IRON MOUNTAIN — The daily inmate population at the Dickinson County Correctional Center in 2025 averaged 55.5, up from 44.6 in 2024, and may rise further, according to Sheriff Aaron Rochon.

Those figures were shared with the county board this week as Rochon discussed the sheriff department’s year-end activity report.

“To be in the 70s was normal pre-COVID,” he said. The average inmate census was 74 in 2019, and 74.4 in 2018, he noted.

Incarceration fell dramatically during the pandemic, but Rochon said the county should prepare for an upward trend, moving closer to pre-COVID numbers.

Fees charged to offenders in 2025 totaled $378,818, but only $97,172 was collected. In 2024, the charged fees totaled $233,264 and $67,639 was collected.

The percentage of inmates on mental health medication ranged from 29% to 43% over the course of the year, Rochon said.

The county’s new contract with ATC Healthcare Services of MidMichigan for inmate medical care provides nine hours of mental health staffing weekly, reimbursed through a grant. Many of the 33 inmates screened under the program since November have substance abuse histories as well, Rochon said.

The average daily male population in the jail last year was 45.7, up from 36.6 in 2024. The average daily female population was 9.7, up from eight.

Rochon reported 90 incidents of drug overdoses across the county in 2025, adding “I just thought that was important to point out.” The figure includes cases involving law enforcement, emergency medical services, Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson and the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department.

Dickinson patrol officers investigated 362 traffic accidents in 2025 and issued 801 citations, including 34 for operating while intoxicated and 29 for driving with a suspended license. The agency reported 309 arrests for the year.

Deputies handled 27 mental health transports during the year, rotating the responsibility monthly with Michigan State Police.

In other action Monday, the county board:

— Noted the Dickinson County Fair had a profit of $98,656 in 2025. Also, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission has approved a Class C liquor license for the fair board, although it may be sold. A legal review is pending to determine whether the process should go through the fair board or the county board, said Commissioner Victoria Jakel. The previous county board had put the wheels in motion in May 2024 to buy a license that had been held by Talons Supper Club in Norway.

— Appointed Eric Wickman of Norway to fill a partial term on the Dickinson County Planning Commission to expire Feb. 28, 2028. Two vacancies remain.

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