Beaver Island, Michigan Public Records

The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments collaborate on major crimes and share resources to ensure comprehensive coverage across the county. This coordination helps maintain public safety and effective law enforcement throughout Charlevoix County.

The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court. Information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained by contacting the jail directly.

Preliminary examinations for felony cases originate here before being bound over to circuit court. For felony cases, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate, and civil cases exceeding $25,000, Beaver Island residents must appear in the 33rd Circuit Court for Charlevoix County, also located at 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, phone (231) 547-7206. The Circuit Court handles all serious criminal matters, including drug offenses, assault, and property crimes. Probate matters, including estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships, are processed through the Probate division of the Circuit Court. Michigan offers online access to court records through the Michigan Court Records Online (MiCOURT) system at courts.michigan.gov/micourtaccess. This system allows searches by name, case number, or party for cases in participating courts, including both the 57th District Court and 33rd Circuit Court. However, certain records may be restricted or sealed, particularly juvenile matters and some family law cases. For certified copies of court documents, requesters must contact the appropriate court clerk's office directly. The 57th District Court charges $10 per document for certification, while the 33rd Circuit Court charges similar fees. Copies of documents are typically $1.00 per page, with additional fees for research time if extensive retrieval is required.

The Michigan Bureau of Investigation assists in compiling and disseminating criminal records, ensuring that residents have access to accurate and up-to-date information for personal or professional purposes.

The online system displays current assessed values, taxable values, property characteristics, sales history, and tax information. Beaver Island properties are located within St. James Township, and the database reflects township-level tax assessments as well as county equalization. For recorded documents including property deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property, the Charlevoix County Register of Deeds maintains the official records at 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, phone (231) 547-7203. The Register of Deeds office records all documents affecting title to real property in Charlevoix County, including Beaver Island. While some newer records may be viewable online through third-party subscription services, the county does not currently offer free public access to digitized deed images. Residents needing copies of recorded documents must contact the Register of Deeds office directly. Certified copies cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with a minimum $5.00 fee. Charlevoix County also provides a GIS mapping system accessible through the county website, offering parcel boundaries, ownership information, and aerial imagery. This GIS viewer is particularly useful for Beaver Island properties, allowing users to visualize lot lines, measure distances, and identify adjacent parcels. The system integrates with the Equalization database, providing seamless access to both geographic and assessment data. To perform a property search, users can visit the Charlevoix County website and access either the Equalization property search or the GIS mapping portal, entering an address such as a St. James Township location or using interactive maps to identify parcels visually.

The Beaver Island Boat Company is one of the island's largest employers, operating passenger and vehicle ferry service between Charlevoix and Beaver Island from April through December. Accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, and recreational outfitters employ significant numbers seasonally. Commercial fishing remains an important traditional industry, with several family-owned fishing operations still active, primarily harvesting whitefish and lake trout from Lake Michigan waters. The Beaver Island Community School, serving grades K-12 with approximately 50-60 students, is a major year-round employer, along with the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, which provides medical and dental services. The Island's municipal services, including the Beaver Island Airport (operated by Charlevoix County), public works, and township administration, also provide employment. Construction and property maintenance represent significant economic activity, driven by seasonal residents maintaining summer homes and year-round renovation projects. The median household income on Beaver Island is estimated to be lower than the Charlevoix County median of approximately $60,000, reflecting the seasonal nature of employment and the challenges of island living, including higher costs for goods due to transportation. Forestry and land management activities occur on state-owned lands that comprise much of the island's interior. Recent economic developments include efforts to expand year-round tourism, improvements to ferry and air service reliability, and growing interest in remote work opportunities that allow professionals to live on the island while working for off-island employers. The island's economy remains vulnerable to weather disruptions affecting transportation and the seasonal fluctuations inherent to tourism-dependent communities.

Law enforcement services for Beaver Island are provided exclusively by the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office, as the island has no municipal police department. The Sheriff's Office maintains a substation on Beaver Island to serve the community year-round, though the main office is located at 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, phone (231) 547-4461. The Sheriff's Office website at www.charlevoixcounty.org/sheriff.asp provides information on services, though specific record requests must be submitted in writing. Island residents and visitors can request police reports, incident reports, and accident reports by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either at the island substation or the main Charlevoix office. Requests typically require completion of a FOIA form and payment of copying fees, which are generally $0.05 per page for standard black-and-white copies.

The Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction over all of Beaver Island, including St. James Township and the unincorporated areas, handling everything from traffic enforcement to criminal investigations. Arrest records and jail bookings are processed at the Charlevoix County Jail, located at the main Sheriff's Office facility in Charlevoix. The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate roster accessible through the county website, showing current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and anticipated release dates, though mugshots may not always be displayed. To search for arrest records or obtain booking information, residents can call the jail at (231) 547-4461 or visit the county website.

All public records requests for law enforcement records are governed by Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. Under Michigan FOIA, public bodies must respond to written requests within five business days, either providing the records, denying the request with explanation, or issuing a notice extending the response deadline. Certain records, including ongoing investigation files, may be exempt from disclosure. Fees for copies and research time are permitted under the statute, and requesters have the right to appeal denials to the head of the public body.

Birth certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies. Online orders include an additional processing fee. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail orders and 2-3 weeks for online requests with expedited shipping available. Birth records in Michigan are available to the registered individual (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives with proper documentation. Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a documented legal or personal interest. Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification. Michigan birth and death records have been systematically maintained since 1867, though record completeness varies for earlier years. For deaths occurring on Beaver Island, the county medical examiner may be involved, and records are eventually filed with the state vital records office. Marriage licenses for Beaver Island residents are issued by the Charlevoix County Clerk's Office at 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, phone (231) 547-7211. Both parties must appear in person to apply, with at least one applicant being a Michigan resident. The marriage license fee is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for non-residents. There is no waiting period in Michigan, and the license is valid for 33 days after issuance. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies. Divorce records are maintained by the 33rd Circuit Court at the same address, as divorces are processed through the Family Division. Copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk, with fees of $10 for certification plus $1.00 per page for copies.

For businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, Michigan requires registration of an assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) with the county clerk. The Charlevoix County Clerk's Office at 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, phone (231) 547-7211, processes fictitious business name registrations for Beaver Island businesses. The filing fee is approximately $10, and registrations must be renewed every five years. The county maintains a database of registered assumed names that can be searched by contacting the clerk's office. For formal business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The Michigan business entity search is available online at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch, where users can search for active and inactive businesses by name, identification number, or registered agent. The database shows entity status, formation date, registered agent information, and sometimes officer names. Beaver Island businesses can file formation documents, annual reports, and amendments through the LARA Corporations Online Filing System. LLCs pay a $50 filing fee, while corporations pay $60 for domestic filings. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien searches for business assets are also maintained by Michigan LARA and searchable through their online UCC search portal. These records show secured interests in business personal property, equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable. For property tax information on commercial properties located on Beaver Island, business owners should contact the Charlevoix County Equalization Department at (231) 547-7234 or search the online property database, which includes commercial assessments alongside residential parcels. Commercial property owners can appeal assessments through the March Board of Review process administered by St. James Township.

Beaver Island voters are served by the Charlevoix County Clerk's Office, which functions as the election authority for all county residents. The Charlevoix County Clerk is located at 301 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720, phone (231) 547-7211, with election information available at www.charlevoixcounty.org/clerk.asp. This office administers all federal, state, county, and township elections for Beaver Island residents, including voter registration, absentee ballot processing, and election result certification.

Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote. Beaver Island residents must register at least 15 days before an election to vote in that election, though Michigan also offers same-day voter registration at the clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Acceptable identification includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or documents showing name and current address. Voters without ID can sign an affidavit and still vote.

Beaver Island has no incorporated municipal government, so there are no mayoral or city council elections specific to the island. However, St. James Township, which encompasses most of Beaver Island, holds township elections for supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustee positions. These partisan elections occur in even-numbered years during the August primary and November general election. The next township elections will be held in August and November 2026. Township board meetings are held at the St. James Township Hall, and candidate filings are processed through the township clerk in conjunction with the county clerk's office.

Beaver Island voters can find their assigned polling location through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth or address. Beaver Island residents typically vote at the Beaver Island Community Center at 37895 Michigan Avenue in St. James. The polling place is accessible by island residents on Election Day, with polls open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Election records that are public in Michigan include voter registration lists (though with restrictions on use for commercial purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State and county clerks, candidate filing information including petitions and financial disclosures, and precinct-level election results. These records can be accessed through the Michigan Secretary of State website at www.michigan.gov/sos or by contacting the Charlevoix County Clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, Charlevoix County recorded approximately 65-68% voter turnout, with over 15,000 ballots cast from approximately 22,000 registered voters countywide. Beaver Island's St. James Township precinct showed similar engagement.

On November 3, 2026, Beaver Island and Charlevoix County voters will decide several important races. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026, but voters will elect a new Governor, as Michigan gubernatorial elections occur in midterm years. Additionally, all 110 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives will be on the ballot, with Beaver Island falling within a Northern Michigan district. Voters will also elect county-level offices including Charlevoix County Commissioner positions, Sheriff (if the term expires in 2026), Prosecuting Attorney, Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds. St. James Township offices including Supervisor and Clerk may also appear on the ballot depending on term schedules. State ballot proposals and local millage requests may also be presented to voters.

Michigan offers comprehensive absentee voting, allowing any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Beaver Island residents can request absentee ballots through the Michigan Voter Information Center online, by mail, or in person at the Charlevoix County Clerk's Office or St. James Township Clerk. Given the island's isolation and potential weather-related ferry cancellations, many Beaver Island residents utilize absentee voting. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election, though ballots can be requested in person up until 4:00 PM on the Monday before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not count. The township clerk maintains a 24-hour ballot drop box for secure return of absentee ballots.