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Genesee County, Michigan

Genesee County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 406,211, making it the fifth-most populous county in Michigan. The county seat and population center is Flint (birthplace of General Motors). Genesee County consists of 33 cities, townships, and villages. It is considered to be a part of the greater Mid Michigan area.

The county was named after Genesee County, New York, which in turn comes from the Seneca word Gen-nis'-hee-yo, meaning "Beautiful Valley". Genesee County comprises the Flint, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area. A major attraction for visitors is Crossroads Village, a living history village north of Flint.

Genesee County is noted for having had the fossil of an ancient whale known as Balaenoptera Lacepede unearthed in Thetford Township during quarry work and estimated at 11,000 years old.

Formative period
Genesee County was created on March 28, 1835, from territory taken from Lapeer, Shiawassee and Saginaw counties. The county was attached to Oakland County for judicial purposes. The only township organized at the time was Grand Blanc, formed in 1833 consisting of additional township areas of the present Fenton, Mundy, Flint, Mount Morris, Genesee, Burton, Atlas and Davison townships. (Atlas and Davision township survey areas were then in Lapeer County.) Flint Township followed in formation by the legislature on March 2, 1836, splitting away from Grand Blanc with the township areas of Burton, Genesee and Mount Morris plus additional township areas of the present day Clayton, Montrose, Flushing, Thetford and Vienna. On April 4, 1836, the county was fully organized. Organized on July 26, 1836, Argentine Township included two township survey areas taking Fenton away from Grand Blanc Township plus the current Argentine area west of Fenton.

In the organizing act of March 11, 1837, two townships (Mundy and Vienna) were organized in the county. Mundy had an additional township area to the west. Vienna consisted of the northern tier of three township areas in the county at the time taking two areas from Flint Township. With this act just a week after Michigan's admission as a state, the county was fully cover with 5 township governments.

The townships of Genesee, Fenton, and Flushing were formed on March 6, 1838. Genesee and Flushing were split off from Flint Township. Fenton was split off from Argentine Township. Genesee included half the survey area to the west. While Flushing included the other half of that survey area (township 8 North range 6 East), the full township area further west (township 8 North range 5 East) then another survey area and half the row below (township 7 North range 5,6 East). Thus Flint Township consisted of one and a half township survey areas.

15 northerly sections of survey area Township No. 7 north of range No. 7 east in Flint Township plus southerly sections of Genesee Township was set off by the Michigan legislature as Kearsley Township in 1839. On March 7, 1843, the legislature abolished this township returning the sections back to Flint and Genesee Townships. Thus Flint Township consisted of approximately one and a half township survey areas.

Two new townships were formed by the state on March 9, 1842. Thetford was the east most survey area split off from Vienna. While Gaines was formed with the western township survey of Mundy.

The county was enlarged on March 9, 1843, by adding a column of townships on its east from Lapeer County. From north to south, the townships were Forest, Richfield, Davison and Atlas.

On March 25, 1846, an additional two townships were formed, Clayton and Pewanagawink. Clayton splitting the southernmost survey area off from Flushing Township. Pewanagawink took the westernmost survey area from Vienna and changed its name to Montrose by act of January 15, 1848.

Mt. Morris Township was created on February 12, 1855, from a single survey township area with its two halves taken from Flushing and Genesee Townships. Flint Township was split into three parts upon the formation of the City of Flint. The County Board of Supervisors split the remaining township survey area into two with the western area becoming Garland Township (this name only last until the Flint name was restored on February 5, 1856) and the remaining eastern survey area became Burton Township.

Modern era
Plans for the Genesee Recreation Area was placed in Flint's master plan in 1950. This was present to Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Board of Trustees in 1964 with C.S. Mott getting behind the plan. In 1968, the county park system was started with the purchase of vacant land. with funds from the Mott Foundation, with a stipulation that a parks commission be formed.

Flint Community Junior College was turned into a county-wide institution with a referendum and millage proposal passing the voters in 1969. To reflect this, the college was renamed Genesee Community College on July 5, 1970. In 1973, it was renamed to Charles Stewart Mott Community College after the death of C.S. Mott.

In October 2009, County Commissioners directed County Corporate Counsel to discuss with the County Prosecuting Attorney a possible merger of his office with the County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. As of December 2011, County Counsel Ward Chapman was intending to retire by the end of the year raising the possibility again of a merger. By August 9, 2016, the two offices were merged.

Emergency Management & Homeland Security Department was merged by the County Commission into the Sheriff's Department in June 2010 with the department director position being demoted to a manager level post while eliminating a programming coordinator. In July 2010, the County Board voted to merge the clerk and register of deeds offices, effective January 1, 2013.

On October 26, 2010, Genesee County became a founding member of the Karegnondi Water Authority with Board of Commissioners Chair Jamie W. Curtis representing the County on the Authority Board.

On May 30, 2012, it was reported Genesee County has had 45 confirmed tornadoes since 1950 (most notably the 1953 Flint–Beecher tornado), more than any other county in Michigan in that time period.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 650 sqmi, of which 637 sqmi is land and 13 sqmi (1.9%) is water.

Most of the land in the county is very flat, but the southern end is hilly and covered by several lakes.

The county is mostly drained by the Flint River, which is dammed into Mott Lake and the Holloway Reservoir in the northeast corner of the county. The southeast corner and southern end are drained by the Shiawassee River.

Adjacent counties

 * Tuscola County (northeast)
 * Lapeer County (east)
 * Oakland County (southeast)
 * Livingston County (southwest)
 * Shiawassee County (west)
 * Saginaw County (northwest)

Transportation

 * Bishop International Airport is served by several major airlines.
 * The inter-modal Flint Amtrak station offers daily service on the Blue Water route west to Chicago and east to Port Huron. It doubles as a bus station for Greyhound Lines, Indian Trails and Flint Mass Transportation Authority.

Major highways

 * - runs north and south through central Genesee County, merges with US 23 in Mundy Township
 * - runs north and south through central Genesee County, merges with I-75 in Mundy Township
 * - alternate route of I-75/US23, runs north and south through central Genesee County
 * - runs north and south through central Genesee County
 * - runs north and south through western Genesee County, along the borders with Shiawassee County and Saginaw County, terminating north of I-69
 * - runs north and south through eastern Genesee County
 * - runs east and west through central Genesee County
 * - runs east and west through central Genesee County, west of I-475
 * - runs east and west through northern Genesee County, west of M-15

Demographics
The 2010 United States Census indicates Genesee County had a 2010 population of 425,790. This is a decrease of 10,351 people from the 2000 United States Census. Overall, the county had a -2.4% growth rate during this ten-year period. In 2010 there were 169,202 households and 111,620 families in the county. The population density was 668.5 per square mile (258.1 square kilometers). There were 192,180 housing units at an average density of 301.7 per square mile (116.5 square kilometers). 74.5% of the population were White, 20.7% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% of some other race and 2.6% of two or more races. 3.0% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 18.0% were of German, 11.0% Irish, 10.6% English, 5.5% Polish 5.4% American and 4.8% French ancestry. , There were 169,202 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were husband and wife families, 17.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.0% were non-families, and 28.4% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county, 25.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.

The 2010 American Community Survey 1-year estimate indicates the median income for a household in the county was $38,819 and the median income for a family was $48,979. Males had a median income of $27,269 versus $18,082 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,860. About 16.9% of families and 21.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.0% of those under the age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics
Genesee County is a Democratic stronghold. It has only voted for a Republican candidate five times since 1932. The county, however, has shifted to the right in recent elections, with the Democrats carrying it by less than 10 points in both 2016 and 2020. It last voted for a Republican during the 1984 landslide reelection of Ronald Reagan.

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations and safeguards public health, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions—police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.—are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

The Genesee County Road Commission, an independent county government unit, is head of a five-member Road Commission. Road Commissioners are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners with the daily management is handled by a manager-director.

Genesee County, except for the City of Flint, is under the jurisdiction of the 67th District Court of Michigan. District Courts have a limited jurisdiction as charged under state law. The 67th District Court operates in seven divisions, each with a single judge except for the Central Court Division, which is used for jury and felony cases.

Genesee County is a founding member of the Karegnondi Water Authority The "outcounty" area (all but the city of Flint) receives library services from the Genesee District Library. The county equivalent for school is the Genesee Intermediate School District, which consist of school districts considered primarily within Genesee County. Charles Stewart Mott Community College is the local community college serving the same area as the GISD.
 * Flint Area Narcotics Group is a Genesee County area anti-drug units head by the Michigan State Police consisting of 17 local members, some of whom loan police officers and resources to the group.
 * Genesee Auto-Theft Investigation Network (GAIN) is a Genesee County Sheriff Department led anti-auto theft task forces with local government members.

Elected officials

 * Probate Court Judges
 * Jennie E. Barkey, chief
 * F. Kay Behm

Recreation
The county has a park system headed by a Parks and Recreation Commission and a director appointed by the county board of commissioners recommended by the parks commission. Commission president is Joe Krapohl with Barry June as acting director.

In 1968, the county park system was started with the purchase of vacant land with funds from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, with a stipulation that a parks commission be formed.

In January 2018, Genesee County Parks & Recreation purchased land along the Kearsley Creek for $700,000 from the Poulos family, owners of the White Horse Tavern in Flint, with assistance from a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. The new Atlas County Park opened on April 29, 2018.

Parks and other venues in the county system totaling 11,500 acres are:
 * Buell Lake Park, Thetford Township, fishing site, picnic area, playground, ball diamond, picnic pavilions to rent, snowmobile area and radio-controlled model airplane field
 * Davison Roadside Park, Burton, picnic area and beginner sledding hill
 * Flushing County Park, Flushing Township, picnic pavilions, ball diamond, playgrounds, tennis courts, cross country ski trails
 * Holloway Reservoir Regional Park, Richfield and Oregon townships, 5,500 acres, canoe launch below Holloway Reservoir Dam, Walleye Pike Boat Launch
 * Buttercup Beach
 * Elba Equestrian Complex
 * Hogback Hills, snowmobile area and sledding/tobogganing
 * Wolverine Campground
 * Linden County Park, Fenton Township, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, ball diamond, snowmobile area, intermediate sledding, toboggan hill and walking trails
 * Clover Beach on Byram Lake
 * Richfield County Park, Richfield Township, ball diamonds, bicycle-motocross track, canoe-launching site, cross-country ski trails, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, snowmobile area, tennis courts and walking trails
 * Goldenrod Disc Golf Course, Richfield Township, 18-basket disc golf course.
 * Genesee Recreation Area on Mott Lake, Township
 * Bluebell Beach and Splash Pad
 * For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, Burton
 * Atlas County Park, Hegel Road in Atlas Township
 * Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad
 * Stepping Stones Falls - has a trail that connects to the Flint River Trail

Genesee County is the only one in Michigan without a state park.

Cities

 * Burton
 * Clio
 * Davison
 * Fenton (partial)
 * Flint (county seat)
 * Flushing
 * Grand Blanc
 * Linden
 * Montrose
 * Mount Morris
 * Swartz Creek

Villages

 * Gaines
 * Goodrich
 * Lennon (partial)
 * Otisville
 * Otter Lake (partial)

Charter townships

 * Clayton Charter Township
 * Fenton Charter Township
 * Flint Charter Township
 * Flushing Charter Township
 * Genesee Charter Township
 * Grand Blanc Charter Township
 * Montrose Charter Township
 * Mount Morris Charter Township
 * Mundy Charter Township
 * Vienna Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Argentine Township
 * Atlas Township
 * Davison Township
 * Forest Township
 * Gaines Township
 * Richfield Township
 * Thetford Township

Census-designated places

 * Argentine
 * Beecher
 * Lake Fenton

Other unincorporated communities

 * Argentine
 * Atlas
 * Bayport Park
 * Beecher
 * Brent Creek
 * Duffield
 * Farrandville
 * Genesee
 * Huntingtown
 * Kipp Corners
 * Lake Fenton
 * Lakeside
 * Pine Run
 * Rankin
 * Richfield Center
 * Rogersville
 * Russellville
 * Thetford Center
 * Whigville
 * Whitesburg

Education
Public school districts include:
 * Atherton Community Schools
 * Beecher Community School District
 * Bendle Public Schools
 * Bentley Community Schools
 * Birch Run Area School District
 * Brandon School District
 * Byron Area Schools
 * Carman-Ainsworth Community School District
 * Clio Area School District
 * Davison Community Schools
 * Durand Area Schools
 * Fenton Area Public Schools
 * Flint City School District
 * Flushing Community Schools
 * Genesee School District
 * Goodrich Area Schools
 * Grand Blanc Community Schools
 * Kearsley Community Schools
 * Lake Fenton Community Schools
 * Lakeville Community Schools
 * Linden Community Schools
 * Millington Community Schools
 * Montrose Community Schools
 * Mount Morris Consolidated School District
 * Swartz Creek Community Schools
 * Westwood Heights Schools

There is a state-operated school: Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD).

In 1994 the Michigan School for the Blind moved back to Flint with MSD when the blind school's Lansing campus closed.

title: Genesee County, Michigan


text:
Emmet County, Michigan

Emmet County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the northernmost county in the Lower Peninsula. As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,112, making it the second-most populous county in Northern Michigan (behind Grand Traverse County). The county seat is Petoskey, which is also the county's largest city.

Emmet County is located at the top of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, bounded on the west by Lake Michigan and on the north by the Straits of Mackinac. Its rural areas are habitat for several endangered species. Long a center of occupation by the Odawa people, today the county is the base for the federally recognized Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

Native Americans and New France
Odawa history records that Emmet County was thickly populated by indigenous peoples called the Mush-co-desh, which means "the prairie tribe". They had an agrarian society and were said to have "shaped the land by making the woodland into prairie as they abandoned their old worn out gardens which formed grassy plains". Ottawa tradition claims that they slaughtered from forty to fifty thousand Mush-co-desh and drove the rest from the land after the Mush-co-desh insulted an Ottawa war party.

The Odawa were important prior to European colonization for their trading network throughout the Great Lakes area. The Odawa of nearby L'Arbre Croche fished, hunted, and grew and gathered produce, including corn, squash, onions, cucumbers, turnips, cabbages, melon, and wild strawberries. The Odawa bartered with the French at Mackinac Island, a major fur-trading center where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan. They traded food, bark, and canoes for goods – like clothing and glass and porcelain beads. The canoes and food, including dried fish and meat and produce, supplied the fur traders who worked in the wilderness of the Great Lakes and the Upper Mississippi regions. They retained this influence into the 18th century, as French traders relied on them to take furs east from tribes they traded with to the north and west. When French explorers first came to this area, they claimed it as part of New France, based in today's Quebec province.

The Ottawa and Ojibwe tribes were the principal inhabitants of this area, extending across to Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula of Ontario, Canada. The French established Fort Michilimackinac in about 1715. It was a trading post and the basis of a multicultural settlement that developed around it. Seasonally numerous Native Americans of various tribes would come to trade there.

Pierre du Jaunay, a Jesuit priest from France, served as a missionary at Michilimackinac beginning in 1735. From the Sainte-Anne log church, he served the French and later British residents, neighboring Native Americans, and visiting traders and explorers for almost 30 years. Du Jaunay split his time between the Sainte-Anne church and the Saint-Ignace at L’Arbre Croche mission in Cross Village, where he had a farm. He was assisted by several French priests and some Native American slaves.

British control
During the Seven Years' War (1754–63), British and French forces, together with Indian allies on each side, fought on the North American front in what became known in the British colonies as the French and Indian War. The British took control of Fort Michilimackinac in 1761 and continued to use it as a trading post. In 1763, Ojibwe warriors took the fort as a part of Pontiac's Rebellion and held it for a year before the British retook it. The British abandoned the wooden fort in 1781 after building the limestone Fort Mackinac on nearby Mackinac Island.

US control and white settlement under the Mormons
An Indian community on the lakeshore in the western part of the county continued to thrive after the British abandoned the fort. After the War of 1812, Mackinac Island and this area became part of the United States.

In the 1840s, Odawa villages lined the Lake Michigan shore from present-day Harbor Springs to Cross Village. By Act 119 of the Michigan Legislature approved April 1, 1840, a number of northern counties were delineated. Tonedagana County, a name derived from a Cross Village Odawa war chief, was delineated from Michilimackinac County but unorganized, so remained attached for judicial purposes. The area was mostly reserved for native tribes by treaty provisions with the US federal government until 1875.

The Michigan Legislature renamed Tonedagana County as Emmet County, after Robert Emmet, on March 8, 1843. In 1847, a group of Mormons settled on nearby Beaver Island and established a "kingdom" led by "King" James Jesse Strang. There were bitter disputes between Strang's followers and other white settlers. Strang, seeking to strengthen his position, gained election to the Michigan State House of Representatives. In January 1853, he pushed through legislation titled, "An act to organize the County of Emmet", which enlarged Emmet County by attaching the nearby Lake Michigan islands to the county, as well as a portion of Cheboygan County. It also annexed the old Charlevoix County, which was originally named Keskkauko County and was as yet unorganized, as a township of Emmet County. Due to Strang's influence, Mormons came to dominate county government, causing an exodus of many non-Mormon settlers to neighboring areas. In 1855, the non-Mormon resistance succeeded in getting the Michigan Legislature to reorganize Emmet County. The islands, including Beaver Island and North and South Manitou Islands, were transferred into the separate Manitou County, which effectively eliminated Mormons from Emmet County government.

Further political divisions
On April 27, 1857, an election selected Little Traverse (now named Harbor Springs) as the county seat. However, at about this time, investors were trying to promote development at Mackinaw City. Due to their influence, in February 1858, the State Legislature passed an act establishing Mackinaw City as the county seat. The Emmet County Board of Supervisors protested that the county seat had already been established at Little Traverse, and in 1861 the act was repealed as unconstitutional. In a contested election in 1867, residents voted to move the county seat to Charlevoix, which was upheld by a Circuit Court decision in 1868. However, in 1869, Charlevoix County was split from Emmet County, resulting in the county seat being in another county. No provisions for official relocation were authorized, although Harbor Springs served as the unofficial county seat until April 1902. The present county seat of Petoskey was selected at that time in a county-wide election.

Charlevoix Township was organized in 1853 and included all of the nine townships in the southern half of the county. In the 1855 reorganization, four new townships were created by the State Legislature:
 * La Croix Township (name changed to Cross Village Township in 1875)
 * Little Traverse Township (detached from Charlevoix Township)
 * Bear Creek Township (detached from Charlevoix Township)
 * Old Fort Mackinac (later absorbed into other townships)

In 1855, county supervisors also established the townships of Arbour Croche and Utopia. (The former was a mangled spelling derived from the French L'Arbre Croche, the historic village later renamed as Harbor Springs.) The state had inadvertently drawn boundaries for Little Traverse and Bear Creek townships such that one area was included in both. The county supervisors' Arbour Croche was defined as having the same boundaries as the state-defined Little Traverse Township, excluding the area overlapping with Bear Creek. Eventually the name Arbour Croche disappeared in favor of Little Traverse. The township of Utopia was later absorbed into other townships.

In 1877, six additional townships were organized:
 * Bliss Township
 * Friendship Township
 * Littlefield Township
 * Maple River Township
 * Pleasantview Township
 * Readmond Township

Center Township was added in 1878 and Carp Lake Township in 1879. Resort Township and Springvale Township were formed in 1880, but were at that time part of Charlevoix County. Those townships, along with Bear Creek, experienced numerous boundary changes. The now defunct townships of Bear Lake and Spring Lake were created out of portions of these townships. In 1897, the portions of these townships remaining in Emmet County were absorbed into Bear Creek and Springvale townships.

Also organized in 1897 were West Traverse Township (from portions of Friendship and Little Traverse Townships) and Egleston Township (name changed to McKinley Township in 1903). In 1923, Wawatam Township was the last township organized in the county, when it was detached from Carp Lake Township.

Geography
According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 882 sqmi, of which 467 sqmi is land and 415 sqmi (47%) is water. The lower portion of the county forms Little Traverse Bay at the mouth of the bear River. Emmet County is considered to be part of Northern Michigan

Adjacent counties
By land

 * Cheboygan County (east)
 * Charlevoix County (south)

By water

 * Charlevoix County (west)
 * Mackinac County (north; accessed via Mackinac Bridge)

Cities

 * Harbor Springs
 * Petoskey (county seat)

Villages

 * Alanson
 * Mackinaw City (partial)
 * Pellston

Civil townships

 * Bear Creek Township
 * Bliss Township
 * Carp Lake Township
 * Center Township
 * Cross Village Township
 * Friendship Township
 * Little Traverse Township
 * Littlefield Township
 * Maple River Township
 * McKinley Township
 * Pleasantview Township
 * Readmond Township
 * Resort Township
 * Springvale Township
 * Wawatam Township
 * West Traverse Township

Census-designated places

 * Bay Shore (partial)
 * Bay View
 * Brutus
 * Carp Lake
 * Conway
 * Cross Village
 * Levering
 * Oden
 * Ponshewaing

Other unincorporated places

 * Appleton
 * Bay Harbor
 * Ely
 * Epsilon
 * Good Hart
 * Harbor Point
 * Sturgeon Bay
 * Stutsmanville
 * Van
 * Wequetonsing

Indian reservations

 * Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
 * Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians occupies at least 13 scattered reservation areas within Emmet County, including portions within the city of Petoskey and the townships of Bear Creek, Bliss, Center, Little Traverse, McKinley, Readmond, Resort, Wawatam, and West Traverse.
 * Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians

Demographics
At the 2000 United States census, there were 31,437 people, 12,577 households, and 8,527 families in the county. The population density was 67 /mi2. There were 18,554 housing units at an average density of 40 /mi2. By the 2020 census, its population was 34,112.

In 2000, the racial makeup of the county was 94.33% White, 0.47% Black or African American, 3.11% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. 0.91% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.6% were of German, 11.4% English, 11.3% Irish, 9.0% Polish and 8.4% American ancestry. 96.9% spoke English and 1.1% Spanish as their first language.

There were 12,577 households, out of which 31.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.90% were married couples living together, 8.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.20% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.97.

The county population contained 25.30% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 28.10% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 14.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.70 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $40,222, and the median income for a family was $48,140. Males had a median income of $33,385 versus $24,173 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,070. About 4.50% of families and 7.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.30% of those under age 18 and 7.80% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Emmet County has largely voted Republican through the years. Since 1876 its voters have selected the Republican Party nominee in 78% (28 of 36) of the national elections, and in 19 of the last 20 national elections (through 2020) the Republican nominee carried the county.

Emmet County operates the County jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance etc. – are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: James R. Linderman
 * Sheriff: Peter A. Wallin
 * County Clerk: Suzanne R. Kanine
 * County Treasurer: Mary Mitchell
 * Register of Deeds: Karen Cosens

(information as of December 2020)

Parks and recreation

 * Wilderness State Park is a 10512 acre state park in Carp Lake township on the shores of Lake Michigan. A prominent physical feature of the park is Waugoshance Point, which juts westward into the lake. Beyond the tip of the point, Temperance Island and Waugoshance Island are also parts of the state park. Waugoshance Point and the adjacent islands are nesting grounds for the endangered piping plover.
 * The Headlands is a 550-acre park located west of Mackinaw City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park contains woodlands, over two miles of undeveloped shoreline, and many species of rare and endangered plant life. Marked trails are provided for hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing. In May 2011, Headlands Park was awarded International Dark Sky Park designation by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Economy
The economy of Emmet County, along with that of the rest of Northern Michigan, is heavily boosted by local companies and manufacturing. Corporations in Emmet County, such as those in the fields of aerospace technology, gambling and candy making, among others, drive the county's economy.

Manufacturing and industry
The Odawa Casino Resort in Resort Township is one of Emmet County's top attractions, as it is one of the many casinos in Northern Michigan. Along with the Odawa, the LTBB Gaming Administration in Petoskey is one of the other casinos in the area, employing 250 people. The Kilwins chocolate-manufacturing company is based in Petoskey, although over 100 locations of the store exist in 21 states, mostly in popular tourist destinations. The company, founded in 1947 under a similar name by Don and Katey Kilwin, specializes in making ice cream, candy, chocolate, and fudge. McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey is one of the top employers of Emmet County, with 950 employees. Overall, six companies in Emmet County employ 200 or more people. Moeller Aerospace Technology in Harbor Springs manufactures various products. The Petoskey News-Review is a daily newspaper, in circulation since 1878. Its current name dates from a 1953 merger with another newspaper company.

State-maintained highways
Previously, an additional highway, M-108, ran along the Emmet–Cheboygan county line in Mackinaw City. However, the highway was handed back to the Emmet County Road Commission in 2010.
 * is a north–south freeway that clips the extreme northeast corner of Emmet County in Mackinaw City. North of Emmet County, I-75 crosses the Straits of Mackinac via the Mackinac Bridge.
 * finds its northern terminus at I-75 in Mackinaw City. The highway continues east into Cheboygan County, and runs south along the coast of Lake Huron.
 * serves as the primary north–south thoroughfare in Emmet County. It connects the communities of Petoskey, Conway, Oden, Ponshewaing, Alanson, Pellston, Levering, and Mackinaw City. To the south, US-31 parallels the Lake Michigan coast.
 * has its northern terminus at US-31 in Petoskey. South of Emmet County, US-131 also serves as another north–south thoroughfare, taking a more inland route than US-31.
 * is an east–west highway. M-68 begins at US-31 in Alanson, and continues east via the communities of Indian River, Tower, and Onaway before terminating at Rogers City on Lake Huron.
 * is a north–south highway entirely within Emmet County. Beginning at an intersection with US-31 between Bay View and Conway, and follows the shore of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan via Harbor Springs to an intersection in Cross Village. The Tunnel of Trees lies along M-119.

County-designated highways

 * is an east–west road connecting Petoskey to I-75 at Wolverine in Cheboygan County.
 * is an east–west road connecting Pellston to M-27 in Cheboygan County.
 * is an east–west road connecting M-119 in Cross Village to US-31 in Levering and US-23 in Cheboygan.
 * is a north–south road connecting Horton Bay with US-31 near Bay Shore.
 * is a north–south road serving central Emmet County, connecting Harbor Springs and Cross Village via a more inland route than the one taken by M-119.
 * exists in two north–south segments. One segment, in the south of Emmet County, connects the Walloon Lake area with Petoskey, paralleling US-131. Another segment, in central Emmet County, connects Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City.

Bus
Indian Trails provides intercity bus service to Emmet County with stops in Petoskey and Pellston.

Air service
Emmet County is served by Pellston Regional Airport, with connections to Detroit and other locales in Northern Michigan.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Emmet County, Michigan


text:
Eaton County, Michigan

Eaton County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 109,175. The county seat is Charlotte. The county was organized in 1837 and was named for John Eaton, who was Secretary of War under U.S. President Andrew Jackson, making it one of Michigan's Cabinet counties. Eaton County is included in the Lansing-East Lansing, Metropolitan Statistical area in Central Michigan.

History
Eaton County was formed in 1837 from open territory. It was named after John H. Eaton, an American Secretary of War. The county is one of the so-called Cabinet counties because it was named after a member of the cabinet of US President Andrew Jackson.

Eaton County was created by the Michigan Territorial Legislature on October 29, 1829: "That as much of the country as is included within the following limits, viz., north of the base line and south of the line between townships four and five north of the base line, and east of the line between ranges six and seven west of the meridian, and west of the line between ranges two and three west of the meridian, be and the same is set off into a separate county, and the name thereof shall be Eaton." The county was named in honor of Gen. John H. Eaton, secretary of war in the cabinet of President Andrew Jackson. The following week (November 4), the legislature added this directive: "That the county of Eaton shall be attached to and compose a part of the county of St. Joseph." On November 5, they also added an act to direct that the counties of Eaton, Branch and Calhoun, and all the country north attached to Eaton be set off into a township by the name of Eaton, and it was ordered that the first town meeting should be held at the house of Jabez Bronson, who lived on the site of the present village of Bronson in Branch county. This was no hardship, for there was not at that time a single white settler within the bounds of Eaton county.

The following summer (July 30, 1830), the Territorial Legislature changed Eaton's assignment, attaching it to Kalamazoo for administrative, revenue, and judicial purposes. Then on March 17, 1835, it directed: "That the county of Eaton shall be a township of Belleville,' and the first township meeting shall be held at such place as the sheriff of Calhoun county shall appoint in said county of Eaton, and shall be attached to the county of Eaton for all judicial purposes."

By 1837 the Territory had been admitted to the Union as a State. On December 29 of that year, the new state legislature created Eaton County as an independent entity: "That the county of Eaton be and the same is hereby organized, and the inhabitants thereof entitled to all the rights and privileges to which by law the inhabitants of other counties of this state are entitled."

While the name "Belleville" was given to the first organized township, including the whole county, it does not appear to have been used in any official documents. The second place where the name of the township is mentioned in a legislative enactment is on March 17 in the session laws of 1837, where it appears under the name of "Bellevue." Official business has always been transacted under the latter name, and yet there is no known law showing that the name has ever been legally changed from "Belleville."

The first division of the town of Bellevue occurred on March 11, 1837, when Eaton and Vermontville were organized. The four northwestern townships, now Vermontville, Chester, Roxand and Sunfield, were set off as a township and named Vermontville; while the four southeastern townships, now Eaton, Eaton Rapids, Hamlin, and Brookfield were organized as the township of Eaton.

This left the four northeastern towns, Benton, Oneida, Delta, and Windsor, and the four remaining towns, Bellevue, Kalamo, Carmel, and Walton, cornering at the geographical center of the county in a single organized township known as Bellevue. But on March 6, 1838, the northeast quarter of the county was detached from Bellevue and was formed as the town of Oneida.

In 1832, a surveyor, George W. Barnes, bought a homestead in central Eaton County; that area is now contained in Charlotte. On March 21, 1833, he applied to Territorial Governor George B. Porter for a commission to be appointed to locate the county seat: "That in the month of may last he put up in three public places in the county of Kalamazoo notices that application would be made to the governor of the territory of Michigan to appoint commissioners to locate a seat of justice for Eaton County, agreeably to the law in such cases made and provided." Accordingly, three locals (Charles C. Hascall, Stillman Blanchard, John W. Strong) were named on April 29. On June 5 they reported to the Governor that they met "at Prairie Ronde [Round] in the county of Kalamazoo on the 27th day of May, 1833, and on June 4, located the county seat on land which is owned by George W. Barnes. The point selected for the seat of justice in this county is on a beautiful prairie, about one mile square, near two and a half miles south of the center of the county, and about one mile north of the Battle creek, the nearest point to the center of the county where water can be obtained for hydraulic purposes."

Geography
According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 579 sqmi, of which 575 sqmi is land and 4.3 sqmi (0.7%) is water.

Rivers

 * Battle Creek River
 * Grand River
 * Thornapple River

Lakes

 * Crandell Lake
 * Lake Delta
 * Lake Interstate
 * Pine Lake

Adjacent counties

 * Clinton County – northeast
 * Ingham County – east
 * Jackson County – southeast
 * Calhoun County - south
 * Barry County – west
 * Ionia County – northwest

Airports

 * Fitch H. Beach Airport - general aviation airport in Charlotte.
 * Capital Region International Airport in Clinton County, Michigan, northeast of Eaton County – airline service.
 * Rapids Airway Airport (light aviation, grass field, private use only) - 2 mi NE of Eaton Rapids.

Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 107,759 people living in the county. 87.8% were White, 6.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 1.2% of some other race and 2.6% of two or more races. 4.7% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 24.2% were of English ancestry, 22.9% were of German ancestry and 9.3% were of Irish ancestry.

As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 103,655 people, 40,167 households, and 28,237 families in the county. The population density was 180 PD/sqmi. There were 42,118 housing units at an average density of 73 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 90.25% White, 5.29% Black or African American, 0.44% Native American, 1.13% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. 3.21% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 95.6% spoke only English, while 2.0% spoke Spanish.

There were 40,167 households, out of which 33.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.30% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.03.

The county population contained 26.10% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $49,588, and the median income for a family was $57,898. Males had a median income of $41,978 versus $29,638 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,411. About 4.10% of families and 5.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.80% of those under age 18 and 5.90% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Eaton County has been reliably Republican for most of its history. Since 1884, the Republican Party nominee has carried the county vote in 80% of the elections (27 of 34 elections) for president. However, population growth in Lansing and the surrounding area has made the county more competitive in recent years. Barack Obama carried the county in both 2008 and 2012, as did Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, in her winning gubernatorial campaigns of 2002 and 2006. In 2014, Republican governor Rick Snyder narrowly lost the county while winning statewide. Donald Trump won by narrow margins in both 2016 and 2020.

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Doug Lloyd (R)
 * Sheriff: Tom Reich (D)
 * County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Diana Bosworth (R)
 * County Treasurer: Bob Robinson, APR (D)
 * Drain Commissioner: Richard Wagner (R)
 * Circuit Court Judge: Jan Cunningham
 * Circuit Court Judge: John Maurer
 * Probate Court Judge: Thomas K. Byerley

County Board of Commissioners
15 members, elected from districts (8 Republicans, 7 Democrats)

Education
School districts located in Eaton County:

 * Bellevue Community Schools, Bellevue
 * Charlotte Public Schools, Charlotte
 * Eaton Intermediate School District, Charlotte
 * Eaton Rapids Public Schools, Eaton Rapids
 * Grand Ledge Public Schools, Grand Ledge. Village of Mulliken schools was annexed by Grand Ledge Public Schools
 * Maple Valley Schools, Vermontville
 * Olivet Community Schools, Olivet
 * Oneida Township S/D #3, Oneida Township
 * Potterville Public Schools, Potterville
 * Roxand Township School District #12, Roxand Township
 * Waverly Community Schools, Delta Township

Some county residents attend out-of-county schools:

 * Village of Dimondale (Holt Public Schools, Holt, Ingham County)
 * Village of Sunfield (Lakewood Public Schools, Lake Odessa, Ionia County)
 * A small portion of northeast Delta Township (Lansing Public Schools, Lansing, Ingham County)
 * Ingham Intermediate School District (Waverly Community Schools, Village of Dimondale, portion of Delta Township)
 * Ionia Intermediate School District (Village of Sunfield)
 * Calhoun Intermediate School District (Bellevue Community Schools, Olivet Community Schools)

Cities

 * Charlotte (county seat)
 * Eaton Rapids
 * Grand Ledge
 * Lansing (partial)
 * Olivet
 * Potterville

Villages

 * Bellevue
 * Dimondale
 * Mulliken
 * Sunfield
 * Vermontville

Census-designated place

 * Waverly

Other unincorporated communities

 * Ainger (called Thurman in 1887)
 * Bismark
 * Brookfield
 * Canada Settlement
 * Carlisle (called Hyde's Mills until 1843)
 * Charlesworth
 * Chester
 * Clinton Junction
 * Delta Center
 * Delta Mills (originally called Grand River City)
 * Delwood
 * East Walton
 * Elmira
 * Five Points Corner
 * Gresham
 * Hoytville
 * Kalamo
 * Kelly
 * Kingsland
 * Little Venice
 * Millett (originally called Millett's Station)
 * Moore's Station
 * Needmore
 * Oneida Center
 * Packard
 * Petrieville
 * Shaytown
 * Stalls Corner
 * Walton (called East Bellevue until 1840)
 * West Benton
 * West Windsor
 * Woodbury

Townships

 * Bellevue Township
 * Benton Township
 * Brookfield Township
 * Carmel Township
 * Chester Township
 * Delta Charter Township
 * Eaton Rapids Township
 * Eaton Township
 * Hamlin Township
 * Kalamo Township
 * Oneida Charter Township
 * Roxand Township
 * Sunfield Township
 * Vermontville Township
 * Walton Township
 * Windsor Charter Township

title: Eaton County, Michigan


text:
Dickinson County, Michigan

Dickinson County is a county in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,947. The county seat is Iron Mountain. Dickinson is Michigan's newest county, formed in 1891 from parts of Marquette, Menominee, and Iron counties. It was named for Donald M. Dickinson, who served as U.S. Postmaster General under President Grover Cleveland.

Dickinson County is part of the Iron Mountain, MI–WI micropolitan statistical area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 777 sqmi, of which 761 sqmi is land and 16 sqmi (2.0%) is water. Along with its western neighbor Iron County, it is one of only two landlocked counties in the Upper Peninsula.

Airport

 * KIMT - Ford Airport

Adjacent counties

 * Marquette County (north)
 * Menominee County (southeast)
 * Marinette County, Wisconsin (south)
 * Florence County, Wisconsin (southwest)
 * Iron County (northwest)

Cities

 * Iron Mountain (county seat)
 * Kingsford
 * Norway

Charter township

 * Breitung Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Breen Township
 * Felch Township
 * Norway Township
 * Sagola Township
 * Waucedah Township
 * West Branch Township

Census-designated place

 * Quinnesec

Other unincorporated communities

 * Alfred
 * Antoine
 * Channing
 * East Kingsford
 * Felch
 * Felch Mountain
 * Floodwood
 * Foster City
 * Granite Bluff
 * Hardwood
 * Hylas
 * Loretto
 * Merriman
 * Metropolitan
 * Ralph
 * Randville
 * Sagola
 * Skidmore
 * Spruce
 * Theodore
 * Turner
 * Vulcan
 * Waucedah

Demographics
In 2020, the county had a population of 25,947.

The 2010 American Community Survey 3-year estimate indicated the median income for a household in the county was $42,331 and the median income for a family was $52,222. Males had a median income of $31,402 versus $14,957 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,583. About 3.4% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under the age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships. In the 2006 elections, it was also the most supportive county of proposal 2, a state constitutional amendment banning affirmative action programs. It received 74.2% support in the county.

The county was a bellwether in every presidential election from 1920 to 2004 (with exception to 1968).

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Lisa Richards
 * Sheriff: Scott Rutter
 * County Clerk: Dolly Cook
 * Register of Deeds: Dolly Cook
 * County Treasurer: Lorna Carey
 * Drain Commissioner: Kevin Trevillain
 * Mine Inspector: Steven Smith

(information as of July 2013)

title: Dickinson County, Michigan


text:
Delta County, Michigan

Delta County is a county in the Upper Peninsula in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,903. The county seat is Escanaba. The county was surveyed in 1843 and organized in 1861. Its name originates from the Greek letter delta (Δ), which refers to the triangular shape of the original county which included segments of Menominee, Dickinson, Iron, and Marquette counties. Recreation and forest products are major industries, and crops include hay, corn, small grains, potatoes, and strawberries.

Delta County comprises the Escanaba, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1991 sqmi, of which 1171 sqmi is land and 820 sqmi (41%) is water. It is the fifth-largest county in Michigan by land area.

Adjacent counties
By land By water
 * Menominee County (southwest, Central Time Zone border)
 * Marquette County (northwest)
 * Alger County (north)
 * Schoolcraft County (east)

 * Leelanau County (southeast)
 * Door County, Wisconsin (south, Central Time Zone border)

National protected area

 * Hiawatha National Forest (part)

Cities

 * Escanaba (county seat)
 * Gladstone

Village

 * Garden

Civil townships

 * Baldwin Township
 * Bark River Township
 * Bay de Noc Township
 * Brampton Township
 * Cornell Township
 * Ensign Township
 * Escanaba Township
 * Fairbanks Township
 * Ford River Township
 * Garden Township
 * Maple Ridge Township
 * Masonville Township
 * Nahma Township
 * Wells Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Bark River
 * Brampton
 * Chaison
 * Fairport
 * Fayette
 * Ford River
 * Garden Corners
 * Harris
 * Hyde
 * Isabella
 * Island View
 * Kipling
 * Lake Bluff
 * Maplewood
 * Nahma
 * Narenta
 * Perkins
 * Perronville
 * Rapid River
 * Riverland
 * Rock
 * St. Nicholas
 * Schaffer
 * Wells
 * West Gladstone

Indian reservations

 * A small section of the Hannahville Indian Community, which has most of its territory in neighboring Menominee County to the west, extends into Bark River Township.
 * The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians occupies a very small portion in the southwest city limits of Escanaba.

Demographics
The 2010 United States census indicated Delta County had population of 37,069. By 2020, its population was 36,903.

Education
School districts include:
 * Bark River-Harris School District
 * Big Bay de Noc School District
 * Escanaba Area Public Schools
 * Gladstone Area Schools
 * Mid Peninsula School District
 * Rapid River Public Schools

Government
Delta County operates the County jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance etc. – are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Lauren Wickman
 * Sheriff: Edward Oswald
 * County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Nancy Przewrocki
 * County Treasurer: Sherry Godfrey
 * Drain Commissioner: George Maciejewski
 * County Surveyor: Mel Davis
 * Circuit Court Judge: John B. Economopoulos
 * District Court Judge: Steven C. Parks
 * Probate Court Judge: Perry R. Lund

(information as of September 2018)

Major highways

 * runs east–west through the lower part of the county, entering from Schoolcraft County east of Garden Corners and running westward to an intersection with US 41 at Rapid River.
 * runs north–south through central part of the county, entering from Alger County at Trenary, running southerly to Rapid River then southwesterly along the Lake Michigan shore to the southwest corner of county.
 * enters from Marquette County at the northwest corner of the county and runs southeasterly to intersection with US 41 at Gladstone.
 * runs east–west across the southwestern tip of the county, entering from Menominee County at Schaffer and running southeasterly to an intersection with US 41 west of Narenta.
 * runs from the southern tip of the Garden Peninsula at Fayette State Park to an intersection with US 2 at Garden Corners.

Airport
The county is served by Delta County Airport (KESC), southwest of Escanaba. It provides scheduled airline service to Detroit.

title: Delta County, Michigan


text:
Crawford County, Michigan

Crawford County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. Its population was 12,988 as of the 2020 census. The county seat of Crawford County is Grayling, the county's only incorporated community.

Crawford County is located in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It contains land within three of Michigan's largest watersheds, belonging to the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon rivers and 75% of the county is publicly owned by the Department of Military Affairs, the United States Forest Service or the State of Michigan.

History
The county is named for Col. William Crawford, a Revolutionary War officer captured by Native Americans near Sandusky, Ohio and burned at the stake in 1792. Created by the Michigan Legislature as Shawono County in 1840, before being renamed in 1843 as Crawford County. "Shawono" was derived from an Ojibwe word, zhaawanong, meaning "from the south". The area was administered by other Michigan counties before 1879 when the county government was organized.

Due to the location in rural northern Michigan, Crawford County's greatest economic growth occurred in the 1800s when lumbering clear-cut most of the extensive forests of Norway pine, birch, maple, beech and hemlock. With the trees gone, tourism became the center of the economy. In the 1870s Crawford County became a popular destination for recreational fishing. The Michigan grayling, found in the Au Sable River, first gained the attention of anglers. The Crawford County Avalanche began publishing a weekly paper in 1879. Their first edition featured a fishing story on the front-page. By the end of the century, the grayling species vanished due to a combination of overfishing, river degradation due to logging, and the impact of human-introduced brown trout. The Au Sable River of today boasts large populations of brown and rainbow trout and remains a premiere trout fishing area in both Michigan and the nation.

1900s
A 1912 text, A History of Northern Michigan and its people by Perry F. Powers & Harry Gordner Cutler describes Crawford County: The topography is rolling hills but not so steep as to impede farm equipment. The Au Sable River, along with its tributaries, traverse the entire county, providing water and locations for ranching livestock. It also presents an opportunity for superb trout fishing. On the western county line is a natural reservoir that forms the Manistee River. Transportation is primarily provided by the Michigan Central railroad. The Detroit & Charlevoix railroad has track to Frederic, Michigan to the northwest. Half of the land is the county is a gravel loam soil which can produce standard crops. Thousands of acres of clear-cut old growth pine in Crawford County is available to settle. Potatoes, clover and root crops will thrive in this soil. Growing clover seed has become recognized as a “money crop”. Fruit trees are becoming a popular choice with apples being prolific and flavorful. “Plains” soil supports native grasses which stockmen are using for profitable sheep and cattle ranches throughout the county. There are few swamps and lowlands, all along narrow strips beside waterways, which can be productive with proper drainage. Over a hundred years ago, people journeyed "up north" for rest, recreation and their health. Hunting has always been popular, and for wild game, large tracts of second-growth timber on land originally clear-cut provide better food and protection than the original forests did. Deer populations are stable despite the hundreds that are taken every year by settlers and sportsmen.

Winter Sports Park
The Grayling Winter Sports Park (GWSP) was opened in 1929. It started as a toboggan run that grew into Michigan's first ski resort. Following the popular 1932 Winter Olympics, Grayling constructed a 66-foot ski jump in 1934. A few years later, a Winter Carnival was started that included a parade, ice sculpture competition, and a Snow Queen pageant. The park's popularity increased to the point where a "Snow Train" was established to bring skiers to Grayling from across the state. Transportation from Lodges in Grayling to the park was provided by flat-bed trucks. Groomed trails were provided for Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The Cass City Chronicle noted in March 1941, "Due to generous support of the federal park service, state conservation department, and Civilian Conservation Corps, Grayling offers today the finest public toboggan set-up in the entire United States, and this isn't paid ballyhoo. Six steel slides are the only ones of their kind anywhere not excluding Lake Placid or Sun Valley (Idaho). Two ski tows have been in operation; next season there will be three."

The Crawford County operated the GWSP into the late 1960s when Fred Bear, owner of Bear Archery, and other local businessmen assumed operational control. It was renamed, Bear Mountain and they attempted to create a commercial ski area to compete with resorts further north. A legal challenge in 1973 resulted in a judgement giving control back to the county, which has operated it since then as Hanson Hills Recreation Area by the Grayling Recreation Authority.

Military
In 1913, lumber baron Rasmus Hanson donated 147,000 acres (590 km2) of harvested timberland to the state of Michigan for military training. Most of the land is situated in Crawford County, with parcels in Kalkaska and Otsego counties. Troops first began training there in 1914. It is the primary training facility for the Michigan National Guard and is the largest National Guard training facility in the United States.

Hartwick Pines
Edward Hartwick graduated from Grayling High School in 1888 and received an appointment to West Point in 1889. Four years later he graduated with high honors and was assigned to the 4th Cavalry. He soon transferred to the 9th Cavalry, known as the Buffalo Soldiers on the western frontier. With the advent of the Spanish–American War, his unit was sent to Cuba where he participated in the Battle of San Juan Hill. At wars end, he returned to Grayling and married Karen Bessie Michelson, then resigned his commission nine months later. He engaged in the banking and lumber business, prospered, and later moved to Detroit. When the United States entered World War I, he volunteered for service at age 46 and was commissioned an Army Major. After just a few months in France, he contracted meningitis and died. In 1927, Karen Michelson Hartwick purchased 8000 acre including the last 85 acre of virgin old growth pine forest in Michigan's lower peninsula and donated it to the state of Michigan to honor her husband. Hartwick Pines State Park is the largest state park in the lower peninsula.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 563 sqmi, of which 556 sqmi is land and 7.0 sqmi (1.2%) is water. Although it is located on Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Crawford County is considered to be part of Northern Michigan. The county contains land within three of Michigan's largest watersheds, belonging to the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon rivers.

Crawford County has relatively few lakes, mostly in the northern part of the county. Lake Margrethe is the county's largest and has a surface area of 1920 acre. Other water bodies >100 acres include Big Bradford Lake, Big Bear Lake, KP Lake, Shellenbarger Lake, Shupac Lake and Wakeley Lake. Some of these are so-called kettle lakes,' formed by the melting of blocks of glacial ice, left as the glacier retreated, which created a depression in the soil. The Manistee River flows on the western edge of the county; branches of the Au Sable River flow throughout the remainder of the county.

The county is part of the Au Sable State Forest, specifically the Grayling FMU (Alcona, Crawford, Oscoda, and northern Iosco counties). Parts of the county are also within the Huron National Forest. Glaciers shaped the area, creating a unique regional ecosystem. A large portion of the area is the so-called Grayling outwash plain, which consists of broad outwash plain including sandy ice-disintegration ridges; jack pine barrens, some white pine-red pine forest, and northern hardwood forest. Large lakes were created by glacial action.

Rivers

 * Au Sable River, begins in Otsego County, Michigan and flows through Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, then Iosco before flowing into Lake Huron.
 * Manistee River begins in Antrim County, Michigan and flows through Otsego, Crawford, Kalkaska, Wexford, then Manistee before flowing into Lake Michigan.

Adjacent counties

 * Otsego County - north
 * Montmorency County - northeast
 * Oscoda County - east
 * Ogemaw County - southeast
 * Roscommon County - south
 * Missaukee County - southwest
 * Kalkaska County - west
 * Antrim County - northwest

Protected areas

 * Huron National Forest (part)
 * Au Sable State Forest
 * Huron–Manistee National Forests
 * Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area

State Parks

 * Hartwick Pines State Park
 * North Higgins Lake State Park

City

 * Grayling

Charter township

 * Grayling Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Beaver Creek Township
 * Frederic Township
 * Lovells Township
 * Maple Forest Township
 * South Branch Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Babbits Resort
 * Collens Landing
 * Danish Landing
 * Deerheart Valley
 * Eldorado
 * Five Corners
 * Forbush Corner
 * Frederic
 * Ishaward
 * Lake Margrethe
 * Louis Cabin Landing
 * Lovells
 * McIntyre Landing
 * Rasmus
 * Skyline Village
 * Wildwood

Ghost towns

 * Bucks
 * Deward
 * Pere Cheney

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,273 people, 5,625 households, and 4,038 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 /mi2. There were 10,042 housing units at an average density of 18 /mi2. At the 2020 census, its population was 12,988.

In 2000, the racial makeup of the county was 96.38% White, 1.50% Black or African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.8% were of German, 12.5% English, 10.1% American, 8.9% Irish, 7.4% Polish and 5.9% French ancestry. 97.7% spoke English and 1.5% Spanish as their first language.

There were 5,625 households, out of which 30.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.60% were married couples living together, 9.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.20% were non-families. 24.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the county, 24.50% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.30% was from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 26.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.60% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 104.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.40 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $33,364, and the median income for a family was $37,056. Males had a median income of $31,504 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,903. About 10.00% of families and 12.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.60% of those under age 18 and 7.60% of those age 65 or over.

Religion
Crawford County is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord. It is also located in the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan, based in Saginaw, Michigan.

Economy
The largest employer in the county is Camp Grayling followed by the Grayling Hospital. The small size of the population won't support any big box stores; Tractor Supply Company moved into the building that Kmart vacated in the late 2010s. There have been a few small employers added to the industrial park at West Four Mile Road south of Grayling. Several microbreweries and a new art gallery opened prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and summer tourist spending is rising again.

Banking
Crawford County has branches of two large commercial banks, Fifth Third Bank and Huntington Bank; two area banks, Horizon Bank (from Indiana) and State Savings Bank (from Gaylord); and two Michigan credit unions, Northland Area Federal Credit Union and North Central Area Credit Union.

Logistics
Several trucking companies have operations in Crawford County.

Media
The Crawford County Avalanche states that it has been "Grayling's Hometown Newspaper Since 1879".

Military
Camp Grayling is the primary training facility for the Michigan National Guard and is the largest National Guard training facility in the United States.

Administrative structure
Governmental responsibilities within Michigan counties are divided between cities and townships, with the county providing certain services that are economically justified.

County Commissioners
General financial control in Crawford County is vested in a 7-member elected County commission. In Michigan, they have limited authority to make laws or ordinances. Most local government functions are the responsibility of individual cities and townships. The county commission delegates authority to an appointed Controller who functions as the County executive, following the direction of the commission in daily operations and management. The controller in Crawford County is Paul Compo.

Law enforcement
The Crawford County Sheriff is elected to lead the county's law enforcement department. The sheriff's jurisdiction encompasses all areas where a city or township has not established another Law enforcement agency. The county seat has the Grayling Police Department. The current sheriff is Ryan Swope. The Sheriff is also responsible for the Crawford County Dispatch Center which responds to 911 calls as well as non-emergencies 24 hours a day. They forward calls for fires and medical emergencies throughout the county. The county jail is also staffed and managed by the Sheriff's Department, as is security for the county courts.

Fire & rescue
Firefighting and Emergency services are the responsibility of cities and townships. The City of Grayling and Grayling Charter township have a joint department, with 22 salaried and paid-per call professionals. The remaining townships each have a primarily Volunteer fire department, but all provide mutual and automatic aid to other departments throughout the county and adjacent counties. They also participate in Wildfire suppression due to large forested areas including state parks, National Forests, state forests and wildlife management areas.

Road department
The Crawford County Road Department (CCRD) has responsibility for 180 miles of primary roads, 206 miles of state highways and 526 miles of local roads in the county. The counties 34 CCRD employees and utilize hundreds of pieces of equipment to keep county roadways in good repair. The department is also responsible for traffic signals, flashing beacons, bridges, road signs and culverts within county road rights of way throughout Crawford County's 558 square miles. Normal duties include: roadside brush control, snow and ice removal, roadside mowing, dust control on gravel roads, patching potholes, pavement markings, road & bridge design, inspection of contracted projects, and traffic studies. Five elected road commissioners meet bi-weekly to review, approve and plan department activities.

Records
The County Clerk is responsible for maintaining vital records including divorce/marriage, death/birth, notary, DBA registration, application to carry a concealed pistol, DD214. The officeholder is also Register of Deeds legally recording real/personal property docs, indexes and provides access to mortgages and liens, deeds, UCC transactions, oil/gas/mineral rights. Legal Records involve filing civil cases valued above $25,000 for Circuit Trial Court and processing criminal felony cases transferred from District Court. Unemployment (MESC), Probate Court and driver's license restoration appeals are also filed as well as orders of personal protection. Change of venue, civil/criminal bond money collection, construction lien certificate releases and issuing vendor permits to veterans are also normal processes. The County Clerk position is elected and the current officeholder in Crawford County is Sandra M. Moore.

Treasurer
In other states, the County Treasurer is known as the Tax Collector. Disbursements from the county, including payroll and vendor payments, are made by the treasurer following authorization by the County Commissioners. The treasurer must also maximize the interest earned on undisbursed funds through safe, short-term investments. The treasurer documents the collection of funds to the county which include: property taxes, state and federal grants, interest income, and various service and license fees. The County Clerk collects money in the course of daily business including fines, fees and bonds, then forwards it to the treasurer. The position of treasurer is elected and the current officeholder in Crawford County is Kate M. Wagner.

Legal
Crawford County's chief law enforcement official is the Prosecuting Attorney/County Counsel. They have a multitude of responsibilities that include:
 * Prosecution of felony and misdemeanor violations of the criminal laws of Michigan
 * Prosecution of violations of County ordinances
 * Prosecution of juvenile offenses, both felony & misdemeanor
 * Represent the County in Circuit and District Courts; parental neglect and juvenile delinquency; Family Court probate issues; the Court of Appeals; the Supreme Court of Michigan
 * Attend commitment hearings for mental health if contested
 * Establish paternity and family support orders
 * Represent County departments and the County Commission on legal issues

The position of prosecutor is elected and the current officeholder in Crawford County is Sierra R. Koch.

Judicial
There are three courts in Crawford County: Crawford County Probate Court, 46th Circuit Court, and 87-C District Court. The Michigan Supreme Court approved a Concurrent Jurisdiction Plan, an agreement entered into by all Crawford County elected judges. The judicial in the county operates as a unified (single) trial court, resulting in an efficient use of resources. This system reduces repetition, simplifies case processing, provides better customer service, controls costs and reduces receivables. One appointed court administrator assists all the judges with any administrative matter in the court system.

State/National
(information as of July 2023)

Primary and secondary
Due to their small population, the county can only sustain one high school, middle school and elementary school. The Crawford AuSable School Board is elected to establish policy to provide the best programs to meet the needs of the students while being fiscally responsible and hiring a superintendent to execute those policies. The current superintendent is Tim Sanchez.

 * Crawford AuSable School District serves 1,619 students in Crawford County.
 * Grayling Adventist Elementary School serves 9 students.

Post-secondary
Crawford County is home to Kirtland Community College, a public community college in Grayling.

Public library
The Deveraux Memorial Library in Grayling is the public library in Crawford County.

Transportation
Due to its size, the county has no scheduled bus service and limited taxi service. The Crawford County Transportation Authority offers dial-a-ride service at low rates.

Air service
Crawford County is not served by commercial airlines. Grayling Army Airfield, is a public/military use airport located one nautical mile (1.85 km) northwest of the central business district of Grayling. Built in 1977, the United States Army owns it, and a fixed-base operator provides support services to general aviation users.

Bus service

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service in Grayling between St. Ignace and East Lansing, Michigan.

Major highways

 * from Detroit in the south enters on the west side of Crawford County, passes to the east of Grayling, and connects with the Mackinac Bridge to the north.
 * is a business loop route running through Grayling. It follows the former route of US 27, in part.
 * in Lansing goes north through Clare into Roscommon County where it enters Crawford County and terminates at I-75 in Beaver Creek township south of Grayling.
 * begins on M-72 in South Branch Township near the Oscoda County line and runs south before curving to the west in a loop to Roscommon.
 * is one of only three roads that stretch east–west from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. It enters South Branch Township from Oscoda County in the southeast, passes through Grayling and continues northeast through Frederic Township to Traverse City.
 * is an 11 mi route connecting the main gate of Michigan Army National Guard's Camp Grayling, 4 mi southwest of Grayling, with Hartwick Pines State Park, 7 mi northeast of Grayling.
 * begins at BL I-75/M-93 on the northern edge of Grayling and continues east toward Mio.
 * is a north–south route that begins at Gladwin and goes north through Prudenville, St. Helen, follows M-18 in Crawford County, then continues into southern Otsego County.
 * County Highway 612 is an east–west roadway that starts southwest of Manistee Lake in Manistee county and continues east through Frederic in northern Crawford County, has an interchange at I-75, passes through Lewiston and ends at M-33 in Montmorency county.

Bicycle route

 * There are bicycle lanes identified on some roadways.
 * Grayling Bicycle Turnpike begins at Hartwick Pines State Park and parallels for 6.5 miles, ending at Michigan Avenue in Grayling.

Utilities
The City of Grayling provides municipal water and sewer to residents, and Beaver Creek/GraylingTownship Utility Authority provides municipal water and sewer to residents on the Four Mile Road corridor. All other county residents utilize well water and private septic systems approved by the Crawford County Health Department.

Electrical service throughout the county is provided by either Consumers Energy or Great Lakes Energy Co-op. Natural gas is provided by DTE Energy. Propane Service is provided by half a dozen providers.

Health

 * Senior Citizen assistance is provided by Crawford County Commission on Aging, who also sponsor a Senior Center and numerous programs and services to the elderly.
 * The Crawford County Health Department also offers services to seniors and low income residents.
 * The primary provider of healthcare in Crawford County is Munson Healthcare with the Grayling Community Health Center and Grayling Hospital.

title: Crawford County, Michigan


text:
Talk:West Virginia

Date of Statehood
The article states "West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling Conventions of 1861, at the start of the American Civil War." That's a false statement. West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863. SimpsonDG (talk) 04:11, 13 November 2019 (UTC)
 * If you can find reliable sources to back this up, then edits can be made. Currently, the statement you claim is false is sourced. The article currently says that the 1863 date is when WV became part of the Union. Airplaneman (talk) ✈ 04:46, 13 November 2019 (UTC)
 * I suppose the problem here is with the phrasing, "became a state". Airplaneman (talk) ✈ 04:54, 13 November 2019 (UTC)
 * No wonder Wikipedia is so full of errors. All it takes is for someone to claim to have a "source" for something that is easily checked and found to be false.  If you actually check the claimed source [26] shown in the article, you'll see that there is no place where it says that "West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling Conventions of 1861," nor is there even any mention of the Wheeling Conventions or of 1861.   Yet there must be thousands of reliable sources stating that West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863.  (1) West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History: http://www.wvculture.org/history/archives/statehoo.html (2) West Virginia: A History by Otis K. Rice, p. 153 (U. Kentucky Press, 1985); (3) West Virginia Governors by John C. Morgan, (2nd ed., Charleston Newspapers, 1980) p. 10; (4) The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Ken Sullivan (ed.), p. 338 (West Virginia Humanities Council, 2006); (5) The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 12 ("West Virginia"), 15th ed.; (6) The flag of the state of West Virginia itself clearly shows the date of statehood: June 20, 1863.  And many more: just about any encyclopedia, almanac, or history book you care to pick up. And there's no dispute over what's meant by "became a state."  It can only mean "officially admitted to the Union as a new state."  I'd fix this myself, but I don't edit Wikipedia anymore. SimpsonDG (talk) 05:45, 14 November 2019 (UTC)

I'm going to come out of retirement very briefly and fix this. The first two sentences in the second paragraph read: "West Virginia became a state after the Wheeling Conventions of 1861, at the start of the American Civil War. Delegates from northwestern Virginia's Unionist counties decided to break away from Virginia, which also included secessionist counties in the new state." That is a completely false statement. West Virginia became a state on June 20, 1863 (as shown in the many references indicated above). Just because this sentence is "sourced" doesn't make it true. In fact, I have a copy of the claimed "source" (Foner, Eric, Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863–1877, Harper, 2002, p. 39) and it's phoney. NOWHERE in the book is there even any mention of the "Wheeling Conventions". Since the sentences are proveably false and the "source" is phoney, I'm deleting these sentences. As "Airplaneman" indicates above, "If you can find reliable sources to back this up, then edits can be made." I have (see above), and so I'm going to make the edits myself. SimpsonDG (talk) 02:18, 27 April 2022 (UTC)

"Virginie-Occidentale" listed at Redirects for discussion
An editor has identified a potential problem with the redirect Virginie-Occidentale and has thus listed it for discussion. This discussion will occur at Redirects for discussion/Log/2022 September 19 until a consensus is reached, and readers of this page are welcome to contribute to the discussion. TartarTorte 00:43, 19 September 2022 (UTC)

Pronunciation
Somone put in the non-rhotic pronunciation. I added the rhotic one, which would be usual in the state. Kostaki mou (talk) 03:54, 2 October 2022 (UTC)

Featured picture scheduled for POTD
Hello! This is to let editors know that File:West Virginia state coat of arms (illustrated, 1876).jpg, a featured picture used in this article, has been selected as the English Wikipedia's picture of the day (POTD) for November 9, 2023. A preview of the POTD is displayed below and can be edited at Template:POTD/2023-11-09. For the greater benefit of readers, any potential improvements or maintenance that could benefit the quality of this article should be done before its scheduled appearance on the Main Page. If you have any concerns, please place a message at Wikipedia talk:Picture of the day. Thank you! — Amakuru (talk) 14:22, 3 November 2023 (UTC)

October 1861 vote totals
In the October 1861 election the article says that "18,408 votes were cast for the new state and 781 against." But the graphic showing the vote by county has only two counties (Monogalia and Preston) where the yes votes exceeded 50% of the total. Many counties don't show any votes for statehood. What's going on? I looked up the source, only to figure out that much of this history is taken nearly verbatim from the Encyclopedia Brittanica's poorly written article on West Virginia. There's no source for the graphic, so I have no idea where the data came from. MiguelMunoz (talk) 03:05, 27 June 2024 (UTC)

 * Many counties had no vote on statehood. The percentages in red show what percent of that county voted for statehood, relative to the number of voters in that county. The vote results can be found in Richard O. Curry's book "A House Divided". The number of voters in each county was taken from the 8th United States Census. The vote was poorly attended, so few counties had over 50% in favor. See this page from the WV Archives https://archive.wvculture.org/history/statehood/statehood10.html Dubyavee (talk) 03:44, 27 June 2024 (UTC)

title: Talk:West Virginia


text:
Clare County, Michigan

Clare County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 30,856. The county seat is Harrison.

History

The county was created by the Michigan Legislature from part of Michilimackinac County in 1840, named Kaykakee County after a Sauk Indian Chief. It was renamed Clare County in 1843 after County Clare in Ireland. The county was administered by a succession of other Michigan counties prior to the organization of county government in 1871. Farwell was the first county seat; in 1877 the county seat was moved to Harrison.

Geography
According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 575 sqmi, of which 564 sqmi is land and 11 sqmi (1.9%) is water. It is considered to be part of both Northern Michigan and Central Michigan.

Features

 * Au Sable State Forest

Major highways

 * runs east–west through bottom of county. Enters west county line at 3.7 mi north of SW corner of county. Runs easterly to intersection with US127 at 2.8 mi north of Clare.
 * runs through Clare with Bus. US 127 until they meet M-115, where Bus. US 10 runs eastward to US 10.
 * runs north–south through eastern middle of county, Passing Harrison and Clare.
 * runs through Clare with Bus. US 10 until the two meet M-115, where Bus. US 10 turns eastward while Bus. US 127 continues southward to US 127.
 * runs from US 127 to go through Harrison. Bus. US 127 intersects M-61, and the two have a concurrency with each other until they both intersect US 127, where Bus. US 127 ends with M-61 continues eastward to Gladwin.
 * runs along east line of county, from the northeast corner for 3.5 mi, then turns east into Gladwin County.
 * runs east–west through middle of county, entering the west line from Osceola County and running east to intersection with US 127 at Harrison.
 * runs southeast and east across bottom of county. It enters the west line from Osceola County at 9 mi above the southwest corner of county and runs to an intersection with Bus. US 127/Bus. US 10 at Clare.

Adjacent counties

 * Missaukee County – northwest
 * Roscommon County – northeast
 * Gladwin County – east
 * Midland County – southeast
 * Isabella County – south
 * Mecosta County – southwest
 * Osceola County – west

Demographics
The 2010 United States Census indicates Clare County had a 2010 population of 30,926. This decrease of 326 people from the 2000 United States Census represents a loss of 1.0% population. In 2010 there were 12,966 households and 8,584 families in the county. The population density was 54.8 /mi2. There were 23,233 housing units at an average density of 41.2 /mi2. The racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 95.8% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races.

There were 12,966 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were husband and wife families, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.8% were non-families, and 28.0% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.83.

The county population contained 20.9% under age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.

The 2010 American Community Survey 3-year estimate indicates the median income for a household in the county was $33,338 and the median income for a family was $40,983. Males had a median income of $24,220 versus $13,587 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,516. About 2.3% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.8% of those under the age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

 * The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is the controlling regional body for the Catholic Church.
 * The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has one meetinghouse in the county, in Harrison.

Government
Clare County voters tend to vote Republican; they have selected the Republican Party nominee in 71% of national elections (24 of 34).

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * County Commission: Dale Majewski; Samantha Pitchford; Leonard Strouse; Jack Kleinhardt; Mark Fitzpatrick; David Hoefling; Jeff Haskell
 * Prosecuting Attorney: Michelle Ambrozaitis
 * Sheriff: John Wilson
 * County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Lori Martin
 * County Treasurer: Jenny Beemer-Fritzinger
 * Drain Commissioner: Bill Faber
 * County Surveyor: Paul A. Lapham
 * Road Commission: Dave Coker; Tim Haskin; Karen Hulliberger; Bill Simpson; Max Schunk
 * State Representative: Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth

(information as of January 2019)

Attractions
Clare County is in the middle of large state forests. Wildlife, including bear, deer, eagles, Kirtland's warblers, and turkeys, are located nearby. Local attractions include:
 * Kirtland's Warbler Habitat and Festival
 * Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail passes through the area, running from Empire to Oscoda and points beyond. It is a 500-mile interconnected system of trails.

Activities include:
 * Birding
 * Boating
 * Fishing
 * Hiking
 * Hunting
 * Nordic skiing
 * ORV and groomed snowmobile trails.
 * Paddling (canoe and kayak)

Cities

 * Clare (partial)
 * Harrison (county seat)

Village

 * Farwell

Civil townships

 * Arthur Township
 * Franklin Township
 * Freeman Township
 * Frost Township
 * Garfield Township
 * Grant Township
 * Greenwood Township
 * Hamilton Township
 * Hatton Township
 * Hayes Township
 * Lincoln Township
 * Redding Township
 * Sheridan Township
 * Summerfield Township
 * Surrey Township
 * Winterfield Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Airport Forest
 * Allendale
 * Ash Acres
 * Buck Trails
 * Colonville
 * Cooperton
 * Dover
 * Hatton
 * Lake
 * Lake George
 * Leota
 * Long Lake Heights
 * Meredith (partial)
 * Phelps
 * Piney Woods
 * Rainbow Bend
 * Temple

Ghost town

 * Clarence

Education
The Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, based in Clare, services the students in the county along with those of Gladwin County. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, early education and after-school programs, and technical career pathways for students of its districts.

Clare County is served by the following regular public school districts:

 * Clare Public Schools
 * Farwell Area Schools
 * Harrison Community Schools

Clare County has the following private schools:

 * East Dover School (Amish)
 * Great Lakes Mennonite School (Mennonite)
 * Shady Lawn Amish Parochial School (Amish)

title: Clare County, Michigan


text:
Talk:Wisconsin

Status as an authoritarian enclave
Hey,. It is relatively undisputed within the literature that the pre-1960s Southern United States — as well as modern day states such as Wisconsin and North Carolina — do not meet the standards of a liberal democratic polity and this has also been stated in a multitude of other sources, including Harvard's Electoral Integrity Project/Pippa Norris. (See here.)

As The Washington Post states:

"Even though Wisconsin, for example, is a 50-50 state, a gerrymandered Republican map could give the GOP a veto-proof, supermajority in the legislature. Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels quipped last week that, if elected, his party “will never lose another election” in the state. This has been achieved by design, argued Rachel Kleinfeld of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Antidemocratic politicians supported by safe seats and polarization have walked through and begun enacting an authoritarian playbook,” she wrote. “This playbook has massively accelerated democratic disintegration over the last five years.”"

Wisconsin has widely been described as an authoritarian enclave within the political science literature. Why were the edits reverted? KlayCax (talk) 02:32, 6 April 2023 (UTC)

 * Like I said, content shouldn't just be shoehorned into the lead without first being established in the body, I have left part of your edit remaining in the lead, but I remain unconvinced that the abortion material (still not in the body yet was restored) is WP:DUE for the lead. Since you are being reverted on other state articles for the same thing, it might be good to slow down a bit.
 * TylerBurden (talk) 23:19, 6 April 2023 (UTC)

 * This is supposed to be a general article about the state as a whole rather than the politics of Wisconsin. While politics will be part of the article this seems to be too detailed and focuses too much on what is a recent trend and one that may be in dispute/relies too heavily on political opinions rather than verifiable facts.  I think the whole section removed for these reasons. Springee (talk) 19:00, 7 April 2023 (UTC)

I merged it from the lead into the body of the article and made edits to improve neutrality. The sources are opinionated. Further discussion needed. Bloodyboppa (talk) 17:24, 7 April 2023 (UTC)

 * I'm scratching my head as to how Wisconsin can be described as an "authoritarian enclave", just a month after Democrat Janet Protasiewicz was elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in an election that was a de facto referendum on abortion. Let me get this straight...it's a tyrannical MAGA dictatorship, that recently voted a leftie into their Supreme Court, tipping the balance to the left.  Methinks there has been some "cherry-picking" of sources to support a "narrative". Magnolia677 (talk) 15:45, 8 April 2023 (UTC)

 * The edit does not describe Wisconsin as an authoritarian enclave. It describes Wisconsin as a hybrid regime within the broader liberal democratic United States.
 * Statewide elections are fair. House of Representative and state legislature elections are not. That was already stated in the article.
 * Again, this is a strawman. The edit doesn't term Wisconsin a dictatorship.
 * What part is objectionable?
 * "Since 2011, Wisconsin's politics have been dominated by the Republican Party, under whom the state has experienced democratic backsliding"
 * "The state's House of Representative and legislature elections are considered to be free but not fair"
 * "With districts undergoing "extreme partisan gerrymanders" to entrench Republicans beyond electoral rotation"
 * What's objectionable here? KlayCax (talk) 10:47, 9 April 2023 (UTC)
 * "Since 2011, Wisconsin's politics have been dominated by the Republican Party, under whom the state has experienced democratic backsliding"
 * "The state's House of Representative and legislature elections are considered to be free but not fair"
 * "With districts undergoing "extreme partisan gerrymanders" to entrench Republicans beyond electoral rotation"
 * What's objectionable here? KlayCax (talk) 10:47, 9 April 2023 (UTC)

 * summoned from WT:WikiProject United States . I think KlayCax is confused.  There have been quite a few scholarly publications over the past five years, that, approximately, have downgraded the United States (and various individual states) from a 5 to a 4 (where 1 is authoritarian and 5 is democratic).  Taking this to mean "the US is no longer a liberal democracy" is a misinterpretation of that data.  I certainly don't see Wisconsin as an outlier among US states in this regard, and thus it shouldn't be in the lead section.  A more nuanced version (possibly including the phrase democratic backsliding) might be appropriate in the Politics section. Walt Yoder (talk) 17:04, 8 April 2023 (UTC)
 * All this "authoritarianism" hyperbole was just resentment by the left that the good people of Wisconsin preferred Republicans. Last Wednesday, Slate wrote that voters in Wisconsin "took their democracy back" after coming to their their senses and voting for a Democrat. I would even go so far as to say that--except for the $1 million Soros contribution to the Democratic candidate--this is a shining example of American democracy at work. Magnolia677 (talk) 18:31, 8 April 2023 (UTC)
 * As our article on the topic explains, referencing Soros in that way has been "described as 'the perfect code word' for conspiracy theories that unite antisemitism and Islamophobia." We're here to build a neutral encyclopedia, so I would caution you to drop that stick and never pick it up again. Ed [talk] [majestic titan] 19:45, 8 April 2023 (UTC)

 * "" Being a resident of the state I've followed a lot of the news coverage related to this, and from that this seems like a stretch. But news isn't academic literature, so I'd love to see the citations. Ed [talk] [majestic titan] 19:39, 8 April 2023 (UTC)
 * Saw notice on WP US talk. Describing Wisconsin as in the process of democratic backsliding (as my comparative politics professor would insist on calling it) is definitely a stretch. We live in interesting times and we might be witnesses to major changes in how American democracy operates. However, the 2022 Cambridge study that best lays out the concept of a backsliding Wisconsin suffers from the same procedural issues many studies of this sort have. The metrics are mostly norms–established practices polisci scholars identify as either positive or negative indicators of certain governance styles/trends. These indicators are afforded semi-arbitrary values for or against indicating democracy (an unfortunate but necessary trade-off in this field). The compiled ratings for a democracy measured this way can thus suffer from institutional biases/inconsistent valuation. The Cambridge study mitigates this somewhat by using the well-regarded State Democracy Index (which itself uses what might be called the "industry standard" valuation system). By most directly discussing Wisconsin only as having "taken similar actions" to the more intimately detailed North Carolina developments, we lack any concrete basis for the claims. I don't wish to come across as discounting these generally extremely reliable studies/indices, but the recent coverage of Wisconsin as "democratically backsliding" rests on too many presuppositions and vague statements for Wikipedia to present it authoritatively; I wouldn't be opposed to its mention in the body with an inline attribution. ~ Pbritti (talk) 20:54, 8 April 2023 (UTC)

Information about Wisconsin’s flora and fauna which should be added to the article
Here is information about Wisconsin’s wildlife which should be added to the geography section:

https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/wildlife/ 2600:6C50:7EF0:4A70:80B:7909:7A64:73F7 (talk) 21:38, 11 August 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 24 September 2023
The top countries of origin for Wisconsin’s immigrants were Mexico (28 percent of immigrants), India (8 percent), China (5 percent), Laos (4 percent), and the Philippines (3 percent). Add this information to the demographics section.

Source: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/immigrants_in_wisconsin.pdf 103.164.138.55 (talk) 13:41, 24 September 2023 (UTC)
 * Red question icon with gradient background.svg Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. Pinchme123 (talk) 05:09, 5 October 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 20 December 2023
Greeks immigrated to the state in the early 20th century. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS430 91.192.81.61 (talk) 14:13, 20 December 2023 (UTC)

Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate.Shadow311 (talk) 14:51, 20 December 2023 (UTC)

German (empire) flag
Someone pls remove the flag image. It does not meet MOS:PERTINENCE. --Ykwc 12:58, 7 April 2024 (UTC)
 * ✅  (talk | contribs) 13:06, 7 April 2024 (UTC)

title: Talk:Wisconsin