LISA RICHARDS

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards received a resolution of “profound appreciation and gratitude” from the county board this week, a gesture that led her to address the board during citizens’ time as she prepares to leave the position.

Dickinson County is “a wonderful place to live and work,” she said, explaining she’s not retiring but “retreading.”

Richards has been in the elected office since 2013. She said her decision to step down effective July 31 will allow her to spend quality time with family in lower Michigan.

“I wasn’t expecting this — thank you,” she said after the resolution was presented.

Richards’ service in the Dickinson prosecutor’s office also includes 12 years as an assistant prosecuting attorney from 2001 until 2012. A Republican, she was reelected without opposition to a four-year term as prosecutor in November.

Before coming to Dickinson County, she was an assistant prosecutor in Jackson County for several years.

The county’s resolution notes her dedication to serving justice and upholding the law, as well as her support for organizations such as The Caring House and the Crime Victim Advocacy Center.

It points to Richards’ work “to ensure individuals affected by crime have a voice in the criminal justice process.”

Commissioner Kevin Sullivan said as a pastor working in the community, his experiences with Richards have always been constructive and positive.

Richards expressed confidence she’s “leaving the office in good hands.”

Attorney Abbey Anderson will take over as prosecutor effective Aug. 1. Anderson has more than 11 years of legal experience, including two years as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Dickinson County. Circuit Court judges Mary B. Barglind and Christopher Ninomiya made the appointment after interviewing several applicants.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.