Gogebic County Public Records Search

Gogebic County public records are held by the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and the courts in Bessemer. You can find court cases, property documents, and vital records through county offices and Michigan state tools. This guide covers how to search and request public records in Gogebic County.

Gogebic County Clerk and Public Records Office

The Gogebic County Clerk is at 200 N. Moore Street in Bessemer. Gerry Pelissero serves as County Clerk. The office handles vital records, election records, and general county business. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to noon and 1 PM to 4:30 PM. Note the midday break. Reach the clerk at (906) 663-4518.

The Register of Deeds is a separate office at the same address. Richard Brown is the Register of Deeds. The direct number is (906) 667-0381. Property records for Gogebic County go back to 1887 when the county was formed. The archive includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, surveys, and mineral rights documentation. Online access is not available for Gogebic County property records. All searches must be done in person at the Register's office.

Mineral rights records are a significant part of the Gogebic archive. The county's iron ore mining history created an extensive set of mining claim records and mineral ownership documents. Lake Gogebic, the largest inland lake in Michigan, has generated substantial waterfront and riparian rights documentation over the years. Ski resort property records also make up a notable portion of the files.

The Gogebic County website at gogebic.org lists department contacts and general information for records access in Bessemer.

Gogebic County Court Records

Gogebic County has a Circuit Court, a District Court, and a Probate Court. All three are at 200 N Moore St in Bessemer. The Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law. The District Court covers misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, and traffic matters. The Probate Court handles estate and guardianship cases.

MiCOURT at micourt.courts.michigan.gov provides free online case searches for Gogebic County. Search by party name or case number to find docket entries, case status, and hearing dates. Non-public cases, like juvenile and mental health matters, are not shown. For in-person record access or certified copies, visit the courthouse in Bessemer during regular hours.

Gogebic County shares a border with Wisconsin, which sometimes creates questions about jurisdiction. If a case involves parties from both sides of the state line, the Michigan courts handle any matters that occurred on the Michigan side or where Michigan residents are the filing party.

Criminal History and Jail Records in Gogebic County

Michigan State Police runs the ICHAT criminal history search tool. Each name search costs $10. Access it at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT. ICHAT returns felony convictions and serious misdemeanor records from all 83 Michigan counties, including Gogebic. It does not include traffic offenses, local misdemeanors, juvenile records, or out-of-state records.

For MDOC supervision records, use the free OTIS database at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2. This covers people in state prison, on parole, and on MDOC probation. OTIS removes records three years after discharge. For local Gogebic County jail records, call the Gogebic County Sheriff at (906) 667-0203. The sheriff is at 100 W. Iron St in Bessemer.

The MSP criminal history records page at michigan.gov/msp explains what the ICHAT system covers and how to request a fingerprint-based background check when you need more complete information.

Gogebic County Property Public Records

The Register of Deeds at 200 N. Moore Street holds all Gogebic County land records from 1887 forward. Document types include deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, surveys, and mineral rights records. No online search portal is available. All searches require a visit to the office in person. Contact the Register at (906) 667-0381 for current copy fees and to arrange your visit.

Mineral rights documentation is a defining feature of Gogebic County property records. During the iron ore mining boom, many parcels were split into surface rights and mineral rights, creating complex ownership histories. These records are unique to Upper Peninsula counties like Gogebic and are important for anyone looking to buy, sell, or understand land in the area.

Lake Gogebic property records are also extensive. As Michigan's largest inland lake, it has generated decades of shoreline documentation, riparian rights records, and easement filings. Call the Register's office before your visit to confirm what indexes are available for your search type.

Vital Records in Gogebic County

The County Clerk holds birth, death, and marriage records for Gogebic County from 1887. Divorce records come from the Circuit Court. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Bring photo ID for in-person requests. Certified copies cost $10 each, which is lower than the state fee. Death certificates available for photocopying only go back to 1934 for some earlier records.

Mail your request to: Gogebic County Clerk, 200 N. Moore Street, Bessemer, MI 49911. Include a written request, copy of ID, and the fee. For state-level orders, use MDHHS at michigan.gov/mdhhs. The state charges $34 for the first certified copy. The county is often faster and cheaper for local residents who qualify to access the records they need.

FOIA Requests for Gogebic County Public Records

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act at MCL 15.231 covers all Gogebic County government records. Submit a written FOIA request to the County Clerk at 200 N. Moore Street, Bessemer, MI 49911. The county has 5 business days to respond and may extend by up to 10 more days for complex requests.

Standard copy fees apply. Labor charges may be added for large searches. Records that are exempt from disclosure under MCL 15.243 include active investigations, personnel files, and certain personal information. If the county denies your request, you can appeal to the head of the public body. The Michigan Legislature FOIA page at legislature.mi.gov has the complete law and fee limits.

Cities in Gogebic County

Bessemer is the county seat. Ironwood is the largest city in Gogebic County and serves as the primary commercial center for the western Upper Peninsula. Wakefield is another community in the county. All official record filings go through the Gogebic County offices in Bessemer.

No cities in Gogebic County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Use the county offices in Bessemer for all record requests.

Nearby Counties

Gogebic County is in the far western Upper Peninsula, bordering Wisconsin. Neighboring counties handle records for their own areas.