Chatham Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Chatham, Michigan government websites.

  About Chatham City Government
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Chatham, Michigan, operates under a Village Council form of government, which consists of a governing body with 5 elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of 4 years. The current council includes President John D. McCarthy, and members are elected during the general election held in November.

The approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Chatham is around $200,000 for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services.

Regular meetings of the Chatham Village Council are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Chatham Village Hall, located at 100 W. Main Street, Chatham, MI 49816. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and community issues.

  About Chatham, Michigan

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Alger County, Chatham is a quaint village that embodies the charm and tranquility of rural Michigan. With a population of approximately 224 residents, this small community, founded in the late 19th century, offers a close-knit atmosphere where neighbors know one another and the pace of life is slow yet fulfilling. The village is characterized by its beautiful natural surroundings, including nearby forests and lakes that provide recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to fishing. Chatham lacks major urban neighborhoods but instead features residential areas that reflect the simplicity and warmth of small-town living. The local economy is primarily driven by small businesses and services that cater to the immediate community, while tourism related to the area's natural beauty also plays a role, drawing visitors who seek outdoor adventures. The village's distinctive character is marked by its historical roots and the strong sense of community that is evident at local gatherings and events.

Law enforcement in Chatham is primarily provided by the Chatham Police Department, which works in tandem with the Alger County Sheriff's Office to ensure the safety and security of residents. In terms of criminal records, individuals looking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or comprehensive criminal history will need to navigate a few steps. The first point of contact for local records would be the Chatham Police Department, where requests can be made directly or through their records unit. For more extensive inquiries, residents can reach out to the Alger County Sheriff's Office, which oversees law enforcement throughout the county, including the management of the county jail and detention facility. For state-level records, the Michigan State Police Bureau of Investigation maintains a searchable repository where one can access criminal history records. Online lookup portals are also available, making it convenient for individuals to check for records from the comfort of home. It is recommended to have as much information as possible when making these requests to streamline the process.

In terms of judicial matters, Chatham falls under the jurisdiction of the Alger County District Court, which handles various legal proceedings, including civil and criminal cases. Residents can request court records through the court's online portal or by visiting the courthouse in person, where a clerk can assist with retrieving documents. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, individuals should contact the Alger County Clerk-Recorder's office or explore options through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Property records, essential for real estate transactions and other inquiries, can be accessed through the county assessor’s office and the recorder’s office, both of which also maintain online portals for added convenience. For broader public records requests, residents can invoke the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which allows individuals to request access to various public documents. Typical response times for such requests range from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability in local government affairs while fostering a sense of community engagement among the residents of Chatham.

About Chatham

Chatham is an unincorporated community located in the western portion of Alger County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, situated approximately 40 miles west of Munising along M-94. With a population estimated around 230 residents, Chatham serves as a small rural hamlet surrounded by expansive forest lands managed by the Hiawatha National Forest and private timber companies. The community's history is rooted in logging and railroad operations dating back to the late 1800s, when the area was a key logging camp and railroad junction for the lumber industry that dominated Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Today, Chatham is known primarily for its access to outdoor recreation including hunting, snowmobiling, and ATV trails, and serves as a gateway to the Au Train Lake area. The community features basic services including the Chatham post office (ZIP 49816) and is served by the Superior Central School District. The local economy remains tied to forestry, seasonal recreation, and small-scale agriculture. Public records for Chatham residents are maintained primarily at the Alger County level, as Chatham has no incorporated municipal government. The Alger County Courthouse in Munising houses the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and other county offices responsible for vital records, property records, and court documents. Law enforcement records are managed by the Alger County Sheriff's Department, which provides primary police services to Chatham and other unincorporated areas of the county. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 et seq., governs access to public records throughout the state, allowing residents to request records from county agencies, the sheriff's office, and school districts. Property records including deeds, tax assessments, and parcel information are maintained by the Alger County Equalization Department and Register of Deeds. Court records for criminal, civil, family, and probate matters are filed with the 11th Circuit Court and 94th District Court in Munising, both serving all Alger County residents including those in Chatham.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Chatham, Alger County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county includes the Munising City Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in the unincorporated areas and collaborates with the Munising Police Department on major investigations and public safety initiatives. The Munising City Police Department focuses on maintaining order within the city limits of Munising, addressing local crime, and engaging with the community. Coordination between these agencies ensures comprehensive coverage and response to incidents across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Alger County Jail, located in Munising, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the posting of bail through cash, surety bonds, or property bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained directly from the jail or the Sheriff's Office.

Court Records

Chatham residents are served by two courts located at the Alger County Courthouse, 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862. The 94th District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims cases (up to $6,500), traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies; phone (906) 387-2076. The 11th Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate proceedings, and appeals from district court; phone (906) 387-3232.
Both courts are part of Michigan's unified court system. Online court record searches are available through the Michigan Court Case Search at https://courts.michigan.gov/case-search, which provides access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status for both district and circuit courts statewide. The online system does not include documents filed in cases, which must be requested from the court clerk's office. Certified copies of court documents cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $1 certification fee per document. Case file copies are typically $1 per page. The Alger County Clerk's Office, located at the same courthouse address (phone 906-387-2076), maintains official court records and can provide assistance with record requests. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order. Some records, particularly those involving juveniles or sealed cases, are restricted from public access under Michigan Court Rules. Requests for sealed or confidential records require a court order.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Alger County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Alger County Sheriff's Office and the local courts maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides access to statewide criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Alger County are maintained by the Alger County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. An Alger County arrest record typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Chatham are maintained by Alger County offices in Munising. The Alger County Equalization Department, located at 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862 (phone 906-387-2080), maintains property tax assessment records including parcel identification numbers, property descriptions, assessed values, taxable values, and ownership information.
Alger County offers a free online property search tool through BS&A Online at http://bsaonline.com/sites/algercounty/search/RealEstate.aspx, where users can search by parcel number, owner name, or property address to view current assessment data, property characteristics, tax information, and assessment history. The online system provides access to property card data including building dimensions, year built, land acreage, and sales history. The Alger County Register of Deeds, also located at 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862 (phone 906-387-2076), records and maintains all real property documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, land contracts, easements, liens, and other instruments affecting real property titles. Michigan law requires all real property conveyances to be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice. Document images can be searched online through the Alger County Register of Deeds website, though there may be fees for viewing or printing documents. Recording fees vary by document type: deeds typically cost $30 for the first page and $3 for each additional page. The Register of Deeds office maintains an index of all recorded documents dating back to the county's formation. The Alger County GIS mapping system may be available through the county website, providing parcel boundary maps, zoning information, and aerial photography.

Economy & Demographics

Chatham's economy is characteristic of small rural communities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, heavily reliant on forestry, seasonal recreation, and limited service industries. The community's largest employers and economic drivers include timber harvesting operations, as the surrounding area is dominated by commercial forest land managed by companies including Mead Corporation (which has operated in the region) and the Hiawatha National Forest. Logging, sawmills, and wood products manufacturing remain foundational to the local economy, though employment has declined from historical peaks.
The Superior Central School District, which serves Chatham and surrounding communities with its main campus in Eben, is a significant public sector employer. Seasonal recreation drives economic activity, particularly related to snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and ATV use; Chatham's location along major trail systems brings visitors who support gas stations, restaurants, and lodging in the area. Small-scale agriculture including hay production and livestock operations supplements the economic base. Median household income data specific to Chatham is not separately reported, but Alger County's median household income is approximately $46,000, below both state and national averages. The community has experienced population decline consistent with broader Upper Peninsula demographic trends, as younger residents migrate to areas with more diverse employment opportunities. Chatham's economy is intrinsically linked to the broader Alger County economy, which also includes tourism centered on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore near Munising, as well as some seasonal employment from summer residents and hunters. The area faces economic challenges including limited broadband infrastructure, distance from major markets, harsh winters, and an aging population.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Chatham is an unincorporated community and does not maintain its own municipal police department. Primary law enforcement services for Chatham and surrounding areas are provided by the Alger County Sheriff's Office, located at 101 Court Street in Munising, MI 49862; phone (906) 387-4444. The Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction over all unincorporated portions of Alger County and provides patrol, investigation, and emergency response services. Residents seeking police reports, incident records, or accident reports must contact the Alger County Sheriff's Office directly, either in person at the courthouse in Munising or by submitting a written FOIA request. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), found at Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 15.231 through 15.246, governs public access to law enforcement records. Under Michigan FOIA, requesters must submit a written request describing the records sought, and agencies have five business days to respond. Some records may be exempt from disclosure under MCL 15.243, including active investigation files and certain personnel records. Arrest records and jail booking information for Alger County can be searched through the Alger County Sheriff's Office, though there is no real-time online inmate roster publicly available. Individuals seeking current jail booking information should call the Sheriff's Office at (906) 387-4444. Booking records typically include the arrestee's name, booking date, charges filed, bond amount, and booking photograph when available. The Michigan State Police also maintains jurisdiction on state highways passing through Chatham, including M-94, and can be reached at the Negaunee Post at (906) 475-9922. Historical arrest records and criminal history information can be requested through the Michigan State Police Criminal Records Division.

Vital Records

Vital records for Chatham residents are issued by both county and state agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Alger County are available from the Alger County Clerk, 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862 (phone 906-387-2076), for records from 1867 forward, though the county has limited records available and most requests are processed through the state. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Division, P.O.
Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909 (phone 517-335-8655), maintains statewide birth records from 1867 and death records from 1897. Birth and death certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/vitrecords for an additional processing fee, with standard processing taking approximately 4-6 weeks. Expedited service is available for additional fees. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record; eligible requesters include the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with legal interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Alger County Clerk at the courthouse in Munising; the fee is $30 and there is no waiting period in Michigan, though the license is valid for 33 days from issuance. Marriage records dating back to the county's formation are maintained by the County Clerk. Divorce records are court records filed with the 11th Circuit Court and are available through the court clerk's office at the same courthouse address. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $10 for the first page plus $1 for additional pages and a $1 certification fee.

Business & Licensing Records

Chatham, as an unincorporated community, does not issue municipal business licenses or maintain a city business registry. Businesses operating in Chatham are subject to Alger County regulations and Michigan state licensing requirements depending on the business type. Certain business activities may require permits from Alger County offices; inquiries should be directed to the Alger County Clerk at 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862 (phone 906-387-2076).
Fictitious business name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) in Michigan are filed with the county clerk where the business operates; businesses in Chatham file with the Alger County Clerk at the address above. The filing fee is typically $10, and registrations must be renewed. Michigan does not maintain a centralized online searchable database of DBA filings; searches must be conducted at the county level. Business entity formations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities are registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The Michigan business entity database is searchable online at https://cofs.lara.michigan.gov/SearchApi/Search/Search, where users can search by entity name, ID number, or registered agent to view entity status, registration date, principal office address, registered agent information, and filing history. The database is free to search and provides access to formation documents for most entities. UCC financing statement searches (to identify secured interests and liens on personal property) are conducted through the Michigan UCC Online System operated by LARA. Property tax assessments for commercial properties in Chatham are maintained by the Alger County Equalization Department and searchable through the county's online property database. Businesses may also require specific state licenses depending on the industry, searchable through LARA's online licensing verification systems.

Elections & Voter Records

Chatham voters are served by the Alger County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for all county residents. The Alger County Clerk is located at 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862; phone (906) 387-2076; website https://www.algercounty.gov. Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us, by mail, in person at the county clerk's office, or at the Secretary of State branch offices. Michigan offers same-day voter registration, allowing residents to register and vote on Election Day at their clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Michigan residents. Chatham is an unincorporated community without municipal government, so there are no city council or mayoral elections specific to Chatham. Residents vote in county, state, and federal elections. Polling place assignments for Chatham voters can be found through the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us by entering name and date of birth or address; Chatham residents typically vote at Au Train Township Hall or designated precinct locations depending on their specific address. In the November 2024 general election, Alger County reported approximately 59% voter turnout, with roughly 3,200 ballots cast out of approximately 5,400 registered voters county-wide. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Chatham and Alger County voters will decide races including Michigan Governor (up in 2026), Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Attorney General, all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats (2-year terms), U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan's 1st Congressional District, and various county offices including Alger County commissioners, sheriff, clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, and prosecuting attorney. State legislative races include Michigan's 109th House District. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason under a 2018 constitutional amendment; applications are available through the county clerk or online at the Michigan Voter Information Center, and ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. the Friday before Election Day, though in-person requests can be made through 4 p.m. on Election Day Monday. Election records that are public in Michigan include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election purposes), campaign finance reports (searchable at https://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cfr/dumpall/cfrdetail/), candidate filings, and precinct-level election results, all accessible through the Michigan Secretary of State or county clerk's office.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Alger County provides strong online access to property and court records through state systems, though arrest logs lack real-time online rosters and vital records require state-level processing

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Chatham, Alger County, Michigan to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Chatham, Michigan, you will be transported to the Alger County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Alger County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Alger County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Chatham area is served by public school districts in Alger County, Michigan. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Michigan Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Chatham, Michigan are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Chatham Police Department on their official website. The Michigan Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Chatham Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Michigan government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Chatham Public Library main branch is located in Chatham, Michigan. Check the Chatham city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Chatham, Michigan are available through the Chatham Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Alger County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Chatham, Michigan, contact the Michigan Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Alger County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Chatham, Michigan can be obtained from the Chatham Police Department or the Alger County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Michigan DMV.
A background check in Chatham, Alger County, Michigan typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Michigan criminal history report through the Michigan Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Alger County, Michigan

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Deerton Eben Junction Grand Marais Munising Rumely Shingleton Trenary Wetmore