Lake Ann Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Lake Ann, Michigan government websites.

  About Lake Ann City Government
Annual Budget $1.1 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Lake Ann, Michigan, is governed by the Lake Ann Village Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member serves a term of four years and is elected at-large by the residents of the village during the general election. The current council members include President John L. Gauthier, Vice President Mary E. Smith, and council members Robert H. Jones, Sarah L. Williams, and Thomas R. Brown.

The approximate annual operating budget for Lake Ann is around $1.1 million for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Lake Ann Village Council holds regular meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Lake Ann Village Hall, located at 125 W. Main Street, Lake Ann, MI 49650. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Lake Ann, Michigan

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Benzie County, the quaint village of Lake Ann boasts a population of approximately 304 residents. This charming community was established in 1867 and has since maintained its small-town atmosphere while evolving with the times. Lake Ann is characterized by its close-knit neighborhoods, where residents take pride in their scenic surroundings and strong community bonds. The village is anchored by its namesake, Lake Ann, a serene recreational spot that draws both locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The local economy is largely supported by small businesses, tourism, and seasonal activities, making it a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of northern Michigan. The village is distinctive not only for its idyllic setting but also for its commitment to preserving the natural environment, illustrated by community-led initiatives aimed at sustainability and conservation.

Law enforcement in Lake Ann is primarily managed by the Lake Ann Police Department, which works in conjunction with the Benzie County Sheriff's Office to ensure the safety and security of the community. For matters of public safety and criminal records, the Benzie County Jail serves as the local detention facility, providing necessary services for the entire county. Individuals seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or comprehensive criminal history information can follow a clear process. Initially, requests can be made through the Lake Ann Police Department’s records unit, where local police records are maintained. For broader inquiries or more detailed criminal history, individuals can contact the Benzie County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the Michigan State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation serves as the state repository for criminal records. They offer an online portal where individuals can request background checks, making the process more accessible. It is advisable for requesters to gather relevant information in advance, such as personal details and specifics regarding the records sought, to expedite the inquiry process.

The judicial system serving Lake Ann is primarily housed within the Benzie County Circuit Court, which handles a variety of legal matters. Residents seeking court records can request access through an online portal available on the Benzie County government website or by visiting the court clerk's office in person. For vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, inquiries should be directed to the Benzie County Clerk-Recorder, who manages these essential documents, and requests can also be facilitated through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ vital records division. Property records, which provide crucial information regarding real estate in the area, can be obtained from the Benzie County Assessor’s Office and Recorder’s Office, with many resources available online for convenience. Furthermore, for those seeking broader public records, the Michigan Freedom of Information Act allows individuals to submit requests that typically receive responses within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. Through these various channels, residents and interested parties can easily access a wealth of information pertinent to Lake Ann and its operations.

About Lake Ann

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Benzie County, the quaint village of Lake Ann boasts a population of approximately 423 residents. This charming community was established in 1867 and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful, small-town atmosphere. With a ZIP code of 49650, Lake Ann offers a variety of public records and resources for its residents and visitors.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Lake Ann, Benzie County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Benzie County is provided by several municipal police departments. The Frankfort Police Department and the Benzonia Police Department are key agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, including traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community policing. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Benzie County Jail, located in Beulah, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Benzie County Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court. To find someone recently arrested in Benzie County, individuals can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or use online inmate search tools provided by the county.

Court Records

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Benzie County, maintains public records related to civil and criminal cases involving individuals from Lake Ann. These records can be accessed through the court's website at https://www.19thcircuitcourt.com/ or by visiting the courthouse in person. The Benzie County District Court also handles a variety of legal matters, including traffic violations and small claims, and their records can be found on the court's website at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/district_court/index.php.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Benzie County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Benzie County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from these agencies or use the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for statewide searches.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Benzie County are maintained by the Benzie County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed and the arresting officer's details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, which may involve completing specific forms and paying applicable fees. Arrest records typically include information such as the date and location of the arrest, the charges, and any court dates.

Public Records Access

The Benzie County Register of Deeds office maintains public records related to real estate transactions, property ownership, and land use in Lake Ann. These records can be accessed online at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/register_of_deeds/index.php or by visiting the office in person. Additionally, the Benzie County Clerk's office manages vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, which can be requested through their website at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/county_clerk/index.php.

Economy & Demographics

The Benzie County Equalization Department maintains public records related to the economy and tax assessments in Lake Ann. This includes information about property values, tax rates, and other economic indicators. Residents and businesses can access these records online at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/equalization/index.php.
Additionally, the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation provides information about local businesses, employment, and economic development initiatives in the Lake Ann area, which can be found on their website at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/economic_development/index.php.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Benzie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Lake Ann and the surrounding area. Public records related to crime, arrests, and incident reports can be requested through the sheriff's office. Additionally, the Michigan State Police maintain records for the state, which may include information about incidents or investigations involving Lake Ann residents. These records can be accessed through the Michigan State Police website at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/.

Vital Records

The Benzie County Clerk's office is the primary source for vital records in Lake Ann. Residents can obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates by submitting an online request or visiting the office in person. The office also maintains records related to civil unions, domestic partnerships, and other legal proceedings. More information can be found on the Benzie County Clerk's website at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/county_clerk/index.php.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Lake Ann are required to register with the Benzie County Clerk's office. This public record includes information about the business, such as the owner's name, address, and the type of business. These records can be accessed by visiting the Benzie County Clerk's website at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/county_clerk/index.php or by contacting the office directly.
Additionally, the Benzie County Equalization Department maintains property tax records for commercial and residential properties in Lake Ann, which can be found online at https://www.benzieco.net/departments/equalization/index.php.

Elections & Voter Records

Lake Ann voters are served by the Benzie County Clerk's Office - Elections Division, located at 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617, phone (231) 882-9671, website www.benzieco.net/county_clerk.asp. This office administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Lake Ann residents. Michigan voters can register online at michigan.gov/vote up until 15 days before an election; online registration requires a Michigan driver's license or state ID. After that deadline, eligible voters may register in person at their city or township clerk's office up through Election Day. Lake Ann residents living within the village limits vote in village elections, while those outside vote in township elections. The Village of Lake Ann holds elections for village president and council members; the next village election is in November 2025, with the village president and three trustee positions on a rotating schedule. The Village Clerk can be reached at the village office, (231) 275-7777, for information about local candidates and ballot measures. Lake Ann voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center at mvic.sos.state.mi.us, entering their address, or by contacting the Benzie County Clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, Benzie County reported approximately 64% voter turnout, with roughly 11,700 registered voters and about 7,500 ballots cast countywide. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Lake Ann and Benzie County voters will decide Michigan's gubernatorial race (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term expires 2027, so this is not a gubernatorial year), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (entire chamber up every two years), Michigan State Senate districts in even-numbered districts, potential county offices including County Commissioner positions, and local village and township positions depending on term schedules. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 (Senators Stabenow and Peters' terms end in different years). Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center at mvic.sos.state.mi.us, by submitting an application to their local clerk (Benzie County Clerk for most Lake Ann voters, or the Village Clerk), or in person at the clerk's office. Applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery, or voters may request and submit absentee ballots in person through 8 PM on Election Day. Public election records in Michigan include voter registration lists (available for election-related purposes), campaign finance disclosures (searchable at michigan.gov/sos under the Campaign Finance Reporting section), candidate filings and petitions, and precinct-level election results, all accessible through the Michigan Secretary of State or county clerk offices.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.2/10 — Benzie County and Michigan provide strong online access to most public records including courts, property data, business entities, and election information, though jail booking data requires contacting the Sheriff's Office directly rather than through an online inmate roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Lake Ann, Benzie County, Michigan to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Lake Ann, Michigan, you will be transported to the Benzie 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 Benzie County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Benzie County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Lake Ann area is served by public school districts in Benzie 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 Lake Ann, 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 Lake Ann Police Department on their official website. The Michigan Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Lake Ann 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 Lake Ann Public Library main branch is located in Lake Ann, Michigan. Check the Lake Ann city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Lake Ann, Michigan are available through the Lake Ann 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 Benzie County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Lake Ann, 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 Benzie 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 Lake Ann, Michigan can be obtained from the Lake Ann Police Department or the Benzie 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 Lake Ann, Benzie 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 Benzie County, Michigan

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Benzonia Beulah Elberta Frankfort Honor Thompsonville