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Houghton County has sworn in its newest county Prosecutor. Yesterday the County Clerk Jennifer Kelly swore in Dan Helmer to his office as the Houghton County Prosecutor. Helmer hails from Marquette. He spent the past several years as an assistant prosecutor in Kent County, home to Grand Rapids. He earned his law degree from the Thomas M Cooley Law School in 2011.
“So I am a career prosecutor, so the job is never done. But now you can’t find people to take prosecutor jobs, and this opportunity presented itself. I thought what a great opportunity to come home. And live in a community that’s great like Houghton. I intend to get started and learn about how things are done here. Improve things and make a difference. So I wanted to say thank you to the community that’s been welcoming, but the board especially. And I appreciate all of you stopping by and talking with me.” Dan Helmer, Prosecutor, Houghton County
At the time of his graduation from law school, he says it was difficult to find an attorney position in the Upper Peninsula. But since then times have changed, and today many counties are struggling to fill vacancies in prosecutor offices. Helmer will meet with the county commission to discuss his plans for hiring assistant prosecuting attorneys as well as to address any other needs for his department. Helmer will fill the county prosecutor seat left vacant by the promotion of 12th Circuit Court Judge Bulliet. If he wishes to continue serving Houghton County he will need to run for the November 2024 election.
