Ithaca, Michigan Public Records

For felony cases, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate, guardianships, and civil cases exceeding district court jurisdiction, residents are served by the 29th Circuit Court of Gratiot County, also located at 214 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 (phone: 989-875-5215). Michigan court records can be searched online through the Michigan Court Case Lookup at https://courts.michigan.gov/case-search, which provides access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status for participating courts. Gratiot County courts participate in this statewide system. For certified copies of court documents, the Circuit Court charges $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. The District Court charges similar fees for certified documents. Both courts accept requests in person at the courthouse clerk's office or by mail with appropriate payment. Probate Court records are maintained separately by the Probate Register at the same courthouse location and include estate proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments.

The online database allows searches by owner name, address, or parcel identification number and displays property characteristics, assessment history, and tax information free of charge. The Gratiot County Register of Deeds, also located at 214 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 (phone: 989-875-5213, website: www.gratiotmi.com), records and maintains all property deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, right-of-way documents, and other instruments affecting real property in Gratiot County. The Register of Deeds office provides online access to recorded documents through a searchable database at no charge for viewing images. Documents can be searched by grantor/grantee name, document type, date range, or legal description. Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds costing approximately $30 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page. Gratiot County also offers a GIS mapping system accessible through the county website, providing interactive parcel maps, aerial imagery, and property boundary information useful for research and planning purposes.

The agricultural sector remains fundamental to the local economy, with area farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat, dry beans, and dairy products that support agribusiness operations including grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, and agricultural services. Manufacturing has a presence through smaller facilities producing automotive components and industrial products. Retail businesses serving both Ithaca residents and the broader county population line Center Street, the city's main commercial corridor. According to recent census estimates, Gratiot County's median household income is approximately $48,000, lower than the Michigan state average, reflecting the rural agricultural character of the region. Ithaca's downtown has seen modest revitalization efforts focusing on preserving historic buildings and attracting small businesses. The city benefits from its location at the intersection of M-57 and M-46, providing accessibility to Lansing and Mount Pleasant. Challenges facing Ithaca's economy include population decline typical of rural Michigan communities, an aging demographic, and competition from larger retail centers in nearby cities. However, the stability provided by government employment and healthcare services helps sustain the local economy.

The Ithaca Police Department, located at 129 West Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847, serves the city limits of Ithaca and can be reached at (989) 875-3350. The department maintains police reports, incident records, accident reports, and offense reports available through public records requests. Citizens can request copies of police reports by visiting the department in person or submitting a written FOIA request. The Gratiot County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 214 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 (phone: 989-875-3331), provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Gratiot County and assists the Ithaca Police Department when needed. The Sheriff's Office website at www.gratiotmi.com provides information on services and programs. For arrests and jail bookings in Gratiot County, the Gratiot County Jail maintains an inmate roster that can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. The roster typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and booking photographs. To request law enforcement records in Michigan, citizens must submit requests under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 et seq. FOIA requires public bodies to respond to requests within five business days and allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and labor. Requests should be submitted in writing, clearly describing the records sought, and addressed to the FOIA Coordinator at the respective law enforcement agency.

Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests. Online ordering is available through Michigan.gov/VitalRecords or through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with expedited processing available for additional fees. Birth records are available from 1867 forward, and only eligible individuals can request copies including the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. Marriage licenses are issued by the Gratiot County Clerk at 214 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847. The marriage license fee is $30 if both applicants complete premarital education, or $20 without. Applicants must appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers. There is no waiting period in Michigan, and the license is valid for 33 days. Marriage records dating back to the county's establishment are maintained by the County Clerk. Divorce records are maintained by the 29th Circuit Court at the same courthouse location, as divorce cases are filed in Circuit Court. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $10 for the first page plus $1 per additional page and require proper identification showing the requestor's eligibility to access the record.

Fictitious business name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA) are filed with the Gratiot County Clerk at 214 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 (phone: 989-875-5220). Michigan law requires businesses operating under a name different from the legal owner's name to file a Certificate of Conducting Business Under an Assumed Name. The filing fee is approximately $10, and certificates must be renewed. At the state level, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The Michigan business entity search is available free online at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch, where users can search by entity name, identification number, or registered agent to view corporate status, formation date, registered agent information, and officers/directors. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements and lien searches are filed with the Michigan Department of State and can be searched at www.michigan.gov/sos. For commercial property assessments and business personal property taxes, business owners should contact the Gratiot County Equalization Department at 989-875-5226 or visit www.gratiotmi.com to search commercial property assessments by address or parcel number. Michigan requires businesses to file personal property statements annually for business equipment and fixtures subject to taxation.

Ithaca voters are served by the Gratiot County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 214 East Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 (phone: 989-875-5220, website: www.gratiotmi.com). Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/vote through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail using a mail-in voter registration application, at the Secretary of State branch office, at the county clerk's office, or through Election Day Registration at their clerk's office or polling place. Michigan implemented Election Day Registration allowing eligible citizens to register and vote on the same day with proof of residency. To register online, applicants need a Michigan driver's license or state ID. The City of Ithaca holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. The mayor serves a two-year term, and city council members serve four-year staggered terms. Municipal elections are held in November of odd-numbered years, with the next Ithaca city election scheduled for November 2025. Ithaca residents can find their assigned polling location by using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, entering their name and birth date, or by contacting the Gratiot County Clerk. Precinct information, sample ballots, and polling place hours are available through this portal. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act makes numerous election records public, including voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information), campaign finance disclosure reports filed through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Reporting system, candidate filings and petitions, election results by precinct, and absentee ballot statistics. These records are accessible through the county clerk and at www.michigan.gov/sos. In the November 2024 presidential election, Gratiot County reported approximately 55% voter turnout, with over 17,000 ballots cast from approximately 31,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Ithaca and Gratiot 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 Governor as Michigan holds gubernatorial elections in midterm years (last held in 2022, next in 2026). State House of Representatives seats will be on the ballot, with Ithaca currently in District 99. County offices including Gratiot County Commissioner positions, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds will appear on the 2026 ballot as these positions are elected during midterm cycles. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason under constitutional provisions adopted in 2018. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through www.michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the Gratiot County Clerk's office. Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day, though voters may request and submit an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office up through 8:00 PM on Election Day. All Michigan voters are automatically sent absentee ballot applications before major elections.