartment complex on Maple Avenue; EDA staff will finalize an RFP and the board approved use of the aid pending competitive bids.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6192368,"Becker County highways: $1.8M striping award, pilot of asphalt rejuvenator, overweight permits approved and Lake Park change‑order talks",1515,5810000,7325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc&start=5810&end=7325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc/thumbnail_5810000.jpg","/articles/6192368/Becker-County/Minnesota/Becker-County-highways-18M-striping-award-pilot-of-asphalt-rejuvenator-overweight-permits-approved-and-Lake-Park-changeorder-talks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192368-08d9b93431300ac7b03f64c6a571aece/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620751&Signature=gwIGplecfbuZtuWc4V2SU~XXbet7ydMTCGCtpw5Igbfww3qrprMsHQWi31rFKqAtS98qIPAB6G0lbj-fab~qlnyG4RMgUZbebJvoMag7-e~GrTcu-w35Uq3KiytE2FZfFuxX~L0vMfWKSsMjlr1X~DLKJfJxF7rqL19wIUeH0uWyMDH4DANvBjxdskc3ETBd1FruDvBs6TEBY79HCq7IYmXP~xyQih564YYpAWvcsyQczYOlDuxFHnyUtd~4FqSP8U~AR7Iu~5y2jNAcdX5shubVQZe2RTP0FlQjmjDL8sSGns9uerHVV7ZufaAVeXR2HLrPMeAqZylwO6zvDkaimQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Becker County’s highway department advanced several operations and capital items at the board meeting, awarding a district pavement striping contract, approving a pavement‑preservation pilot, adopting special overweight permit rules and authorizing negotiations on a Lake Park roadway reclaim change order.

The board voted to award the district‑wide edge stripe project to the low bidder, CamCo/ASL, at about $1.8 million — roughly 13% below the engineer’s estimate — as the county is the lead for a multi‑county striping contract. Commissioners also approved a pilot test of an asphalt rejuvenator product (Requiemite) on selected county and municipal streets and a highway parking lot; staff estimated the product’s cost at roughly $1.15 per square yard, comparable to in‑house sealcoat costs and expected to produce less loose rock and longer surface life.

Separately, the board adopted a special annual overweight permit process under Minnesota Statute 169.869 to allow vehicles with additional axles to carry higher gross vehicle weights for construction hauling without exceeding axle weight limits; the change is intended to reduce trip counts and improve efficiency for contractors hauling construction materials while still prohibiting use on load‑restricted bridges and roads.

On a local pavement issue, commissioners authorized the highway committee to negotiate a change order for the City of Lake Park mill/overlay project to convert a section north of the bridge to a full reclamation. Early contractor pricing placed the additional scope at about $250,000; the board authorized negotiations and ratification up to approximately $225,000 and asked staff to return with a ratification vote if the negotiated price is acceptable. Staff explained reclaiming the pavement would provide a longer‑term fix where surface distress is deeper.

Highway staff presented the annual highway report summarizing about $12 million in construction and $3.5 million in maintenance work in the prior year. Commissioners and staff discussed how underbid projects and federal/state reimbursements are managed; staff noted state aid and other program funds cover much of the work and that unspent funds from earlier projects can be used on subsequent projects.

Why it matters: The combined actions affect short‑ and long‑term road durability, contractor logistics, and county maintenance budgeting. The pilot rejuvenator could change routine preservation practices if it proves durable; the overweight permit expands hauling capacity consistent with state law; and the Lake Park reclaim, if authorized, would increase upfront costs but aims to reduce future repair needs.","The Becker County Highway Department awarded a $1.8 million district striping contract, approved a pilot project using an asphalt rejuvenator called Requiemite, adopted a special overweight permit policy, and authorized the highway committee to negotiate a change order for a Lake Park reclaim project (potentially up to $225,000).",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6192373,"Becker County board agrees to remove barricade on non‑vacated township road and seek gated access",1263,3767000,5030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc&start=3767&end=5030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4109633-8c2a81886a6173581b0bd83eb414dbdc/thumbnail_3767000.jpg","/articles/6192373/Becker-County/Minnesota/Becker-County-board-agrees-to-remove-barricade-on-nonvacated-township-road-and-seek-gated-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6192373-3dd15414a442e9faf65d802318897e87/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620751&Signature=j2aQLoCYFNQNRYURj9KUf6l2LB~ZaIUmzv8e1XQLD5FByKL7F4a-TcHUb0eFrja0yxuSuK5lXdV5ysCUhhaQ4OPuCbDZfO~Nhmq9dAl9eLdD33V0HoTrsWOrSv0VUBsWb4lcP932o6OVQCEkNLc6~jDskexV0yCiWLeVENBTos~WZxn1RZmDP1L1Kcy3eIoXKs7zT3eBIqNPsyCQKL4G-sxhykMLY~pVz8-oU9OMLCZb6MIxnWS2Op1mcnLr2Y0c3CbZXSn~-gW~7hSLuVHkwiNnhpDGM08S72g33HW2MfEPMpN8FDXmbxAJZ8bBIoJJ9b5PjLLr6J3L-hfYrdOEBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Becker County commissioners voted to have county environmental services obtain cost estimates to gate and fence a township road that has been barricaded for roughly three decades near the county’s demolition landfill.

The action follows a June public appearance by Detroit Township officials who said the barricade blocks a road that was never formally vacated and therefore remains a public township road. County staff said there is no recorded easement for the long‑standing access arrangement between county contractors and adjacent landowners.

The vote matters because the closed roadway lies adjacent to Becker County’s construction and demolition landfill and other county assets, and township officials said leaving it barricaded puts the county out of compliance with state law on public rights of way. Commissioners directed environmental services to solicit quotes to install access gates and fence both sides of the road and to develop a plan to protect county property while restoring public access.

County staff and Detroit Township representatives told the board the closure began as an informal arrangement decades ago and persisted because it “worked” for many years. Mike Ingham, a county representative, told the board the original informal arrangement was not recorded and that county files did not contain a signed easement. Detroit Township supervisor Charlie Jaskin said the township had performed grading on the road until roughly 15–20 years ago and that township officials had come to the board to seek resolution.

County counsel and staff reviewed the matter and advised the board that the barricade was inconsistent with statutes governing public road vacations; staff said formally vacating the road would be an extensive process and could be legally fraught because the county‑owned landfill parcel would be landlocked by such a vacation. Commissioners emphasized the county’s interest in protecting its assets, including the landfill and household hazardous waste facility, and directed staff to return with bids and a recommended timeline for installing gates and fencing.

At the meeting a motion passed instructing environmental services to obtain quotes for the gates and fencing and to work cooperatively with Detroit Township and the affected landowners on a plan; the board approved the motion by voice vote. Commissioners said the county will not immediately remove gates until a short implementation plan, including security measures such as cameras, is in place.

The board asked that staff return with cost estimates and a proposed schedule; commissioners said they expect the county to keep public safety and protection of county facilities as priorities while restoring public road access.

Why it matters: county roads that are closed without formal vacation can create legal and access problems and reduce future land use options for county‑owned parcels. Restoring an open, gated configuration is intended to comply with statute, preserve county assets, and keep the work legally defensible.","Following months of informal closure, Becker County commissioners directed staff to obtain quotes to gate and fence a public township road adjacent to the county demolition landfill, after township representatives and county staff said the barricade had no recorded easement and likely violates state statute.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident tells Becker County board he faces repeated calls and eviction; asks board to investigate socioeconomic discrimination

Becker County signs MOU to continue volunteer driver program under a non‑local AmeriCorps RSVP partner

Becker County EDA seeks statewide affordable housing aid to rehabilitate county‑owned Maple Avenue apartments

Becker County highways: $1.8M striping award, pilot of asphalt rejuvenator, overweight permits approved and Lake Park change‑order talks

Becker County board agrees to remove barricade on non‑vacated township road and seek gated access