On the judicial side, Becker County District Judge Gretchen Thilmony has filed for reelection in the 7th Judicial District, as has Otter Tail County District Judge Sharon Benson.
“You lose your temper, you yell at constituents, you never give committee reports – I think you kind of sunk your own ship,” former Commissioner Don Skarie told Vareberg.
“People shouldn’t be thinking he got fired it’s not fair,” Skarie told commissioners. “I just think what happened here is absolutely crazy you four guys (commissioners Larry Knutson, Ben Grimsley, John Okeson and Barry Nelson) voted on a severance agreement and the other one (Commissioner Richard Vareberg) blew it up.”
Richard Vareberg sworn in as newest Becker County commissioner
Commissioner Barry Nelson was elected chairman of the Becker County Board for 2021, and Commissioner Larry Knutson was elected vice chairman.
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Nathan Bowe | ×
Newly-elected Becker County Commissioner Richard Vareberg, left, was sworn into office at the County Board meeting Tuesday. Commissioners Barry Nelson, middle, and John Okeson were also sworn in to four-year terms by District Judge Gretchen Thilmony (not pictured). Nelson was later elected by commissioners as board chairman for 2021. (Nathan Bowe/Tribune)
Commissioner Barry Nelson was elected chairman of the Becker County Board for 2021, and Commissioner Larry Knutson was elected vice chairman, at an organizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5, that also welcomed newly-elected Commissioner Richard Vareberg. Commissioners have traditionally rotated the chairmanship each year, giving each commissioner a turn with the gavel.