Ontonagon County Residents Directory

Ontonagon County is in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bordering Lake Superior to the north. The village of Ontonagon is the county seat. The Ontonagon County residents directory gathers court records, property filings, voter data, and other public information kept by local and state agencies. If you need to look up a person or search for records tied to someone in Ontonagon County, the tool on this page can help. The sections below have links to county offices and state databases along with contact details for the places that store these records.

Ontonagon County Court Records

The 32nd Circuit Court serves Ontonagon County along with Gogebic County. It handles felony cases, civil disputes above $25,000, and family law matters. The Ontonagon County courthouse is at 725 Greenland Road in Ontonagon. Call the clerk at (906) 884-4255 for case info. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 makes most court records public. Case filings, hearing schedules, and judgments are all open for review. Records sealed or expunged by a judge are the only exception.

The 98th District Court covers misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic cases for Ontonagon County. It sits in the same courthouse. Use the MiCOURT case search portal to search both courts for free. Pick Ontonagon County, type in a name or case number, and view the results. The tool shows case type, filing date, status, and any upcoming hearings. No account is needed.

Court records form a large part of the Ontonagon County residents directory. Criminal filings show charges, pleas, and sentencing details. Civil cases list the parties, claim type, and rulings entered by the court.

Ontonagon County Property Records

All property transfers in Ontonagon County are recorded through the Register of Deeds. The office is at the courthouse in Ontonagon. Under MCL 565.29, deeds, mortgages, liens, and land contracts must be filed here to take full legal effect. This is the primary place to check property ownership in the county.

Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 each. You can request records in person or by mail. Ontonagon County is one of the least populated counties in Michigan, but it has a large land area with state forest and recreational property. The Ontonagon County residents directory uses property filings to show owner names, transfer dates, and any encumbrances on a parcel. The county treasurer and equalization department handle tax and assessment data from offices in the same building.

Criminal History for Ontonagon County

Criminal background checks that include Ontonagon County run through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. The cost is $10 per search. You need a full name and date of birth. ICHAT returns felony convictions and misdemeanors over 93 days. Each report shows arrest dates, charges, court info, and sentencing. It does not include federal charges, sealed records, or juvenile cases.

The screenshot below shows the Michigan State Police portal for statewide criminal history searches covering Ontonagon County.

For people in state prison, the OTIS search tool from Michigan Corrections is free. It shows the facility, release date, and offense details. The Ontonagon County Sheriff handles local jail and booking info. Their office can be reached at (906) 884-4901.

Vital Records in Ontonagon County

The Ontonagon County Clerk keeps birth, death, and marriage records. The office is at the courthouse. Certified copies cost $15. Bring a valid photo ID when making a request. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also processes mail requests at the state level.

Voter data is another source in the Ontonagon County residents directory. The Michigan Voter Information Center lets you check if someone is registered in the county. Enter their name, birth date, and zip code. The system confirms registration and shows polling place info. Under MCL 168.509(q), full birth dates and Social Security numbers are not available in public voter records.

Ontonagon County Public Records Requests

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 through 15.246) gives anyone the right to request public records from Ontonagon County offices. Submit your request in writing. Be specific about what you need. Include your name and a way to reach you. The office has five business days to respond under MCL 15.235. They can extend that by ten days with written notice.

Copy fees in Ontonagon County run from $0.10 to $1.00 per page. Fee waivers may apply under MCL 15.234. Not all records are open. MCL 15.243 lists exemptions for personal data, law enforcement files, and other sensitive material. If a request is denied, the office must put the reason in writing and cite the specific exemption. You can appeal the denial to the head of the public body or file a case in circuit court.

Ontonagon County Courthouse

Nearby Counties

Ontonagon County borders other Upper Peninsula counties. Search the residents directory for these nearby areas.