Alongside community stakeholders, the Copper Country League of Women Voters has worked with the Houghton County Jail Task Force in the past two years to prepare the county to ask residents for a millage.
In 2024 the City of Houghton annexed a property on Sharon Avenue from Portage Township in preparation for a potential project. Through the use of the county’s American Rescue Plan funds, Houghton County was able to purchase the former church at 19741 Sharon Avenue near the end of 2022. Part of the purchase agreement allowed the First Apostolic Lutheran Church to continue using the facility for up to four years.
The majority of our ARPA funds were used on road repairs, through a partnership with local municipalities. But we did use 1.2 million dollars for the purchase of that site. And that was done after a thorough review by the board of available sites. This one was in Portage Township, which was right on the border with the City of Houghton. And a requirement is the sheriff’s office must be in the county seat. So, following lengthy negotiations with the City of Houghton and Portage Township, which was accomplished just late last year.- Tom Tikkanen, Chairman, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
The League of Women Voters’ mission hopes to inform voters, and share as much information as possible with the community. The nonpartisan group supports a variety of issues impacting the Copper Country. Including sharing support for a new jail facility. LWV President Faith Morrison led the forum, sharing the impact the current linear style has on inmate and employee safety, previous designs presented at a recent charrette, and a break down of various costs within the project. Commissioners Tom TIkkanen, and Roy Britz with Sheriff Josh Saaranen fielded questions from the close to 40 people in attendance.
I think the presentation that was done by Dr. Morrison here tonight, really highlights what’s going on in Houghton County. And the League of Women Voters has been helping us with this through these forums. We also had a great turnout of people tonight. I think we had some great questions. The questions that were asked are very valuable. I hope our answers were enlightening to them, as to what is going on with the Sheriff’s office/jail project. – Roy Britz, Vice-Chairman, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
Commission Chair Tikkanen wants to see the jail millage question appear in August. The county is in a tight spot with the current facility due to its archaic linear design, deferred maintenance, and capacity limitations. Any major upgrade project to the facility would trigger additional work to bring it up to modern code. A project that builds a new facility allows the county to remain at the helm when making decisions.
In 1960 Houghton County’s jail was shut down by the federal government. Inmates at that time were sent to Baraga and Marquette counties. However with more people in the Upper Peninsula nearby facilities also experience capacity challenges. Likely forcing the county to send juvenile inmates, and lower level offenders down state. Sheriff Saaranen noted a team was traveling back to the area, yesterday, from below the bridge after picking up an inmate from another facility.
The League plans to continue engaging the community and will host jail information meetings ahead of the county’s special meeting next week. Those interested in learning more about the Houghton County Jail project and information sessions can find more details online.
April 9 Wednesday, 6:30 pm ET at Laird Township Hall, Pelkie
April 10 Thursday, 6:30-7:45 pm at Charter Township Hall, Calumet
April 15 Houghton County Special Meeting Tuesday, 10 am-12 ET discuss Jail Millage at 401 East Houghton Avenue,12th Circuit Court courtroom, 3rd
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