Let me first introduce myself, my name is Laura (Johanson) Winson and I was born and raised in Minnewaukan, ND. My family roots are deep in the Minnewaukan and Oberon area. I married my husband, Keith in 2012 and moved to Maddock. I am a grandma to 3 boys, love to sew, quilt and am a stained-glass artist.

I have been the Benson County Housing Authority Executive Director since July of 2010. I will continue that role and in February 2026 added the role of Transportation Director. It is a “juggling act” for sure, and only possible with the help of a top-notch team.

My team includes;

Darren Littlewind who has been my maintenance supervisor since July 2022 and will also be a driver for transportation. Darren lives in Minnewaukan, is father to 7 kids and loves watching his kids sports and cheers for the KC Chiefs.

Leah McCarthy is my administrative Assistant since November 2025. Leah lives in Minnewaukan, has 3 grown children and does needlework in her down time. Leah will be in the Minnewaukan office Tuesdays and Thursdays and the Maddock office on Wednesdays.

Katherine Bingham was the first driver added to the team but her marketing skills were soon noticed so she is now a driver and marketing director. Kat makes the posters, brochures and signs and manages the Facebook page. Kat lives in Brinsmade and is mother to 4, she has her own craft business, Pure Abandon and published a book.

Anastasia Kenner was driver #2 added to the team. Ana lives in Maddock with her husband Dean and is best known for her incredible painting skills. Ana’s watercolor art is amazing and a must see! Ana is also a web designer so it didn’t take long to add that title to her role at Transit. Ana manages our website at www.bensoncountytransit.com which has received quite a make-over!

Tracy Kallenbach is our newest addition to the team! Tracy is a retired nurse and current farm wife. Tracy lives in Maddock on the family farm with her husband Mark and their daughter Cameron. She has grown children and grandchildren who live in the Maddock area. Tracy is a 4H Leader and active in the Viking Church. Tracy is helping us keep our fleet of vehicles shined up and is our best cheerleader!

We are so happy to be your Transportation Team! In my next post, I can not wait to share some of the milestones we have met since February!

Until next time, give us a call 438-2192 and we will get you where you want to go!

Laura Winson, Executive Director

Benson County Housing Authority

201 Main St W, Minnewaukan, ND 58351

701-473-5671

Benson County Transportation

503 Railway Ave, PO Box 306, Maddock, ND 58348

701-438-2192

bcha@gondtc.com