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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Dickinson County will add a K-9 officer to its sheriff's patrols this summer, coinciding with the planned retirement of Falcon, a Belgian shepherd in Iron Mountain Police Department.
Sheriff Scott Rutter told the county board Monday the K-9 unit will be supported by donated funds.
"I think it would be a great asset for the county for numerous reasons," he said. At least one deputy is willing to undergo training to take on the role of handler, he said.
Falcon has been handled the past eight years by Detective Lt. Adam Ray, who is being promoted within IMPD.
Iron Mountain must still decide if it will continue its K-9 program. The city has about $13,000 in donated funds that would cover about half the cost of training a new dog.
Rutter said more talks will occur on how the departments will proceed. Iron Mountain also has a vehicle that the county could put to use.
K-9 units are available as well through Michigan State Police and Florence County, Wis.
In another matter, Rutter said four Dickinson County officers are newly certified to operate drones. The department has two drones that can be used in a number of applications, including lost person searches, forensic investigations and tactical deployments.
In other action, the county board:
-- Received an annual report from Mine Inspector Michael Ghere detailing fencing issues at former mine sites. The Chapin Pits in Iron Mountain and Norway Mine in Norway are especially concerning because they're "inviting disaster" near bike and walking paths, Ghere wrote. Cities and townships should step up to address the dangers, Commissioner Joe Stevens said, while Commissioner Ann Martin suggested grants be explored.
-- Authorized payment of $9,000 in 2024 membership dues to the Escanaba-based Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission. Among other services, CUPPAD is preparing a state-mandated materials management plan aimed at encouraging regional collaboration in developing landfills, recycling and composting facilities.
-- Heard Stevens commend Dickinson County's chapter of the Michigan Wing of Civil Air Patrol, which had a ceremony Sunday at the armory in Kingsford. Three student cadets -- Aiden Niemi and Madison Kaminski of Kingsford and Mark Street of Norway -- were promoted to higher ranks in the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
-- Learned from Commissioner Barbara Kramer that test kits for radon are available to the public during January through the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department at reduced cost of $5 each.
-- Received an annual report from Drain Commissioner Kevin Trevillian, who noted groundwater levels have remained near normal elevations.
-- Approved the use of Lake Antoine Park for the annual Crafty Flea Market planned for Saturday, Sept. 7, benefiting Lake Antoine Park Partners and Newspapers in Education.