Becker County Sheriff’s office swears in two new deputies

Screengrab courtesy Becker County
Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander completed the swearing in and oath of office ceremony with the county’s newest deputies Ethan Wothe and Derek Hanson during the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, April 15. Front row: Sheriff Todd Glander, Deputy Ethan Wothe, Deputy Derek Hanson and Commissioner Barry Nelson. Back row: Commissioners Phil Hansen, Erica Jepson, Board Chair David Meyer and Commissioner Richard Vareberg.

By Robert Williams

Editor

Dave Schornack of Perham, the Director of Business Development and Sales for Arvig, spoke to the county board during the open forum asking for a letter of support and financial support for two areas underserved with broadband service in Becker County, including 18 homes near 280th Avenue south of Detroit Lakes.

Construction costs, according to Schornack, for that area are $139,000. Arvig’s request was only for $1,500 from the county. A grant request will cover 75 percent of the costs, if approved, while Arvig will put up the remaining 25 percent.

The second area is near Richwood and Buffalo Lake north of Detroit Lakes. There are 79 locations unserved and underserved. Cost of construction is $412,000 and Arvig is asking for a letter of support and $3,500.

“We think this is a great service for the county,” said Schornack.

The work would likely be completed in 2026, according to Schornack.

The grant is a revolving fund and Arvig is looking at other areas that are unserved or underserved to service in the future.

The commissioners agreed to the letters of support and the County Economic Development Authority (EDA) will be in charge of supplying the funds. There is no financial obligation if the grants are not approved.

Sheriff 

Sheriff Todd Glander introduced two new deputies Ethan Wothe and Derek Hanson to the Becker County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, April 15.

“I just want to say I’m very blessed to have this team,” Glander said.

Wothe began his law enforcement career working at the jail, before moving to the city police department in 2023. He has been working in the sheriff’s office for the past six weeks.

Hanson, originally from the Twin Cities, served three years in the Army in North Carolina. Hanson moved to Wolf Lake in August of 2024 with his wife and one child. Tuesday was Hanson’s second day on the job.

Veterans Services 

Anthony Mastin was sworn in as the county’s Veterans Service Officer. Mastin is a Detroit Lakes native who joined the military. He served two decades and was deployed, prior to becoming a State Trooper and Federal Marshal. He was also a recruiter for the National Guard. For the past three years he was living in Florida, but returned to the area to be with family.

“I felt I could really help out the community and be part of the community and veterans are a big part of my life, so if I can support the veterans of the community and their family members that’s what I’m here for,” Mastin said. “I’ve always supported the veterans and I’m part of several veterans clubs. I’m happy to back here in my hometown.”

Interviews will begin shortly for the Assistant Veterans Service Officer that is also open, according to County Administrator Carrie Smith. 

“Hopefully, we will have a new hire and the veterans service office will be up and functional,” Smith said. 

Appointments

Josh Pfeffer was appointed as the county surveyor beginning on April 15, 2025 to fulfill a 4-year term.

Agriculture

Brandon Gill, the County Ag Inspector, gave an overview of what he does for the county, including his annual report.

Strategic Planning

The county board approved financial management and budget process improvement and other strategic planning consulting services prepared by Ryan Selock.

Selock will meet with department heads and provide Becker County with a structured and data-driven approach to financial management, budgeting and space utilization. The resulting recommendations will help optimize county resources, improve fiscal decision-making, and establish clear priorities for long-term success

“It’s going to help us set goals and make decisions in budgeting,” said Smith.

The board had a lengthy discussion before approving the $9,750 for 60 hours of service. Commissioner Barry Nelson asked Smith if it would be helpful to her position and she answered in the affirmative, stating when she exits the position she hopes to have instilled a better process.

Environmental Services

The board approved the acceptance of a donation of a battery storage shed via a $15,200 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Last year, Becker County residents recycled 1 ton of lithium-ion batteries. Processing and storage of these batteries can be dangerous due to the combustible nature of the batteries. This grant will provide Becker County with an external storage area for batteries and other hazardous materials until they are properly handled and recycled, according to Environmental Services Administrator Steve Skoog.

The shed will allow for safer battery storage at the Becker County Landfill.