Schoolcraft, Michigan Public Records

Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, juvenile cases, and appeals from district court. The Kalamazoo County Probate Court, also at 227 W. Michigan Avenue (phone: 269-384-8095), handles estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and probate matters. Court records for Kalamazoo County can be searched online through the Michigan Court Case Search portal at https://cmspublic.3rdcc.org/CaseSearch, which provides access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and dispositions. However, full documents may require an in-person visit or written request. Certified copies of court documents are available from the respective court clerk's office, with fees typically $10 for certification plus copy charges of $1 per page. The district court and circuit court clerks accept requests in person, by mail, or by phone with payment by cash, check, or credit card.

The county provides a free online property search tool at www.kalcounty.com/equalization/search where residents can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view detailed property cards, tax information, and assessment history. The Kalamazoo County Register of Deeds, at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (phone: 269-384-8111, website: www.kalcounty.com/rod), records and maintains legal documents affecting real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, and property transfers. The Register of Deeds office provides free online access to recorded documents dating back to the 1830s at www.kalcounty.com/rod/search. Users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or legal description and view scanned images of original documents at no charge. The county also offers a comprehensive GIS mapping system at https://maps.kalcounty.com that allows users to view aerial photography, zoning districts, tax parcels, roads, and infrastructure. Property owners can use the GIS system to view parcel boundaries, dimensions, and adjacent properties. Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.

Schoolcraft benefits from its proximity to Kalamazoo, allowing residents access to major regional employers including Western Michigan University, Bronson Healthcare, Pfizer (pharmaceutical manufacturing), and Stryker Corporation (medical devices), though these are not located within the village itself. The agricultural sector remains important to the local economy, with grain farming, dairy operations, and produce farms operating in Schoolcraft Township. Recent residential development has brought moderate population growth as the village attracts families seeking a small-town environment with reasonable commuting access to Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The median household income in Schoolcraft is estimated around $50,000-$60,000, generally in line with small-town Michigan averages. The village maintains a primarily residential tax base with limited industrial development, though the nearby U.S. 131 corridor provides commercial opportunities. Schoolcraft's economic development focuses on maintaining downtown vitality, supporting local businesses, and managed residential growth that preserves the community's historic character while providing essential services and quality of life amenities.

The Schoolcraft Department of Public Safety, located at 322 W. Clay Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (phone: 269-679-5600), provides law enforcement services to the Village of Schoolcraft. The department handles patrol, investigations, and emergency response within village limits. Residents can request police reports and incident records by visiting the department during business hours or submitting a written FOIA request. Accident reports are typically available 10-14 days after an incident, and a fee may apply for copies. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1500 Lamont Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (phone: 269-383-8748, website: www.kalcounty.com/sheriff), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Schoolcraft Township and assists village police when needed. The Sheriff's Office maintains records for incidents in township areas and operates the Kalamazoo County Jail. Arrest records and current jail bookings can be searched through the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office inmate roster at www.kalcounty.com/sheriff/inmates, which displays mugshots, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates. The roster is updated regularly and provides information on individuals currently detained at the county jail facility. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246, governs public access to law enforcement records. Requests must be submitted in writing, and agencies have five business days to respond. Certain records such as ongoing investigation files or records that would compromise officer safety may be exempt from disclosure. Fees for copying and labor may apply, with detailed fee schedules available from each agency.

Vital records can be ordered online through the state's VitalChek service at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs, by mail with a completed application and payment, or in person at county clerk offices. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or 10-15 business days for online orders. Only eligible individuals can request vital records: the individual named on the record (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper identification and documentation. Birth records are available from 1867 forward, and death records from 1897 forward. The Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office, located at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (phone: 269-384-8171, website: www.kalcounty.com/clerk), issues marriage licenses for Schoolcraft residents. The fee is $30, and there is no waiting period or blood test required. Both parties must appear in person with photo identification and social security numbers. Marriage licenses are valid for 33 days from issuance. Marriage records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are maintained by the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court where the divorce was granted, with case information available through the court records search system.

Kalamazoo County does not require a general county-level business license, but certain regulated activities may require county health department permits or zoning approvals from the Kalamazoo County Community Planning and Development Department at 269-384-8087. Assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) certificates in Michigan are filed with the county clerk where the business is located. The Kalamazoo County Clerk, at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (phone: 269-384-8171), accepts DBA filings for $10, renewable every five years. Michigan corporations, LLCs, and other business entities must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The state maintains a free searchable database at www.michigan.gov/corpentityfilesearch where users can search by business name, ID number, or registered agent to view entity status, formation date, registered agent information, and officers/directors. Business entity documents can be ordered online for a fee. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with the Michigan Department of State and searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos. Property tax records for commercial properties in Schoolcraft can be searched through the Kalamazoo County Equalization Department's online database at www.kalcounty.com/equalization, allowing business owners to view assessed values, taxable values, and tax payment history by parcel number or address.

Schoolcraft voters are served by the Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (phone: 269-384-8171, website: www.kalcounty.com/clerk/elections). Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/sos up to 15 days before an election, or register in person at their city or county clerk's office up through Election Day with proof of residency. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of Michigan. Acceptable proof of residency includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing name and address. The Village of Schoolcraft holds municipal elections for village council positions and village president in odd-numbered years, with the next regular election scheduled for November 2025. Village elections are nonpartisan and candidates file nominating petitions with the Village Clerk. Local ballot proposals related to millages, ordinances, or charter amendments may also appear on village election ballots. Schoolcraft residents can find their assigned polling location by using the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/sos or by contacting the County Clerk's office. Polling places are typically assigned based on precinct boundaries within Schoolcraft Township. Michigan law makes extensive election records publicly accessible. Voter registration lists (without birthdates and driver's license numbers) are public and available for purchase. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos. Precinct-level election results are published by the County Clerk after certification. In the November 2024 general election, Kalamazoo County reported approximately 63% voter turnout, with over 140,000 ballots cast in the presidential election. On November 3, 2026, Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo County voters will decide several important races: Michigan's gubernatorial race (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's current term expires in 2027, so the 2026 election will select her successor or reelection), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (2-year terms), Michigan State Senate District 19 which includes Schoolcraft, county commissioner positions, and potentially village council seats if any are scheduled. No U.S. Senate seat from Michigan is up in 2026 (Senator Debbie Stabenow's seat was contested in 2024). Michigan voters may request an absentee ballot online at www.michigan.gov/sos, by submitting an application to their local clerk, or in person. No reason or excuse is required to vote absentee in Michigan. Applications must be received by the Friday before the election for mail delivery, or voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person through Election Day at their clerk's office.